Is This Mustang Helicopter Tour Safe?
Yes, the Upper Mustang Heli Tour is completely safe and professionally run. We use certified flying operators who meet all Nepal Civil Aviation Authority safety protocols. Our experienced pilots are specially trained for high-altitude flights, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
The weather conditions are closely watched, and the Upper Mustang helicopter tour from Pokhara is carried out only in perfect flying conditions. Emergency oxygen and general first aid are always onboard, and the route of flight is selected with caution to avoid weather turbulence.
With Himalayan Recreation Treks, you can enjoy the Mustang helicopter tour worry-free, knowing your safety is our top priority.
Where is the Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour Landing Point?
The primary landing site of the Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour in Nepal is Lo Manthang, at around 3,800 meters.
It is a culturally rich and historically valuable region that was the former capital of the Lo Kingdom and has intact monasteries, royal palaces, and traditional Tibetan architecture.
During the stopover, which is around 20–30 minutes, you can go sightseeing, take photographs, and have short cultural interactions. Upon request, we can also land at other points like the Muktinath temple.
What is the flight route of the Upper Mustang helicopter tour from Pokhara?
The Upper Mustang Heli Tour typically departs from Pokhara, flying northwards, over the green valleys and terraced fields of mid-hills. As the flight altitude is gained, you will soar over breathtaking scenery, including the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, and arrive in the high Himalayan desert of Mustang.
After crossing into the Mustang area, the helicopter follows historical trade routes and river valleys before arriving at Lo Manthang, where you will spend around 30 minutes exploring.
On return, the helicopter follows the same picturesque route that enables you to see the stunning snow-capped summits of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. The entire trip takes around 3 hours on average, depending on your stopover points.
Is Altitude Sickness a Risk on the Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour?
The Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour leaves you at high-altitude locations like Lo Manthang (3,840 meters). While the risk of altitude sickness at below 4000m is unlikely, some travelers may experience mild effects of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, light-headedness, or shortness of breath.
In case you experience any symptoms, make sure to let your guide know immediately. Most travelers take the tour without issues, but staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity, and informing your guide of any heart or lung conditions before the trip can reduce the risk.
What if altitude sickness does occur during the helicopter Tour to Upper Mustang?
Your safety is our top priority, so we always make sure that the trip is safe for you. To handle altitude sickness during the Upper Mustang helicopter tour in Nepal, we follow the following steps:
- Emergency Descent: In case of a symptomatic passenger, the helicopter is descended immediately to a lower elevation.
- Supplemental Oxygen: Oxygen cylinders aboard might be administered by the crew if needed.
- Trained Crew: Our guides and pilots are trained to manage high-altitude emergencies.
- Ground Medical Support: We immediately rush the passenger to Pokhara or Kathmandu hospitals, which are available for further treatment if necessary.
What permits are required for the Upper Mustang by Helicopter?
The Upper Mustang region is a restricted area, and all visitors must obtain a Special Restricted Area Permit issued by the Government of Nepal, which costs USD 500 per person for 10 days. If your stay exceeds 10 days, each additional day costs USD 50.
Additionally, travelers must also acquire the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit, which costs NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) for foreigners. All the permit fees are part of our standard Upper Mustang helicopter tour package, making sure your experience is trouble-free.
Are there other landing options for the Mustang helicopter Tour?
Yes, the Helicopter Tour to Upper Mustang has various landing sites to accommodate diverse traveler interests, weather, and air operations.
- Lo Manthang (Main Landing Site): Lo Manthang, the old walled capital of the Kingdom of Mustang, is the tour's main destination. As you arrive here, you will enter a world that reflects a centuries-old Tibetan-influenced way of life. This stop allows for cultural touring and an extremely connected Himalayan heritage experience.
- Muktinath Temple (Optional Landing on Request): Muktinath Temple at 3,800 meters is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. This landing spot is optional, which can be managed upon request with extra cost.
- Jomsom Airport (Technical Stop): It's a compulsory technical stop for refueling, and sometimes for weather checking. Located within the Kali Gandaki Valley, Jomsom has breathtaking bird's-eye views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. Though short, this break gives you a glimpse of the rustic beauty and charm of the windy mountain town.
- Kagbeni (Optional On Special Request): For the traveler in search of spirituality as well as nature, Kagbeni is a fulfilling visit. It is a beautiful village where the meeting of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Rivers occurs, famous for its Tibetan architecture, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and spiritual essence.
When is the Best Time to take an Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour from Pokhara?
The Upper Mustang region, which is located in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, is reachable almost all year round, which makes the Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour the best choice for all visitors.
