Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour

Ideal Time for the Annapurna base camp helicopter tour from Pokhara

The most comfortable time for our Annapurna base camp helicopter tour will be the autumn season (mid-September through the latter November days). This time presents an excellent pleasant time with the absence of sweltering summer heat and 95 percent of brilliant sunlit days.

The temperate climate with the daytime heat of just 19 degrees Celsius will perfectly create the ideal atmosphere for air travel. Just picture, the vast expanse of the long mountain range lit brightly against the bluest sky you can ever imagine.

Similarly, spring shoulder time spanning from the starting of March to the latter days of May also is another wonderful time for this tour. Nature rebirths again after the harsh winter and the entire Annapurna landscape is painted with the stunning color of pink and red like a scene from a fairy tale.

In winter starting from mid-December to the end days of the cruel February can be a beautiful time too except for the foggy mornings. The cloud absence sky brilliantly turns blue with the white majestic mountains sparkling gloriously under the brightly lit sun.

However, the summer months beginning in June and lasting till the beginning of September are not ideal for this tour. Although helicopter flights are less vulnerable to poor weather, still, the constantly pouring rain can be quite an inconvenience for aerial excursions.

Difficulty level of Annapurna base camp helicopter tour

Taking the flight inside a helicopter over the Annapurna base camp is exactly what you imagine. With the sound of blades softened by the soundproof headphones pressed to your ears, the classic intrepid yet elegant means of transport will take a clean take-off towards the Annapurna taking you to the immediate elevation with your eyes glued to the window barely holding back your amazement.

Genuinely, this exceptional journey is the easiest and simplest round trip that will take you to one of the tallest and prettiest Himalayas on the planet within just two hours.

In addition, we will only spend a short 30 minutes at the altitude of 4130 m thus avoiding any risk of acute mountain sickness and any other physical discomfort.

With no lengthy road transfers, no exhausting treks through uneven landscapes, and no need for basic overnight stays, this tour is truly representative of the easiest journey that you can engage in Nepal.

And, surprisingly, it is also one of the most economical tours as well much cheaper than any other trekking journey in Nepal making this journey perfectly suitable to enjoy with families, spouses, friends, and children.

In fact, any people between the ages of 5 years to 80 can easily participate in our Annapurna base camp helicopter landing tour.

However, we do suggest that soon-to-be mother ladies and anyone experiencing respiratory or heart disorders contact their health professionals for the right consultation before taking on this remarkable adventure. Also, if you are afraid of flying high, you should probably stay away from this tour.

Annapurna base camp helicopter tour Safety Level

It is commonly believed that helicopters are a dangerous mode of transport. Maybe because we watch way too many movies that depict the explosion of the helicopter.

However, helicopters are among the safest forms of air travel that are less susceptible to poor weather and visibility conditions. In fact, in Nepal, there have been more accidents involving airplanes than helicopters.

So, the helicopter is the safest and the most enjoyable means of transport that you can safely trust for your adventure. In addition, as your travel companion, we also have consistently prioritized your safety throughout the tour.

Likewise, our pilots are also exceptionally trained and licensed with hundreds of hours of flight experience in their resume. The helicopter that will be utilized for the tour is also engineered to withstand the challenge of high wind and poor weather.

Before boarding, the helicopter goes through the thorough scrutiny of the airport technicians and only after the clearance, we will be able to depart for the journey.

If you feel any discomfort during your thirty-minute stay at Annapurna Base Camp, our guide will assist you, and oxygen will be available if needed. However, in our years of experience, none of our participating guests have required oxygen when spending time at Annapurna Base Camp.

Acute Mountain Sickness

Our Annapurna base camp helicopter tour from Pokhara will quickly ascend you from 822 m altitude to 4310 m elevation of the base camp of Annapurna. Since our bodies are not used to such swift changes in elevation, we may suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) commonly known among travelers as altitude sickness.

It will affect more to those who live at sea level or at lower elevations and suddenly find themselves in the high mountain air that has a lesser concentration of oxygen.

Yes, our time at Annapurna Base Camp will be limited to only half an hour, and the likelihood of AMS is also quite low, still we must acknowledge the threat of AMS during our journey. If symptoms arise, they will be very mild manifesting as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and headaches.

As a remedy for AMS, you can have oxygen administration, painkillers for headaches, or acetazolamide for insomnia. As for Diamox- the common altitude pills, they can be used as a preventive measure or as first aid.

Please note that if any of our participating tourists show signs of any severe symptoms, our pilot will immediately descend him to Pokhara. Please drink the sugar or electrolyte-rich drinks and fluids as soon as you feel a slight headache. In fact, you should start drinking before the take-off of the flight and also in between the tour.

Annapurna base camp helicopter tour cost

Our Annapurna base camp helicopter tour cost ranges from 350 US Dollars to 600 US Dollars per person with possible variations due to the presence of group discounts.

The price is not much considering the tour is not to just a natural place but to the immortal Annapurna and Fishtail. With this affordable price range, you can also give this tour as a gift to your friend or family member. Think about that!!!

Annapurna base camp helicopter tour: Private vs Group

Let us first compare the cost of the private Annapurna base camp helicopter and the group helicopter excursion tour. The private tour that accommodates only one tourist is priced to be 600 US Dollars while the group tour with maximum participants costs 350 US Dollars per traveler.

This significant difference in price clearly demonstrates the advantages of the private heli tour over the group heli tour. A private tour is an experience designed exclusively for you where you can be accompanied by your spouse or a friend.

