Due to heavy snowfall, the famous religious site Muktinath Temple in Mustang has become desolate. Pilgrims have been unable to reach the temple as the Kagbeni–Muktinath road section has been blocked, leaving the temple area eerily quiet.
Vehicles departing from Jomsom toward Muktinath have been stranded on the road since Wednesday morning due to thick layers of snow. Although a team of Armed Police tried to clear the road, the efforts were halted as further snowfall was expected. According to Ward Chairperson Pramesh Gurung of Waragung Muktikshetra–1, snow has accumulated from the first bend of Kagbeni up to Selfie Park, Kalobhir, Khinga, and Jharokot areas. Some devotees have resorted to riding horses from Kagbeni to reach Muktinath.
Dinesh Bhusal, administrator of the Muktinath Development Committee, said that before the snowfall, over 500 tourists used to visit daily, but the number has drastically reduced since Wednesday. He added that temple activities will remain limited to regular worship until the road reopens. Snowfall since Tuesday night has blanketed villages in the Muktinath area, including Jharokot, Khinga, Ranipauwa Bazaar, and Purang.
Snow accumulation in the temple premises, at the 108 water spouts, and bathing ponds has made it difficult even for the few pilgrims present to perform rituals and bathing. Extreme cold has also increased the risk of frostbite. According to Inspector Santosh Basyal of Mustang District Police Office, the Kagbeni–Korala road section has up to two feet of snow. He said the road will only be operational once the weather clears and the snow melts, noting that the snowfall has significantly disrupted life in Upper Mustang.
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