Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour

The best season for an Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is generally during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. In spring, the weather is mild, with clear skies that create excellent flying conditions, and the landscape is vibrant with blooming rhododendrons and other flowers, enhancing the natural beauty of the region. This season tends to be less crowded than autumn, offering a more serene experience. 

In autumn, the weather remains stable, with clear skies and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, making it ideal for helicopter tours. While this is the peak trekking season and may attract more tourists, the lively atmosphere adds to the experience. 

Winter (December to February) can bring harsh conditions, including snow and cold temperatures, which may affect flight schedules, while the monsoon season (June to August) is generally avoided due to heavy rainfall that can lead to visibility issues and flight cancellations.

You’ll need to obtain 2 permits. They are:

• Trekker’s Information Management System

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Both these permits can be obtained from the National Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. 

When planning an Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour, obtaining travel insurance is essential for protecting against potential risks. Key coverage types to consider include trip cancellation insurance, travel medical insurance, and helicopter evacuation insurance, all crucial for high-altitude trekking. Ensure the policy covers adventure activities and provides 24/7 emergency assistance. 

Purchase insurance as soon as you book your tour to maximize coverage. Keeping a copy of your policy and emergency contact information handy while travelling is also advisable. 

Food

For food, there are a variety of options available. You’ll taste authentic flavours of food in the ABC trek. 

For Breakfast

• Bread with jam/butter

• Muesli

• Cornflex

• Boiled Egg

• Tea and hot water

• Seasonal fruits (if available)

• Hot Soup

• Omelette with onion, tomato, and chilli

• Vegetable Soup

• Hot porridge with milk

• Potatoes

For Lunch and Dinner

• Varieties of soup (garlic soup, veg, and non-veg soup)

• Dal Bhat and veg

• Fry rice

• Momo

• Chowmein

• Rice pudding (if available)

• Spaghetti

• Gren Vegetable

• Pizza

• Pasta

• Noodles

Accommodation

During your ABC helicopter tour, you’ll be staying in a well-maintained hotel, which offers you comfortable and warm accommodation. They provide you private room with attached bathrooms. There are all facilities like a hot shower, a western-style attached bathroom, electricity, wifi, and many others.

On the Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour, the helicopter will land for approximately 30 minutes at the helipad located at 4,130 meters. Upon landing, travellers experience a profound sense of accomplishment, as this moment allows them to appreciate the serene beauty of the area up close. The breathtaking mountain peaks of the Annapurna range and other magnificent snow-capped summits are strikingly visible from the landing point, creating a stunning backdrop.

During the ground landing, visitors have the opportunity to explore the area, capture unforgettable moments, and fully soak in the magnificent views surrounding the base camp. This brief but impactful experience at Annapurna Base Camp will leave a lasting impression, creating cherished memories that will hold a special place in the hearts and minds of all who embark on this remarkable helicopter tour.

From Kathmandu

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu is a perfect choice for those who are seeking a short and easy tour. The helicopter takes off from Kathmandu Domestic Airport, and it takes around 45 minutes to reach ABC. As you start your ride, first you’ll see the Kathmandu city aerial view from the window of your helicopter. The helicopter flies over stunning landscapes, including valleys, rivers, and terraced fields, providing panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

After 45 minutes, you’ll land in ABC. The magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayas blow your mind. The Annapurna range stands in front of you, which takes time to believe your eyes. Capture photos and videos with your phone and camera. Explore the area and appreciate the majestic surroundings. 

After soaking yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna range for 30 minutes, your helicopter takes you back to Kathmandu, from where you started your helicopter ride. The return journey offers a different perspective of the mountains on the way back.

From Pokhara

Pokhara, also known as a gateway to the Annapurna region, from where travellers like to take a helicopter ride to ABC. Pokhara is the ideal destination for the ABC helicopter tour. The helicopter takes off from Pokhara airport and takes you toward the Annapurna range. Enjoy the stunning view of Pokhara city and the surrounding hills. Within 15 minutes of the flight, the aircraft lands at the Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara.

After landing in the Annapurna Base Camp, you can appreciate the area’s beauty and snow-capped peaks. The helicopter stayed for 30 minutes in ABC. Witness the eye-catching beauty of the majestic Annapurna and surrounding peaks, including Mount Annapurna, Mt.Annapurna South, Mount Manaslu, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Fishtail, and other stunning mountains.

After immersing in the beauty of the majestic Himalayas, return to Pokhara. Enjoy the picturesque landscape of the Himalayas. 

A helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and including a side trip can significantly enhance the overall adventure. One of the most popular side trips on the Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour is to Mardi Himal. This excursion allows visitors to see the Annapurna region from a different perspective, showcasing its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes.

Mardi Himal, situated at an altitude of 5,587 meters (18,330 feet) above sea level, is a lesser-known yet breathtaking area within the Annapurna region. Located in the Gandaki province of the Kaski district, it lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The majestic views from Mardi Himal provide a serene experience, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks. The helicopter tour that includes a side trip to Mardi Himal takes approximately 2 hours for a round trip from Pokhara and about 3 hours from Kathmandu. 

During the journey, the helicopter overflies Annapurna Base Camp before landing at Mardi Himal, where travellers can enjoy awe-inspiring views of Mount Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Mount Himchuli, making it a truly unique way to explore this magnificent region.

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Helicopter Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. As the helicopter ascends from either Kathmandu or Pokhara, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas that showcase the stunning beauty of the Annapurna region. The journey begins with a bird’s-eye view of lush green hills and charming villages, which quickly transition into rugged mountainous terrain.

Once the helicopter approaches Annapurna Base Camp, travellers are greeted with spectacular views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Annapurna, Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Mount Dhaulagiri. The sheer scale and grandeur of these snow-capped summits create a dramatic backdrop that is awe-inspiring. Upon landing at ABC, visitors have the chance to soak in the serene atmosphere and capture unforgettable photographs of the surrounding landscape.

During the 30-minute ground landing, the panoramic views from the base camp allow travellers to appreciate the intricate details of the Himalayas, from the rugged cliffs to the vast expanses of snow. The experience is not only visually stunning but also deeply enriching, as it provides a unique perspective on the natural beauty and cultural significance of this iconic region. The ABC helicopter tour truly offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Himalayas in all their glory.

Choosing the right seat while travelling in a Helicopter tour is essential. You always pack those items that are really needed while exploring ABC via Helicopter. 

• Warm Jacket

• Comfortable Pants

• Comfortable Shoes

• Woolen Gloves

• Pair of Socks

• Warm T-shirt

• Water Bottle

• Sleeping Bag

• Small Backpack

• Sunscreen

• Lip Blam

• Snack

• Cash

• Permits Paper

• Travel Insurance Documents