Spiritual · Mukteshwar, Kumaon
Mukteshwar Dham and the Chauli ki Jali cliffs
The old Shiva temple that gave Mukteshwar its name sits at the top of the ridge, and the overhanging cliffs of Chauli ki Jali lie beside it. Go at dawn for the snow peaks or late afternoon for the sunset over the Kosi valley.
Photo: ParthaPratimNath · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThe Mukteshwar Dham is a small stone temple to Shiva, about 350 years old, reached by a flight of steps near the veterinary institute. Its position at the highest point of the ridge makes it a natural viewpoint. On clear days between October and February the snow peaks of the Nanda Devi and Trishul groups stand on the northern skyline.
From the temple a short path leads to Chauli ki Jali, a set of overhanging cliffs with natural holes in the rock. Local belief holds that women hoping for children should pass through one of these openings; you will see couples doing so on festival days. The cliffs face west, which is why the town gathers here in the evening.
There are few railings and the rock can be slippery, so keep children close and stay away from the edge. Monkeys gather near the temple and snatch food. Dress respectfully, leave shoes at the temple steps and do not use drones near the institute campus, which is a restricted government site.
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Trips through Mukteshwar
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Mukteshwar. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
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Saver
Hostel trail: Mukteshwar and Kasar Devi
Shared taxis and jeeps
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Signature
Kumaon in depth: lakes, orchards and oak
Private car with driver
Sleep nearby
Stays in Mukteshwar
Photo: ParthaPratimNath · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Budget
Zostel Mukteshwar
Zostel's Mukteshwar hostel is a favourite of students, solo travellers and remote workers, with dorm beds and priv…
Photo: ParthaPratimNath · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
The Ramgarh Bungalows
Neemrana's set of restored 19th-century cottages at Ramgarh, about 25 km before Mukteshwar, stands among orchards …
Photo: ParthaPratimNath · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Te Aroha by Shervani, Dhanachuli
A boutique hotel at Dhanachuli near Mukteshwar, with suites and cottages facing the snow peaks and a restaurant wi…
Questions
Before you book
How old is the Mukteshwar temple?
The Mukteshwar Dham Shiva temple is generally dated to about 350 years ago. The town takes its name from it. It is a small stone shrine at the highest point of the ridge, reached by steps near the IVRI campus.
What is Chauli ki Jali?
It is a group of overhanging cliffs with holes in the rock beside the Mukteshwar temple. It is the town's sunset point and a site for rappelling and rock-climbing sessions. Parts of it have no railings, so take care.
When can I see snow peaks from Mukteshwar?
Views are clearest from October to February, especially just after rain or snow clears. From March the haze increases, and in the monsoon clouds usually hide the peaks.