Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is one of the fastest and most thrilling ways to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. Starting from Pokhara, it takes you on a short flight over beautiful landscapes, including green valleys and small villages.
It only takes about 20 minutes of flight to land at Annapurna Base Camp, which is 4,130 meters high. Herein, you can enjoy great views of famous mountains like Annapurna I and Machhapuchhare.
The Annapurna Helicopter Tour has no fitness requirements, as anyone-young and old-can participate. Well-trained pilots promise a comfortable and safe flight. Get ready to enjoy breathtaking scenery flying atop the clouds to collect lifetime memories of the most beautiful place in the world.
The biodiversity and beauty of these alpine landscapes cannot remain unexplored. We can assure you that there is no better alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp tour for people who have a short transit to Nepal or only a few days of holiday.
About Mount Annapurna
Mount Annapurna is 8,091 meters tall and the world’s tenth-highest mountain. Belonging to the Annapurna Himalayan range of Nepal, this mountain is famous for its beauty of nature and tough climb.
The French group led the first expedition, which reached its summit in 1950 led by Maurice Herzog. Since then, many climbers tried to climb it. Climbing Annapurna isn’t so easy. Annapurna’s death rate is high compared to other high mountains.
Location of Mount Annapurna
Annapurna Mountain is located in north-central Nepal within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Indeed, this beautiful scenery is surrounded by several other famous peaks: Dhaulagiri in the west and Manaslu in the east. The range of Annapurna itself stretches above 55 km.
Highlights Of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
- Get to the base of the world’s ten tallest (8,091 m) and most beautiful mountain in less than an hour.
- Scenic mountain flight with a most spectacular view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya range.
- Magical landing right at the base camp of Annapurna at 4,130 m above sea level.
- Enjoy a warm breakfast surrounded by snow and mountains in all directions.
- The most dramatic scenery of Nepalese verdant valley, classic villages, and hilly highlands.
- Exceptional views of glaciers, rivers, and sub-tropical forests along the way.
- Comfortable and safe flight with the experienced pilots and guides at Himalayan Masters.
- A very well-arranged Itinerary with all necessary management.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Facts
- Tour duration: 2 hours
- Ground time: 30 minutes at Annapurna Base Camp
- Flight time: 30 minutes (one way)
- Tour starting point: Pokhara
- Tour ending point: Pokhara
- Highest altitude: 4310 meters (Annapurna base camp altitude)
- Lowest altitude: 800 meters (Pokhara airport)
- Group size: 1-5 passengers per helicopter
- Maximum body weight: 500 kg
- Quick booking: Via email (confirmation within a minute)
- Contact person: Via Viber, WhatsApp, or WeChat at +977 9823636377 (24hrs available)
Why Choose The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
- It’s among the most affordable helicopter tours in Nepal
- Cheaper than the Annapurna Base Camp trek
- Less than two hours of Journey from Kathmandu
- A luxurious experience in the mountains of Nepal
- Safe for Solo travellers
- Needs no preparation and training- saves a lot of energy
- No need to shop for trekking gear and special clothes
- Appropriate for people of all ages, even children and old people
- The best holiday alternative for people with physical and mental illness
- Himalayan Masters do booking within minutes
- Booking is done for both Solo and group travellers
30 Minutes in Annapurna Base Camp
A very different experience indeed-landing at Annapurna Base Camp. During winter, the air is crisp and cold, with snow covering the ground to create blanket-like surroundings. The high peaks around the base camp are really majestic. It gives the impression of entering into a winter wonderland.
In autumn, it feels like a beautiful picture with bright shades of colours. The weather is mild and pleasant, too. You can see expansive views of golden grasses blowing in the breeze and, coupled with the sun, adding to the charm of this magical place. Every second spent here feels special.
Be it in winter or autumn, the stay at Annapurna Base Camp is always a thing to wonder at. You can take pictures or sit and enjoy the beauty surrounding you in this short visit once you have reached here, which will keep your memory alive for a lifetime as one of the wonders of nature.
