Upper Mustang Heli Tour

The air distance is 146 km / 91 miles to Pokhara from Kathmandu taking just 30 minutes on flight. Driving distance is approx. 220 k.m. / 137 miles from Kathmandu, a drive of more than 5 hours. 

Depending upon the seasons, but mostly for all seasons carry a light day pack with necessary items for the morning trip. Wearing warm clothes, down jacket, sun hat and woolen tops, scarf, sun-glass and sun-blocks. On higher altitude the sun is bright with strong UV, needs protection against the bright sunlight. 

Wearing boots, or sport shoes, on tour around Lo-Manthang visiting its important places of cultural and historical sites with monasteries.  

Yes you can carry a packed breakfast, but it will be cold to consume but can carry with you. Enjoy the breakfast wherever the landing spot is on the tour.

Upper Mustang the former kingdom, a picturesque country where one can experience historical monuments, as well fascinating cultures. It is a great place as well photogenic, capturing beautiful landscapes and of the people of Mustang.

The local cultures is Buddhism as well follows the ancient Bon cult, a pre-Buddhism worship of nature and mountain spirits. Certainly a mesmerizing country to experience on Upper Mustang Heli Tour.

From late spring of April to summer season of June till autumn time of October are the best to Upper Mustang. The country with similar Tibetan landscapes falls within rain shadow. Where heavy monsoon cloud does not affect much, this is why the country is dry and arid. But the days needs to fine and clear for Helicopter to fly as well for safe landing both ways.  

Definitely, but only for certain types of travelers, those helicopter tours to Upper Mustang—especially to Lo Manthang—though costly, are worth the money.

Some of what they provide:

• Unbelievable aerial views of cliffs, caves, rivers, and ancient Mustang landscapes
• Very fast access to travelers with limited time (1–2 hours vs. a 10–12-day trek)
• Comfort and safety, avoiding long dusty roads and high-altitude trekking
• The chance to see a remote Tibetan culture without days of walking

They charge more for the services, but for photographers, elderly travelers, luxury travelers, or those who are short of time, they are 100% worth it. On the other hand, regular trekkers who enjoy hiking and cultural immersion will find that the trek has much more value.

Yes, it really is.

Upper Mustang is one of the most weird and wonderful places to go in Nepal because of:

• The Tibetan-like culture, which has been there for hundreds of years
• The mythic walled city of Lo Manthang
• Breathtaking desert landscapes, colorful canyons, sky caves, and monasteries
• Rare festivals like the Tiji Festival
• The feeling of being totally cut off and yet very peaceful, which you won’t find on other trekking routes

It is frequently referred to as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" and therefore, is still one of the most mystical and spiritually rich areas of Nepal. If that is what you are looking for: history, nature, spirituality, and something different from the usual Himalayan trails, then it is absolutely worth going there.

The Upper Mustang is a restricted area because of the following reasons:

• Firstly, the protection of the culture: the area has ancient Tibetan traditions, monasteries, and heritage sites. Impediments to the culture help safeguard it from mass tourism.
• Secondly, the safety of the border: since the Mustang is located near the Nepal–Tibet (China) border, the government is in charge of the access control.
• Third, the environment must be saved: Its fragile desert ecosystem could be damaged very easily by an unregulated tourist flow.
• Fourth, the controlled tourism policy: restricting permits allows for sustainable travel and ensures that the locals' lifestyle remains unchanged.

Such measures, among other things, keep the area authentic, serene, and protected.

The Upper Mustang journey is less affordable than many other Nepal treks because you can only go there with a special permit, as it is a restricted area.

Typical cost range:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, then USD 50 for every day after.
• ACAP Permit: USD 30

Transportation:

• Driving to and from Pokhara–Jomsom–Kagbeni is quite cheap.
• The flight (Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara) is more expensive but faster.
• Guided Trek Package: Usually from USD 1,900 to 3,500 depending on the duration of the trip, hotels, transportation, season, and the level of service.
• Helicopter return (optional): USD 1250–1400 per person if sharing.

So, because of the permits, the remoteness, and the logistics, it is basically a premium trek.