The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour starts from Pokhara airport since it is the closest take-off point from the Annapurna sanctuary. The heli tour is approximately 2 hours considering that it takes 30min for a one-way flight to the base camp. After a short introduction to our flight crew members, one of our representatives will provide some safety precautions which are to be followed at any cost during the charter. Safety is our primary concern and we do not compromise. We need to make sure that you have acknowledged all the instructions before boarding the helicopter.
Flying over the charming city of Pokhara(1,400m), eyeing the magical Fewa Lake, we officially start the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Along the way, you will get to observe some spectacular glimpses of the divine nature sprinkled by the scattered Magar and Gurung settlements. After 30 minutes of flying, you are greeted with the giant snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna mountain range.
The time we spend at the Annapurna Sanctuary is limited, approximately about 20 to 30 minutes. This is due to safety reasons. Since the base camp is located at an altitude of 4,130m, it can be risky to stay more than half an hour. Gaining such an altitude in a very short time could cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). However, half an hour is more than enough for us to do some sightseeing, capture some memorable moments, and to enjoy a warm & delightful breakfast. Then, we trace our way back to Pokhara airport.
The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour starts from the Pokhara Airport. It lasts approximately 2 hours which includes the 30 minutes ground time at the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). The helicopter takes you over rolling green hills as it leaves the valley. Along the way, you will get an amazing birds-eye perspective of the divine Fewa lake and the Tilicho Lake. As we leave the lively city of Pokhara behind, we are instantly introduced to the stunning mountains afar.
Note: Only private charters are available to Annapurna Base Camp from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. On the other hand, both the flight sharing and private charters are available from Pokhara.
The helicopter takes off from Pokhara Airport. Swirling over the city, we head to the north and towards the Annapurna region. As we gain altitude you are instantly presented with the Annapurna mountain range shining at a distance. In minutes, we will enter the Annapurna Conservation Area which extends to 7,629 sqm covering Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung districts. After around 30 minutes of flying and gaining altitude, we will reach the Annapurna sanctuary. The helicopter lands at the Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130m.
Pokhara to Pokhara
2 Hours
Easy
4130m
The Annapurna mountain range comes to life during winter. A thick layer of snow covers the mountains and the views are mind-blowing and undisturbed. But as you might have expected, the temperature during the winter can get as low as -20°C during nighttime. The temperature during the day is tolerable but it is still colder than usual. Due to this reason, winter is not the most preferred time by Annapurna travelers. The number of trekkers also plummets since wet trails can be hard to climb.
Attractions: If you wish to experience the undisturbed scenery of the Annapurna range, winter is the time to go. Wildlife slowly descends to a lower altitude as the temperature gets colder. You are likely to encounter wild animals such as Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, and Himalayan Monal. However, beware of the consequences and always consult with an expert before you plan your trip.
Preparation Tips: A decent down jacket and layering is a must. Consider a waterproof boot and thick gloves. Make sure to bring a decent pair of sunglasses and sunscreen as the UV rays are intense at the Annapurna Base Camp. We suggest you be prepared for any flight delays or cancellations. You can also consider hiring a guide as well.
Spring season is the second most preferred season for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Nepal. The flora and fauna are at their best and birds chirp around enhancing the overall experience. The views are astounding without any disturbance most of the time. The nighttime during Spring is cold but the daytime temperature averages about 20°C.
Spring is also known as the peak season for travelers and trekkers, which means high traffic. It can be problematic for trekkers and mountain climbers. But since we are taking a helicopter, it is not a dealbreaker.
Attractions: Spring is undoubtedly the best time to observe the flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The flowers blossom throughout the jungle and the animals are on their move. A few festivals fall around April such as Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Buddha. You will get to enjoy the full spectrum of the natural as well as the cultural diversity of the Annapurna region during the spring season.
Preparation Tips: There is a probability of rain during spring, so make sure you pack a raincoat and a pair of waterproof boots. Be mindful of things you carry as there is a weight limit. We suggest you pack only necessities. Other than that, you are good to go.
Traveling to Annapurna Base Camp during summer is an option if you want to avoid freezing temperatures. Summer might serve a rise in temperature but the sanctuary is still cold in comparison to lowlands. The average daytime temperature is 20*C and the nighttime temperature is around 5*C. The views can be obstructed due to dense clouds at lower altitudes but at higher altitudes, the mountains are vividly clear.
Attractions: The biodiversity during the Summer in the Annapurna region is at its peak. Profound wildflower lights ups the mood as you fly over the dense forests full of life. However, it can be hard to scope out the mountain ranges. The weather can get cloudy and there are chances of rain.
