Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Trip Facts

  • Duration 1 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Destination Nepal
  • Transportation Private Vehicle and Helicopter Flight
  • Activity Helicopter Sightseeing
  • Best Season Feb- May and Sept- Dec
  • Group Size Mini 1 Max 5 people
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 4130m/13,549ft

Highlights

  • Miraculous views of the city of Lakes- Pokhara and the giant Lakes
  • Paramount scenery of the Annapurna Himalayan range- Mt. Annapurna, Fishtail, Himchuli
  • Greeneries of the Annapurna Conservation Area, dotted with oak and rhododendron woods
  • Aerial view of the dramatic landscape of the Annapurna trekking trails
  • Wonderful landing at 4130 meters- ABC to explore the surrounding alpine vistas and Himalayas
  • Amphitheatre land with giant Himalayan boulders that surround you with pyramid summits
  • Scattered ethnic settlements in the remote countryside in the lap of nature
  • Mountain cozy lodges and the glaciers
  • Photo session and exploration for about 30 minutes of ground time
  • One of the best trekking destinations in the world- ABC

 

Annapurna Base Camp HelicopterTour  Overview

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour- 1 Day is the most thrilling helicopter trip in the Annapurna region, located at 4,130m/13,549ft on the lap of the world's 10th tallest peak- Mt. Annapurna. The trip lets you witness the magnificent Himalayan peaks around the Annapurna Himalayan chain. The helicopter tour flies over the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), filled with lush forest and rhododendron flowers. The snow-covered peaks with the background of Himalayan ranges offer mesmerizing views. You will have two options on the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing   - flying directly from Kathmandu (2 hours back and forth) or Flying to ABC from Pokhara (1 hour back and forth).

The landing time at the Annapurna Base Camp is about 30 minutes to witness the breathtaking Himalayan sceneries of the Annapurna range from the natural amphitheater of Annapurna Sanctuary. The trip surpasses your imagination of swirling high with the view of the outstanding landscape around Annapurna base camp. If you are looking for more adventurous helicopter tours around the world's highest Himalayan range from Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is just the right trip. Besides, if you love to explore the cultural prosperity and unique landscape, Muktinath Helicopter Tour can be another ideal package.

 

Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour In Nutshell

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Nepal exhibits the magnificent Himalayan views of the Annapurna Himalayas and their surroundings during the thrilling flight. The adventure seekers who are planning to explore the charm of ABC but are still trying to manage a week's long trekking plan will get an amazing opportunity with the chopper ride from both the places- Kathmandu and Pokhara. The trip allows ample opportunity to witness the picturesque setting of the Himalayas, including Mt Annapurna (the 10th tallest peak in the world) during the flight and also by landing at 4130 meters altitude of Annapurna Base Camp.

 

The rewarding helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp from Kathmandu takes about a couple of hours. However, having a fabulous time with breakfast at ABC might extend the time to 2.5 hours. It's a direct flight and lets you have copious opportunities of exploring the Himalayan vistas, such as the Langtang range and Ganesh Himal range initially and the Manaslu range and Annapurna chain while flying further to the Annapurna Base Camp.

 

The helicopter tour from Pokhara to Annapurna Base camp is comparatively short due to the distance. The trip will take around 2 hours, including half an hour of ground time. Mainly, the tour captures an overview of the exceptional view of Pokhara city, the rolling green hill territories of the Annapurna Conservation Area, and the luminous Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna region like Annapurna, Himchuli, Fishtail, and the neighboring peaks.

 

Annapurna Base Camp is located in a shape of a natural amphitheater as big Himalayan bounders surround it. Annapurna Base Camp Journey concludes here, and trekkers explore the surrounding delights of the Himalayan panorama. So, the journey to ABC by helicopter is a rejuvenating experience and a feeling of the thrill of an elite tour.

 

Adventure Club Trek organizes Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter tours with a customized schedule and trip plan. Except for Kathmandu, we also operate ABC helicopter tours from Pokhara on a group joining basis, especially in Spring and autumn, which is a great opportunity for individual travelers with the budget trip cost. Besides this, if you are looking for further excellent trips, EBC Helicopter Trek 7 days and Muktinath Helicopter Tour might be great trips to explore further.

