Muktinath Helicopter TourPokhara to Muktinath and Back Before Lunch
The road to Muktinath takes a long day each way. The helicopter takes a morning. Six days from Kathmandu, with the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara either side and a flight past the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri to the temple of liberation.
Journey at a Glance
- Max Altitude
- 3,710 mMuktinath Temple
- Duration
- 6 Days5 nights
- Group Size
- 2 or moreSolo travellers join a group departure
- Difficulty
- EasyNo trekking
- Best Season
- Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov
- Start and End
- Kathmandu
Package Cost
USD2,200
per person
(Group of 12 or more)
- 2 to 5 travellers
- $3,000
- 6 to 11 travellers
- $2,500
- 12 and above
- $2,200
Last updated
Overview
Muktinath Darshan Without the Long Road
Muktinath Temple stands at 3,710 metres in the Mustang district of north-central Nepal and is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. Hindus count it among the 108 Divya Desams of Vishnu; Buddhists know it as Chumig Gyatsa and hold that Guru Rinpoche meditated there. Pilgrims come for the 108 water spouts and for Jwala Mai, where a natural flame burns over water.
By road, Muktinath is a long day up the Kali Gandaki from Pokhara and a long day back. This tour replaces both with a morning helicopter flight from Pokhara, over the high desert of Mustang between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and back the same morning.
It suits pilgrims who have limited time, and travellers who cannot manage long mountain drives or any walking at altitude. Kathmandu and Pokhara are covered either side of the flight, with a guide, a cultural farewell dinner and every domestic flight included.
“The road takes a day each way. The helicopter takes a morning.”
Journey Highlights
- Helicopter from Pokhara
- 108 water spouts
- No trekking at all
- Cultural farewell dinner
Detailed Itinerary
6 DaysKathmandu, Pokhara, Muktinath
| Day | Route | Overnight | Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m) | Kathmandu, 1,400 m | Airport pickup |
| Day 02 | Kathmandu sightseeing | Kathmandu | Guided sightseeing |
| Day 03 | Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m) and sightseeing | Pokhara, 822 m | 25-minute flight |
| Day 04 | Morning helicopter flight to Muktinath (3,710 m) and back | Pokhara | Helicopter to Muktinath (3,710 m) and back |
| Day 05 | Fly back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 25-minute flight |
| Day 06 | Departure | Departure | Airport transfer |
Day 01Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
You are met at Tribhuvan International Airport and taken to your hotel, with a briefing on the journey ahead. The evening is free to explore the markets and cafes nearby.
Day 02Kathmandu sightseeing
A guided day at the World Heritage monuments of the Kathmandu Valley, with entrance fees included.
Day 03Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m) and sightseeing
A 25-minute flight west to Pokhara, then a guided afternoon around the lakeside city.
Day 04Morning helicopter flight to Muktinath (3,710 m) and back
An early helicopter flight from Pokhara up the Kali Gandaki to Muktinath for darshan, the 108 spouts and Jwala Mai, then back to Pokhara the same morning.
Day 05Fly back to Kathmandu
The 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu, and a cultural farewell dinner with a dance performance in the evening.
Day 06Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
- Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu
- Three nights in a Kathmandu hotel, standard room with breakfast
- Two nights in a Pokhara hotel, standard room with breakfast
- Domestic flights, Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
- Helicopter round trip from Pokhara to Muktinath
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with entrance fees
- Cultural farewell dinner with a dance performance in Kathmandu
- Local transport for sightseeing and transfers
- English-speaking tour guide throughout
- Government taxes and service charges
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fee, available on arrival or online
- Travel insurance, strongly recommended
- Lunches and dinners other than the farewell dinner
- Optional activities such as boating on Phewa Lake
- Additional helicopter flights or sightseeing beyond the itinerary
- Costs arising from weather delays
- Personal expenses such as tips, laundry and phone calls
Before you book
Questions Travellers Ask
Is there a helicopter tour to Muktinath?
Yes. The Muktinath Helicopter Tour flies from Pokhara to Muktinath Temple and back in a single morning, as part of a 6-day journey from Kathmandu.
Is there any trekking on the Muktinath Helicopter Tour?
No. The helicopter lands close to the temple and every other stage is by car or plane, so the tour suits travellers who cannot walk far at altitude.
Which flights are included?
The Kathmandu to Pokhara flight and the return, and the helicopter round trip from Pokhara to Muktinath. International flights to Nepal are not included.
How much does the Muktinath Helicopter Tour cost?
The Muktinath Helicopter Tour costs USD 3,000 per person for 2 to 5 travellers, USD 2,500 for 6 to 11 and USD 2,200 for 12 or more. The price falls as the group grows because the helicopter is chartered and its cost is shared. Groups start at two people. A solo traveller can join only a group departure that Sama Yatra is already organising.
How many days is the Muktinath Helicopter Tour?
The Muktinath Helicopter Tour is 6 days and 5 nights, starting and ending in Kathmandu. You sightsee in Kathmandu on day 2, fly to Pokhara on day 3, take the helicopter to Muktinath and back on the morning of day 4, and fly back to Kathmandu on day 5.
When is the best time for the Muktinath Helicopter Tour?
The Muktinath Helicopter Tour runs all year, and it is most reliable from March to June and from September to November.
What happens if weather delays the helicopter to Muktinath?
The helicopter flies early in the morning, but mountain weather can still delay it. Costs arising from weather delays are not included in the price of the Muktinath Helicopter Tour, which is one reason Sama Yatra strongly recommends travel insurance.
Which meals are included on the Muktinath Helicopter Tour?
Breakfast is included at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the cultural farewell dinner with a dance performance in Kathmandu is included. Other lunches and dinners are not.
Is the Nepal visa included in the Muktinath Helicopter Tour?
No. The Nepal visa fee is not included in the Muktinath Helicopter Tour. The visa is available on arrival or online.
What rituals do pilgrims perform at Muktinath?
Pilgrims take darshan at the main temple, bathe under the 108 water spouts and pray at the Jwala Mai flame shrine, offering flowers or prasad. A special puja with a priest, or Buddhist prayers through the local community, is arranged on the spot, and no published tariff exists for either. Janai Purnima in August, Buddha Jayanti in April or May, and Dashain and Tihar bring special observances.
What is the booking and cancellation policy for the Muktinath Helicopter Tour?
Sama Yatra takes a 30% deposit to confirm a booking for the Muktinath Helicopter Tour. Bookings cannot be cancelled, but the journey can be postponed for up to two years at the same cost.
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