Muktinath Trip Cost: Permits, Transport & Budget Breakdown
Muktinath is pricier than a lowland pilgrimage because of the altitude and remoteness. Everyone needs an ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) even by road, and your main costs are transport (flight or jeep) and mountain lodging. Here is a clear NPR breakdown.
Permits: ACAP Is Mandatory
Muktinath lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so an ACAP permit is required for every visitor, even if you only drive or fly in, not just for trekkers. Buy it in Pokhara, Kathmandu or Besisahar before you go; checkpoints along the route will ask to see it.
| Permit | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP (foreigners) | NPR 3,000 | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit; required for all visitors |
| ACAP (SAARC / Indian) | NPR 1,000 | Reduced rate for SAARC-country citizens |
| TIMS card (trekkers only) | NPR 1,000–2,000 | Needed if trekking in; not required if you only drive or fly |
Transport Costs
| Item | Cost (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pokhara–Jomsom flight (one way) | 8,000–12,000 | 20–25 min mountain flight; varies by season |
| Shared jeep (Jomsom–Muktinath) | 1,500–3,000 | Per seat, one way; private jeep costs more |
| Private jeep (Pokhara round trip) | 30,000–50,000 | 2–3 day package; split among a group to reduce cost |
| Helicopter charter (Pokhara) | Premium (quoted in lakhs) | Per charter on a shared flight; varies with group size |
See the full route comparison in the how to reach guide. Trekkers walking in on the Annapurna Circuit or Jomsom–Muktinath trail should budget a guide at roughly NPR 3,500–4,500/day and a porter at NPR 2,500–3,500/day.
Lodging, Food & On-the-Ground
Prices climb with altitude, so mountain lodging and meals cost more than in the lowlands.
- Lodge room (Ranipauwa / Jomsom): around NPR 800–3,000/night depending on comfort and heating.
- Dal bhat set: roughly NPR 500–900; the local Thakali thali is a highlight.
- Temple entry: none, there is no entry fee.
- Pony or porter for the final climb to the temple gate, plus tips, add a little more.
- Carry cash: ATMs in Jomsom are scarce and unreliable at altitude, so bring enough Nepali rupees from Pokhara for the whole trip.
Sample Budgets
Budget on the ground at roughly NPR 4,000–8,000 per day, depending on how you travel. Rough shapes:
- Shared-jeep pilgrim trip (cheapest): ACAP NPR 3,000 + shared jeeps + basic lodges and dal bhat. The most economical way to reach the temple.
- Fly-in, jeep-up (fastest scheduled): ACAP NPR 3,000 + Pokhara–Jomsom flight NPR 8,000–12,000 each way + jeep + lodging, done in 2–3 days with a weather buffer.
- Private jeep for a group: ACAP per person + a NPR 30,000–50,000 round-trip jeep split across the group, comfortable and flexible over 2–3 days.
- Helicopter (premium): the fastest and most comfortable, but quoted in lakhs of rupees, popular with older pilgrims short on time.
Because flight and jeep fares are revised periodically, confirm current prices when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to Muktinath cost?
Costs depend on how you travel. A shared-jeep pilgrimage with basic lodges is cheapest; the ACAP permit is NPR 3,000 for foreigners (NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals), a one-way Pokhara–Jomsom flight is roughly NPR 8,000–12,000, a private jeep round trip NPR 30,000–50,000, and helicopter charters are a premium option quoted in lakhs. Budget roughly NPR 4,000–8,000 per day on the ground.
Do I need a permit to visit Muktinath by road?
Yes. Muktinath is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the ACAP permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals) is required for every visitor, even if you only drive or fly in rather than trek. Buy it in Pokhara, Kathmandu or Besisahar; checkpoints on the route will ask to see it.
How much is the ACAP permit for Muktinath?
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC-country citizens. It is mandatory for all visitors to Muktinath, including those arriving by jeep, flight or helicopter, not only trekkers.
How much is the Pokhara to Jomsom flight?
Roughly NPR 8,000–12,000 one way, varying by season, for the 20–25 minute mountain flight. From Jomsom you then need a jeep (about NPR 1,500–3,000 per seat, shared) up to Ranipauwa. Fares are revised periodically, so confirm when you book.
Should I carry cash for Muktinath?
Yes, carry enough Nepali rupees from Pokhara for the whole trip. ATMs at altitude, including in Jomsom, are scarce and unreliable, and you will need cash for permits, jeeps, lodges, food, ponies, offerings and tips. There is no entry fee for the temple itself.
By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated July 1, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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