No of people

Price per person

1 - 1

$5,000

2 - 2

$2,500

3 - 3

$1,650

4 - 4

$1,250

Highlights

An exceptional Heli tour in between massif peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Grand vista of worlds 3 highest Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu Himal.
Picturesque scenery of amazing dry and barren landscapes of Upper Mustang.
Flying above on an extension of Tibetan vast South Western scenic high plateau.
Explore around the former forbidden old walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang.

Upper Mustang Heli Tour, is one of the most unique ways of observing the huge dry, and picturesque country. Upper Mustang due to its close border with Tibet, the landscapes are almost similar. An extension of the Far South West of the Tibetan Plateau, this is why the land is arid with windswept terrain.

Upper Mustang at one time remained a forbidden country, well hidden from the rest of the world and civilization. Then it was opened for outside visitors in 1992 but remains the restricted areas of Nepal. Where all travelers require a special permit to enter Upper Mustang and Lo-Manthang the walled kingdom.

The history of the Upper Mustang dates back to the 15th century, the first king Ame Pal. Established the walled kingdom and fortress of Lo Manthang as well the four-storied palace in 1440 AD. After separating from South West Tibet and forming his own country and kingdom of Upper Mustang. Then it was also under the influence of Jumla of Far West Nepal around the 16th to 18th Century.

Upper Mustang from past centuries to the present an important Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route between Nepal and Tibet. One of the most interesting countries around the Himalayas it is purely a country of wilderness. But retains its past glories of the ancient traditional way of life similar to Tibetan heritage cultures and customs.

Upper Mustang is the most beautiful country of moonscapes and a paradise and a favorite destination for photographers and adventurers.

The Heli Tour to Upper Mustang lands amidst the former walled kingdom of Lo Manthang. Where travelers can observe the age-old cultures and its famous monasteries of great religious and historical interest. A great way to experience the hidden treasures around Lo Manthang takes you back into the medieval time era.

Upper Mustang Heli Tour starts and ends at beautiful, scenic Pokhara, a city blessed with natural wonders. Located in the close shadow of the massif Annapurna Himalayas and with serene lakes, surrounded by tiers of rolling green hills.

The Heli flight takes high above and through the massive mountain range of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas. Flying past the town of Jomsom towards dry areas of Upper Mustang with amazing wide canyon and eroded red-brown cliffs. Then landing within the former walled kingdom at Lo-Manthang, having time to explore and catch glimpse of the local impressive cultures. As well as visiting important places of great interest in traditional heritage and then flying back to Pokhara. After a sweeping and exciting experience with wonderful memories of the Upper Mustang Heli Tour.

Important Note

Short Tour Profile:

Tour Grade: Leisure with short moderate walks.

Tour Areas: Far North West around Mustang region.

Activities: Scenic flight, short walks to explore exciting cultures.

Tour duration: Minimum of 02 to Maximum of 03 hours with stops.

Maximum Height: On landing at Lo-Manthang 3,840 m /12, 598 feet.

Type of Helicopter: AS 350 B series of helicopters of Euro-Copter, France

popular world-wide and Ecureuil model or similar types.

Stops and Landing: At Lo-Manthang and Jomsom for refreshment.

Maximum Seating: 4-5 passengers with spacious wide seating beside pilot.

Best Seasons for Upper Mustang Heli Tour:

The best time for Upper Mustang Heli Tour is from April to June with September and October. Which are late spring with summer and autumn seasons. During this time, visitors get to witness the great landscape in relatively warmer weather. This will also allow visitors to take up tours and enjoy the scenic picturesque scenery of amazing Mustang landscapes.

The monsoon wet clouds are least affected around Mustang, as the massif, Himalayan Mountain forms the barrier. The country with less precipitation and is dry, with minimum rainfall, than in other southern parts of the Himalayan hills.

Upper Mustang like Tibet falls within rain shadow, and much dry during the whole year, except for occasional snowfalls.

Please Note:

We also organize Heli Tour to Muktinath Temple and Damodar Kund, besides Upper Mustang Heli Tour. As well contact us for other destinations around Nepal Himalayas, as well for Tije Festival of Lo Manthang.

Starts and ends at Pokhara domestic airport, covering an air distance of 102 k.m. / 64 miles. Flight duration one way approx. 1 hour with short refreshing stop in Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang district. Jomsom with a small airport, regular morning flights to and from Pokhara in a small aircraft. One can reach by overland journey taking 7-8 hours depending upon road condition.

For Upper Mustang Heli Tour, having an early breakfast our staff transfers you to Pokhara airport. As time for the flight depending upon weather wise, after getting introduced with captain, the pilot. Get on board in a spacious small nice chopper, as the engine lifts off grand views of Pokhara city. Including tremendous panorama of the valley with massive snow mountain range of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna peaks. The heli heads due North-West above the hills of Ghorepani and famous Poon hill, then past Kaligandaki River gorge. In between giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, slowly the pilot makes a short landing at Jomsom airport. For short refreshing break, then continue the air journey over and above dry windswept country of Upper Mustang. Then reaching former old walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang, the pilot makes a soft and safe landing at a Helipad. Just near the town of Lo-Manthang, as time permits visit historical and cultural sites with tour of Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House). Includes the Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall. These are the main landmarks of Lo-Manthang, charge entry fees to enter these historical and religious sites. As time permits visit late King Jigme palace is well worth a visit if it opens for outsiders.

Lo Manthang, famous for Tije, a colorful festival every year in the month of May, as per Buddhist Lunar calendar. After an hour or more, head back to Helipad for scenic sweeping flight back to Pokhara. As time permits a short stop at Jomsom for refreshment, on reaching Pokhara transfer to your hotel. After a delightful morning flight with great wonderful experience on Upper Mustang Heli Tour.

Equipment List

Frequently Asked Questions

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.