Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Landing 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 Basics

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.

Details of both group and individual experiences are given below.

Private Helicopter Landing Tour to Annapurna Base Camp

The powerful b3c fleet can carry up to six people directly from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp.  If you are visiting Annapurna Base Camp by helicopter because of the altitude there is a shuttle system for your group from the breakfast point located at a lower altitude to base camp.

On this trip, you can all travel and breakfast together!  We require the weight of each person for the weight calculation. And no cheating! It’s for everyone’s safety.

It takes 20 minutes to fly from Pokhara to the base camp. Once there you will have 30 minutes to enjoy the amazing scenery, breath in the crisp fresh air. before climbing back into the helicopter to fly back to Pokhara. And what a flight! This is a view of the mountains that trekkers do not get.

Standing at base camp you will get a 360-degree view of the Annapurna ranges, including Annapurna itself – the 10th highest mountain in the world, Hinchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre Himal.  The same mountains are on display from the air.

Special add-on for private helicopter landing tour to Annapurna Base Camp

We can provide special add-ons for the private helicopter landing tour.

• Hire a professional photographer who will provide you with the best possible pictures of the mountains and of yourself.  No need to spend your time trying to get the best selfie angle, he will do that for you.
• Hire a guide who can explain the mountains and region you fly over. It’s highly unlikely you will do this ride again, so why not make the very most out of it?

Joining a Group Landing Helicopter Tour to Annapurna Base Camp

If you are a solo traveller you don’t have to miss out!  You can join a group who are taking this tour to make up the number to six per helicopter.

The details are as the above Private Helicopter Landing Tour.

Itinerary

5:45 to 6:00 am Drive from your hotel to airport by private car

6:00 to 6:30 am Boarding

6:30 to 6:50 am Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp flight

6:50 to 7:20 am Enjoy your time at the Annapurna Base Camp

7:20 to 7:40 am Annapurna Base Camp to Pokhara flight

7:40 to 8:00 am Drive from the airport to your hotel by private car

Note: The timing might vary depending on the weather condition and the availability of the helicopter.

FAQ

Do I actually land at ABC?

Yes, you do!  This flight takes you straight into the heart of the Annapurna Range and sets you down at base camp.

How long is the total duration of the tour?

The tour takes around 2 hours.  From when we pick you up at your hotel in Pokhara until we drop you back there again.

Which fleet will be used for the flight?

We use b3e helicopters.  These are the same helicopters used for high altitude rescues so are suitable to fly at altitude in the Himalayas.

How experienced are the crew?

All the helicopter crews are experienced meeting the regulation number of flying hours and qualifications.

What is the maximum number of people flying in one helicopter?

Five is the maximum number of people in one helicopter.  You can reserve a helicopter for less than Five, but the total cost will not remain the same.

Is there any specific packing list or gear for this trek?

We will provide you with a down jacket to wear during the trip. But you should dress warmly, with boots or closed walking shoes.  There is no need to bring much.

A small bag with your camera and any necessary personal belongings is enough.  Large bags cannot be accommodated on the flight.

Is there any safety precaution that I should follow?

If you have any pre-existing medical condition please advise us beforehand.  As we will only be at altitude for a short time, it is extremely unlikely anyone will suffer from any altitude related issues.  Our staff and aircrew are experienced in safety onboard the aircraft.

How safe is this trip?

There is no added risk involved in this trip than flying on any other helicopter trip. All our staff and crew are experienced in safety on board and at the base camp.

Is there a chance of delay due to weather conditions?

If the weather forecast is unfavourable on the day, we will fly the next day.

Can I add-on other places in the Annapurna Region during this tour?

No.  This tour is for the Annapurna Base Camp only.  This is because there are only limited places that helicopters are allowed to land.

Helicopter Tour to Annapurna Base Camp Route Map

In case you are interested to see where you are flying to or plan to show your friends and family back home, see here for a flight route map.

Please note this outline route map is not to scale and that the flying route between Pokhara and Annapurna Base Camp may vary as air traffic and weather on the day will determine the final route.