Upper Mustang by Helicopter

1 Day

Overview

Upper Mustang by Helicopter is a tour by helicopter from either Pokhara or Kathmandu to the inner circle of the Upper Mustang Region of Nepal where the climax of the trip is the forbidden city of Lo Mangthang. This tour by helicopter to Lo Mantang in the Upper Mustang Region can be termed as an eco-cultural tour.

This Upper Mustang by Helicopter tour takes you and others on a helicopter ride from either the cities of Kathmandu or Pokhara depending on you till Jomsom and then onto the once termed forbidden city of Lo Mangthang. The region of Upper Mustang was off-limits to the outer world till of late where it was opened to the outer world in 1992. This area is, in what is known as the forbidden valley which evolved over the millennium to create a sparse civilization vastly different from other parts of Nepal somewhat similar to the ways of life followed in the Tibetan Plateau but following its own means of Buddhism. The forbidden valley which has the city built mainly from local material over the length of time is of mud which is walled in from all sides with lookout towers. The homes of the city are also of mud, stone and timber which medieval sculptures and paintings. The surrounding hills of the forbidden valley are dotted with caves which were once used as living spaces making the past of the people’s ancestors of the valley, troglodytes. You still find cave monasteries which were once used by the monks who settles from the inner Tibetan plateau. The Upper Mustang by Helicopter tour is the best and fastest means of seeing this area and all its medieval wonders, it has kept hidden or take the Upper Mustang Trek of seventeen days to this region, mainly meant for those who love trekking to such regions. Treks and Helicopter tours to the Upper Mustang Region fall into the restricted area and special permits are required.

This tour of Upper Mustang by Helicopter gives you much from which you gain. The first being it is completed in a single day where you are picked up and dropped off from your destination of Pokhara or Kathmandu to the airport in a private vehicle. The next being, your helicopter ride from Jomsom, where you stop for refueling from your destination to over the Upper Mustang regions. This ride in the air gives you an aerial view of the villages and the landscape of the isolated region and the mountain peaks of various ranges that surround and make this area what it is. The next is the stopover next to Lo Mangthang, the forbidden city of the Upper Mustang, which you get to visit along with some of the caves and monasteries which dot the surrounding hillsides. Plus, you get to visit the villages and interact with the friendly people of the area, learning much in the bargain. When completed, you are returned to Jomson, for refueling and head back to your destination of either Kathmandu or Pokhara. In the other part of the ride, you will get picturesque aerial views of the lush green hills below, with villages and the rivers gushing below.

Is a helicopter ride to this isolated region safe?
Yes, they are, because the latest machines are used under the skillful hands of a trained pilot who knows the terrain and region by the back of his hand. He gives you one of the best tours experienced such kinds. Plus in case of any foreseeable problems, the tour might be canceled at the discretion of the pilot, who knows better for our safety and his. These are rescheduled to a later date time for which we ask you to keep some days on hand when taking such helicopter tours.

Outline Itinerary for Upper Mustang by Helicopter
Day 01 : Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang then fly back to Kathmandu

Trip Highlights

  • Witness majestic mountain panorama of snow-capped peaks like Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri & others
  • Explore Lo-Manthang, the ancient walled city with thousand year’s old monasteries
  • Enjoy scenic helicopter flight starting from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Jomsom, Kagbeni & Lo-Manthang
  • Discover culture & traditions of the people of Lo-Manthang similar to the Tibetans
  • Visit Pokhara, the natural wonder & Jomsom, the windswept town en-route the flight

Itinerary

This a single day itinerary programme in which you are picked up from your location at either Kathmandu or Pokhara depending on your location and taken to the airport in a private vehicle with other three or four. After being instructed by the pilot of the helicopter you will be flown to Jomsom, where the helicopter is refuelled and a legend police officer is taken on board (compulsory by law). A little after 12 noon, the helicopter takes off for Lo Mangthang in the Upper Mustang regions. In the one hour ride, you get lovely aerial views of the desolate plateau like terrain with the surrounding mountains snow-covered peaks that have made it so. Plus the rural life of villages, farming and husbandry. You land near the forbidden city of Lo Mangthang and take a tour of its inner walls, and then a visit to the cave. After about 45 minutes, the helicopter takes off and heads for Jomsom for refuelling and then takes off for Kathmandu or Pokhara, from where you are dropped off by private vehicle to your destination.
As a matter of precautions, the helicopter ride to Lo Mangthang can be cancelled due to wind of high velocity which the plateau like region is known for. This is precisely why, the helicopter only enters the area after 12 noon. The same can be the case when the weather can become unpredictable, for which the ride is rescheduled and we ask you to keep some days in hand for such scenarios.
At Breakfree adventures, we do all in our power to make such trips comfortable and secure as possible.

Cost

What is Included

  • Airport pick up/drop by a private vehicle (Kathmandu or Pokhara)
  • Mustang Heli-tour as per the itinerary (Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Lo Manthang – Kathmandu)
  • Domestic airport departure tax.
  • Upper Mustang special permit USD 500 per person (Non-refundable once issued).
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area trek Permit) fee.
  • Ground support staff from office.
  • All government and local taxes.

What is Not Included

  • Any side excursion by helicopter other than Lo-Manthang.
  • Personal expenses, meals, drinks etc.
  • Tips or gratuities.

