The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour with Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition is one of the most exclusive and scenic luxury tour options in Nepal. It allows travelers to skip the physically demanding trek and still soak in the full glory of the Himalayas from a unique aerial perspective. In just a short period of time, you get to explore Nepal’s most stunning mountain landscapes, hovering above green valleys, alpine forests, glacial rivers, and dramatic cliffs. The highlight of this experience is a thrilling landing at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), nestled in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
This tour is an excellent alternative for those who are short on time or unable to undertake long treks due to physical limitations. The helicopter flight takes off from Pokhara, a beautiful lake city that itself offers magnificent mountain views. From there, you’ll fly through deep gorges and past dramatic ridgelines, eventually reaching the base camp surrounded by majestic Himalayan giants like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. The entire experience is surreal and one-of-a-kind – combining adventure, comfort, and awe-inspiring beauty.
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour
The ideal time for this heli tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is generally stable, skies are crystal clear, and the mountains are easily visible. Spring also brings rhododendron blooms, adding vibrant colors to the lower valleys.
Autumn is particularly favored for its stunning visibility and moderate temperatures. Winter (December to February) can also be good, especially for those wanting to see snowy landscapes – but colder conditions may limit landing duration. Monsoon (June to August) is generally not recommended due to poor visibility and unpredictable weather patterns.
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour Views from Pokhara
Starting your flight from Pokhara adds an extra layer of visual delight to the experience. As the helicopter lifts off, you immediately begin seeing the Phewa Lake, lush terraced fields, and traditional villages nestled in the hills. Within minutes, the landscapes shift dramatically to rugged cliffs, glaciers, and the icy peaks of the Annapurna range.
This route also gives you an up-close aerial view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), one of the most iconic and sacred mountains in Nepal. The gradual change in terrain and the pristine environment seen from the air makes this one of the most picturesque routes in the country.
Why Choose Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour?
The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is ideal for travelers who desire to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas but cannot afford the time or physical commitment required for trekking. The tour ensures you enjoy the same stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and spiritual serenity – all within a few hours.
With Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition, you’ll experience high safety standards, professional service, and seamless logistics. Whether it’s a private heli-tour or a group-sharing flight, every aspect is handled with utmost care. For luxury, comfort, and once-in-a-lifetime views – this heli tour is unparalleled.
USEFUL TIPS IN SAVING ENERGY
Upon arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be met by one of our delegates who’ll drive you to the hotel on a personal ride and assist you until the hotel check-in procedure, depending on the time of your arrival, you’ll be served with either breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Today in the morning, you'll be served a delightful breakfast, following which you'll be guided towards the domestic terminal for the flight to Pokhara. The flight to Pokhara will be one of the most memorable moments of your trip, as you'll get to witness the beautiful view of Pokhara along with the magnificent views of the mountains and Fewa Lake there while on flight.
Today morning, after breakfast, you'll be on a helicopter ride heading towards the Annapurna Basecamp. On the trip, you'll again get to see mountains and lakes, but this ride has even more to offer. You'll get to witness the amazing panoramic views of the Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu, along with the Dhaulagiri and Fishtail. The flight is probably the best way to witness some of the 10 highest mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks in the world.
7:20 a.m.–8:10 am: Land and Explore Around (ABC)
Upon landing at the ABC, you'll find yourself surrounded by the stunningly majestic Himalayas, with an altitude that reaches up to 4,130 m above sea level, which offers a 360-degree view of Annapurna-I, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Fishtail. It is a popular tourist destination where travelers can witness the beautiful sunrise and sunset that cast a golden hue over the entire mountain range. You'll have 45 minutes to take pictures and capture your beautiful moments around the mountains with the views of breath-taking Himalayan scenery, along with some of the other beautiful views of green lush dense forest of rhododendrons to thin pine trees and various other topographical variations.
8:10 a.m.–8:35 a.m.: Fly back to Pokhara
Following our 45-minute tour of the Annapurna Base Camp, we'll be flying back to Pokhara, and upon landing, you'll be driven to your hotel in a private car.
After the completion of the tour we'll be on a flight from Pokhara-Kathmandu and upon reaching Kathmandu you'll be driven to your respective accommodation, where you'll get some time to unwind from the weariness of the trip and will be served with the suitable food service as per your preference. And since you've plenty of time left you can utillize your time as per your desired schedule of activities you might wanna do. In the evening you'll be served with a delightful dinner for your farewell.
So as per the itinerary, today is your last day in Nepal. In the morning, you'll be served breakfast, after which one of our delegates will take your feedback regarding the trip you had and will drive you to the airport on a personal ride.