Preparation Tips: It is always a good idea to grab a pair of sunglasses while traveling. The UV rays are intense, so it is important to stay protected. Sunscreen and a hat can come in handy. Besides that, grab some of your waterproof gears as it can rain at times.
The Annapurna region sees the most rainfall during monsoon. This season is for the daring ones. The weather is hot, and humid, and rains most of the time. The daytime temperature averages 20*C while nighttime is relatively cool. The helicopter flights can be delayed or even get canceled due to high-pressure wind and intense rainfall. If you are one of the adrenaline junkies and wish to fly during Monsoon, we recommend you to book a consulting call with one of our travel experts at info@excursiontohimalaya.com
Attractions: The alpine forests are filled with dense flowers by now. The refreshing vegetation carries a green accent with the backdrop of stunning mountains. Since the agriculture season comes to near the end during monsoon, you will be able to encounter cultural activities and celebrations such as Yartung and Janai Purnima.
Preparation Tips: Make sure you pack a decent full boot to prevent the entry of leeches. There isn’t a high chance to encounter leeches since we land at a high altitude. But it does not hurt to be prepared. Pack some waterproof gear and a decent down jacket.
Autumn is the most preferred time for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Nepal. During this season, the rains have finally retrieved leaving a clear blue sky with priceless mountain views.
The Annapurna mountain range is at its best during Autumn. The weather is conventional with daytime averaging around 15*C. Travelers and trekkers from all over the world gather up to visit Annapurna. Autumn is also one of the most popular seasons for travelers in Nepal.
Attractions: This is the happy season. Dashain Festival, one of the major festivals of Hindus, falls during this season. The festival takes place once a year and most people return home from their workplace. You can feel the excitement and good energy that everyone carries during the festive season. Strike up a decent conversation with one of the locals and you will find out exactly why. On top of that, the mountain ranges are utterly visible and charming.
Preparation Tips: Get yourself a weatherproof down jacket, a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and some breathable. Make sure not to carry unnecessary items as a heavy backpack could backfire.
The pre-winter weather in the Annapurna region is beautiful with some fluctuation in temperature. It should not come as a surprise that it is the coldest season in the Himalaya. However, the weather is still tolerable. The pre-winter season is very popular among trekkers and travelers looking to visit the Annapurna mountain range from up close.
The weather is cold and dry but the sky is at its most beautiful state. This means the UV radiation is very high. Moreover, with some decent gears and motivation, you will have a memorable helicopter tour to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Attractions: During this season, wildlife proceeds to lower altitude in search of a warmer climate. If you are lucky, you will encounter some of the endangered animals. Teas are widely popular during winter to keep you warm and offer an incredible opportunity to communicate with the locals.
Preparation Tips: A decent sunscreen to protect you from UV radiation is a must. Do not forget to carry a pair of sunglasses. Other than that, pack some warm layers that include a weatherproof down jacket.
The helicopter takes off from Pokhara Airport. Swirling over the city, we head to the north and towards the Annapurna region. As we gain altitude you are instantly presented with the Annapurna mountain range shining at a distance. In minutes, we will enter the Annapurna Conservation Area which extends to 7,629sqm covering Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung districts. After around 30 minutes of flying and gaining altitude, we will reach the Annapurna sanctuary. The helicopter lands at the Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130m.
One of the representatives will receive you after you reach Pokhara Airport. You can contact them through the details that have been provided to you while booking.
For safety, our pilots will run you through some of the important guidelines and precautions to be adopted during the helicopter flight. During the meetup, you will get a chance to introduce yourself to the flight crew and clear up queries that you might have before boarding the helicopter. We highly encourage you to follow the instructions given by the pilots and contribute to a sound flight.
The helicopter takes off from the airport at Pokhara with an extraordinary aerial overview of the beautiful Pokhara city. As you gain altitude, you will be able to scope out the beautiful Annapurna mountain range along with the verdant rolling hills surrounding the valley. The beautiful Fewa lake reflects the morning sunlight as the flight continues. Then we leave the city behind and fly over the scattered Gurung and Magar settlements.
After 30 minutes of dramatic flight, we finally reached the Annapurna Base Camp. Upon landing at the base camp, you will find yourself on an oval-sized plateau surrounded by magical mountain ranges. We will have our breakfast and spend some quality time snapping pictures and soaking in the enchanting experience. Spending no more than 30 minutes, we then prepare for our flight back as staying longer could cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour comes to an end as we fly back to the airport in Pokhara. Swirling above the Annapurna sanctuary for one last time, we observe the majestic mountain range for one last time. In less than 30 minutes of descending from the Annapurna range, we will arrive at the Pokhara Airport signaling the end of our Annapurna Base Camp Heli tour in Nepal.
