Muktinath witnessed a notable surge in air traffic as eight helicopter flights operated in a single day, carrying pilgrims between Kathmandu and the popular religious destination. According to the Jomsom Civil Aviation Office, several private helicopter companies operated round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Muktinath.
The services carried a total of 32 Indian pilgrims visiting the sacred site. Jomsom Airport Chief Deepak Pokhrel said the number of helicopter operations was unusually high for the monsoon season and marked the first time such a large number of helicopter flights had been recorded during the rainy period. Five private helicopter operators, Air Dynasty, Altitude Air, Everest Helicopter, Annapurna Helicopter, and Simrik Air, conducted direct flights between Kathmandu and Muktinath.
Pokhara–Jomsom Air Service Resumes After Two Months
Meanwhile, the Pokhara–Jomsom regular air service has also resumed after remaining suspended for nearly two months. Summit Air operated three flights on the first day of the service’s resumption. According to Summit Air’s Jomsom Station In-charge Suman Thakali, the service had been halted since May 16 and restarted on Monday. The airline carried 48 Indian passengers on its first day back in operation.
Improved Air Connectivity Supports Mustang Tourism Mainly Muktinath
The return of the Pokhara–Jomsom service, together with increased helicopter operations to Muktinath, is expected to improve air access to Mustang and its major pilgrimage attractions. Muktinath remains an important destination for religious visitors, particularly from India, while Jomsom serves as a key gateway for travellers exploring Mustang. However, Tara Air has not yet resumed its Pokhara–Jomsom flights, according to the report. Overall, the increased helicopter movement and renewed regular air service highlight the continuing demand for pilgrimage and tourism travel to the Mustang region.