This arrangement will give you the freedom to appreciate the views from every angle, capture as many videos and photos as you like, and enjoy the experience without having to worry about other travelers’ comfort and safety.

In addition, a private tour means a far more lighter helicopter, which means the increased capability of the heli to fly high at increased speed adds an extra dose of thrill to your adventure.

However, if you are tight on your budget, then the group heli tour will be the best option that can still offer you similar excitement but at a lower price.

Yes, you may need to share the best seat with another participant, but you can still relish the breathtaking scenery. However, you will not only be sharing your seat but also your expenses, significantly reducing the cost per person.

If you ask for our suggestion, then we recommend you to form your own intimate group with family and friends. This will allow you to enjoy a more personal experience with your loved ones rather than with strangers while also benefiting from the group discount we provide.

Annapurna Base Camp trek Vs. Annapurna Helicopter Tour

Annapurna Base Camp trekking route is the most iconic and sought-after trekking route in Nepal which leaves no one indifferent. Most of the foreign nationals visit Nepal to either walk the trail to Everest or the grand Annapurna.

The Annapurna region therefore sees an overflow of tourists every season due to which the infrastructure has changed dramatically. There are now more comforts, more amenities, and more options for variable routes and travel forms.

The Annapurna route now can be walked even in a week as compared to longer days of travel nearly 30 or 40 years ago. Still, the Annapurna base camp trek is more or less able to contain the perfect nature which is synonymous with Nepal.

The trail won’t disappoint as you navigate the enticing territory of the preserved area. The Modi River, the waterfalls, the green ocean of rhododendron and pine forests, and the grandest panoramic spectacle of the Himalayan gigantors are still there.

And, to give you the rustic feeling, there are also hidden settlements that won’t stop dazzling you with their ethnic charm, culture, Buddhist tradition, chortens, and monasteries.

While the Annapurna base camp helicopter landing tour will directly take you to the Annapurna Sanctuary and you will see all the charms of the region but all these will be experienced from up above sitting in the seat of the helicopter.

It is not as personal as trekking in between the people, their houses, farms, and mountains. On the other hand, the Annapurna base camp helicopter tour will eliminate the need for extensive hiking journeys that can be too much for some individuals.

It can therefore fulfill the dream of many seeing the beautiful mountains within arm’s length and getting personal with them without the need for very arduous long journeys.

So, it all comes down to your priority, your time, your budget, your needs, and your dream when deciding on which one to choose. After all, the allure of the Annapurna and its neighboring peaks will be the same in both.

What can you see in the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

Expect the all-round experience as you take on the panoramic Annapurna base camp helicopter tour from Pokhara. The mosaic of peaks will surround you once you land in the base camp itself.

You will admire the vast mountain expanse from above and have the privileged views that look further afield. In addition to the walls of the Annapurna I, your gaze will open up to the Fish Tail famous as one of the most holy peaks of Nepal.

A panoramic helicopter flight up here means caressing the power of one of the most talked about peaks, the cradle of mountaineering, loved in the entire world.

It also means admiring one of the most internationally famous locations from above. The relaxation that you breathe here, the high hospitality, and the rich offer of adventurous thrill make it a privileged destination for those who love the mountains.

The Annapurna region is unmissable, full of small villages, waters, snow-capped peaks, and many peaks to discover that crown our majestic Annapurna region.

Truly, the experience will be exceptional as you reduce everything to the adrenaline-filled sensation of a spectacular view sitting inside a small metal cabin.

It will not be like traveling in a small aircraft at all where you will be forced to settle for the miserable space, from where you can barely glimpse the mountains until they disappear completely from your gaze.

You don’t have to wait for the opportunity of the next flight. With this tour, you will have a 360-degree view and the versatility of the vehicle will allow you to appreciate the landscape from different heights without losing image quality in any case.

In addition, you will have constant visual contact with the ground and it is possible to appreciate historical monuments and natural wonders in a way that would not be possible otherwise.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for our Annapurna base camp helicopter tour is not only essential but also a requirement, as the necessary permits for the tour will not be granted unless we present your proper insurance policy copies.

Although the journey will last only two hours, but your adventure begins in Pokhara which means you will already be enjoying your vacation in Nepal. When traveling internationally, there is no assurance that you will remain in good health even if you are a very healthy individual.

If you fall sick and need hospitalization, not only your holiday will be ruined but you will also be forced to pay the high medical cost from your wallet.

In Nepal, high-quality medical services are mostly available in private clinics where the costs are pretty high. Therefore, it is imperative that you obtain insurance that provides coverage for accidents or illnesses that may arise during your travels, throughout the entire duration of your travel.

The policy should also include 24-hour medical assistance available in any country you travel to. In addition, we also advise you to add the coverage that offers support for helicopter rescue operations and air ambulance services, as well as protection against travel cancellations or delays, extended stays, theft, and lost or delayed baggage.

Permits Essential for the Annapurna Helicopter Tour

We may be journeying in the sky, but we will still be landing at Annapurna Base Camp for 30 minutes which nestles in the preserved landmark of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, we will need to have the permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area as well as the Trekkers Information Management Service card to get approval for our Annapurna helicopter tour.

Please note that the permit processing and their costs are not part of our Annapurna base camp helicopter tour cost. However, processing for these required permits is pretty simple and the cost is also minimal.

By presenting your passport copy and two passport-type photos at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Pokhara, you can easily acquire these permits within a few hours. You will have to make a payment of 3000 Nepali Rupees per traveler for ACAP and 2000 Nepali Rupees for a TIMS Card per traveler.