Getting around · Nepal
Pokhara to Jomsom & Muktinath
A scenic 20-minute STOL flight or a rough 8-9 hour jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom, then on to Muktinath — costs, times and tips.
Reaching Jomsom and the sacred temple of Muktinath from Pokhara means choosing between a thrilling 20-minute mountain flight or a long, rough 8-9 hour jeep ride up the Kali Gandaki gorge — one of the deepest in the world. Both routes climb into lower Mustang, the dramatic high desert behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. From Jomsom it is a further short jeep or walk up to Muktinath at around 3,800 m.
At a glance
| Mode | Duration | Approx cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| STOL flight | ~20 min | USD 120-160 | Early morning only, weather-dependent |
| Shared jeep | ~8-9 hrs | USD 25-45 per seat | Rough road, leaves Pokhara/Beni early |
| Private jeep | ~8-9 hrs | USD 200-350 | Whole vehicle, flexible stops |
| Bus + jeep | ~9-11 hrs | USD 15-30 | Cheapest, change at Beni or Tatopani |
By bus
There is no single comfortable bus the whole way. Most budget travellers take a local bus or shared jeep to Beni, then change to a rugged jeep that grinds up the gorge to Jomsom. It is the cheapest option but also the most tiring, with dust, bumps and long hours. Allow a full day and expect to overnight in Tatopani or Marpha if connections do not line up.
By private car or jeep
A private 4WD jeep is the practical road choice for most visitors. It still takes 8-9 hours and the road is rough beyond Beni, but you control the schedule, can stop in apple-famous Marpha or at viewpoints, and continue straight up to Muktinath without changing vehicles. A 2WD car cannot manage the upper road, so always book a proper jeep with an experienced mountain driver.
By air
The STOL flight is the highlight option: small aircraft hop from Pokhara to Jomsom in about 20 minutes, threading between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Flights run only in the early morning before the valley winds rise, and cancellations due to weather are frequent — never schedule a flight on the day you must catch an international connection. From Jomsom airstrip, a short jeep ride or a few hours' walk via Kagbeni reaches Muktinath.
Which option to choose
If your time is short and the budget allows, fly to Jomsom and take a jeep up to Muktinath — you can visit and return in a day or two. If you want to see the gorge, save money, or the flights are grounded, take a jeep up the road. Pilgrims and trekkers often fly one way and drive the other to enjoy both the views and the journey.
Tips
- Always carry buffer days for flight cancellations and road closures.
- Arrange your ACAP permit (and TIMS if trekking) in Pokhara or Kathmandu before you go.
- Mornings are clearer and less windy — start early whether flying or driving.
- It can be cold and high at Muktinath; bring warm layers even in summer.
For the bigger picture see our guide to getting around Nepal. Pairing this with other legs? Compare the Pokhara to Chitwan road trip or the trekking gateway covered in Kathmandu to Besisahar.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the journey from Pokhara to Jomsom?+
By air it is a short scenic STOL flight of about 20 minutes. By road it is a rough mountain drive of roughly 8-9 hours by jeep, longer if the weather or road conditions are poor. From Jomsom it is a further 1-2 hour jeep or a walk up to Muktinath.
Is there a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom?+
Yes. Small STOL aircraft fly the Pokhara-Jomsom route in about 20 minutes, almost always in the early morning before the mountain winds pick up. Flights are weather-dependent and cancellations are common, so build in buffer days.
How much does it cost to get from Pokhara to Muktinath?+
A one-way Pokhara-Jomsom flight is roughly USD 120-160. A shared jeep along the road is much cheaper, around USD 25-45 per seat, while a private jeep for the whole way costs considerably more. Add a short jeep fare from Jomsom up to Muktinath.
What is the road from Pokhara to Jomsom like?+
It is a rough, unpaved mountain road for much of the way beyond Beni, following the Kali Gandaki gorge. It is dusty, bumpy and slow, with river crossings and exposed sections. A 4WD jeep is essential and the drive can be tiring.
Do I need a permit for Jomsom and Muktinath?+
Yes. Jomsom and Muktinath lie within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP permit (and a TIMS card if trekking). Lower Mustang up to Muktinath is open, but Upper Mustang beyond Kagbeni needs a separate restricted-area permit.
