Feb 20, Kathmandu - Prime Minister Sushila Karki paid a spiritual visit to the revered Muktinath Temple located in the Walung district of Mustang. Arriving via helicopter of the Nepal Army, she performed a ritual bathing at the 108 sacred waters of Muktinath before offering her prayers at the temple.

During her visit, PM Karki was welcomed by Walung Rural Municipality Chair Rinjing Namgel Gurung, Assistant Chief District Officer Eknarayan Bhandari, Vice President of the Muktinath Development Committee Rinjing Namgel Gurung, Administrator Dinesh Bhuasal, and local villagers from Muktinath Ranipauwa.

Accompanied by security personnel and aides, Prime Minister Karki engaged in friendly interactions with local and international pilgrims and tourists approximately 200 meters from the temple, according to Bhandari.

Local representatives, including Walung Rural Municipality Chair Gurung and Muktinath Development Committee’s Bhusal, briefed the Prime Minister on the challenges faced by devotees at the temple. Gurung highlighted delays in approval for infrastructure projects such as changing rooms, reconstruction of the 108 waters, a building, and guest houses, which have been pending with the Archaeological Department.

“Several proposals have been submitted to the Archaeological Department, but delays in approval have hindered progress. We have also brought this to the Prime Minister’s attention orally,” Bhusal said.

In response, Prime Minister Karki assured that she would consult with the Director General of the Archaeological Department to expedite the necessary procedures.

After spending about an hour at Muktinath, PM Karki departed via Nepal Army helicopter to Jomsom, where she paid a visit to the Indra Baks Battalion of the Nepal Army.