Thanks to Mr. Panta and his team for making this trip possible and successful for me. The Annapurna basecamp Heli tour is one of the very reasonable and best trips one can enjoy. If you're running short on time or you just don't want to walk much, this could be a very reasonable trip for you. It saves time and does give the thrill of the adventure.
One of, if not the best, adventurous activities there is. The hospitality was so good, like I've never experienced before. The staff were great and well coordinated.The trip really did save my time and gave me one of the most adventurous and thrilling experiences of an alternative to trekking.I'm definitely going to give it another shot.
This journey is an absolute must-do! The serenity it offers is unparalleled and will undoubtedly provide you with a level of relief and peace of mind that you have never experienced before. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!Also thanks to Mr.Panta and his team of experts for making my trip wonderful with proper management and guidance.
The beauty of the nation is astounding. To be honest and honest I didn't spend much time except for the duration of the heli-tour which was probably short, but those three days of stay marked my perception and impression with the appreciation for the beauty of mother nature. The trip refreshed my mind and made me feel better, thanks to the team of Plan Nepal for their service. see you again
The destination is out of words and beyond the explanation for its beauty, it's simply admirable and makes anyone feel like keep staring and glancing at the complex yet beautiful structures of nature. The heli-tour trip is very reasonable for the price and the better quality of the service one gets. So to undertake the tour it seems very reasonable in my opinion. Places like this with natural beauty still intact are very rare so i recommend people to make a visit at least once in their lifetime.
If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you'll remember forever, the EBC heli tour is the trip for you. Don't miss out on this incredible experience!
The trip was great but it became more pleasant due to the welcoming nature of the Nepalese people and their generosity. Although we're short of holidays the heli trip made our trip very memorable.
The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour reaches an elevation of approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). The helicopter hovers and lands at this high-altitude location, giving passengers an immersive experience among the world’s most iconic peaks. Depending on weather conditions and the specific flight path, the aircraft may ascend slightly higher during the aerial portion of the journey to provide panoramic views. Despite the altitude, the flight is brief enough that altitude sickness is unlikely, though travelers are advised to stay hydrated and avoid overexertion while at the base camp.
If you begin your journey from Kathmandu, the entire Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour generally takes around 2 hours, including ground time at the base camp. From Pokhara, the flight is significantly shorter, taking about 20 minutes each way, with approximately 30–35 minutes of ground time at Annapurna Base Camp. The total round-trip duration from Pokhara is around 80–90 minutes. This makes it a quick and efficient way to experience the Himalayas without needing multiple days of trekking.
Yes, the helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp is regarded as one of the safest aerial tours in Nepal. The flights are operated by certified aviation companies with well-maintained aircraft and highly experienced pilots who are trained to fly in mountainous terrain. Safety checks are performed before every flight, and emergency protocols are in place to ensure passenger safety under all circumstances. To date, the tour maintains one of the lowest incident records, making it a reliable option for experiencing the high Himalayas.
You will typically have 30 to 35 minutes of ground time at Annapurna Base Camp. This includes time to enjoy a light breakfast, explore the base camp surroundings, take photos, and soak in the incredible mountain views. Due to the high altitude, longer stays are discouraged to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Please note that if weather conditions worsen or change quickly, the ground time may be shortened to prioritize safety.
Yes, the ABC Heli Tour is suitable for all age groups, including children and older adults. The smooth and short flight duration, combined with the absence of trekking, makes it a family-friendly adventure. However, it’s essential to ensure children are dressed warmly due to the cold temperatures at high altitude and are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times during the trip.
While the tour is available year-round, the best seasons for clear views and stable flying conditions are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally stable, the skies are clear, and visibility is at its best. Winter (December to February) also offers stunning snowy landscapes, but temperatures at the base camp can be extremely low. Monsoon season (June to August) brings frequent rain and clouds, which may delay or cancel flights due to poor visibility.
Yes, even for a helicopter tour, you are still entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, so a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) are required. These will usually be arranged in advance by Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition as part of your tour package.
Absolutely. Private charter flights are available for those who want a more personal experience or are traveling with family or friends. Alternatively, group-sharing options allow solo travelers or small groups to share a helicopter, significantly reducing the cost per person. Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition will help organize the most suitable option based on your group size and preferences.
Yes, there is typically a combined weight limit of around 450–500 kg per helicopter (including passengers and fuel), depending on the number of people and altitude. If the group is larger or exceeds the limit, multiple flights or shuttle trips may be arranged. Each passenger is usually asked to provide their approximate weight in advance for safety and planning purposes.
