Upper Mustang Heli Trekking
5/5 based on 100 reviews
Trip Duration
12 Days
Group Sizes
2-16 People
Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
3730
Meals
Accommodation
Witness the unrivaled grandeur of the Himalayas with our Upper Mustang Heli Trek, which itself is an adventure and presents a different perspective to any visitor who comes to this remote Upper Mustang area by helicopter.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek offers adventure and luxury in one go, presenting majestic vistas of ancient landscapes, remote monasteries, and peaks of the Himalayas that surround this mystical area.
Our Upper Mustang Heli Trek begins with a thrilling flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu, then by heli-flight to Jomsom, and finally straight into the land of Upper Mustang.
This trek beautifully portrays the vivid contrast of this area due to its bare red cliffs and rugged landscape that stand in contrast to the rich Tibetan culture flourishing within the walled city of Lo Manthang. This helicopter tour allows you to look deeper into Mustang’s history and nature from the comfort of a luxurious helicopter.
It is for the dramatic landscapes and desolate scenery that upper Mustang remains popular. You get a bird’s eye view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on the way, exclusively putting forward the moon-like landscape that is Mustang.
Landscapes are not all; it is an opportunity to witness rarely found wildlife and ancient traditions that bring your adventure to life. The Upper Mustang Heli Trek is one of the most unique ways to experience and witness the region with our luxury helicopter tour package.
Our Upper Mustang Heli Trek offers adventure and comfort for those hard-hearted souls. From an awe-inspiring helicopter ride to the tranquil exploration of Lo Manthang, this trip is a lifetime experience worth having in some of the most enigmatic regions of Nepal.
Take on the Upper Mustang Heli Trek for the trip of a lifetime into the heart of the Himalayas, where luxury and exploration meet in amazing fusion.
On the 2nd day of our Upper Mustang Heli Trek, we will go on a rewarding sightseeing tour to Kathmandu City.
In the morning, we will visit the Hindu Sacred Pilgrimage Site of Pashupatinath Temple, famous for its amazing architecture. Then, we will see the major Buddhist site of Boudhanath Stupa with its engrossing mandala design.
Next, drive to Swayambhunath Stupa—extending from the hill overlooking the city with panoramic views all around, popularly known as the Monkey Temple.
From here, walk down to Kathmandu Durbar Square to explore and shop and sample the local delicacies, before returning back to your hotel for the night.
From here, on the third day of the Upper Mustang Heli Trek, we take a thrilling yet scenic flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom. It is a wonderful 30-minute flight that allows us the vision of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, snow-capped peaks and rugged terrains.
From Jomsom, we will begin the 3-hour trek to Kagbeni. The trail is ascend in parts and features diverse landscapes with crossings of the mighty Kali Gandaki River, forming its location at the meeting point of the Nilgiri and Kali Gandaki rivers, until it reaches Kagbeni.
Stunning vistas and rich heritage in Kagbeni now await to welcome us in the village historically related to the Trans-Himalayan salt trade. We will stay here at Kagbeni to rest and get ready for the next stage of our Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
On the fouth day of Upper Mustang Heli Trek, we trek from Kagbeni to Chele, a distance of about 15 km in the estimated time of 6 hours. The trail will be embedded with the magnificent landscape that consists of lush green beauty. This is extremely different from the dry and dusty Mustang backdrop.
We will walk through a single-lane path traversing on terracing fields and over small streams, gaining height as we get closer to Chele. It goes through traditional Tibetan-style villages, which add cultural charm to our scenic journey.
Overnight in Chele, rest, and enjoy the serene beauty that surrounds you during your Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
On day five of the Upper Mustang Heli Trek, we have a trek from Chele to Syangmoche. Today, about 11.5 km, the walk is going to take around 6 hours. We will cross several high passes: Taklam La, Dejong La, Bhena La, and Yamda La, with breathtaking views of mountains and spectacular landscapes of Mustang.
En route up, we get to pass by beautiful villages like Ghyakar and Samar, visit the historically rich Chungsi Cave. The 800-meter climb will reward us with magnificent views of mountains and valleys, along with traditional Mustang villages.
We eventually arrive at Syangmoche, rest for the night, and get ready for the upcoming adventures of our Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
On the 6th day of Upper Mustang Heli Trek, we have a 5-hour long trek from Syangmoche to Ghami. Our journey takes us by Yamda La pass trail and passes through regular villages with beautifying tea houses on the way.