 

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trip From Kathmandu

A scenic and thrilling Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu offer you a lifetime experience. Once you take off from Kathmandu, the trip offers delightful sceneries of the Himalayan ranges in the northern part, including the Langtang region, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu range. Flying above the Annapurna green hill territories, the dynamic vistas of pyramid peaks- Mt. Annapurna, Fishtail, Himchuli, Mardi Himal, and the surroundings offer a great day tour experience by helicopter ride. It is truly an outstanding, luxurious trip and saves you a week's walking schedule, which ABC trekkers generally spend a minimum. In about a 2-2.5-hour ABC Helicopter tour from Kathmandu, you will get about 30-40 minutes for photography and ground exploration and have a super breakfast at an altitude of 4130 meters.

 

When is the best time For the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trip?

The best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour includes Spring, autumn, and winter. The Spring season offers great weather for the helicopter ride and explores the excellent Himalayan sceneries of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan chain. On the other hand, the spring season rewards travelers with mind-blowing scenery of blooming rhododendron species.

Autumn is regarded as the best season for wanderers, as is the case for the ABC Helicopter tour. The weather usually remains crystal clear in the morning, allowing impressive views of the Himalayan chain and landing with incredible weather.

Winter is another best time to take a helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp. The outstanding snowy surroundings around the Annapurna trekking trail and the heavenly paradise of the landing point of ABC surpass your imagination with an elite helicopter tour in Annapurna. It would help if you remembered to carry warm stuff and a down jacket; the rest of the trip becomes fantastic. Even the crowd at ABC becomes low, maintaining a good space for travelers wandering around 4200 meters altitude.

 

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Cost

The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter tour price is different for different options. The Private Charter flight costs you USD 3500 from Kathmandu. and USD1800. from Pokhara.Group joining helicopter costs USD 400 per person. The cost of the group joining is shared with the total number of people flying together.

 

How long does it take to reach ABC from Kathmandu Airport?

It takes about an hour (50 minutes) helicopter ride one way from Kathmandu to reach the landing point at Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters altitude), and you will get 30 minutes of exploration time.

 

How long does it take to reach ABC from Pokhara Airport?

A helicopter tour from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp takes about 25-30 minutes and lands at an altitude of 4130 meters, where you will get half an hour of ground time to wander around and explore.

Helicopter model

Among the helicopter models in Nepal, the popular ones that are used for helicopter tours in Nepal include the Airbus products: Eurocopter EC130B4 and Ecureuil, AS 350 B3 E Airbus. The AS350 B3 E Airbus is now known as H125. These are the safest helicopter models, especially those that take off and land in the alpine territory, like Everest Base Camp, Muktinath, and Annapurna Base Camp. The helicopters have a capacity of 3 passengers and 5 passengers, excluding the captain, with an excessive weight of 500 kg.

Here is some helpful information about helicopters. The use of these models will depend on the area and altitude.

1. 9N ANA (AS350B3e)

  • Model: AS350B3e
  • Manufacturer: Airbus, France
  • Engine type: Arriel 2D
  • Passenger capacity: 5 + 1
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG
  • Maximum Operating Altitude: 23,000 FT

2. 9N ALA (AS350B3e)

  • Model: AS350b3e
  • Manufacturer: Airbus, France
  • Engine Type: Arriel 2D
  • Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG
  • Maximum Operating Altitude: 23,000 FT

3. 9N-AJD (AS 350 FX II)

  • Model: AS350 FX II
  • Manufacturer: Airbus, France
  • Engine Type: LTS – 101 700D2
  • Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG
  • Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT

4. 9N-AFQ (AS 350 FX II)

  • Model: AS350 FX II
  • Manufacturer: Airbus, France
  • Engine Type: LTS – 101 700D2
  • Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG
  • Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT

5. 9N-AGU (AS350 BA)

  • Model: AS350 BA
  • Manufacturer: Airbus, France
  • Engine Type: Arriel 1B
  • Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2100 KG
  • Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT

 

Outline Itinerary

5:30 AM: Drive to Domestic Airport from Hotel.