During the 30 minutes in ABC, you can click photos, create memories, and have breakfast at such high altitudes. You can also explore the places near it, like the local teahouse. You also interact with the locals and learn new cultures and exchanges.
Major peaks seen during the ABC Heli Tour
- Annapurna I: 8,091 m (26,545 ft)
- Annapurna II: 7,937 m (26,040 ft)
- Annapurna III: 7,555 m (24,836 ft)
- Annapurna IV: 7,525 m (24,688 ft)
- Annapurna South: 7,219 m (23,684 ft)
- Gangapurna: 7,455 m (24,442 ft)
- Khangsar Kang: 7,485 m (24,557 ft)
- Annapurna Fang: 7,647 m (25,090 ft)
- Tilicho Peak: 7,135 m (23,409 ft)
- Nilgiri Himal North: 7,061 m (23,167 ft)
- Machhapuchchhre: 6,993 m (22,943 ft)
- Hiunchuli: 6,411 m (21,000 ft)
Benefits of Choosing Himalayan Masters for a Tour
There are hundreds of helicopter tour operators in Nepal. And each of them claims to provide excellent service. And you must be wondering who you should trust. So, let us help you make the choice. Himalayan masters have stood out among many treks and tour operators in Nepal.
- A team of highly experienced and licensed pilots, guides, and drivers
- Brand new, well-maintained, and luxurious helicopters
- The highest priority for the comfort and safety of the visitors
- Very reasonable helicopter flight rates with no hidden cost
- Very quick and easy booking procedure (within minutes)
- Fixed departure dates
- Solo booking can also be arranged in an appropriate time
- Helicopter chartering/ group booking throughout the year
- Instant online booking system (booking form, email, or message booking)
- 24-hrs client support and help via email, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, WeChat, Skype, or Viber
- Easy postpone, cancellation, and refund system
Safety Measures To Apply
Before hopping into that helicopter at Annapurna Base camp, we have listed some information you should know.
- Although we minimize the chances of altitude sickness by stopping only for 30 minutes, it’s better to keep yourself hydrated. Carry a warm water bottle with you and keep drinking it on the plane.
- Do not stay more than 30 minutes in the base camp. Also, make sure that your captain is around. Do not go too far away from the chopper.
- Do not leave the plane until your pilot gives you clear instructions. Moving inside the plane is strictly prohibited.
- Always wear a seatbelt and headset; do not move without the pilot’s instruction.
- Do not take your hand and head outside the chopper. Also, do not throw anything from the window seat during the ABC helicopter tour.
Detailed itinerary
Day 01: Helicopter flight from Pokhara Airport to ABC
8:00 am: Arrival
As mentioned earlier, the incredible journey commences with the scenic view of Pokhara. We will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the Pokhara airport. Here, a Chopper will be waiting for your arrival. The flight is quite spacious, with a highly comfortable five-person seat.
There will be a captain and a co-pilot assisting you to settle down. Everyone gets a window seat, and the most dramatic landscapes unfold before you. A short briefing about the tour will be made, and you will be announced some safety measures to be followed during the helicopter ride to Annapurna Base Camp.
8:00 to 8:30 am: Flight to Annapurna Base Camp
The ABC base camp Helicopter tour takes off from the Pokhara airport right on time, sweeping you off above the clouds. As we head north, the soaring high hills appear below us. The stunning mountains are already visible in the clear blue. We can see the lovely villages and terraced farms above the magnificent Pokhara valley.
The beauty of the Annapurna Conservation Area is itself very mesmerizing. Lastly, we get into the gorge of the Modi River and enter the Himalayas. We flew 45 k.m. of aerial distance from Pokhara before landing at the Annapurna Sanctuary.
