Overview A typical Upper Mustang helicopter tour begins in Kathmandu, where you board a helicopter and embark on a thrilling journey towards the Himalayas. As you soar above the clouds, you'll also greet them by awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and dramatic cliffs. The helicopter ride itself is an adventure, providing panoramic views that will leave you in awe. The Upper Mustang region in Nepal is a mystical and breathtaking destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the best ways to explore this remote and picturesque region is through a helicopter tour, also allowing you…
A typical Upper Mustang helicopter tour begins in Kathmandu, where you board a helicopter and embark on a thrilling journey towards the Himalayas. As you soar above the clouds, you’ll also greet them by awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and dramatic cliffs. The helicopter ride itself is an adventure, providing panoramic views that will leave you in awe.
The Upper Mustang region in Nepal is a mystical and breathtaking destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the best ways to explore this remote and picturesque region is through a helicopter tour, also allowing you to witness the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures in a short span of time.
Upon reaching Upper Mustang, you’ll get captivate by the region’s distinct beauty. The landscape also characterized by arid desert-like terrain, ancient caves, and dramatic rock formations. The highlight of the tour is Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang, which is home to a walled city filled with rich cultural heritage. You can also explore the narrow alleys, visit monasteries, and interact with the local people, who have preserved their unique traditions and lifestyle for centuries.
Throughout the tour, you’ll also have opportunities to land at various locations, allowing you to take in the stunning scenery up close and capture breathtaking photographs. The helicopter pilot will also provide commentary, sharing fascinating insights about the region’s history, geography, and culture.
The Upper Mustang helicopter tour is a convenient option for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a more luxurious and exclusive experience. It offers a unique perspective on the Himalayas and allows you to explore a remote and restricted region that was once a forbidden kingdom.
As the tour comes to an end, you’ll also return to Kathmandu with memories that will last a lifetime. The Upper Mustang helicopter tour is a remarkable journey that combines adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, providing a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
The stunning cave-like settlements in Lo-Manthang
You will be picked up from the hotel by one of our agents early in the morning. You will be transported to the domestic terminal of an international airport. You will board the helicopter for an exhilarating Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour after fulfilling all airport procedures
From Kathmandu to Pokhara, the flight will take 30 minutes. You can see the vibrant landscapes that surround Pokhara and Kathmandu while traveling by helicopter. Additionally, you can see the emerald green hills below, which are breathtaking when the sun shines on them. As your plane takes off, you have a lovely view of the capital city with its many-colored homes and structures. Some historic locations, such Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and others, can also be seen from above the clouds.
Pokhara to Jomsom (20 Minutes)
The second phase of our tour will take us to Jomsom after a brief stop in Pokhara for refueling. As you leave the city and fly toward your goal, the mountain peaks seem to be coming closer and closer.
Jomsom can be reached from Pokhara in about 20 minutes. The eighth-highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), Dhaulagiri, and Tilicho Peak, as well as the Holy Gandaki River, Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Muktinath Village, can all be seen from the helicopter.
Jomsom to Mustang (30 Minutes)
It will take us around 30 minutes to get to Mustang after a brief stop in Jomsom for gasoline. Travelers can eventually savor the breathtaking view of stunning landscapes, varied topography, and waterfalls. Even the beautifully constructed Tibetan monasteries, Tangbe Village, and Changtse are visible to them.
Explore around Lo Manthang (1 Hour)
From Jomsom to Mustang, we will travel to Lo Manthang, where we will spend approximately an hour exploring Lo Manthang. You can explore ancient Buddhist cultures, thousand years old monasteries, cultures, peoples, and beautiful scenery. The area is beautiful as high-altitude desert with a pocket of green. All the local houses are built out of mud brick.
Lo-manthang has a similar cultural heritage to Tibet. The Lhobas ethnic group, whose cultures are akin to Tibetan, controls the majority of the territory. Near Lo Manthang hamlet, twelve caves that contain old Buddhist artwork and are perched on high cliffs at a height of 14,000 feet, were discovered. Dates from the thirteenth century are depicted in a silver and gold picture with Tibetan lettering. The majority of the artwork displays Newari influences. There is a wealth of artwork and paintings in ornamental caves that show many Buddha forms. There are numerous Buddhist Stupas inside the caves.
Return to Kathmandu (1.30 hours)
After exploring Lo Manthang, you’ll take a helicopter tour, which will take around an hour and a half, back to Kathmandu. The beautiful Himalayan view catches your attention as you soar over the mountains on the journey back to Kathmandu. When you go to your Kathmandu hotel, your heart will be overflowing with priceless memories.
Upper Mustang is a restricted area that was opened to foreigners for trekking and tourism only in 1992, allowing visitors to experience its ancient Tibetan culture, stunning landscapes, and unique architectural heritage.
During the helicopter tour, you will typically depart from Kathmandu and fly towards the Upper Mustang region, located in the Trans-Himalayan region of Nepal. As you soar above the rugged landscapes, you’ll witness breathtaking views of barren mountains, deep canyons, and picturesque villages.
The helicopter will make several stops at various points of interest in Upper Mustang, allowing you to explore the ancient fortified towns, known as “Lo Manthang” and “Chhoser.” These towns are filled with traditional Tibetan-style houses, monasteries, and historic artifacts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
You will have the opportunity to spend some time in these towns, interact with the local people, and witness their unique way of life. The tour also offers spectacular views of the towering peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, which form a magnificent backdrop to the arid landscapes of Upper Mustang.
The duration of the Upper Mustang helicopter tour may vary depending on the specific package and weather conditions. Typically, it takes around 4-5 hours, including the time spent on the ground at various stops.
It’s important to note that Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and travelers require a special permit to enter. When planning an Upper Mustang helicopter tour, it’s recommended to work with a reputable tour operator who can assist in obtaining the necessary permits and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Weather conditions and wind patterns can also affect helicopter flights in the mountainous regions, so it’s advisable to plan your tour during the best weather seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered favorable times for a successful and enjoyable helicopter tour.
By selecting a reliable helicopter tour operator with experienced pilots and knowledgeable guides, you can have a safe and memorable experience while exploring the hidden treasures of Upper Mustang.