FAQs

Where is Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang is located at northern Nepal closer to the Tibetan border. Mustang is an arid valley with it’s culture resembling to Tibet. It used to be a separate kingdom with Lo-Manthang being it’s capital. It was open for tourism for the outside world only in 1992, so it’s a remote and restricted area.

How to get to Upper Mustang?

The most common way to get to Upper Mustang is trekking where you fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and start the trek to Lo-Manthang, the capital. It’s a great walk passing along the barren and desert land and into this ancient city. Alternatively, you can also directly fly to Lo-Manthang by helicopter and be back the
same day.

Is Mustang a restricted area?

Yes, Mustang is a restricted area where a special permit is required to travel. We will be happy to arrange the permit and there needs to be a minimum of two travelers to issued Mustang permit.

How much is Mustang permit fee?

Mustang permit fee is USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person per day beyond 10 days. Once you are confirmed to travel and the permit is issued then please note the permit can’t be canceled or refunded if in case you need to cancel the trip for any reason.

What is Upper mustang helicopter tour?

Upper Mustang helicopter tour is the quickest day tour into the Upper Mustang to witness ss it’s unique culture and traditions, and flying directly into the capital city of Lo-Manthang. You will explore the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang for about an hour or so visiting it’s age-old monasteries, temples and observing the day
to day lives of the people living inside this city then fly back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Where does Upper Mustang helicopter tour start?

Upper mustang helicopter tour can be started either from Kathmandu or Pokhara as per your desire.

When is the best time for Upper Mustang helicopter tour?

The best time for Upper Mustang helicopter tour is Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November). Since Mustang is located in a rain-shadow area so these parts receive less rain even in monsoon (Jun, Jul, Aug) so you can visit Mustang in monsoon too. If you’re traveling during May then you will have a nice opportunity to witness Tiji festival.

How many people can travel in one group?

A helicopter can carry a maximum of 5 or 6 people depending upon weight since weight needs to be balanced during the flight. But exceeding more than 6 people isn’t possible. Every helicopter has a weight limit that comes to 500 KG. In higher altitude, their weight carrying capacity even becomes less.

What is helicopter tour to Upper Mustang route?

Helicopter tour to Upper Mustang route is fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara then to Jomsom (stopover for few minutes) then fly to the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthag, explore around Lo-Manthang for about an hour then fly to Pokhara and eventually fly back to Kathmandu. If starting from Pokhara then the tour starts/ends in Pokhara.

How much is the duration of Upper Mustang helicopter tour?

The duration of Upper Mustang helicopter tour is 4-5 hours.

How many hours the does helicopter stay at Lo-Manthang?

The helicopter will stay at Lo-Manthang for about an hour during when you can explore around this ancient walled city, watching it’s daily lives, visit the age-old monasteries.

What if the tour got canceled?

We can try the next morning or if you don’t have time then refund for the same will be made after deducting transportation cost.

Can children or elderly take Lo-Manthang Heli Tour?

Without any doubt, they can and Lo-Manthang Heli Tour is suitable for any age group with children or elderly people since the total tour duration is about 4-5 hours and if there’s any problem of altitude sickness or other then the helicopter is always at stand by then immediately fly back to Kathmandu.

Who leads the trip and are the pilots well experienced?

No doubt about your pilots since they are experts and professionals in this field with years of flying experience. Your personal guide will lead the tour who are often the experienced trek guide who has been to Mustang many times before ab knows the area better. He shall also explain and escort you throughout the tour with visiting the monasteries in Lo-Manthang, point-out the Himalayas like Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna series and others during the flight.

Are there any other extra costs applicable?

All are covered except for any meals or drinks or the entrance fees at the monasteries if applicable.

What is clothing for Upper Mustang helicopter tour?

Clothing for Upper Mustang helicopter tour depends upon season but most of the time it will be sunshine but in colder months and cloudy days will require warm clothing, windproof jacket.

How can I book Upper Mustang helicopter tour?

Just let us know planned travel date and we shall arrange everything, and also for group join-in, please advise your date and we shall revert back if group join-in is available on your planned date. To proceed with booking, you are requested to send 10% of the tour cost and the rest becomes due before the tour’s departure date.

Trip Information

Tour Availability
We operate Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour privately daily so that you don’t have to confront with other people who might have different interests or attitudes.

Vehicle
We use comfortable car/mini-van for the transfers to/from hotel to airport and back. (For up to 2 people, car is provided and mini-van is for the group 3 & above)

Tour duration
The tour duration is 5 hours (Approx.)

Clothing
Clothing varies with the type of tour and season. It’s warm in Kathmandu from April to October-end and from November to March-end, days are usually warm but evening colder. Summer clothes are okay during the day time but the evening requires a light jackets. Winter is from December till February so bring along sufficient winter wears like jackets, sweaters, trousers etc. Or you can purchase clothes of your choice in Kathmandu clothing stores too.

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Upper Mustang by Helicopter

Trip Facts

  • Nepal
  • 01 Day(s)
  • All year round
  • 1-4 Person per chopper
  • 3,700 meters (Lo-Manthang)
  • Easy
  • Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu
  • Flight over the Himalayas, Lo-Manthang (Upper Mustang) visit
  • Helicopter Tour
  • Lo-Manthang, Jomsom
  • 4-5 Hours

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