8:30 to 9:00 am: Stop in Annapurna Base camp
Our pilot finds an appropriate place to land the Helicopter at Annapurna Base Camp and signals us to leave. Now, the mountains will surround you in all directions. But the best part is grabbing a warm cup of coffee in such a freezing landscape. We enjoy breakfast while viewing the marvellous Annapurna Himalaya.
You will have some more minutes for a photoshoot and refreshments. Although we would love to stay longer, it’s time to hop back into the place. Staying longer at such altitude increases the chance of altitude sickness, and it can be deadly. Also, we need to be back as per the ABC base camp Helicopter Itinerary.
9:00 to 9:30 am: Flying back to Pokhara
Annapurna region welcomes thousands of tourists each month.
The pilot briefs you about critical architecture before you start flying above the hills. We see a vast sub-tropical forest area with Rhododendron, Pine, and Oak trees. Then, we can finally see the dense settlement of Pokhara. The landing of the Annapurna Base Camp Heli trek will be done in about half an hour.
9:30am to 10am: Departure
After the plane lands safely, it’s time for farewell. You can either fly back from the airport. Or we can drive to your hotel in the Lakeside. The ride will be about 30 minutes. In just 2 hours, you will return to the hotel room and our Annapurna Base camp by helicopter tour ends here.
Meal : Not Included
Accomodation : Not Available
Walking / Driving : 30 min flight and vice versa
Include / Exclude
Trip Cost Includes
- Airport pickup and drop off by private car for the helicopter tour.
- Private helicopter ride to Annapurna Base Camp.
- Governmental tax.
- Oxygen cylinders on the helicopter tour.
Trip Cost Excludes
- Any meals on the helicopter tour.
- Travel Insurance for the tour.
- Personal expenses.
- Any cost in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Visa or boarding fees.
Useful Info
How Does the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Operate?
1. Starting point:
Annapurna Base Camp tour can operate in three ways. You can either start from Pokhara airport or fly directly to the Annapurna base camp from Kathmandu. You can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Annapurna Base Camp.
2. Flying from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base camp:
If you are in Kathmandu, the Annapurna Base Camp trip can start here. Such an offer is only available if you book the entire helicopter by yourself or your group. We start the trip from Kathmandu airport and land at Pokhara to refuel the helicopter. Since such an Annapurna Base camp helicopter from Kathmandu turns out to be expensive, almost all trips start from Pokhara.
3. Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara to ABC:
Since the Annapurna base camp, a heli trip from Pokhara is cheaper, so you can fly to Pokhara on a domestic flight and join the Annapurna helicopter tour from Pokhara. More than 4/5 domestic flights are available from Kathmandu to Pokhara each day. If you have an additional day, we can also arrange a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then start the tour from Pokhara.
4. Fly from Pokhara airport:
This is the most popular, easiest, and cheapest package for the Annapurna helicopter tour. We will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the Pokhara airport. Here, the helicopter will be waiting for your arrival.
5. Flight to Annapurna Base Camp
The helicopter tour from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp usually starts in the morning. After thoroughly inspecting the helicopter, the flight goes above the lush hills of Pokhara. The aircraft will fly about 4,000 meters above sea level and land at Annapurna Base Camp in 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Landing in Annapurna Base Camp
Finally, the helicopter lands at Annapurna Base camp for about 30 minutes. During this time, you can enjoy a warm breakfast with such a magnificent view before your eyes.
7. Ending point
After the stopover time passes, the helicopter moves towards the Machhapuchhre base camp. Then, flying above the Gurung village of Ghandruk and other remote villages, you land at Pokhara airport. The tour either ends here or takes you back to Kathmandu, depending on where you start the trip.
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour Model
Our mountain flights are operated with AS350 B3e model helicopters, which are highly reliable and perform well at high altitudes. Large engines, these choppers can take you safely over over 4,000 meters of elevation. Large windows permit excellent visibility for all passengers.
The pilots are well-trained and aware of the conditions of the mountain flights. They promise a smooth flight, keeping safety concerns above everything in mind. With this model helicopter, one will get an exciting experience and feel safe during the trip.