We will pass through forests of poplars and barley fields before arriving at Nyi Pass, 4,010 meters, and then gently sloping down to Ghami.
Ghami is the biggest and most scenic village in Mustang, with well-preserved traditional architecture and scenic beauty.
Overnight at Ghami, experiencing its serenity, and getting refreshed for the next day’s venture.
On the 7th day of Upper Mustang Heli Trek, we will cover 10.7 km from Ghami to Tsarang in about 4 hours. We start after a healthy breakfast and cross the steel bridge over Ghami Khola and steeply climb to Choya La at 3,870 meters.
At the top of the pass, we will witness the stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks before trekking down to the longest Mani wall in Upper Mustang, Chorten, and Chinggel La. The next stop will be Tsarang at 3,560 meters.
We will stay overnight here in this beautiful town with its medieval fort, red Gompas, and the historic Tsarang Monastery. Soak up the serene atmosphere that seems to emanate everywhere as we stay overnight at this enchanting village, preparing our minds for the next day’s adventure.
On the 8th day of Upper Mustang Heli Trek, we will cover 11 km from Tsarang to Lo Manthang, which takes around 5 hours.
We will start the gradual uphill trail with scenic landscapes right after breakfast from Tsarang. The highest view point, 3,960m, will be reached at Lo La Pass.
We will have our first sight of the ancient walled capital of Lo Manthang, founded by Ame Pal in 1380 from Lo La Pass.
Then, we descend on a dusty trail to Lo Manthang, where we soak up its unique Tibetan culture and history, which shall be one of the most unforgettable moments of our treks.
We will be in the mystical land of Lo Manthang on Day 9 of our Upper Mustang Heli Trek. This trek is unique in offering us something that few people ever get to experience: preserved culture and landscape, so similar to Tibet.
We will get to see traditional mountain life where people have had little contact with the outside world for centuries.
This will be a step back in time during our visit to Lo Manthang, as it was an independent kingdom until 1950. We will see the ancient charm of the village, hiring ponies if desired.
We will spend our night here in this beautiful place enjoying its ancient beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes.
On the 10th day of the Upper Mustang Heli Trek, we take a helicopter ride from Lo Manthang to Pokhara.
Truly an absolute delight, this helicopter tour will give us grand views of Upper Mustang’s peculiar landscape from above. As we draw closer to Pokhara, we get great views of the majestic Himalayas alongside serendipitous lakes around the city.
In the afternoon, we will arrive in Pokhara, where we will sail on Phewa Lake and explore the streets of this fine city. We will stay overnight at one of the comfortable Pokhara hotels to relax and reflect on the journey.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek provides different experiences in the different seasons. All the times have their own highlights and challenges throughout trek.
Spring is from March to May is the best season for this trek; temperatures are mild and the sky is clear. The reason behind this could be that this season is perfect for relishing the vibrant scenery of landscapes and culture exploration. The bloom of flowers added color to the rugged terrain.
Summer lasts from June to August, which is the time when the temperature gets warmer and the monsoon period starts to set in. It can result in rain and clouds obscuring the views. But often, the Upper Mustang area remains dry.
The best time for Upper Mustang Heli Trek would be in the autumn season, from September to November, with the stableweather, the air crisp, and the views of the Himalayas simply stunning. During this time of the year, the skies are clear with no haze, ideal for trekkers and to enjoy the uninterrupted views from helicopter.
Winter, running from December to February, offers strikingly beautiful snowy landscapes but is obviously cold with strong winds. This is not recommended as it is pretty harsh with respect to weather conditions.
Plan out your Upper Mustang Heli trek adventure in a season of your choice and make the best out of it.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek encompasses various altitudes and distance from one stop to another.
The trail starts in Kathmandu from an altitude of 1,400 meters and comes up to Lo Manthang at 3,770 meters, which is a length of about 80 kilometers. Major parts of the treks are from Kagbeni at 2,810 meters to Chele at 3,050 meters and from Chele to Syangboche at 3,475 meters; daily treks may reach a duration of 5 to 6 hours.