6:00 AM Fly to Annapurna Base Camp

7:00 AM Explore Annapurna Base Camp and Enjoy Heartily Breakfast

7:40 AM Fly from Annapurna Base Camp to Kathmandu

8:30 AM Landing at Kathmandu Domestic Airport

9:00 AM Drive to Kathmandu Hotel

Itinerary

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5:30 AM: Drive to Domestic Airport from Hotel.

We will pick you up early in the morning and transfer you to the domestic airport of Kathmandu by private vehicle.

06:00 AM: Fly to Annapurna Base Camp.

Completing the airport security check, we proceed to the helipad and take a helicopter ride from the domestic airport. The stunning views of the terraced hillsides, Himalayan sceneries of Mount Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the surroundings can be explored from the eagle eye view. Then it flies over the Annapurna greeneries and enjoys the views of the Mardi Himal trekking trail and mountain lodges. In about an hour's ride, we reach the Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 meters and land.

7:00 AM: Explore Annapurna Base Camp and Enjoy a Heartily Breakfast.

At ABC, we explore the dynamic alpine vistas. The total ground time will be given 30-40 minutes. The miraculous summits of Mt. Annapurna range and Tent Peak shine outstandingly. Standing at the viewpoint, you will be surrounded by giant boulders from three directions. Even the enchanting setting offers a remarkable experience of the glacier, rocky landscape, and mountain lodges. Then we have a yummy breakfast at ABC and prepare for departure.

7:40 AM: Fly from Annapurna Base Camp to Kathmandu.

It's time to fly back to Kathmandu from ABC, flying above the Annapurna region and the middle hill ranges taking great snaps from the helicopter. It's about an hour's trip, and we land.

08:30 AM: Land at Kathmandu Airport.

After about an hour helicopter tour from ABC (50 minutes), we land at Kathmandu airport and check out to drive further to the hotel.

9:00 AM: Drive to Kathmandu Hotel.

We will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

    Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern while traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary, but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline, and illness or injury can occur. To avoid dangerous situations, we may occasionally change the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That has been said, and Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

    Cost Details

    Price Includes

    • Arrival and Departure transfer by private tourist vehicle. 
    • Seating arrangements for up to a maximum of 5 people
    • Airport Boarding Pass
    • Oxygen Cylinder in case of emergency with Medical kits
    • Three-hour charter helicopter service, including 30 Minutes break at Annapurna Base Camp
    • Company service charge
    • All Government and Local taxes and paper words 

     

    Price Excludes

    • Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days)
    • Accommodation in Kathmandu
    • Medical and life insurance.
    • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the cost included section.

    Date & Prices

         
    Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 22, 2023End DateEnd: WednesdayMarch 22, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: ThursdayMarch 23, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayMarch 23, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: FridayMarch 24, 2023End DateEnd: FridayMarch 24, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 25, 2023End DateEnd: SaturdayMarch 25, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: SundayMarch 26, 2023End DateEnd: SundayMarch 26, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: MondayMarch 27, 2023End DateEnd: MondayMarch 27, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: TuesdayMarch 28, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayMarch 28, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 29, 2023End DateEnd: WednesdayMarch 29, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: ThursdayMarch 30, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayMarch 30, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400
    Start DateStart: FridayMarch 31, 2023End DateEnd: FridayMarch 31, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $400

    The Published dates are guaranteed departures. If the scheduled dates are not suitable for you, we will be happy to create our trips to suit your needs. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for, and our travel experts will help customize your dream destination.

    Useful Info

    What is the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Packing List?

    Although you don't need a huge packaging for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour, it's great if you can sort out the actual packaging, the tour will be fantastic, safe, and memorable.

    What to wear?

    Wearing comfortable clothes make your trip easygoing, especially after the helicopter lands at the base camp. When responding to what to wear, you first need to know exactly when you travel. It means that according to the season, your packing list changes slightly. However, some general packing lists help you manage before you set out for the tour.

    If you are doing Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in summer, you can wear loose clothes with flip-flops. Carrying sunglasses and sunblock cream is essential as you will get sun very close, and they prevent you from getting sunburnt. If you are doing this tour in winter, you should be careful to wear a down jacket, thermal scarf, gloves, and wearing boots that can defend against -20 weather. Spring is not too chilling at ABC so common packing will work.

