Shinta Mani Mustang

Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, about 20 minutes, then a short transfer to the hotel. Flights run only in the morning because strong winds rise in the Kali Gandaki valley by midday, and cloud often delays them, so we build a spare day into every Mustang journey. The alternative is a long drive of about 160 km, 7–9 hours, on a rough road from Pokhara.

Jomsom lies at about 2,720 m, high enough that some guests feel breathless or sleep poorly on the first night. Serious altitude sickness is uncommon at this height, but we keep the first day light and avoid Muktinath, at 3,710 m, until the second or third day. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on the first evening and tell your guide about any headache.

April to October. Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurnas, so it stays mostly dry through the monsoon, when much of Nepal is wet, though Jomsom flights are still affected by cloud. Spring and autumn bring clear skies and the best mountain views. Winter is very cold and windy; check current status before you travel for seasonal closures.