Nilkanth kept on advancing. After crossing massive mountains and thick forests he now reached a place where he had to face snowfall. It was the month of Ashadh in Samvat Year 1850.

It was raining heavily. (Nilkanth took the route to Kala Pahad (the Black Mountain). No human dared to go there. It was difficult to cut a path through the forest. Nilkanth was barely 14-years-old. He entered a thick forest. Wherever he set foot on the bed of dry leaves, snakes would pass by making a hissing sound. With open hoods they would disappear into the surrounding darkness. His other companions included rhinoceros, bison, deer and other animals − some mild and others ferocious. Whatever be their nature they would make way for Nilkanth with bowed heads.

He continued walking for three days without food or water. He was very tired. So tired that he could not walk any more. He fell to the ground and lost consciousness. However, He regained consciousness within a short time. He saw a river in the distance. He dragged his body to it and bathed in the river. Refreshed, He then bathed the Shaligram (a small murti of God) which He always carried with Him, offered fruits to it and then ate a little Himself. He then resumed his journey onward.

That day was Janmashtmi in the month of Shravan, Samvat Year 1850. He had left home exactly one year and 43 days ago. He had to reach Muktinath. He thought he should first reach the Kali Gandki River. By going along its bank He would be able to reach Muktinath.

He reached the Kali Gandki River. Nilkanth was delighted to bathe in the river. He was standing in the valley formed by two mountains Nilgiri, the Black Mountain (height 23,698 ft.), and Dhavalgiri, the White Mountain (height 26,811 ft). The valley where he was standing is the deepest in the world. The water was rushing out at great speeds between the two mountains. He had to enter the river to reach Muktinath. The torrent contained poisonous snakes, crabs, turtles and fish. But Nilkanth hurled Himself into the river. As He swam through the river, He saw Muktinath in the northern direction.

The Thorang Mountain stood majestically at a height of 17,770 ft. The Himalayas were clearly visible. The mountains that seemed to reach to the sky brought joy to Nilkanth. It looked as if the mountain was greeting him with a shower of snow-white flakes. In the valley of the mountain stood Muktinath at an elevation of 12,500 ft.

How had the 13-year-old Nilkanth equipped himself for the journey through the snowy wastes of the Himalayas? He wore only a loin cloth and walked barefoot through the snowfields. It was the rainy season and it was pouring in torrents. Blizzards were a common occurrence to say nothing of strong winds. Rocks and ice blocks came hurtling from above. Sometimes he would get fruits and water and at other times he had to go without them. In short, it was a hazardous journey.

At a particular spot the Gandki River was flowing in circles. There, Nilkanth saw a mandir. He had the darshan of the deity there and nearby was Bharat Kund. It is said that Bharat performed austerities there. Just below that Brahma's son, Pulah, too performed austerities. So, it is called Pulah Ashram.

Nilkanth decided to undertake austerities at Bharat Kund. He spread his deerskin on a rock and performed austerities standing on one leg with raised hands. He closed his eyes. His matted locks added luster to His face. He had a kanthi of tulsi beeds around his neck. He had applied a tilak-chandlo on his forehead. It was snowing all around. Nilkanth was reciting the Surya mantra. Sometimes he would chant verses from the Sam Veda.