However, the best season for the heli tour is Spring, which falls between the months of March and May. During this time, the weather is good, the Himalayan mountains stand tall on the backdrop, and the low valleys are filled with multicolored rhododendrons.
Autumn season, between September and November, is also a good time for the Mustang helicopter tour, offering consistent weather, fresh air, and great visibility for photography enthusiasts.
As for winter, between December and February, the flight remains possible because of the cool weather and the visibility. There are fewer tourists on the trail during winter, making the tour a more intimate experience for you.
June to August are monsoon months in Nepal. As the location of Upper Mustang is relatively dry, the tour is possible; however, flights can sometimes be delayed or canceled due to weather. Thus, the best time for the Upper Mustang Heli tour is Spring and Autumn.
Things you need to know about the weather for the Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour in Nepal
Weather plays a significant role in the success and safety of an Upper Mustang helicopter tour from Pokhara. Mornings are usually the best time of day with clear skies and calm winds, making it the best time to fly.
During the day, winds and clouds often reduce visibility, so flights are scheduled and monitored closely based on weather conditions. Safety is never compromised, and in the worst weather conditions, flights are either postponed or canceled with flexibility for rescheduling.
In case of flight cancellation due to weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, you will be refunded. Your Upper Mustang by helicopter adventure is therefore both safe and spectacular with us.
How to Prepare for Your Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour?
Planning is essential to have a comfortable and secure Upper Mustang by helicopter experience. First, to minimize risks of altitude sickness, avoid alcohol and caffeine as they both cause dehydration in the body.
Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes from Pokhara to Lo Manthang, where the weather is cold with high levels of wind. Bring essentials like your passport, sunglasses, camera, warm clothing, and any prescribed medication.
Hydration is key, so pack a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day. Let your guide know if you face any discomfort during the tour.
Clothing Tips for the Mustang Helicopter Tour
The right clothing can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are on your helicopter tour to Mustang. Thermal layers, wind jackets, insulated down jackets, and warm hats are recommended to keep you warm at Lo Manthang.
Sturdy shoes such as hiking boots or insulated sneakers will enable you to walk freely, while UV-blocking sunglasses and a scarf shield you from strong sunlight.
Layering is important as it allows you to easily adapt to temperature variations from Pokhara to the high desert of Upper Mustang, ensuring your helicopter tour of Upper Mustang is pleasant at all times.
What is the Helicopter Weight limit for the Mustang Helicopter Tour?
Weight management is an important aspect of safety on the Upper Mustang Heli Tour. Regular flights to lower elevations like Jomsom or Muktinath can accommodate up to five passengers, while high-altitude landings in Lo Manthang can carry a maximum of three passengers per flight.
The weight of passengers and equipment must stay within the capacity of the helicopter, which slightly differs with altitude, temperature, and air pressure.
Our expert crew members handle all weight issues professionally so that your helicopter tour to Upper Mustang is safe and seamless. We will further inform you about the weight limit in detail before the trip.
What Helicopter Fleet is used for the Upper Mustang Heli Tour?
For comfort and safety, we use the best helicopters designed for Himalayan high-altitude flights, like the Airbus H125 (AS350 B3e), which is a high-power aircraft that can land at altitudes of over 5,000 meters.
All our helicopters are well-maintained and are operated by seasoned pilots with years of Himalayan flight experience. All flights are optimized for the scenic views while keeping passengers safe, ensuring your Upper Mustang helicopter tour in Nepal is a hassle-free, safe, and enjoyable experience.
What is the cost of the Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour for 2026/2027?
The Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour in Nepal cost varies depending on departure location and group size. On average, the Upper Mustang helicopter tour from Pokhara costs about USD 1500 to 2000 for a chartered helicopter (5 passengers maximum) when split into groups.
For groups, the rate per person reduces significantly, and the Mustang Helicopter Tour becomes affordable. Whereas for private charter flights, the cost rises and can cost around USD 2500 per person.
Our Upper Mustang Heli Tour package is all-inclusive, covering hotel transfers, airport taxes, permits, and insurance. For the best price, we recommend booking in advance.
How to book an Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour and what is the Cancellation Policy?
Booking your Upper Mustang Heli Tour is a simple and hassle-free process. You need to book the tour a minimum of 48 hours in advance to facilitate flight planning and permit processing.
Once you submit all the necessary documents, you need to pay a 30% advance to secure your spot on this highly sought-after Upper Mustang helicopter tour from Pokhara. We will then send you an email confirming the booking with more details of the trip.
We also understand that plans can change. Thus, for cancellations made seven or more days before the flight, a 100% refund is provided. Cancellations between three and six days prior receive a 50% refund, while cancellations within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.
