Annapurna Heli Tours
Best Pilots,
Best Experience.
We provide premium helicopter tours across the Annapurna region. Safe, fast, and unforgettable — from Pokhara to the Himalayas in under an hour.
Book Your Flight
Contact us to choose your route, date, and group size. We handle all permits and logistics.
Fly to the Himalayas
Depart from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m in just one hour.
Land at Base Camp
Step onto the helipad at Annapurna Base Camp. 360-degree views of the Himalayan range await.
Twenty Minutes to
the Roof of the World
Depart from Pokhara and soar over lush valleys, alpine ridges, and glacial moraines before landing at 4,130m inside the magnificent Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheater surrounded by an unbroken ring of Himalayan peaks.
A Journey Through the Annapurna Sanctuary
The flight begins at Pokhara Airport, rising quickly above the city and Phewa Lake. Within minutes, the helicopter enters the Modi Khola valley, following the river north through progressively narrowing gorges carved into the mountain.
As the valley opens into the vast natural amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary, the full ring of peaks comes into view — Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and the surrounding walls of ice and rock. The helicopter touches down on the glacial moraine at 4,130m, where you have time to step out, take photos, and absorb the silence of the mountains.
What Makes This Flight Special
60-Minute Round Trip
The entire experience takes just over an hour from departure to return. Twenty minutes each way, with thirty minutes on the glacier at ABC.
Land at 4,130m
Step out of the helicopter onto the Annapurna Sanctuary glacier at over 13,000 feet. Stand at one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Himalayas.
Panoramic Mountain Views
See eight of the world's highest peaks from the air — Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and the full Annapurna massif.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Itinerary
A complete 2-3 hour Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour itinerary — pick up from your Pokhara hotel at 6:00 AM, fly to the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m, and return by 9:00 AM.
Morning Pickup from Pokhara Hotel
Your Annapurna adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Pokhara. A comfortable vehicle transfers you to the domestic terminal at Pokhara Airport as the morning sun rises over the lakes and hills.
Your Annapurna adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Pokhara. A comfortable vehicle will transfer you to the domestic terminal at Pokhara Airport, with the morning sun rising over the lakes and hills along the way. Our ground staff will be there to assist with check-in and luggage handling. The short drive offers a peaceful start, setting the tone for the scenic flight ahead.
After completing airport formalities and a quick safety briefing, the helicopter lifts off from Pokhara. The flight heads north toward the Annapurna massif, offering spectacular views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, terraced farmlands, glacial rivers, and traditional Gurung villages below. As the helicopter gains altitude, the panoramic scale of the Annapurna range unfolds around you, with snow-capped peaks rising on all sides.
The helicopter touches down at Annapurna Base Camp, situated at 4,130 meters in a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks. Step out to take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and the surrounding glacial landscape. A warm breakfast is arranged at the base camp, allowing you to enjoy a meal while soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere. This is the perfect time for photographs and quiet reflection.
After spending around 30 minutes at the base camp, you board the helicopter for the flight back to Pokhara. The descent offers a fresh perspective on the Annapurna range, with sunlight shifting across the valleys, ridges, and hillside settlements. The gradual drop from 4,130 meters to Pokhara's 1,400 meters showcases the dramatic transition from high alpine terrain to subtropical landscape.
The helicopter lands back at Pokhara Airport, where our team ensures a smooth exit from the aircraft. After touchdown, you will be escorted to your waiting vehicle and transferred back to your hotel. The drive gives you a chance to reflect on the morning's experience as you pass through the lakeside city.
Upon arrival at your hotel, the tour comes to a close. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Pokhara at your leisure, relax by Fewa Lake, or simply unwind after an unforgettable aerial journey to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour delivers a complete Himalayan experience in a single morning, perfect for travelers with limited time who do not want to miss the majesty of the Annapurna range.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Price, Inclusions & Flight Details
Experience the Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour from Pokhara — a one-day helicopter safari into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Fly along the Modi Khola valley past Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Dhaulagiri, land on the 4,130m base camp, and return to your Pokhara hotel in under three hours. This briefing covers the tour price, flight time, permits, inclusions, exclusions, and the exact gear you need for a safe, weather-checked landing. Book your seat via our booking form.
01 / Logistics & Flight Facts
Accurate flight operation metrics & capacity limits.
Heli Tour Price
From US$550 / Person (Group Sharing)
Private charter from US$2,400 per helicopter (up to 5 guests)
Flight Time & Altitude
~1 Hour Total Flying
~20 min each way from Pokhara · landing at 4,130m above sea level
Aircraft & Capacity
AS350 B3e (H125)
CAAN-certified · up to 5 passengers · ~500 kg payload (max 80 kg avg passenger weight)
02 / Inclusions & Exclusions
What your ABC helicopter tour package covers & what it does not.
