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It is always wise to research the cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour before the start of the tour. Many factors can affect the price of an ABC helicopter tour. The helicopter tour is the quickest and most fun way to visit the Annapurna region.

The Annapurna Base Camp Heli tour is an alternative to the mesmerizing Annapurna Base Camp Trek. ABC Trek is one of the most attractive trekking destinations in Nepal. Many tourists from worldwide flock to the region for amazing mountainous adventures and stunning cultural experiences. However, the ABC trek is challenging; you must pass through various rugged trails and terrains.

Unlike the Annapurna Base Camp trek, this tour is not strenuous. During your ABC heli tour, you will get a stunning view of the Annapurna region and its scintillating snow-capped mountains. This helicopter tour is also for those unable to trek the Annapurna region physically. 

Since you can trek the entire region via helicopter ride, anyone can experience the adventure. So, let’s delve more into it.

Highlights of the ABC Helicopter Tour

  • Experience a bird’s eye view of the snow-capped Annapurna region.
  • Beautiful aerial view of the majestic Pokhara valley and Phewa lake.
  • Enjoy an adventurous and thrilling helicopter ride around ABC.
  • Fly over the world’s most deep gorge in Kaligandaki and rhododendron forests.
  • Explore the Annapurna Conservation Area and get the chance to see rare floras and faunas.

Helicopter Flight Cost from Kathmandu to Pokhara

The first step to the Annapurna Base Camp is to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by plane. A fantastic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara will surely give you a thrilling adventure experience. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach Pokhara by plane. The flight cost from Kathmandu to Pokhara is cheaper than other modes of transport, like private buses or jeeps. Sharing Buses and Jeeps will be cheaper if you are not seeking luxury.

The cost of a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara depends on various factors, such as the booking time of the season, the plane or airline, and the luxury of the flight. Generally, the one-way flight cost from Kathmandu to Pokhara ranges from $80 to $300 per person.

This cost is generally higher during the peak seasons. In Spring and Autumn, several trekkers from worldwide visit the country to explore the Annapurna region, and flight costs also increase at that time. Flight costs also change during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal.

Early booking is wise to save a certain amount on flights. You can also compare flight costs on different websites. Several travel agencies will assist you in booking a fair-value price for your trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Helicopter Tour Cost from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp

After landing in Pokhara from Kathmandu, now is the time to board your helicopter and fly to Annapurna Base Camp. However, it is wise to research the cost you might incur in this tour package. Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter tour is dependent on many factors. The factors that the price is divided into are explained below;

Helicopter Fare

The Helicopter Fare is the main cost you must bear during your tour. It covers all the helicopter’s operational expenses, the salaries of pilots and crew, insurance, and fuel. It would be best to bear Annapurna Base Camp’s landing and departure costs.

Company Charges

A travel company can also book a helicopter ride from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp. These companies also add operational costs to their charges, which you must bear. These operational costs include the ground transportation charges, if applicable, and booking costs.

Airport Taxes

Another factor that increases the cost of the helicopter during your trek is Airport Taxes. The airport authorities level these taxes for using the airport to land and take off.

Other Costs

You might have to pay some other costs based on some extra services. Sometimes, you will receive in-flight meals or refreshments at an additional cost. Some trekking companies also charge optional costs for landing you at Annapurna Base Camp. You will have a brief time to explore Annapurna Base Camp before returning.

Private or Sharing ABC Helicopter Trek

The total cost of your helicopter is the combination of all these costs. For a helicopter ride, you have two options: a private tour or a shared tour. Remember that a private tour is more expensive than a shared one, but you can go in any direction.

It is entirely up to you which helicopter ride you choose, whether private or shared. Your group can also determine which mode of Annapurna helicopter ride you choose.  Sharing a helicopter ride is good with only a few members. However, you might want to take a private ride if you have five to seven members.

A private helicopter tour costs $5,000, whereas sharing it will cost less. The sharing helicopter costs $800 to $1000 per person.

Brief Itinerary For ABC Heli Tour

Here is the brief itinerary from where you can get some vital information.

Drive to Pokhara Airport

You will drive from the Pokhara Hotel towards the airport on the first day. While driving, you will get a clear view of Annapurna Mountain, preparing you for what will come. You will be picked up by private vehicle to reach Pokhara Airport.

Helicopter Flight to Annapurna Base Camp

After reaching Pokhara Aiport, you will board your helicopter for the tour to ABC. From the top of the heli, you will get a clear view of the Annapurna mountain range. The Annapurna massif is vast and has many mountains visible from the heli once you get closer to the camp.

But first, you will fly above stunning Pokhara. You will get a bird’ s-eye view of Phewa Lake, remote villages, and pine and rhododendron forests. After passing through Pokhara, you will fly above the Annapurna Conservation area. The conservation area is a wildlife protection area where rare and endangered species are conserved. If you are lucky, you can get a glimpse of some animals.