Things To Bring During The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Annapurna Helicopter Tour usually operates in the mornings. Even on a sunny day, the temperature at the base camp will be at a freezing point. Thus, carrying some things during this helicopter journey would be best.
- Down jackets
- Windproof trousers, down jackets
- Personal care items: Sunhat, scarf, sunglass, and sunscreen
- A bottle of water (preferably warm water)
- Maybe a few chocolate bars or energy drinks
- Toiletries
- Passport and its copy
- Proof of travel insurance
- Camera and mobile, along with an extra battery backup – if needed)
Types Of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tours
Group joining/ sharing flight:
The helicopter to Annapurna Base camp accommodates 5 people at a time. On a sharing basis, the cost is divided as per person. So, if your group has 1, 2, 3, or 4 people, we can join you with another group. Since Annapurna Base Camp is a bustling helicopter route, getting you a group wouldn’t be a big deal. The price of joining the Annapurna helicopter tour group is very cheap- way lower than trekking. The larger group you have, the cheaper it gets.
Private flight:
The glory of a private tour to Annapurna already sounds magical. If you have a larger group or whole family, it’s ideal that you get a Private Heli ride to Mt. Annapurna. Private flight with your friends and family is the experience of a world-class deluxe tour and unforgettable memory.
Private deluxe helicopters in Nepal can be booked throughout the year and have a customizable itinerary (you can even increase the landing time and fly to different places around Pokhara). Also, it’s affordable. Private helicopter rental in Annapurna can be done for a different purpose.
It can be done as a proposal to your girlfriend or boyfriend, to celebrate a birthday/ anniversary or any other event, or as a surprise gift. Valentine’s Day, New Year, and Christmas also offer special discounts. Annapurna Base Camp by helicopter is an excellent opportunity for photography and videography (personal and professional videos). We will help you capture your video beautifully.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Cost
Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Cost
It is relatively cheap to fly a helicopter tour from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp as compared to flying from Kathmandu. Depending on the group size, it usually costs between USD 600 to 700 per person. Most helicopter companies provide shared helicopter tours, where you can share the helicopter with other passengers to share the cost.
Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Cost
The cost is higher than flying from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp, as the flight is longer. A chartered helicopter will cost around an estimated $1400-$2000. Few companies provide shared flights, but they are not that frequent, unlike in Pokhara.
Cost of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour for Nepali Citizens
It is cheaper for Nepali Nationals than for international tourists. From Pokhara, it costs around NPR 45,000 to NPR 90,000 per person. It’s always better to confirm the rate with your tour operator once because rates differ according to season and availability.
Best Time to Do Annapurna Helicopter Tour
The best times for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour are the spring and autumn seasons; the month slots fall from March to May and September to November, respectively. During these months, the weather is usually clear, offering unobstructed views of the Himalayas. Spring brings colourful flowers, especially rhododendrons, while autumn offers crisp air and breathtaking mountain views.
The weather in both seasons is stable; hence, it is safe and pleasant to fly. Winter-December, January and February also provide excellent views but are colder at higher altitudes and could have a chance of snowfall. Monsoon-Jun, July, and August are not recommended due to heavy rains, poor visibility, and a high frequency of flight cancellations.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Permits
A benefit of the ABC Helicopter Tour is that no permits are required since you’re not trekking. You’ll fly directly to the base camp, where you’ll spend about an hour, and then fly back again. On the other hand, in case you want to trek for Annapurna Base Camp permits:
- ACAP: This is the permit to enter the conversation area and is responsible for protecting the natural environment of the Annapurna region.
- TIMS Card: This card is used to keep a record of trekkers and ensure their safety on the trails.
You will not be bothered about these permits in the helicopter tour because your flight will avoid the trekking routes.
