Pokhara to Jomsom: Flight, Jeep and Bus Guide
The Pokhara to Jomsom flight takes about 20 minutes and only runs in the morning. For foreign travellers a one way ticket is roughly USD 100 to 160, and the baggage limit is usually around 10kg checked plus 5kg hand luggage. Flights are often delayed or cancelled by wind and cloud, and they stop for part of the monsoon.
By road, it’s about 158km and takes most of a day: around 7 to 9 hours by private jeep, or 9 hours or more by bus. Jomsom is the gateway to Muktinath, the lower Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang.
- Flight: about 20 minutes, morning only, weather dependent
- Flight price: roughly USD 100 to 160 one way for foreigners
- Baggage: usually around 10kg checked plus 5kg hand luggage
- Private jeep: about 7 to 9 hours
- Bus or shared jeep: most of a day
- Road distance: about 158km
- Route: Pokhara, Kusma, Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Lete, Marpha, Jomsom
- Gateway to: Muktinath, the Annapurna Circuit, Lower and Upper Mustang
Last updated: October 2026
Trekking from Jomsom?
These treks use the Pokhara to Jomsom route. We sort the transport, permits, guide and hotels so you don’t have to.
Pokhara to Jomsom by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to reach Jomsom. The flight takes about 20 minutes on a small plane, and you fly up the Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. It’s one of the most scenic short flights in Nepal.
Flight times
Flights only run in the morning, usually from early morning until late morning. Strong winds blow up the Kali Gandaki valley from around midday, so planes don’t fly in the afternoon. If the morning weather is poor, flights are held and may be cancelled for the day.
Airlines
Tara Air, part of the Yeti Airlines group, is the main operator on this route. Other domestic airlines sometimes run flights depending on the season. Check which airlines are flying when you book.
Flight price
For foreign travellers, a one way ticket is roughly USD 100 to 160. Nepali citizens pay a lower local fare. Prices change with the season and fuel surcharges, so confirm the fare when you book.
Baggage allowance
The baggage limit is strict on these small planes. It’s usually around 10kg of checked luggage plus about 5kg of hand luggage per person. Extra weight is charged per kilo, and on a full flight it may have to follow on a later plane. Leave anything you don’t need at your hotel in Pokhara.
When the flight doesn’t run
Delays and cancellations are common. Regular flights also stop during part of the monsoon, usually starting again in late August or September, and can be reduced in winter. If your flight is cancelled, the usual backup is a jeep by road, which takes most of a day. Don’t connect a Jomsom flight to an international departure without at least one spare day.
On our Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek, we drive out from Jomsom instead of flying, with a night at the Tatopani hot springs on the way. It avoids the flight uncertainty completely.
Pokhara to Jomsom by Jeep
The road follows the Kali Gandaki river north from Pokhara. A typical route passes through:
Pokhara, Kusma, Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Lete, Marpha, Jomsom
The road from Pokhara to Beni is the easy part. North of Beni it becomes a rougher mountain road. Depending on the vehicle, traffic and road conditions, a private jeep takes roughly 7 to 9 hours to reach Jomsom. Some travellers break the journey with a night in Tatopani rather than spending the whole day in a vehicle.
Pokhara to Jomsom by Bus
Buses also run between Pokhara and Jomsom. They’re cheaper than a private jeep, but slower, with more stops. The journey usually takes around 9 hours or more, leaving in the morning and arriving in the afternoon.
If you’re travelling on your own and keeping costs down, the bus makes sense. For trekkers with bigger bags or a small group, a jeep is usually more comfortable.
Pokhara to Jomsom Cost
The cost depends mainly on whether you take the bus, a shared jeep, a private jeep or the flight.
| Transport | Approx. cost one way | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | NPR 1,000 to 1,300 | 8 to 10 hours |
| Shared jeep | NPR 1,500 to 2,500 per person | 7 to 9 hours |
| Private jeep | NPR 20,000 to 28,000 per vehicle | 7 to 9 hours |
| Flight | Roughly USD 100 to 160 (foreigners) | About 20 minutes |
These are general 2026 price ranges, not fixed fares. Prices change by operator, vehicle, season and demand. Nepal’s domestic fuel surcharge was also cut in January 2026, so older articles quoting flight prices may be out of date. Always confirm the fare when you book.
What Is the Road Like?
The road isn’t one smooth highway. It has paved sections near Pokhara and rougher mountain road further north, especially beyond Beni.
The section beyond Beni can be slow, especially after heavy rain. Landslides, roadworks and local conditions can all cause delays. The road was blocked in many places after heavy rain in late September 2026, but it was fully open again by mid October 2026. Conditions can still change after rain, so don’t plan around an exact arrival time, and if you’re catching a flight from Jomsom, leave plenty of extra time.
What You See on the Way
The drive is one of the reasons some travellers skip the flight. You pass through some of the best villages in the Kali Gandaki valley:
- Tatopani: natural hot springs by the river, surrounded by steep green hills
- Ghasa: where the landscape starts to change as you move into Mustang
- Lete: a higher mountain village with big peaks and forested slopes
- Tukuche: an old Thakali trading village with wide mountain views
- Marpha: famous for its whitewashed Thakali houses, apple orchards and apple brandy
- Jomsom: the main transport and administrative centre of Mustang, and the stop for Kagbeni and Muktinath
Flying gets you to Jomsom fast. Driving lets you see the valley.
