{"id":524,"date":"2026-09-14T13:21:41","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T13:21:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/rajan-dev\/nepalhelicopters\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T13:21:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T13:21:41","slug":"helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Everest: Helicopter Flights to Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Makalu and Kanchenjunga"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Nepal Helicopter Service | Kathmandu, Nepal<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Most helicopter tours in Nepal head for Everest, and for good reason. But Nepal has eight of the world&#8217;s fourteen highest mountains, and some of its most memorable flights go to places that see only a handful of visitors a year.<\/p>\n<p>These routes are longer, need more planning and cost more than Everest. In return you get empty landing sites, remote cultures and mountains most travellers only know from maps. Here are the four we are asked about most, plus one bonus lake.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aa9b9bcdd403\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aa9b9bcdd403\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#at-a-glance\" >At a glance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#upper-mustang-the-old-kingdom-of-lo\" >Upper Mustang: the old Kingdom of Lo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#manaslu-the-eighth-highest-mountain\" >Manaslu: the eighth-highest mountain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#makalu-base-camp-the-fifth-highest-mountain\" >Makalu Base Camp: the fifth-highest mountain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#kanchenjunga-the-third-highest-mountain\" >Kanchenjunga: the third-highest mountain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#bonus-shey-phoksundo-lake-in-dolpo\" >Bonus: Shey Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#planning-a-remote-helicopter-flight\" >Planning a remote helicopter flight<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#quick-answers\" >Quick answers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#which-remote-helicopter-tour-in-nepal-is-best\" >Which remote helicopter tour in Nepal is best?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#do-you-need-permits-for-helicopter-tours-to-restricted-areas\" >Do you need permits for helicopter tours to restricted areas?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/helicopter-flights-beyond-everest-mustang-manaslu-makalu-kanchenjunga\/#how-long-do-remote-helicopter-tours-in-nepal-take\" >How long do remote helicopter tours in Nepal take?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"at-a-glance\"><\/span>At a glance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Destination<\/th>\n<th>Landing altitude<\/th>\n<th>Fuel stop<\/th>\n<th>Special permit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)<\/td>\n<td>About 3,840 m<\/td>\n<td>Pokhara \/ Jomsom<\/td>\n<td>Yes, restricted area<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Manaslu (Samagaun)<\/td>\n<td>3,530 m<\/td>\n<td>Usually none<\/td>\n<td>Yes, restricted area<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Makalu Base Camp<\/td>\n<td>About 4,870 m<\/td>\n<td>Tumlingtar<\/td>\n<td>National park permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kanchenjunga Base Camp<\/td>\n<td>About 4,730&ndash;5,143 m<\/td>\n<td>Taplejung<\/td>\n<td>Yes, restricted area<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"upper-mustang-the-old-kingdom-of-lo\"><\/span>Upper Mustang: the old Kingdom of Lo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>North of the Annapurna range, Upper Mustang looks nothing like the rest of Nepal. It is a high desert of red and ochre cliffs, cave dwellings and whitewashed villages, with the walled town of Lo Manthang at its heart. Because it sits in the rain shadow, it is one of the few Himalayan areas you can often visit during the monsoon.<\/p>\n<p>The helicopter usually refuels in Pokhara and follows the Kali Gandaki valley north past Jomsom. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so every passenger who lands needs a special permit arranged through an agency, and it takes some days to process. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/upper-mustang-helicopter-tour.html\">Upper Mustang helicopter tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"manaslu-the-eighth-highest-mountain\"><\/span>Manaslu: the eighth-highest mountain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Manaslu (8,163 metres) is the highest peak that lies entirely inside Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit trek has become popular, but the upper valley is still far quieter than Everest.<\/p>\n<p>The flight from Kathmandu takes about an hour and lands near Samagaun, a Tibetan-influenced village at 3,530 metres, right below the mountain&#8217;s glaciers. On clear days the pilot can add a loop towards Manaslu Base Camp. Samagaun is in a restricted area, so permits are needed here too. Details are on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/manaslu-helicopter-tour.html\">Manaslu helicopter tour<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"makalu-base-camp-the-fifth-highest-mountain\"><\/span>Makalu Base Camp: the fifth-highest mountain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Makalu (8,485 metres) is a sharp, four-sided pyramid just east of Everest. Its base camp, at about 4,870 metres in the Barun valley, is so remote that trekkers spend around two weeks getting there and back.