    Along with the clothes, you should remember some of the most important things like a camera/full-charged mobile. You can find the important packing list below.

    Packing List

    • A down jacket (for winter) and a normal jacket (for spring and autumn)
    • Sunblock cream and body lotion
    • Sunblock hat/woolen hat (according to the season)
    • Woolen scarf
    • Lip balm
    • A thermos water bottle
    • Light snacks
    • Toilet paper
    • Spare battery (if you bring a camera)
    • Fully charged power bank
    •  

    What is the Weight Limit of the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

    The ultimate weight limit of the passengers is 500 kg for five Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour crew. This weight limit applies to all helicopter tours in Nepal.

     

    Weather and Climate

    Weather conditions remain clear and visible around Annapurna Base Camp in the morning throughout the year, except for some monsoon days. Rests of the seasons are suitable for the helicopter tour to ABC, allowed with the clear weather status. The weather and climate status change according to seasonal variations.

     

    Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Spring Season

    Spring (March, April, and May) is an amazing season in the Annapurna region, with clear weather and stunning wildflowers. You fly above the rhododendron woods of Annapurna Conservation Area, which look incredible. The weather allows eye-catching Himalayan vistas. The temperature at ABC remains cool in the morning (0-5 degrees Celsius), but it rises around 15-20 degrees Celsius during the day.

     

    Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Autumn Season

    Autumn (September, October, and November) is the most suitable time for the ABC helicopter tour. The weather remains a bit cloudy and rainy till mid-September, and after that, splendid weather allows for great Himalayan scenery. The morning weather at ABC gets down to the freezing point. However, the daytime is warm at 20-22 degrees Celsius. There is the least probability of getting views obstructed by clouds. You may select October-November for delighting Himalayan sceneries with an ABC helicopter tour.

     

    Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Winter Season

    It may not sound well to be in the Himalayan terrain, but it's incredible in the case of the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour. December and January allow wonderful weather of around 10 degrees during the day at ABC and up to -10 degrees at night. From mid-December till mid-February, in the base camp area and up to the elevation of 4000 meters, the entire landscape remains snowy. Likewise, the snow-capped Himalayas appear more delightful in winter with the heap of snow. You must wear more woolen products and a down jacket in winter. The only challenge of ABC helicopter tours in winter is that the weather may change rapidly, which causes flight cancellations.

     

    Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Summer Season

    Summer is not a good season for the helicopter tour to Annapurna base camp. It is a rainy season in Nepal, and rainfall is a very common topic. The Annapurna region itself is known as the most rainfall zone in Nepal. However, after the rainfall, the clear weather allows for great views, and if you are in Pokhara during the monsoon, you maybe benefit from this type of opportunity.

     

    What are the Helicopter Models Used for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Flight?

    Adventure Club Treks and Expedition has offered unique helicopter tours to various destinations for over a decade. All the trips are safe and operated with timely serviced helicopters of multiple models.

    Different helicopter models are used for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour. They are well-maintained, reliable, and offer safe Himalayan journeys. With the rules of the Nepal government, the helicopters can carry five passengers at once, so there will be six people maximum at once, including captains.

    Model: AS350B3e is used, which has been manufactured by Airbus, France. It has got an Ariel 2D engine type. The maximum takeoff weight is 2250 KG, with five passengers capacity excluding the captain, which can operate at a maximum altitude of 23000 feet.

    Model: AS350 FX II is another type of helicopter built by Airbus, France. It has got LTS – 101 700D2 engine type. The maximum takeoff weight is 2250 KG, with five passengers capacity excluding the captain, which can operate at a maximum altitude of 23000 feet.

    Model: AS350 BA, which Airbus, France, has built, has got Ariel 1B engine type. The maximum takeoff weight is 2100 KG, with five passengers capacity excluding the captain, which can operate at a maximum altitude of 16,000 feet.

     

    How to Deal with Altitude Sickness?

