Helicopter Rescue from Mustang

Mustang lies in the rain shadow north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and its trails climb high quickly. Muktinath is at 3,710 m, Lo Manthang at about 3,840 m and the Thorong La pass on the Annapurna Circuit at 5,416 m, while the nearest full hospitals are in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Strong afternoon winds in the Kali Gandaki valley also limit flying to the morning on many days.

When a trekker, pilgrim or climber needs urgent care, a helicopter is usually the fastest way down. Nepal Helicopter Service arranges rescue flights from the whole district: Lower Mustang (Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni and Muktinath), the restricted area of Upper Mustang (Ghami, Tsarang and Lo Manthang) and the Mustang side of Thorong La.

We fly only when the patient needs it. Before the helicopter leaves, our team speaks with your guide and, where possible, a doctor or your insurer, so the flight is medically justified and the insurance claim is straightforward.

Mustang Helicopter Rescue at a Glance

• Rescue from Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni, Muktinath, Thorong La (Mustang side), Ghami, Tsarang and Lo Manthang
• Helicopter sent from Pokhara or Kathmandu as soon as the weather allows
• Patients flown to hospitals in Pokhara or Kathmandu
• Morning flights preferred: strong afternoon winds blow up the Kali Gandaki valley
• Direct coordination with your travel insurer, guide and hospital
• No flight without a clear medical reason

Where We Rescue From in Mustang

Jomsom and Lower Mustang

Jomsom (2,720 m) has an airport and is the main base for flights in the district. Marpha, Kagbeni and the villages along the Kali Gandaki are only minutes away once a helicopter is in the valley.

Muktinath and Thorong La

Muktinath (3,710 m) is where trekkers arrive after crossing Thorong La (5,416 m) from Manang, and where many pilgrims arrive in a single day from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Such fast ascents make altitude sickness the most common reason for a rescue here. Pickups are possible near Muktinath and, in clear weather, at safe spots higher towards the pass.

Upper Mustang

North of Kagbeni, the restricted area of Upper Mustang includes Chele, Ghami, Tsarang and the walled town of Lo Manthang (about 3,840 m). Distances are long and the road is slow, so a helicopter is often the only quick way to reach hospital care.

Common Reasons for a Rescue

• Altitude sickness that does not improve with rest and descent, and suspected HAPE or HACE
• Falls, fractures and other injuries on the trail or road
• Severe stomach illness and dehydration
• Frostbite or hypothermia after crossing Thorong La in bad weather

How a Mustang Helicopter Rescue Works

1. Call us

Your guide, lodge, insurer or you contact our 24-hour phone or WhatsApp line with the patient's name, nationality, symptoms, exact location (GPS if possible) and insurance details.

2. Medical check and approval

We confirm the condition with your guide and, where possible, a doctor, and ask your insurer for a guarantee of payment. Without insurance, payment is agreed before take-off.

3. Clearance and take-off

The flight is cleared with the aviation authorities and a helicopter leaves Pokhara or Kathmandu at the first safe weather window.

4. Pickup

The pilot lands at the nearest safe spot. Your guide keeps the landing area clear and has the patient and their documents ready.

5. Hospital

The patient is flown to a hospital in Pokhara or Kathmandu, with an ambulance waiting where it is needed.