Nepal is a country with eight of the ten tallest mountains in the world and a gorgeous Himalayan range. If you wish to visit them all, or even see just the popular ones, a helicopter tour is the quickest yet most immersive way. In Nepal, there are a lot of Heli tour packages that you can choose including the Everest Heli tour, the ABC Heli tour (Annapurna base camp), the Rara Heli tour, and more.

For first-timers, the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is an adventure trip that offers a unique way to explore the beautiful Annapurna region of Nepal. This two-hour Heli tour makes you feel more than just two hours. It takes you on a scenic helicopter ride to the base of the Annapurna mountains, where you can experience trekking, local culture, and food.

Overview of the Tour

The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is a thrilling adventure that takes you on a helicopter ride to the base of the Annapurna mountains and the Annapurna region (not just the mountain). You can either start the tour from the capital city of Kathmandu or the city of Pokhara. Popularly, most tourists prefer the tour from Pokhara. This tour offers a unique way to explore the Annapurna region and provides stunning views of the Himalayas.

From Pokhara, the trip by helicopter to Annapurna Base Camp will start. The Annapurna Base Camp, Mounts Annapurna, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and their ranges are all fairly close by from Pokhara Valley. It takes a helicopter 15 minutes to fly through breathtaking mountain scenery to get to ABC. A helicopter window provides a 360-degree view of the majestic Annapurna range including Mount Fishtail (Locally Machhapuchre), Mount Annapurna I (at 8,091m), Mount Dhaulagiri (at 8,167m), and other Himalayan peaks.

ABC Heli Tour Cost 

There are two types of heli tours available for the ABC region. They’re charter-based private helicopter tours and group-joining helicopter tours. If you’re with a group or want to fly private, you can book the charter basis flight. In this, you (or your group) will book the helicopter and pay for the flight. 

If you’re flying solo or duo and do not want to book the whole helicopter, you can choose a group joining flight. This package will include a total of five passengers that have booked individually. The full capacity of the helicopter is five people. The tour typically lasts 2-3 hours and costs around $360 – $420 per person. You can contact private heli tour operators like Simrik Air, Nepal Helicopter Tour, Air Dynasty, and more to book your flight. However, if you decide to go with Pokhara Info, we will manage all the hassles for the tour including the booking, and paperwork, and let you enjoy the tour effortlessly.

Why choose ABC Heli Tour?

  • The tour offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region.
  • It provides a chance to explore local culture and food in a short time.
  • The tour is perfect for those who want to experience trekking but have limited time or physical ability.
  • The tour provides a safe and comfortable way to explore the region.
  • A way to experience a helicopter ride if you’ve never ridden one.

Best Time to visit ABC by helicopter

The best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp by helicopter is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is clear and stable, making it perfect for a scenic flight and trekking. The tour generally starts in the morning as it’s the best time of the day to view the mountainous region without much clouds or fog. It’s important to note that the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. So, it’s best to check weather forecasts and plan your trip accordingly.

You can select private helicopter providers such as Simrik Air (a recognized airline in Nepal) that has Airbus H125, 9N AJI, or Bell 407GXP helicopters. To make a flight reservation, you can go to the official Simrik Air website.

What to expect in ABC Heli Tour and Itinerary

The Annapurna Base Camp Heli tour begins with a scenic flight from the Pokhara Valley. Since Pokhara International Airport is the closest takeoff location to the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour begins there. The Heli trip lasts for about 2-3 hours, taking into account the 30-minute flight time to the base camp. A member of the staff will provide a brief introduction to the members of the flight crew before outlining basic safety considerations that must be adhered to at all costs while on the charter. Safety is the first concern. Before getting on the helicopter, it’s necessary to make sure that you have understood all the instructions. 

We formally begin the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour as we soar over the picturesque city of Pokhara (1,400 m), admiring the enchanted Fewa Lake. You will get to see some breathtaking vistas of heavenly nature interspersed by the sporadic Magar and Gurung settlements along the road. The massive snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna mountain range greet you after a 30-minute flight.

Staying for more than 30 minutes can be dangerous because the base camp is at a height of 4,130 meters. Acute Mountain Sickness could result from quickly gaining such a high altitude (AMS). Nonetheless, thirty minutes is more than time for us to take in some sightseeing, record some priceless moments, and savor a hearty and delicious meal. Thereafter, we go back to the airport in Pokhara.

How to Prepare:

There are a few important factors you should consider before you think of engaging in an ABC Heli tour.

Physical Fitness:

Even kids and senior citizens can perfectly experience the ABC heli tour. While the tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, it’s important to be physically prepared for the trek. Regular exercise and cardiovascular training are recommended.

Clothing and Equipment:

You’ll need to bring appropriate clothing and equipment for the trek. This includes warm clothing, hiking boots, and a daypack. It’s recommended to pack light to make the helicopter ride more comfortable.

Acclimatization:

Since you’ll be trekking at a high altitude, it’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. You’ll need to spend a few days in Kathmandu before the tour to adjust to the altitude.

Top Things to Do in Annapurna Base Camp

The trek to the Annapurna Base Camp takes more than 10 days. There are a lot of things you can do in those ten days including: 

  • Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
  • Visit Poon Hill for a sunrise view of the Himalayas
  • Explore traditional villages like Chhomrong and Ghandruk
  • Take a dip in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
  • Visit the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Museum

With the ABC heli tour, you can still view most of these attractions but do not have to spend the two weeks trekking and hiking. However, Pokhara Info also has ABC trekking tours available if you’re a trekking enthusiast.

The once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour provides a singular approach to appreciating the Himalayas’ natural splendor. This tour is ideal for adventurers looking to experience the area securely and pleasantly because it offers breathtaking mountain views, trekking, local culture, and delicious food.