Introduction to Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Whether you don’t have the time or energy for trekking or whether you want to experience the thrill of doing something few have done before, the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Landing Tour might be just the perfect thing for you!
Flying directly from Pokhara to the Annapurna base camp takes 20 minutes.
The Annapurna Range is surpassed only by Mount Everest in terms of fame. But when it comes to beauty the Annapurna Region has everything the Everest Region has and more!
For those trekking in the region, the landscape is a mixture of villages, terraced fields, forests, and rocky trails. It is also home to the world’s deepest gorge and one of the highest trekking passes. As the altitude rises the landscape gets drier and begins to resemble its neighbour, Tibet.
The Kali Gandaki Valley sees winds howling through it, particularly in the afternoon, making it more difficult to walk. Falling in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri means this area can trek throughout the monsoon season (June to September).
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek lasts 7 days and reaches an elevation of 4,140m. Not the highest trek in Nepal for sure, but not the easiest either. It is also a very popular route for all the reasons given above and can be busy with trekkers in peak season.
Whether you have completed the trek and want to try something different, or whether you are not planning to trek, a short helicopter ride into Annapurna Base Camp will provide you with a birds-eye view of the mountains and an experience of a lifetime!
Breakfast at Annapurna Base Camp – what a talking point! And, unlike the helicopter landing at Everest Base Camp, where due to the very high altitude the helicopter and guests cannot remain for more than 10 minutes, we are able to spend 30 minutes at base camp, eat our breakfast there and take as many photographs as we can!
Taking around two hours from Pokhara and back, this helicopter trip is now available at a more affordable price to solo travellers as well as groups. How is that? Our b3e helicopter can take up to six people at a time. This can be a group of six or a smaller group with the remainder of the seats being offered to individual travellers.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Highlights
Why Book with Magical Nepal
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Itinerary
5:45 to 6:00 am
15 minutes
A Lakeside Pickup and Warm Welcome Our friendly Magical Nepal representative will greet you bright and early at your Lakeside hotel in Pokhara. We understand the excitement of your adventure, so we’ll ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to the Pokhara domestic airport.
6:00 to 6:30 am:
30 minutes
Boarding Upon arrival at the helicopter terminal, our team will assist you with check-in formalities. Our expert pilot will provide a comprehensive safety briefing, outlining everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable flight. Feel free to ask any questions you may have; we’re here to ensure your complete comfort and confidence.
6:30 to 6:50 am:
20 minutes
Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp Flight As you board your helicopter, anticipation will likely be buzzing! Get ready to witness the transformation of Pokhara into a miniature metropolis nestled beside the serene Phewa Lake. As we ascend, verdant landscapes and quaint villages clinging to hillsides will unfold beneath you. But the true magic begins as the mighty Annapurna range starts to dominate the horizon, its snow-capped peaks glistening in the morning sunlight.
6:50 to 7:20 am:
30 minutes
Enjoy Your Time At The Annapurna Base Camp Prepare to be mesmerized as we fly amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas. Our experienced pilot will navigate you through breathtaking aerial vistas, allowing you to marvel at iconic peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and many more. Don’t forget your camera; this is your chance to capture stunning photographs that will become treasured memories.
7:20 to 7:40 am:
20 minutes
A Surreal Arrival at Annapurna Base Camp The moment you’ve been waiting for! Descend and land amidst the awe-inspiring Annapurna Base Camp, perched at an elevation of 4,130 meters. Take a moment to adjust to the thin mountain air and absorb the surreal beauty surrounding you. Towering peaks, glaciers, and the unique high-altitude ecosystem will leave you breathless. At Annapurna Base Camp, the time is yours. Our Pilot will be available to answer any questions and point out noteworthy features. Explore the base camp at your own pace, soaking in the 360-degree panorama. Imagine yourself standing amidst these legendary mountains! Sip on a hot beverage offered by a local teahouse (included in most packages) and truly savor this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
7:40 to 8:00 am:
20 minutes
A Final Farewell (Annapurna Base Camp to Pokhara) As your time at Annapurna Base Camp draws to a close, board the helicopter for the return flight. Take one last glance at the majestic scenery etched into your memory forever. The return flight offers a fresh perspective of the landscapes you encountered earlier. Relax and enjoy the aerial journey back to Pokhara, capturing different angles of the mountains and valleys below.
8:00 to 9:00 am:
10 minutes
A Final Farewell (Annapurna Base Camp to Pokhara)A Smooth Landing and Fond Farewells
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Includes
Packing List
Items | Details | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Underwear | Underwear Breathable synthetic | 3 |
Socks | Wool BYO | 3 |
Bra | Sports BYO | |
Base layers – Pants | Merino wool BYO | 1 |
Trekking shirt | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase it in Kathmandu | 2 |
Rain pants | Synthetic lightweight Frogg Toggs are excellent | 1 |
Trekking pants | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase in Ktm | 2 |
Hiking Shoes/Boots | BYO Salmon Quest 4D or Xultra 3 or 4 | 1 |
Camp shoes | Down booties BYO or purchase in Ktm | 1 |
Gloves | One pair of thin merino wool. 2nd pair thick insulated | 2 |
Hat | Sun hat or peak cap with neck protection. BYO | 1 |
Down Jacket | BYO | 1 |
Wind Breaker | BYO | 1 |
Note: Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu, while all other trekking equipment can be easily purchased. We at Magical Nepal will assist you in getting all your essentials sorted, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.
