Muktinath, Secret Treasure of Annapurna

The Rainbow Bridge

This book contains the only existing compiled historical, cultural and spiritual account of Muktinath, which is located high up in the Annapurna mountain range of central Nepal. This Trans Himalayan valley, a treasure waiting to be revealed in its full glory, has a history going back to the Jurassic period when the sea of Tethys covered this land and even today, remnants of this era can be seen in the form of remarkable sea fossils that are still found lying in its riverbeds. Pilgrims have been making their way here for millennia to worship the holy fire that appears flaming on water, stone and earth and these days, trekkers from all over the world pass through Muktinath on the Annapurna Circuit route. But what lies behind its snow peaked mountain tops, cliff caves, deep river basins and small temple complexes dotted around the valley in little villages that still maintain a traditional culture? For this is just the surface of Muktinath. In this unusual travelogue of sorts, the history, culture and spiritual aspects of the place are written down in an historical narrative, whilst its deeper meaning is revealed in the verses of 'The Rainbow Bridge', along with a detailed commentary that describes a multi-faceted vision of awareness, the heart essence of 'Muktinath'. Susan was born in the United Kingdom in 1973, but wishing to ‘know the world’, she has made integrated travel the basis of her adult life. After arriving in Nepal in 2001 she received initiation into the vast spectrum of great teachings and spiritual practices of the Vajrayana path of Tibetan Buddhism and has undertaken various retreats to attempt realization throughout the years. Susan currently lives with her family on a mountainside in the heart of the Indian Himalayas.