Upper Mustang Heli Trek, combined with scenic flights, includes a 30-minute Kathmandu to Jomsom flight at 2,713 meters and the helicopter ride from Lo Manthang to Pokhara at 827 meters. It offers a bird’s-eye view of majestic Himalayan landscapes.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek is tailor-made for easy access into the land of Upper Mustang. Although moderately challenging, the treks themselves become relatively easier with the use of helicopters, but the rough terrain and the high altitude certainly do not allow trekkers to have a really easy time.
These treks entail steep ascents and steep descents that take one to remote villages and historical monasteries.
Even though most treks of the Upper Mustang Heli can be done in less time, altitude sickness can be an issue. Trekkers will be at as high as 4,000 meters, so altitude problems can become prevalent.
Altitude sickness can range from headaches, nausea, or even dizziness. So, one does have to acclimatize, and more importantly, listen to the body since altitude can get to anyone, even on a modified structure of a trek like this one.
The minimum walk during the Upper Mustang Heli Trek is approximately 3 hours a day, although sometimes this could include walking from 10 to 15 km. The trip represents different landscapes and altitudes, meaning that every day requires a different amount of walking time.
The average walk time is about 5-6 hours per day.
Day four will you have a maximum walk. It will take around 6 hours from Kagbeni to Chele, 15 km.
On the other hand, the shortest walk awaits on day 7—from Ghami to Tsarang. It will take around 4 hours to cover 10.7 km.
This variation will help the diverse conditions adjust to the Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
During the Upper Mustang Heli Trek the accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara comes with luxurious overnights at 5-star hotels and lakeside resorts. We have always taken into account comfort, safety, and sustainability when it comes to selecting accommodations for our guests.
During the trekking days of the Upper Mustang Heli Trek, accommodation is provided in well-maintained tourist standard tea houses. Accommodations can be spent comfortably and luxuriously with all basic necessities that may make one’s night pleasant and restful.
These premium category establishments provide a lavish experience with quality service. It is this balance of luxury and comfort that enriches the experience of Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
You will enjoy different traditional food items and beverages in the Upper Mustang Heli Trek. The trek is usually accompanied by traditional food, which includes Dal Bhat, momo, and thukpa.
However, in some shops you may still get options for pizza, pasta, and instant noodles.
You can have various types of beverages like tea, milk tea, butter tea, coffee, and bottled water during the Upper Mustang Heli Tour. The local special drinks are Chang, traditional Tibetan beer produced from barley, and Raksi, locally made spirit from millet or rice.
Three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the package. All the foods we provide are made in our chosen hotel with organic vegetables ensuring good health and refuel your body for the trek.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek package includes all meals every day. Extra food items or drinks are charged extra. This gives room for one to purchase what they might like and not included in the package.
Many routes create totally different experiences in case someone wants to consider the alternatives to the Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
Upper Mustang Heli Trek can also be substituted with the trek via Jomsom, where the flight originates at Kathmandu or Pokhara to Jomsom. Then take a beautiful trek via the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Lo Manthang, showing dramatic landscapes and Tibetan-style villages for the period of 10–14 days of travel.
Another option could be through the Upper Mustang Heli Trek via Muktinath. Drive by road from Pokhara to Muktinath and then trek via Jomsom to Upper Mustang. Although this is a bit of a long route and full of hassle, it offers a rich cultural experience because of the remoteness of its villages and monasteries.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek is also doable much more directly from Nepalgunj. A flight to Jomsom from Nepalgunj, then trekking north to Lo Manthang, bypasses more extended overland portions and quickly connects to the trek’s highlights.
Even a beginner can take part in the Upper Mustang Heli Trek with proper preparation. In this regard, even when designed to offer all possible luxury with adventure, it entails high altitude and physically challenging conditions.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek does strike a delicate balance between luxury and challenge, keeping the trip accessible for beginners who are physically fit and prepared for the altitude change.
The acclimatization days and the helicopter ride make the ascent easier, thus availing the ‘best’ of the trek to even beginners.
With the guided support and comfortable accommodation on the way, the Upper Mustang Heli Trek definitely promises to be an exciting and memorable experience even for a beginner in the world of trekking.
Upper Mustang Heli Trek requires high-level preparation and physical fitness. Begin by building up your cardio and strength so that you are well-equipped to battle through the different challenges of the trek.
