Helicopter journey · Upper Mustang

Luxury Upper Mustang Heli Trek

Trek the walled city of Lo Manthang and the arid trans-Himalayan trails of the former Kingdom of Mustang, then skip the return walk with a scenic helicopter flight back to Pokhara.

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Duration6 Days
Max altitude3,840 m · Lo Manthang
DifficultyModerate
Group size2–8 pax
Departs fromKathmandu / Pokhara
Best seasonMar–Nov
  • CAAN-licensed operators
  • Weather buffer day
  • Private charter available
  • Fully insured flights

Trip overview

The journey

Trek the walled city of Lo Manthang and the arid trans-Himalayan trails of the former Kingdom of Mustang, then skip the return walk with a scenic helicopter flight back to Pokhara.

At a glance

Trip highlights

05
  • Walled city of Lo Manthang, the former royal capital
  • Cave monasteries and centuries-old murals at Chhoser
  • Rain-shadow desert landscape of the Mustang plateau
  • Helicopter return over the Kali Gandaki gorge
  • Overnight in curated lodges along the route

Day by day

Itinerary

Day 1 2,800 m

Fly Pokhara–Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni

Short scenic flight into the Kali Gandaki valley, then an easy afternoon trek along the river to the gateway town of Kagbeni.

Day 2 3,050 m

Trek to Chele via Chhusang

Enter the restricted Upper Mustang area, crossing dry canyons and old caravan trails.

Day 3 3,800 m

Trek to Syangboche via Ghami

Cross Nyi La pass with views over the Mustang plateau.

Day 4 3,840 m

Trek to Lo Manthang

Arrive at the walled royal city; afternoon exploring the palace and monasteries.

Day 5 3,840 m

Explore Lo Manthang & Chhoser caves

Rest day dedicated to the sky caves and gompas around the capital.

Day 6 3,840 m → 827 m

Helicopter return to Pokhara

Scenic morning flight back over Mustang and the Annapurna range, avoiding the multi-day walk out.

The path aloft

Route at a glance

  1. 01Fly Pokhara–Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni
  2. 02Trek to Chele via Chhusang
  3. 03Trek to Syangboche via Ghami
  4. 04Trek to Lo Manthang
  5. 05Explore Lo Manthang & Chhoser caves

The fine print

Includes & excludes

What’s included

  • Airport and hotel transfers in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Pokhara–Jomsom flight and Lo Manthang–Pokhara helicopter
  • Restricted area permit (Upper Mustang) and ACAP permit
  • All lodge accommodation and full board on trek
  • Experienced English-speaking guide and porters

What’s not included

  • International airfare and Nepal visa
  • Kathmandu hotel (pre/post trek)
  • Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
  • Personal gear, tips and alcoholic beverages

Before you board

What to bring

  • Passport and travel insurance details
  • Layered clothing for cold mornings aloft
  • Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Camera or phone with spare battery
  • Light gloves and a warm hat

From guests on similar routes

What flyers say

“Smooth flying, clear briefings, and the buffer day meant weather never stressed us. Exactly how a Himalaya operator should run.”

— Guest · Upper Mustang route

“Private feel even in a small group. Pilot named every peak and the landing windows were handled professionally.”

— Guest · recent departure
Weather & cancellation

Every itinerary includes a weather buffer day. If the route cannot fly within your window, we rebook, offer an alternate, or refund according to the terms on your confirmation. See our Booking Policy.

Questions, answered

FAQ

Do I need trekking experience for Upper Mustang?+
Trails are high-altitude but not technical — a moderate fitness level is enough, especially with the helicopter return shortening the trip.
Why is Upper Mustang a restricted area?+
It borders the Tibetan plateau; a special permit (separate from the standard TIMS/ACAP) is required and is arranged as part of this package.
What happens if the helicopter can't fly due to weather?+
We hold a contingency day and, if needed, an alternate ground transfer so the itinerary is never left incomplete.

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