    High altitude sickness is a disorder that people might feel above 3000 meters. It is directly connected to altitude adaptation, which makes people have difficulty breathing. Altitude sickness is also called Acute Mountain Sickness.

    The ultimate altitude of Annapurna Base Camp is 4130 meters, which is not a risky zone for getting caught in altitude sickness. It's very unlikely to be suffering from AMS. However, you may experience it accidentally once you get out of the helicopter. Mild headache and dizziness can be the common symptoms you feel at ABC. Initially, you will be given oxygen support in the helicopter, as oxygen cylinders will be in every helicopter. If it's risky, flying back to the lower altitude is another best way.

    You will get a maximum of half an hour of landing time at the Annapurna base camp. You walk around and get abundant miraculous glimpses of the mighty Himalayan peaks like Mt. Annapurna.

     

    What are the essential Safety Measures for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

    There are some sorts of essential safety measures for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour. It starts from entering the aircraft, where you should follow the captain's instructions, and also at the exit.

    • If you are in a group, do not move from your place during the flight or exchange your seats with other travelers
    • You should not put your hands or head out of the window and do remember to keep your belongings safe.
    • Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the helicopter, and it's very sensible
    • Please, do remember to tighten your seat belt properly.
    • If you feel any breathing problems or dizziness, tell your captain about it.
    •  

    Aftermath of COVID-19,

    • Helicopters are sanitized properly in all corners with spray
    • You should follow the safety instructions like wearing a mask, gloves
    • Test your temperature before flying

     

    FAQs

    • Q1. How long is the Heli Ride from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp?

      The helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp takes about an hour (50 minutes) one way.

    • The straight distance from Pokhara (822 meters) to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters) is about 37 aeronautical miles.

    • A chopper takes a maximum of 5 people, except the captain.

    • Annapurna Base Camp is located at 4130 meters altitude, being surrounded by the giant Himalayan boulders from three directions. The altitude of Annapurna Peaks includes- Mt. Annapurna (8091m/26545.28ft), Mt. Fishtail (6999m/22962 ft), and Mt. Annapurna South (7219m/23684 ft).

    • There will be a single pilot in one helicopter, who flies with a great experience.

    • Yes, absolutely. We stop at ABC, take a walking tour around, explore the majestic views of the Himalayan and surrounding landscape and have a cup of tea/coffee. We also have breakfast at ABC on Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour.

    • The ground time is given a maximum of 30 minutes at ABC.

    • The usual itinerary allows the landing only at Annapurna Base Camp. However, in a private charter flight, we can customize the itinerary with another stop in an ethnic community somewhere by adding extra cost. Annapurna region is dominated by various unique Gurung villages, which can be our preference that allows exploration of the ethnic culture.

    • Not exceeding an hour, by covering the extra cost, the helicopter can stop in an interesting village of the Annapurna region on the route or nearby. But, it depends on weather conditions.

    • Gurung people belong to one of the ethnic tribes of Nepal, who populate mostly the middle hill range. Annapurna region is dominated by the Gurung people, who have their unique lifestyles, customs, garments, festivals and celebrations. They are traditions loving people, who follow animal husbandry profession and hospitality industry. Gurung people have marked their bravery in British Gurkha, therefore they are taken as brave Gurkhas.

    • Yes, we do land at Annapurna base camp and enjoy cup of warm coffee and other refreshment overlooking fantastic views of surrounding high mountains.

    • Annapurna base camp stands at the height of 4,130 m located just beneath towering East Face of main Mt. Annapurna I which is at 8,091 m and 26,545 ft high, the first 8,000 m ever climbed by French Expeditions in June 03rd 1950 even before Mt. Everest was climbed three years later in 1953.

    • Every flight had a weight limit. Annapurna base camp helicopter tour had a weight limit. Normally in this commercial flight tour 5 people per helicopter. 100kg/person is the average weight for the Annapurna base camp. And the total capacity of a helicopter is 500kg. If there will be hard to manage weight you will need to take an extra shuttle for the Annapurna base camp helicopter tour.

    All Inclusive PriceUS $400(per person)
    Show group price
    No. of peoplePrice P/P
    1 - 1 PaxUS $400
    Total PriceUS $400

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