Do some endurance exercises, such as hiking, jogging, or climbing stairs. The practice will acclimatize you properly.
Work out walking with a bag pack to get your condition as it would be through the course of the trek. Making sure you have the right gear and clothes for the different weather conditions is something foremost in consideration for the Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
You are advised to have a pre-trek check-up for your health, which will ensure that you are fit for the adventure. Good preparation will make your experience and responsiveness to the Upper Mustang Heli Trek much better.
During the Upper Mustang Heli Trek, there are very few options available to charge gadgets. Though places like Jomsom have mobile connectivity, most areas have sketchy electricity. It would be a plus point to carry portable or solar chargers that would keep devices in working mode throughout the trek.
There are limited charging facilities on the Upper Mustang Heli Trek, so some of the teahouses may be charging you somewhere between $1 to $5 USD per day for electricity. Do make sure that you take the necessary charging cables and adaptors for your phone and camera with you.
The availability of connectivity and the Internet spares out to almost most of the parts of the trek. Some guesthouses in the larger villages, like Jomsom and Lo Manthang, do offer Wi-Fi at a cost.
No network coverage will be available and can be relied upon—considering that a satellite phone is used for reliable communication and above all in case of emergencies.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek does require special permits. You will need to have an Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, costing approximately $500 for 10 days, which you can get with the help of a trekking agency or independently from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
The trek also required is a TIMS Card of about $20 per person. Again, this you can get either from your trekking agency or the TAAN office located in Pokhara.
We arrange all the permits for your during your Upper Mustang Heli Trek, and its is included in your package.
For the Upper Mustang Heli Trek, travel insurance is obligatory. It provides safety against medical emergencies, helicopter evacuation, and trip cancellation.
You should make sure that your policy includes emergency helicopter rescue together with the medical expenses coverage for Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
Be wary of companies that have strict limitations imposed on high-altitude or hazardous travel. All trek activities, including trip cancellation protection, should be covered since all deposits are non-refundable.
Upper Mustang Heli Trek includes a smooth transportation package. First, you will be taken for a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, from which a pretty view of the Himalayas can be seen.
Upon reaching Pokhara, you will board another plane that takes you to Jomsom, thus avoiding rugged land and enduring luxurious travel experiences.
Next, take a helicopter ride from Lo Manthang back to Pokhara, thus ensuring that you experience with ease and in style the dramatic landscapes of Upper Mustang.
The costs for this package will include all the local transfers of Kathmandu and Pokhara, which means airport pick-ups and drop-offs and in between your sightseeing. With this understandable arrangement, you are promised a malady-free and merry Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek is one of the revitalizing tours where adventure will come with luxury. This unique itinerary encompasses helicopter transfers between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom. It offers an aerial view of the Himalayas, avoiding rugged terrain.
Expect a hassle-free journey with all transportation, accommodation, and foods and drinks arrangements taken care of, so that you only have to concentrate on the beautiful landscapes and the cultural wonders of Upper Mustang.
The Upper Mustang Heli Trek package includes comfortable and prompt transfers that will help make your trekking experience even better.
Upper Mustang Heli Trek is a high-quality trekking experience where helicopter transfers are connected with the essence of traditional treks. It covers all the important locations in Upper Mustang, together with breathtaking helicopter rides from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom.
The trek is leveled as a moderate to challenging one. Although the Helicopter transfers reduce physical pressure, one must be fit and healthy with a decent level of fitness due to the altitude and ruggedness of the trails.
The best time to visit Upper Mustang Heli Trek is in the spring that is from March to May and autumn starting from September to November. The seasons offer fine weather with a clear sky and perfect trekking experiences.
Accommodations for the most part during your trek will be in comfortable teahouses/lodges. It might be a bit different in Lo Manthang, where you will stay in a little more authentic ‘guesthouse’ type of accommodation, which again forms an experience in itself.
You will be staying at 5-star hotels in Kathmandu and lake side resorts in Pokhara.
Get yourself equipped with warm jacket and trousers, trekking boots, gloves, a hat, a sleeping bag, sun block, personal toiletries, and a camera to capture breathtaking moments.
Yes, extensive travel insurance that will coveremergency helicopter evacuation,high-altitude trekking and medical treatment is highly recommended for the Upper Mustang Heli Trek.
Write a Review