Read Before your book Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
To help you determine if the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is right for you, we’ve provided detailed information on key aspects such as flight details, trek difficulty, and the best times to visit. Each section also includes a video explanation to guide you in planning your trip smoothly.
If you’re still unsure whether this trek is the perfect choice for you, feel free to reach out to us via email or WhatsApp. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to answer any additional questions.
Pokhara:
Your adventure begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s largest tourist city, beside the serene Phewa Lake. During your initial ascent, take in the city as it shrinks in scale.
Terraced Farmlands and Countryside:
As you leave Pokhara in a helicopter, witness the awe-inspiring agricultural ingenuity of Nepal. Vibrant green rice paddies and other crops meticulously carved into the hillsides create a mesmerizing patchwork landscape from the helicopter. This practice, dating back centuries, allows cultivation on steep slopes and maximizes land use in the mountainous region.
Villages and River Valleys:
Wind your way through valleys sculpted by powerful rivers, their turquoise ribbons snaking across the terrain far below. Spot traditional villages clinging to hillsides, offering a glimpse into the timeless rhythms of rural mountain life. Smoke spirals from chimneys may hint at daily routines unfolding amidst this dramatic backdrop.
Rhododendron Forests (In Season):
During spring, watch the aerial view of the forests of rhododendrons—Nepal’s national flower—explode in vibrant pinks and reds.
Annapurna Range:
Annapurna I: The world’s 10th-highest mountain.
Annapurna South: A stunning peak that towers over the base camp
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail): A sacred mountain with its distinctive fishtail shape.
Annapurna Base Camp is the highlight of your journey! Descend into the heart of this amphitheater of mountains, with glaciers visible in the distance. Explore the base camp on foot and feel the grandeur of the Himalayas all around you.
Even though the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour doesn’t involve trekking, it still requires official permits, as the flight lands inside a protected conservation area. These permits are mandatory for all travelers, whether you’re hiking on foot or arriving by air.
What Permits Are Required?
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
This is the main permit required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, where Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) is located. It is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board and the National Trust for Nature Conservation.
- Purpose: To support conservation efforts and local community development in the Annapurna region
- Required for: All travelers landing at or entering Annapurna Base Camp
- Cost:
- NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) per person for foreign nationals
- NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals
Why Do You Need a Permit for a Helicopter Tour?
Although the flight is short and physically effortless, it lands inside a restricted conservation zone, which is governed by strict regulations to preserve its fragile alpine ecosystem. Whether you’re walking, flying, or staying briefly—entering this region without a permit is not allowed, and rangers at ABC may check documents on arrival.
Permits also help fund:
- Trail and infrastructure maintenance
- Wildlife protection
- Eco-tourism development
- Local employment in conservation areas
How Do You Get the Permit?
No need to worry, Magical Nepal handles all permit logistics for you. Once you book your tour, we:
- Collect your passport copy and basic traveler info
- Apply for the ACAP on your behalf
- Secure and carry the permit to ensure smooth check-in and compliance with conservation rules
This means you can avoid paperwork, queues, and delays, and simply enjoy your flight to the Himalayas stress-free.
While helicopter flights to Annapurna Base Camp are operational year-round, the best time to fly is during Nepal’s peak trekking seasons:
Spring (March–May)
Expect crystal-clear skies, pleasant morning temperatures, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks glowing in soft golden light. Spring also offers a bonus—rhododendron blooms in the mid-hills during the approach flight.
Autumn (September–November)
Post-monsoon skies are at their clearest, and the weather is dry, stable, and perfect for aerial views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. This is the most reliable time for weather and visibility.
Winter (December–February)
Flying in winter offers breathtaking views of snow-covered terrain and often very few crowds. However, the landing at ABC can be extremely cold, and occasional snowfall may affect flight paths or landing zones.
Monsoon (June–August)
Monsoon is not recommended due to frequent cloud cover, heavy rain, and poor visibility. Flights may be delayed or canceled last-minute, and views are often obstructed.
Best Time to Fly:
- Early morning departures (6:30–9:00 AM) offer the best window for clear skies and safe landings.
- March to May (Spring)
- Mid-September to November (Autumn)
The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to experience the high Himalayas. There is no trekking, climbing, or walking on uneven terrain involved—just a smooth flight from Pokhara (or Kathmandu) and a short landing at 4,130 meters with time for photos and soaking in the epic views.
That said, while the tour is physically undemanding, it’s important to note that you will be exposed to high altitude for a brief period. Some passengers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sensitivity, such as shortness of breath, a slight headache, or dizziness—though this is rare during short stays (typically 15–20 minutes). It’s important to stay hydrated, move slowly, and avoid running around at base camp.
Important: Travelers with severe respiratory issues, heart conditions, or a history of altitude sickness should consult a doctor before booking. We also recommend avoiding alcohol before the flight.
With proper precautions, this tour is suitable for:
Time-limited visitors who still want a full Himalayan experience.
- Seniors
- Children
- Non-hikers
- Luxury travelers
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Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Map
