Annapurna Heli Tour | Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Flight from Pokhara

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Trip Facts
  • Country Nepal
  • Region Annapurna
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Duration 4 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude 4,130 m
  • Group Size 1-5
  • Starts Pokhara
  • Ends Pokhara
  • Activities Helicopter Tour
  • Best Time Spring and Autumn

The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour offers an exquisite one-day Himalayan adventure for those travelers who prefer to experience the splendor of the Annapurna regions without undertaking long treks. The luxury helicopter tour takes you to the base of the mighty Annapurna (4,130m) from Pokhara, giving you an opportunity to view the remarkable peaks, valleys, glaciers, and the traditional landscape of the mountains from a very close distance.

This trip is perfect for time-restricted tourists, families, photographers, and people looking for comfort and an adventurous experience all in one, as it presents an opportunity of a lifetime to reach Annapurna Base Camp and witness some of the most beautiful mountains in the Annapurna range, such as Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare or Fishtail, right from Annapurna Base Camp in a short landing session.

The Annapurna Heli Tour is conducted by trained pilots and administered by Altitude Quest, and the tour emphasizes safety and comfort while providing breathtaking views of the surroundings, making it one of the most popular helicopter tours in Nepal.

Highlights of Annapurna Heli Tour

  • Feel the exhilaration of flying directly to Annapurna Base Camp at 4130m with our Annapurna Base Camp flight, skipping the need to trek there over a period of days.
  • Experience the stunning close-up aerial footage of the major peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machap
  • Stand in the midst of the Annapurna Sanctuary to enjoy the breathtaking panorama of 360-degree mountain views in a safe and short landing at one of the most famous base camps in Nepal.
  • Take in the breathtaking aerial views of Pokhara Valley, farmlands, rivers, and forests along the way.
  • This is perfect for persons wishing to experience Annapurna within one day without any difficulty.
  • Conducted by experienced pilots with safety measures to ensure a comfortable journey through the Himalayan mountains.
  • Take amazing aerial and ground photos of the Annapurna region that are hard to get otherwise.
  • Altitude Quest ensures a convenient and enjoyable experience through hotel transport, airport support, and dedicated service.

Best Time for Annapurna Heli Tour

The Annapurna Heli Tour can be conducted throughout the year. However, the best seasons to do the Annapurna Heli Tour will be Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), which will see favorable weather conditions with maximum visibility. The weather will be clear with panoramic views of Annapurna Range, including Annapurna-I, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna-II. The weather will remain favorable for the short landing at Annapurna Base Camp due to moderate temperatures.

In Spring, rhododendron forests flower, and there is fresh mountain scenery, while in autumn, there is clear mountain scenery that comes after monsoon rains have cleared the atmosphere. The winter (December to February) flights, when there is clear weather, are an experience, as there is scenically beautiful snowy mountain terrain, although it might be chilly with possible flight delays due to weather conditions. The monsoon season (June to August) is not the best time, as it is cloudy, although flights might continue depending on short bursts of good weather.

Early morning departures are always preferred in this respect, as the winds are likely to be more gentle, and the views of the mountains are also very clear during this time. Altitude Quest chooses the best flying times in terms of weather conditions during an Annapurna Helicopter Tour.

Annapurna Heli Tour | Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Flight from Pokhara Itinerary

Day 01Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour

  • Max Altitude:4,130 m
  • Duration:4 hours
  • Mode of Transportation:Helicopter

06:00 AM - Hotel Pick-up at Pokhara

Your day starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel at Pokhara. Our representative will take you to Pokhara Airport for a comfortable transfer before embarking on a helicopter journey.

07:00 AM – Flight Preparation & Safety Briefing

Upon arrival at the airport, you will undergo the check-in process. Your pilot or guide will be able to assist you in the documentation process. The airport staff will give you a safety briefing. Please ensure that you are in possession of your passport.

07:30 AM - Helicopter Flight to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)

The helicopter takes off from Pokhara. There are breathtaking aerial views of the Pokhara Valley, the agricultural fields, the rivers, and the hills. As you climb up, the Annapurna range slowly appears in the backdrop with peaks like Machapuchare (also called Fishtail Mountain), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli shining in the light of the rising sun.

08:00 AM - Landing at Annapurna Base Camp 

Get to the base camp of Annapurna and take about 30 to 45 minutes to explore the site.Feel the grandeur of the Himalayan theater, take a deep breath of the cool mountain air, and click fantastic pictures of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and glaciers. 

