Pokhara – Jomsom – Muktinath
Muktinath Helicopter Tour from Pokhara
A pilgrimage flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, to the temple of Muktinath (3,710 m), sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. There's time for darshan and the 108 water spouts.
3,710 mlanding, Muktinath
- Duration
- About 3 hours
- Departs
- Pokhara, around 6:30
- Landing
- Muktinath, about 3,710 m
- Time on the ground
- About 1 hour
- Group size
- 1 to 5 per helicopter
- Best months
- All year except the July–August monsoon
Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalaya. For Hindus it's Mukti Kshetra, a place of liberation sacred to Vishnu; for Buddhists it's Chumig Gyatsa, the hundred springs, where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Behind the pagoda-roofed temple, 108 bull-headed spouts pour out icy water, and pilgrims run beneath every single one before bathing in the two pools. Bracing is one word for it!
From Pokhara, the helicopter flies into the Kali Gandaki, one of the deepest gorges on earth, with Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) on your left and the Annapurna and Nilgiri peaks on your right. It lands near the temple, giving you about an hour for darshan, the springs and the little Jwala Mai shrine, where a natural gas flame burns beside running water.
The return flight follows the same gorge, past Jomsom and Kagbeni. If you'd like to perform puja without rushing, just ask us for a longer stop.
Highlights
- Darshan at Muktinath temple (3,710 m)
- The 108 water spouts and the Jwala Mai flame
- Fly the Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- About an hour on the ground for prayers
Price per person by group size
You hire the whole helicopter, and its cost is shared between everyone on board. Travelling solo or as a couple? Ask about a shared seat, which costs the lowest price.
| Passengers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | US$3,586each |
| 2 people | US$1,793each |
| 3 people | US$1,195each |
| 4 people | US$896each |
| 5 people | US$718each |
Flight plan
Pokhara to Muktinath and back
- Hotel pickup in Pokhara and take off soon after sunrise.
- Fly up the Kali Gandaki gorge past Tatopani, Jomsom and Kagbeni, about 30 minutes.
- Land near the temple: darshan, the 108 spouts, the two pools and Jwala Mai.
- Fly back down the gorge to Pokhara and drive to your hotel.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by private car
- Your seat on the helicopter, with all landing and route charges
- Airport and government taxes
- Passenger insurance held by the helicopter operator
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Meals unless listed
- Tips and personal spending
- Offerings and puja costs
Good to know
- Where we meet you
- Your hotel in Pokhara. Starting in Kathmandu? Ask for the Kathmandu price.
- Cancellation
- If the weather grounds your flight, you can move it to the next clear day or have a full refund. If you cancel more than 10 days before the flight, we refund half of what you've paid; within 10 days, the deposit isn't refundable. Booking terms
- Notes
- From the landing to the temple is about a 10-minute walk, uphill and on steps. We can arrange porters or horses for older pilgrims.
- The afternoon wind in the Kali Gandaki is strong, which is why this flight goes early.
Questions
Can older pilgrims manage the altitude?
Most do. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and skip the pools if you feel unwell. Please tell us about any heart or lung condition when you book.
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