“Sagarmatha, Muktinath And Melting Himalayas”, Kashmir Rising Rising, May 27, 2026
“While the media in Nepal and across the world were covering the successful completion of the 2026 Everest climbing season, I was completing my third ascent to Muktinath, which stands tall at an altitude of 3,800 meters, making it one of the highest temples in the world. Muktinath Temple is situated at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass within the Muktinath Valley section of the Annapurna Circuit. It was encouraging to see a large number of Indian and Nepali pilgrims and trekkers at the temple, indicating a rise in religious tourism and trekking activities, which increases the economy of these areas to some extent.
This month is known as the Purushottam Month, also called Adhik Mas or Mal Mas. It is a significant one-month period in the Hindu calendar that occurs approximately every three years. This month is mainly dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and is understood as a time of spiritual growth; therefore, people engage in several rituals, fasting, and other religious activities. Hinduism believes in achieving moksha, or salvation, at the end of life. Purushottam Month is believed to help Hindus achieve this, and many devotees worship the various avatars of Vishnu, one of the Hindu gods among the trinity. This year, Mal Mas is being observed in Nepal from Jestha 3, falling between May 17 and June 15.
Immense significance
The Himalayan range holds a special place in the lives of Nepali people. These snow-peaked mountains also carry immense significance for Hindus around the world, as they are believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The Himalayas are also featured as sacred spaces in several Hindu mythologies. Beyond their spiritual importance, these snow-capped mountains continue to attract trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe. Initially, professional mountaineers were usually the ones climbing the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, and other Himalayan summits. Today, however, people from different professions and walks of life dream of training for and climbing Everest and other peaks in the Himalayan range…….”
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