Muktinath Helicopter Tour from Pokhara
A private helicopter from Pokhara up the Kali Gandaki gorge to Muktinath, the temple sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, with time for darshan and the 108 water spouts, and back in Pokhara the same morning.
About 3 hours from Pokhara · Mustang & Muktinath · From US$ 2,290
Enquire- Duration
- About 3 hours from Pokhara
- Destination
- Mustang & Muktinath
Overview
Muktinath is one of Nepal’s holiest places. Hindus worship Vishnu here as Muktinath, the giver of liberation, and Buddhists know it as Chumig Gyatsa, the “hundred waters”. Reaching it by road from Pokhara takes a full day or more each way.
By private helicopter it takes about half an hour. You fly up the Kali Gandaki gorge, with Dhaulagiri on one side and the Annapurnas on the other, into the dry valleys of Mustang.
At Muktinath you walk up to the temple for darshan, bathe beneath the 108 water spouts if you wish, and visit Jwala Mai, where a natural flame burns beside water. Then you fly back to Pokhara.
Highlights
- Darshan at Muktinath temple, about 3,700 m
- The 108 water spouts and the sacred flame at Jwala Mai
- Flight up the Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- Private helicopter — no trekking or long drive
- A priest for puja arranged on request
Gallery
The flight
Early pickup from your Pokhara hotel and a private helicopter flight of about 30 minutes up the Kali Gandaki gorge to the helipad below Muktinath.
A short, steep walk up to the temple (about 3,700 m) for darshan, the 108 water spouts and the Jwala Mai flame, with a priest for puja if you have asked for one. The pilot sets the time on the ground by the weather, usually up to about an hour.
Fly back down the gorge to Pokhara and transfer to your hotel, usually before midday.
What’s included
Included
- Private helicopter Pokhara – Muktinath – Pokhara
- Pickup and drop between your Pokhara hotel and the airport
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- A priest for puja, arranged on request
- Airport taxes
Not included
- Flights or transfers between Kathmandu and Pokhara (we can arrange them)
- Hotel in Pokhara
- Puja offerings and donations at the temple
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
Dates & departures
Flights leave early in the morning, when the gorge is calmest and clearest. Muktinath itself is dry most of the year, but cloud lower in the gorge can delay flights, especially in the monsoon, so keep a spare morning in Pokhara. A flight from Kathmandu is possible at a higher price — ask us. Price per person, based on two guests sharing the private helicopter.
Questions, answered
Is this tour only for Hindu pilgrims?
No. Muktinath is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, and visitors of every faith are welcome. Many guests come for the flight and the setting as much as the temple.
Is the altitude a concern?
You spend only a short time at about 3,700 m. Walk up to the temple slowly, rest on the steps and drink water; most people feel fine. Tell us about any heart or breathing condition before you book.
Can we fly from Kathmandu instead?
Yes. A flight from Kathmandu takes longer and costs more. Tell us your dates and we will send a quote.
What if the weather is bad?
Helicopters only fly in good visibility. If the morning is cloudy we wait for a window or move the flight to the next suitable day.
Is the price per person?
Yes. The price shown is per person for two guests sharing the private helicopter. Tell us your group size and we will send an exact quote.
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