Exploration around Annapurna Base Camp

After a 30-minute helicopter flight, you will reach Annapurna Base Camp. Immediately after landing, you will get a majestic view of Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. You will have a brief time to click amazing photos that will last a lifetime. After you land at Annapurna Base Camp, you will have up to 30 minutes to explore the region.  A delicious breakfast or lunch will also greet you. Hence, enjoy your food while being surrounded by the stunning view around.

Helicopter Fly Back to Pokhara

After this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you will board your helicopter again and fly back to Pokhara. While returning, you will also witness the beautiful scenery. Once again, the helicopter ride back will take around 30 minutes, and then you will land at Pokhara airport. Hence, this is the end of your heli tour package for the ABC trek.

Why Consider Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

Here are some reasons for you to consider this stunning tour.

Comfortable and Luxury Tour

The ABC Helicopter tour is a comfortable way to travel the Annapurna region. It is considered a luxurious mode of trekking in Nepal, whether you are trekking at Everest Base Camp or ABC. Unlike the trek, this tour is completed within a few hours, and you don’t have to spend 10 to 12 days.

The helicopter has a comfortable seat and large windows to witness beautiful vistas. The tour is for everyone who is not physically capable of enjoying the ABC trek. You don’t need to prepare for gear and equipment; just go on your amazing excursion.

For Busy People

The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is for busy people who don’t have time for the entire Base Camp trek, which takes 7 to 10 days. ABC Heli Tour is efficient and time-saving for very busy people. If you are short on time, you can complete the tour in a single day and explore other activities.

Available for All

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is strenuous and requires decent physical and mental endurance. Few people with limited physical condition can’t trek ABC Trek, so for those people, the helicopter tour is the best way to explore the Annapurna region. 

The heli tour allows anyone to explore Annapurna Base Camp regardless of age or other limitations. 

Personalize Your Tour

ABC with Helicopter Tour is a popular tour that can be customized and catered to your needs. You can choose a private or shared heli tour, explore around base camp, etc. With the help of a travel agency, you can also schedule your time, number of people, services, and costs.

You can also tailor your itinerary if you want to celebrate your anniversaries and birthdays. The travel agency must be informed beforehand in case you want a special program designed for you.

Unique Birds-Eye Adventure

The Annapurna Helicopter Tour is a unique birds-eye adventure in which you can explore the region from the sky. You’ll witness picturesque barren lands, lush green jungles, pine and rhododendron forests, glaciers, and villages. Nothing is compared to the helicopter tour of the region. Hence, if you have a chance to indulge in the activity, then we recommend you book it immediately.

FAQS

What is the best season for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for the ABC helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp. During these two seasons, the Himalayas are crystal clear. Perfect weather conditions also help with your helicopter’s timely takeoff and landing. During monsoon season, continuous rainfall can disrupt taking off and landing. Likewise, visibility is abysmal at high altitudes in winter due to haziness, fog, and humidity.

Can I get altitude sickness during my helicopter tour from Pokhara?

During your ABC helicopter tour package, you will reach an altitude of 4130m. However, you will be at this altitude briefly, so there is a low possibility of altitude sickness. Despite this, as you are above the altitude of 3500, you might suffer from illness. But just in case, you must remain hydrated, especially at higher altitudes. If you start feeling dizzy and breathing difficult, inform your pilot and guide quickly.

What is the total duration of the Annapurna Heli Tour?

The Annapurna Heli Tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. You board your helicopter from Pokhara and fly to the base camp, where you will see spectacular mountain vistas from high altitudes. It might take 30 minutes to fly from Pokhara to ABC by helicopter. The entire tour package includes the takeoff, exploration, and landing.

Do I need any permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

It would be best if you had a couple of permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour. First, you need a TIMS card if you are trekking in Nepal. A TIMS card is also known as a Trekking Information Management System. Another permit that you need is an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This permit is essential since you fly above the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Which mountains are visible during your Annapurna Heli Tour?

Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is famous for its stunning mountain views. During this tour, you can witness some fantastic mountains in the Annapurna range. Mountains like Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri are visible from the helicopter. You will have plenty of time to click photos of these majestic mountains.

Tej Bahadur Gurung

With an experience of almost two decades, founder Mr. Tej Bahadur Gurung has established Nepal Alternative Treks as a widely recognized and reliable tourism operator. His degree in Tourism Studies and devotion to the sector has given him in-depth knowledge about trekking, climbing, cultural, and geological aspects of the country. He is a pioneer in introducing the concept of ‘off-beaten tracks’ and ‘alternative routes’ as well as treks and tour packages surrounding it.

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