What is Included
- Round-trip scenic helicopter flight from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp
- Hotel pickup & drop-off in the Pokhara Lakeside area
- ~30-minute landing & exploration time at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
- Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit & landing taxes
- Emergency oxygen, first-aid kit & pre-flight safety briefing
- Experienced CAAN-licensed pilot & dedicated ground crew
What is Excluded
- Meals, drinks & tea at Annapurna Base Camp
- Nepal entry visa fee and international flights
- Travel & helicopter rescue insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips for the pilot, crew, and assistants
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
03 / Gear & Preparation
Pack right for a cold, high-UV landing at 4,130m.
Documents
Original passport or valid government ID for the domestic check-in manifest.
Thermal Layers
Heavy down jacket, fleece inner layer, gloves, and windproof pants for sub-zero wind chill at base camp.
Sun Protection
UV-protective wrap sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and lip balm for intense high-altitude sun.
Power & Camera
Fully charged camera or phone and a high-capacity power bank — the Modi Khola valley is not to be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, helpful answers to common questions about safety, weather, bookings, and the flight experience.
Yes. Annapurna helicopter tours are operated by certified helicopters with high-altitude rated pilots who have extensive Himalayan flight experience. Every aircraft carries emergency oxygen, and flights are weather-gated — they only depart when conditions are safe. Passenger insurance is included. The route has been flown safely for over two decades by multiple operators.
A shared group joining flight on an Annapurna helicopter tour costs $900–$1,100 per passenger. A private helicopter charter for up to 5 passengers ranges from $4,000–$5,500 depending on the season. All permits, landing fees, and government taxes are included in the price. Only visa fees, international flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are additional.
The entire Annapurna helicopter tour experience takes 4–5 hours from hotel pickup to return. The helicopter flight itself is approximately 2–2.5 hours round trip from Pokhara. You'll spend 15–20 minutes at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) for photos and sightseeing, with a breakfast stop at a luxury mountain lodge.
The best months for an Annapurna helicopter tour are March–May and September–November. These windows offer the clearest skies, stable weather, and highest flight success rates. Early morning departures (6:00–8:00 AM) are recommended to avoid afternoon cloud buildup. Flights operate year-round, but monsoon season (June–August) and deep winter (December–February) have more weather delays.
Yes. An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required for all Annapurna helicopter tours (~NPR 3,000/$22 per person). This is typically arranged by your operator and paid on tour day. Your tour operator will also handle the local municipality entry fee if applicable.
Yes. Unlike many Everest tours that only fly over base camp, Annapurna helicopter tours typically land directly at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) or at the nearby Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m). The landing is subject to weather and glacier conditions, but landing at ABC is standard on most tours.
A shared Annapurna helicopter tour ($900/person) seats you with other passengers (up to 5 total) — more affordable but with a fixed departure time and potentially shorter ground stops. A private charter ($4,000+) gives you the entire helicopter, flexible scheduling, guaranteed landing time at ABC, and a personalized experience. Private is ideal for families, photographers, or those wanting a luxury experience.
Bring warm layers (temperatures at ABC can drop to -5°C), sunglasses and sunscreen (UV is intense at 4,130m), a windproof jacket, comfortable shoes, and a camera. No heavy trekking gear is needed. Passengers on shared flights may need to carry a light daypack (max 10kg) due to weight restrictions. Dress in layers — it's warm in Pokhara but cold at altitude.
Most operators accept passengers aged 7 and above on shared Annapurna helicopter tours, with no upper age limit for fit travelers. Private charters offer more flexibility. Children under 12 typically pay a reduced rate. Anyone with severe heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before booking, as the flight reaches 4,130m altitude. Emergency oxygen is available on board.
If your Annapurna helicopter tour is cancelled due to weather, most operators offer a full refund or rebooking to the next available date. Flights operate daily, so rebooking is usually within 1–2 days. Some operators offer a "fly or refund" policy. We recommend booking with a flexible cancellation policy and arriving in Pokhara with 1–2 buffer days in case of weather delays.
Begin Your Himalayan Expedition
Soar to 4,130m in comfort. Direct booking inquiries are processed by our Pokhara hangar flight operations desk within 1 hour.
Phone & WhatsApp
+977 9845878324
Operations Email
info@annapurnahelitours.com
Hangar Location
Pokhara Domestic Airport
Secure Flight Reservation
Stories, Safety Tips & Travel Guides
Prepare for your journey with essential articles covering peak photography, altitude safety guides, and Nepalese heritage.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know before booking an Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — the flight experience, cost, itinerary, best time, safety, permits, and departure options.
Himalayan Health & Flight Protocols
Daily logs, medical dispatch guidelines, and safety advisories for helicopter flight altitude acclimatization.