08:45 AM - Return Flight to Pokhara 

After your stay at the base camp, board the helicopter for the return trip. Take one final birds-eye view of the Annapurna region as you descend back to Pokhara. 

09:30 AM - Arrival at Pokhara Airport & Hotel Transfer

Arriving at Pokhara Airport, you will be transported back to your hotel, and this will conclude your incredible journey to the Annapurna Range by helicopter.

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Every adventurer is different- that’s why we customize each Nepal trek or tour to match your requirements, time, budget, fitness level, and group size. Contact us today and let’s design the Himalayan journey that’s right for you.

Annapurna Heli Tour | Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Flight from Pokhara Cost Details

Includes

  • Return helicopter journey from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp
  • Arrival at Annapurna Base Camp: allocated time for exploration
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara
  • All airport transfers & aviation handling
  • Skilled Pilot & Professional Flight Crew
  • Pre-Flight Safety Briefing and In-Flight Support
  • Fuel surcharge, landing fees, and government taxes
  • Required flight permits and operating approvals

Excludes

  • Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Food and drinks not included in the itinerary
  • Suggestions for pilots, crew, or airport staff:
  • Personal expenses, such as photo equipment, souvenirs, or additional services.
  • Costs due to flight delays, rescheduling, or weather-driven cancelations
  • Any additional service not mentioned under the inclusion section.

Essential Information

Altitude and Safety Factors

The chopper will land in Annapurna Base Camp, which is 4,130 meters above sea level, resulting in low oxygen. This will pose some risks. Passengers will be advised to move slowly, drink plenty of fluids, and notify the crew in case of discomfort. The crew will be carrying oxygen in the chopper in case of an emergency.

Weather Dependency

Flights by helicopters are weather-dependent to a large extent. Unexpected changes in weather conditions may result in flights being delayed or rescheduled. Altitude Quest takes all necessary precautions to ensure that flights are operated only when favorable weather conditions are met.

Flying Weight Limit

Weight limitations for helicopters are observed strictly. The seating and refueling points depend on the aggregate weight carried by the persons. Only light daypacks are allowed in the chopper. No luggage is allowed.

Documentation Required

Passengers are expected to possess valid passports on the day of their tour. Permits, flying clearances, and landing rights are taken care of by Altitude Quest.

Clothing & Personal Gear

It is always advisable to have warm clothing, even if it is summer. A down jacket, gloves, a hat, UV sunglasses, and comfortable footwear will always come in handy due to low temperatures at the Annapurna Base Camp.

Health and Medical Advice

However, passengers with heart, lungs, or serious respiratory problems should consult a health provider before purchasing tickets. As stated, the trip is safe for healthful passengers, but physical exposure to high-altitude areas might have an impact.

Photography and Drones

Taking photographs is allowed throughout the tour, but the use of a drone is banned except when permitted by the government. Additionally, tourists are advised to comply with the guidance provided by the crew when the vehicle lands.

Responsible Tourism

Visitors are asked to respect the delicate environment in the alps and refrain from littering. It is important to protect the Annapurna region in order to conserve it for the future.

Annapurna Heli Tour | Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Flight from Pokhara FAQs

The landing at Annapurna Base Camp is possible on the basis of weather conditions, visibility, and aviation norms on the day of the flight. Though all attempts will be made to land at ABC, high winds or low visibility may cause the flight to be operated as a scenic flight instead.

The chopper usually lingers for 30 to 45 minutes at Annapurna Base Camp, which gives enough time for photography, sightseeing, and enjoying the Himalayan environment. This optimizes the benefits with minimum exposure to higher altitude.

Yes, the Annapurna Helicopter Tour is appropriate for children and seniors, but people with serious heart, lung, and altitude-related ailments should consult a doctor before engaging in the tour. The tour is suitable for children and seniors if they have good general health.

The danger is low because the landing time is short at high altitude. Mild symptoms, such as shortness of breath or slight dizziness, can be experienced. The crew is trained to deal with this and oxygen assistance is also available on board.

Flights that take place early in the morning are ideal because the weather is more stable, there is little wind, and the view of the mountains is optimum. The major helicopter tours to Annapurna take place between 6:00 AM and 9:30 AM.

It is always preferable to wear layered warm clothes, regardless of the time of the year. A down jacket, warm clothes, gloves, cap, shades, and comfortable footwear are always useful in cold climatic conditions, like that of Annapurna Base Camp.