<\/p>\n<p>By helicopter you fly east to Tumlingtar in the Arun valley to refuel, then up through Makalu Barun National Park to land beneath Makalu&#8217;s south face. It is one of the most dramatic flights in Nepal and one of the least crowded. A national park permit is needed. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/makalu-base-camp-helicopter-tour.html\">Makalu Base Camp helicopter tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"kanchenjunga-the-third-highest-mountain\"><\/span>Kanchenjunga: the third-highest mountain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kanchenjunga (8,586 metres) stands on Nepal&#8217;s far eastern border with Sikkim. The full trek takes around three weeks, which puts it out of reach for most visitors.<\/p>\n<p>The helicopter refuels at Suketar airport in Taplejung, then lands at Pangpema, the north base camp at about 5,143 metres, or at Oktang below the south face, depending on the weather. Many travellers add a stop at the hilltop Pathibhara Devi Temple on the way back. The base camps are in a restricted area. Read more on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/kanchenjunga-base-camp-helicopter-tour.html\">Kanchenjunga Base Camp helicopter tour<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bonus-shey-phoksundo-lake-in-dolpo\"><\/span>Bonus: Shey Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you are drawn to lakes rather than peaks, Shey Phoksundo in Dolpo is extraordinary. It is Nepal&#8217;s deepest lake, a vivid turquoise bowl at about 3,611 metres beside the village of Ringmo. Flights start from Nepalgunj, so plan an extra night. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/shey-phoksundo-lake-helicopter-tour.html\">Shey Phoksundo helicopter tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"planning-a-remote-helicopter-flight\"><\/span>Planning a remote helicopter flight<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Start early.<\/strong> Restricted-area permits need passport copies and a few working days, so don&#8217;t leave booking to the last minute.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expect a longer day.<\/strong> With fuel stops, most of these tours take four to five hours.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be flexible with dates.<\/strong> Weather must be good at the fuel stop and the landing site. Keep a spare day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Share the helicopter.<\/strong> These flights are priced per helicopter, so the cost per person falls when more of your group flies together.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Respect the altitude.<\/strong> Makalu and Kanchenjunga landings are close to 5,000 metres. Stops are short, and fewer passengers may land together.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pick the right season.<\/strong> October and November are usually the clearest, followed by March to May. Upper Mustang can also work in the monsoon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"quick-answers\"><\/span>Quick answers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"which-remote-helicopter-tour-in-nepal-is-best\"><\/span>Which remote helicopter tour in Nepal is best?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It depends on what you want. Upper Mustang for culture and desert landscapes, Manaslu for a shorter flight to a huge mountain, and Makalu or Kanchenjunga for the most remote high base camps.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do-you-need-permits-for-helicopter-tours-to-restricted-areas\"><\/span>Do you need permits for helicopter tours to restricted areas?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Upper Mustang, Manaslu and Kanchenjunga are restricted areas, so every passenger who lands needs a special permit arranged through a registered agency.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-long-do-remote-helicopter-tours-in-nepal-take\"><\/span>How long do remote helicopter tours in Nepal take?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Manaslu takes around three to four hours from Kathmandu. Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Upper Mustang usually take four to five hours because of fuel stops.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ready to go further than Everest?<\/strong> Tell us which region interests you and your dates, and we will send routes, permit requirements and a price. WhatsApp +977 9818392976.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Permit rules and fees for Nepal&#8217;s restricted areas change from time to time. We confirm the current requirements when you book.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everest gets the crowds. These four helicopter flights take you to Nepal&#8217;s quieter giants and hidden valleys, from the walled city of Lo Manthang to the foot of Kanchenjunga.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":525,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[144,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-helicopter-tour-information","category-helicopter-tour-package"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=524"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/525"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nepalhelicopters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}