ABC Trek vs. ABC Helicopter Tour
Besides time and experience, the main difference between the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the ABC Helicopter Tour is that the trek is an adventurous activity that usually takes 7 to 12 days. You will be walking through lush forests, charming villages, and mountain paths and experiencing the culture of locals, interacting with villagers, and changing landscapes while you move uphill.
In turn, this helicopter tour is easy and fast, as one can see the grand views of Annapurna within a few hours. Thus, the trek is more demanding and rewarding for those who like being on foot and outdoors, and the helicopter tour fits best for those who have little time or don’t want to walk for hours.
Other Heli Tour Packages from Himalayan Masters
Other Himalayan Masters Helicopter Tour Packages include:
- Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Heli flying to the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world.
- Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return: A trek where you will walk to the Everest Base Camp and then return via helicopter.
- Langtang Valley Helicopter Tour: Heli flight into the beautiful Langtang region.
Each of these tours offers something different while giving views of different parts of the majestic Himalayas of Nepal.
Booking Process Of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
- Follow the link to our booking form Here
- Fill in your details manually
- Mention the total number of passengers in a group
- Mention your preferred date and time
- Pay 50% of the price listed in this article or the price we confirmed after discussion with the team.
- Your booking will be confirmed.
Before paying for the booking, we suggest you consult with our team and ask if there are any special deals or discounts. Who knows, you might get lucky. You can communicate with us via email or chat with us at Viber.
Cancellation Policy
Once the booking is confirmed, you need 50% of the total cost as an advance. The money is fully refunded if you cancel the booking 15 days before the trip. After that, we won’t be able to issue a refund. That’s because the amount will already go for the trip arrangements. There is also a transfer policy where you can transfer any team member’s entire booking or booking to new members. Such a transfer can be made up to 3 days before the trip.
Postpone policy includes charge-less postponement up to 15 days prior to the trip. Postpone between 15 to 3 days before arrival is charged $100. Postpone cannot be made 72 hours before the Annapurna Base Camp helicopter flight. In that case, the tour will be cancelled without any refund of the Annapurna Helicopter tour cost.
However, if the cancellation is due to unavoidable natural reasons, pandemics, or political reasons, we will postpone your Annapurna helicopter tour to the future without any additional charge. If the cancellation has to be done by the Himalayan master’s team, we will fully refund the Annapurna Helicopter tour cost amount.
Note: Booking will be taken up to a week before your travel date. If you book with less than a 7-day gap, you must pay the total Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour cost in advance.
Feedback and Review
Most travellers review the tour of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour positively. Moreover, it is believed that an hour-long stop at the base camp is long enough to take pictures and enjoy the scenery of the mountain.
Also, Himalayan masters seek reviews to improve their services. We emphasize improving and overcoming any inconvenience that we might have unintentionally caused.
FAQs
How safe is the Annapurna base camp helicopter tour?
This commercial helicopter flight tour to Annapurna base campuses is a very powerful helicopter. We won’t fly in bad weather and in any cases of technical error. We check the plane thoroughly before each flight and never cross the weight limit. With the experienced team, the Annapurna base camp helicopter is 100% safe and highly recommended.
Is the team lead and pilot experienced for Annapurna Helicopter tour?
Yes, our entire team of guides and pilots for the ABC helicopter tour are professional. They have years of experience flying in the Himalayas. Their knowledge about the climate and the landscape of Annapurna is just amazing. They are also well trained with medical knowledge and emergency situation handling. The Annapurna base camp helicopter trip is well equipped to handle all kinds of emergencies.
What happens if we fly in Annapurna Helicopter during to bad weather/wind?
If the Annapurna Heli trip cannot be done due to the bad weather or wind, we will postpone the trip to the closest new date when the flight can take off. Or, you can postpone the trip to some new date as per your convenience. No additional cost is applicable to the visitor for postponing the Annapurna Heli tour. Since your safety is our top-most priority, we wouldn’t fly until the weather is stable.
Do I have to pay any hidden charge for Annapurna base camp helicopter?