Jomsom to Muktinath
If you’re heading to Muktinath, Jomsom is the last big stop. Muktinath sits at around 3,800m, much higher than Jomsom at about 2,700m. The road continues north from Jomsom through Kagbeni to Muktinath, about 1 to 2 hours by jeep.
Most people who aren’t trekking take a jeep for this section. If you’re trekking the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll usually walk it the other way, down from Muktinath to Jomsom after crossing Thorong La.
Pokhara to Jomsom for the Annapurna Circuit
Most Annapurna Circuit trekkers use Jomsom on the way out, not the way in. After crossing Thorong La and walking down to Muktinath and Jomsom, you either fly or drive back to Pokhara. A few itineraries do it in reverse, starting from Jomsom, but that means a much faster climb to the pass, which isn’t ideal for acclimatisation.
If you’re budgeting for the full trek, see our Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost guide, or our Tilicho Lake trek guide if you’re thinking of adding the detour to Tilicho.
Pokhara to Jomsom for Upper Mustang
Jomsom is also the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Jomsom you continue north to Kagbeni, where the restricted area begins.
Upper Mustang needs a restricted area permit, which can only be arranged through a registered trekking agency, and a licensed guide must travel with you. See our Upper Mustang Trek Cost guide for current permit fees and package prices.
Flight vs Jeep: Which Should You Choose?
It comes down to your time, budget and how you feel about long drives.
| Flight | Jeep | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | About 20 minutes | About 7 to 9 hours |
| Cost | Higher | Lower when shared |
| Weather | Often delayed or cancelled | Rain and landslides can slow it |
| Baggage | Strict limit | No real limit |
| Scenery | Mountain views from the air | The whole Kali Gandaki valley |
| Best for | Saving time | Reliability and seeing the route |
You don’t have to do both ways the same. Some travellers fly to Jomsom and drive back, or the other way round.
Best Time to Travel from Pokhara to Jomsom
- March to May: good mountain views, and flights usually running
- June to September: monsoon rain affects the lower road, and regular flights stop for part of this period
- October and November: the busiest and most reliable time, so book flights early
- December to February: cold, and flights can be reduced or suspended depending on weather and demand
Upper Mustang sits in the rain shadow and stays fairly dry in the monsoon, which is why it’s a popular summer trek. But the road from Pokhara still crosses lower valleys where monsoon rain can cause landslides.
Practical Tips for the Journey
- Start early. Whether you fly, drive or take the bus, an early start helps.
- Keep a spare day. Don’t connect a Jomsom flight straight to an international departure.
- Pack light for the flight. Stay within the baggage limit and leave extra things in Pokhara.
- Check the road. Conditions change after heavy rain or roadworks.
- Carry cash. Small towns and roadside stops rarely take cards.
- Bring warm layers. Jomsom is at about 2,700m and windy, and feels much colder than Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom?
About 20 minutes. It flies up the Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
How much is the Pokhara to Jomsom flight?
Roughly USD 100 to 160 one way for foreign travellers. Nepali citizens pay a lower fare. Prices change with the season, so confirm when you book.
What is the baggage limit on the Jomsom flight?
Usually around 10kg checked plus about 5kg hand luggage. Extra weight is charged per kilo, and on a full flight it may have to follow on a later plane.
Why do Jomsom flights only fly in the morning?
Because of the wind. Strong winds blow up the Kali Gandaki valley from around midday, which makes landing at Jomsom unsafe for small planes.
Is there a flight from Pokhara to Mustang?
Yes, to Jomsom, the main airport in Mustang. There are no regular flights into Upper Mustang itself. From Jomsom you continue by jeep or on foot through Kagbeni.
How far is Jomsom from Pokhara?
About 158km by road. It’s not far on a map, but the mountain road makes it most of a day’s drive.
How long does Pokhara to Jomsom take by road?
Around 7 to 9 hours by private jeep in normal conditions, and 9 hours or more by bus. Landslides and roadworks can make it longer.
How do I get from Jomsom back to Pokhara?
The same ways, in reverse. Take the morning flight, or a jeep or bus down the Kali Gandaki valley. Many trekkers drive with a night in Tatopani to break the journey and enjoy the hot springs.
Can I go from Pokhara to Muktinath directly?
Yes. You can drive through Jomsom and Kagbeni to Muktinath in a long day, or fly to Jomsom and take a jeep from there.
Can I fly to Jomsom and return to Pokhara by jeep?
Yes. It’s a good way to enjoy the flight and still see the Kali Gandaki valley on the way back.
Further Reading
- Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost
- Tilicho Lake Trek Guide
- Upper Mustang Trek
- Upper Mustang Trek Cost
- Kathmandu to Besisahar
Last reviewed October 2026. Flight schedules, fares and road conditions change, so check with us before you travel.
