Muktinath by Flight: How to Reach the Temple, What to Expect and What It Costs

Last updated 10 October 2026.

Short answer: The easiest way to reach Muktinath when scheduled flights run is to fly Kathmandu to Pokhara, then Pokhara to Jomsom, and take a jeep up to the temple at about 3,800 m. Our 5-day tour does this with a spare day for the weather, from USD 1,820 per person for 2 to 4 people, but it is paused while scheduled flights are stopped and returns when they do. For now our 6-day jeep pilgrimage goes by road, from USD 1,395 per person for 2 to 4 people. The road from Pokhara to Jomsom was damaged in the September floods and is repaired and open to vehicles again as of 14 October 2026.

Scheduled Pokhara–Jomsom flights stopped on 19–21 October 2026 for about five months (charter flights still run), so for now we go by road. The Beni–Jomsom road is open again after the September floods but slow in places (checked 26 October 2026). Until then, our jeep pilgrimage is the way to go.

Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Many of the people who write to me are older pilgrims who cannot walk for days, or families bringing a parent. For them the route matters as much as the temple. The flight tour is paused for now, so see our Muktinath Jeep Pilgrimage, 6 Days page for what runs today. When the flights return, the flight tour returns with them. On that tour a licensed guide goes with you for all five days.

How do you reach Muktinath?

I also run a Muktinath helicopter day tour from Pokhara. You fly there and back in one day, in a private helicopter for your group of up to four, with time on the ground at the temple if the weather allows a landing. The pilot makes the final call on the day. The price depends on your group size, and it is on the Muktinath Helicopter Day Tour from Pokhara page.

What does the 5-day tour look like?

The spare day on day 3 is there because mountain flights do not always leave on time. One delay does not cost you the temple. If the weather stops the flights for longer, we rebook the next available flight and tell you what it means for your onward travel.

How high is Muktinath, and is it safe for older pilgrims?

The temple is at about 3,800 m. Some maps give 3,710 m, so you may see both figures. You sleep at Jomsom, 2,720 m, which is lower than the temple, but you fly straight to 2,720 m, so walk slowly and drink plenty. Our guide carries a pulse oximeter. Tell us about any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition before you book, and ask your doctor if you are over 65.

What is Muktinath?

For Hindus it is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holiest shrines of Lord Vishnu, and pilgrims bathe under the 108 water spouts known as Muktidhara. For Buddhists the complex is Chumig Gyatsa, "hundred waters", linked to Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have meditated here. Hindus and Buddhists worship in the same complex. Temple entry is included in the tour price. The tour also visits Kagbeni and Marpha. My guides to Kagbeni and Jomsom describe them.

When is the best time to go?

Who is this tour for?

It is for pilgrims, for older travellers, for families bringing a parent, and for anyone who wants Muktinath without the Annapurna Circuit. There is no trekking, the days are short, and the group size is 1 to 8. It is graded Moderate because of the altitude and the flights, not because of any hard walking. If you are fit and want to arrive on foot, the circuit is the other way in, but it takes many days and a different plan.

What can go wrong?

The flights and the road. Jomsom flights run in the morning only, and wind or cloud can cancel them. Small aircraft have tight baggage limits, so pack light. The Beni to Jomsom road was damaged in the floods and is repaired and open to vehicles again as of 14 October 2026. We check the flight and the road 48 hours before departure, and if it is not open we move your dates free. My update on the Jomsom road has the current position. Extra nights caused by a weather delay are not included in the price.

How much does it cost?

Prices are per person and are the live prices on the trip page. The tour includes the flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara and between Pokhara and Jomsom with your guide, airport transfers, a private jeep for the Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath and Marpha days, four nights, a licensed guide, the Annapurna Conservation Area permit, the TIMS card and Muktinath temple entry. Budget gives you simple twin-share rooms and breakfast. Standard gives you private rooms and all meals. Luxury gives you private rooms with an ensuite bathroom where the lodge has one, and all meals. Lodge standards in Jomsom are modest on all three, and I would rather say that now. Kathmandu hotel nights, international flights, the Nepal visa, insurance and tips are not included.

What are the terms?

Group size is 1 to 8, and every tour is private. Buy travel insurance at home that covers domestic flights, altitude up to 4,000 m and trip delays. We do not recommend insurance bought in Nepal. You can reschedule free of charge with at least 72 hours notice, to any date within one year. The 10 per cent deposit itself is not refunded if you cancel. The balance is paid on arrival in Kathmandu, in USD or EUR, cash or by card. Card carries 3.5 per cent and cash carries none. We do not take Nepali rupees from foreign clients. We tell you your guide's name after you book. Tell us if you are vegetarian or eat no egg, and we tell every lodge.

Questions people ask

How do I get to Muktinath from Kathmandu? Fly to Pokhara, fly to Jomsom the next morning, and take a jeep to the temple. Our tour does this over five days.

Is the road from Pokhara to Jomsom open? Yes. As of 14 October 2026 the Beni to Jomsom road is repaired and open to vehicles again, and we can quote a private 4WD drive from Pokhara instead of the flight.

What if the Jomsom flight is cancelled? Day 3 is a spare day, so one delay does not cost you the temple. If the weather stops the flights for longer, we rebook the next available flight.

How high is Muktinath? About 3,800 m. Jomsom, where you sleep, is 2,720 m.

How much does the Muktinath tour cost? For 2 to 4 people it is USD 1,820 on Budget, USD 2,000 on Standard and USD 2,560 on Luxury per person. A solo traveller pays USD 2,560, USD 2,805 or USD 3,895.

Is it suitable for elderly pilgrims? It involves no trekking, but the altitude is real. Tell us about any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition, and ask your doctor if you are over 65.

Do I need a permit? Yes, the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card. We arrange both and they are in the price.

What is the best time to visit? March to November. Nights are cold from November to March.

How do you book?

Message me on WhatsApp on +977 9810351300 with your dates, how many of you are travelling and your ages, and I will tell you straight what is realistic and send the exact quote.

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday, from a family of three generations of family guides. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.