No, we assure you that there is no hidden charge for this Heli tour to Annapurna Base Camp. All prices like hotel pick up at Pokhara, flight cost, and drop back to the hotel are included. However, the cost of breakfast at Annapurna Base Camp is not included.
What is the highest altitude during helicopter ride to Annapurna Base camp?
The flight starts from Pokhara which is 900 meters above sea level. After a few hours, we land at Annapurna Base Camp which is 4,130 meters above sea level. The helicopter keeps on flying between 3,000 meters to 4,000 meters. If you are thinking that the helicopter flies above the Annapurna peak at 8,000 meters, well that’s not the case.
How long is the landing at Annapurna Base camp?
We land at Annapurna Base Camp for 30 minutes. We might land longer, but since we directly fly to 4,130 meters from the altitude of 900 meters, the chances of altitude sickness are high. That’s due to the drop in oxygen level at the Annapurna base camp. So the time for landing at Annapurna Base Camp is limited.
Is it possible to join a group with your company for the Annapurna helicopter tour?
Yes, if you are in a group of fewer than four people, we might be able to accommodate you to some other group. We regularly operate our Annapurna helicopter tour and we will be able to find a group for you. However, you might have to wait for a few days or weeks for the appropriate group.
Once you make the booking, we find the most suitable group and inform you about the date. This way, you don’t have to book the entire Annapurna helicopter by yourself.
How can I book a private trip or a family trip?
A private trip for your own group or family is a great idea. All you have to do is fill out our booking form here or send us an email here. As mentioned above, you can also make the booking via Viber, Whatsapp, WeChat at +977 9823636377 (24Hrs available). You can book a private Annapurna helicopter base camp tour throughout the year and arrangements can be done in a short time.
What is the weight limit of the Annapurna Base camp helicopter tour?
The weight limit of the helicopter we use for the trip is 500kgs. The weight includes people, bags, and any other loads kept within the helicopter. Since we usually fly five people, one pilot, and one guide, we assume everyone in the crew weighs below 70 to 80kgs. If the people in the helicopter weigh more than that, we might have to reduce the number of passengers per trip. Basically, we wouldn’t go above 500kgs during the Annapurna Heli tour.
Is it possible to take more than 5 people at the same time?
Yes, but not in a single helicopter. The maximum limit of helicopters is 6 people (one pilot and five passengers). If you have a larger group, we can fly more than one helicopter at the same time. The take-off and landing will be done at the same time so that you will be at Annapurna Base Camp together.
However, your group should cover the cost of both helicopters. If you have a group of more than 5 people, email us about the situation, and we will make the best possible arrangements for the Heli tour to Annapurna Base Camp.
Do we need extra cost for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
Of course, you might have to pay more if you want some additional services by having a private guide. But if you would like to have extra meals or breakfast at base camp, something really extra, then you must pay extra.
Is Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Safe?
Yes, this helicopter tour is very safe. Experienced pilots and well-maintained helicopters ensure smooth, secure journeys. The flight is conducted only during safe weather conditions.
Do you need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
No, you don’t need to have a guide for the helicopter tour. But if you need more information about the region, hiring a guide will enhance your experience. And the pilot will give you all the necessary explanations on the trek.
Is there a rescue service available in the trek?
Yes, trekkers in the Annapurna Region are provided with the facility of helicopter rescue services. In case of an emergency, helicopters can be dispatched almost immediately for rescue purposes. Generally, there is no necessity for insurance with helicopter tours, including rescue services, but it is better to do so in case any unpredictable situation arises.
Is It possible to see Annapurna from the ABC helicopter tour?
Yes, that’s the whole purpose of this Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour. You can see the entire Annapurna range from different angles during the flight. You are surrounded by Annapurna massif at the base camp in all directions. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are visible during this Annapurna Base camp helicopter tour. The entire area is surrounded by giant Annapurna range mountains with six prominent peaks.