Annapurna Heli Tour with Landing

Kathmandu vs Pokhara: Which Starting Point Is Better?

The decision of which one to take off from is largely dependent on the location of your stay and the amount of time you have. If you have been to Kathmandu, then you don’t have to fly in from Kathmandu to continue the tour from Pokhara.

The typical Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour route from Pokhara goes straight towards Annapurna Base Camp and then back. The rest of the morning includes a hotel transfer, airport procedures, the helicopter journey to the base camp, the short landing and the journey back to Pokhara.

The Kathmandu option may be helpful when your Nepal itinerary includes Kathmandu-based activities and if you don’t want to make a separate trip to Pokhara. Adventure Walkway can book the airport transfer and flight schedule based on the selected option.

Best Time for the Helicopter Tour

Annapurna Heli Tour with Landing can be run all year round but each month is different. Clear weather and good visibility are particularly important, as the primary goal of this flight is to see the Himalayan mountains from the air and to spend a short time at Annapurna Base Camp.

The best times are spring and autumn. March and April have clear mornings and beautiful scenery in the spring and October and November offer some of the best mountain views after the monsoon.

Best months: April, October and November generally provide the most favorable conditions for mountain visibility.

Good alternatives: March, May, late September, December, January and February can also work well when weather conditions are clear.

Monsoon months: June to August have a higher chance of rain, cloud, delays and limited mountain views. All flights are subject to the conditions of the day and the actual weather.

Why Morning Flights Are Preferred

The Annapurna Heli Tour with Landing is typically done in the morning, as the mountains are more visible in the morning. Early flights are also more likely to offer better opportunities for photography and mountain views.

• Early mornings tend to be clearer, with better views of the Annapurna range.
• Later in the day, the mountains are more apt to develop clouds.
• Morning light is good for photography in the mountains.
• An early departure provides additional flexibility in case of weather and/or operational delays.
• The short landing in Annapurna Base Camp is easier as the morning temperature is cooler.

Distance and Flight Duration

The total distance and time vary from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The Pokhara option is much shorter as the helicopter is directly headed to the Annapurna Base Camp.

Most Pokhara tours include an early hotel pickup, customs and immigration at the airport, flying into the base camp, spending around 15 minutes there and also another flight back to the airport and then to the hotel.

Kathmandu option will take longer as the flight from Kathmandu to the Annapurna area will be included. Actual flight time and route are dependent on-air traffic, weather, aircraft operations and flight plan for the given day.

Altitude and Altitude Sickness

Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,549 ft) is quite high above Kathmandu and Pokhara. This is an important segment of the flight itinerary since helicopter passengers do not have time to acclimate slowly before landing at high elevation.

At high elevations, some individuals might experience a headache, dizziness, shortness of breath or nausea. During this brief stop, therefore, physical activity should be minimised. The visit is not a walk around the area but is about sightseeing and photography.

The 15 minute ground stay also reduces the time for passengers to spend at high altitudes. Do not try to proceed with activities if you feel unwell; tell the pilot or crew.

Persons with medical conditions that could be susceptible to sudden exposure to high altitude should consult a qualified medical practitioner before booking.

What Happens During the 15 Minute Landing?

The 15 minute landing is planned to provide you with a short time to visit Annapurna Base Camp from the ground. Once the helicopter is on the ground, passengers are allowed out when the crew says it is safe and can take advantage of the time for photos and sightseeing.

It is useful to have some idea of what you want to photograph before you depart the helicopter, as the stop is short. Photographs of the surrounding peaks, base camp area and landscape of the Annapurna (Annapurna Range) Sanctuary can be taken.

The base camp lies at 4 130 m (13549 ft); this is also an important factor for the short stay. There’s not much need to do a lot of strenuous activity during this quick trip.

Store belongings safely and stay contained within the working area set up by the crew. Follow all directions on where to stand and when to go back to the helicopter. We commonly use short ground stops at ABC, although the exact time can change with weather and operational conditions.

What You Can See From the Helicopter

The changing view of Nepal’s landscape as the helicopter moves from lower valleys to the high mountains is given in the flight. Villages, terraced hills, forests, river valleys and mountain ridges can all be seen before reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary, depending on the visibility.

The area near base camp is more hilly and prominent peaks can be seen around the sanctuary. The area is home to several important peaks, such as Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.

Weather permitting, the views can be seen only on a particular day. Clouds may fill in single peaks while the flight is taking place and it is not possible to guarantee any specific mountain views.

Weather and Mountain Visibility

Weather is one of the main factors to be taken into consideration in every Annapurna helicopter adventure. Weather in the mountains can change very rapidly and a flight that sounds good at take-off might be delayed if visibility, wind or cloud conditions change during the flight.

Generally, clear weather offers great mountain views and heavy cloud can obscure the views of the mountains and can make safe landing at base camp difficult.

The pilot and operator will determine the operation based on conditions at the time. Always put safety first, rather than sticking to a set tour schedule.

What Happens If the Weather Is Bad?

Helicopter flights to Annapurna Base Camp cannot be operated just because a flight has been scheduled. Route and landing must be appropriate for safe operation. In poor conditions, the departure may be postponed until a more favorable time.

Weather may necessitate cancellation or rescheduling of the flight in line with the operator’s terms. Cancellation or rescheduling is also done when conditions worsen during the flight of the helicopter. If necessary, the pilot may alter the route, delay landing or return without landing.

So, it is advisable to avoid planning another important event within a short period after the helicopter tour. A certain amount of flexibility is beneficial, especially during times when the atmosphere over the mountains is not as stable.

Adventure Walkway has the ability to help with communication and with coordinating schedules but the final decision as to whether or not to fly or land is an aviation and safety decision. It is important for travellers to always confirm the cancellation and rescheduling terms of their particular booking in advance.

What to Wear and Bring

Although you are only spending about 15 minutes on the landing at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,549 ft), it can still be very cold there. Wear warm clothing and pack light as space in the helicopter is limited. You need to bring:

• Warm jacket or outer layer for insulation
• Gloves & cozy socks
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Camera or phone for photos
• Water bottle
• Necessary personal medication
• Small personal bag rather than a large bag or luggage.

Keep items small and compact as there is limited helicopter baggage space. Don’t take extra bags or other items inside the aircraft unless the operator tells you to do so.

Helicopter Weight and Passenger Requirements

Weather, aircraft weight and the number of passengers and fuel needed all impact helicopter operations. Operators will ask passengers’ weights before confirming travel for this reason.

Details of passengers’ weight are provided for use in flight planning and aircraft balance. It is a standard practice and should not be considered an unusual request.

Restrictions on luggage may also apply depending on aircraft and number of passengers. For shorter sightseeing trips, smaller personal bags tend to be more convenient than larger suitcases.

Specific seating capacity, bag and weight allowance depend on the aircraft and company. Adventure Walkway will verify these with the operating helicopter company before the flight and not take a general figure from the internet.

Passengers should respond truthfully to questions asked. This assists the operator to plan the flight safely and decide if any other operational arrangements are required.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children and Older Travelers?

The tour is an easy one to do compared to a trek to Annapurna Base Camp. No long days of walking, high mountain passes or overnight stays in mountain lodges. It is therefore an alternative for those who are unable or unwilling to go on a multi-day trek.

If you are going to go by helicopter to an elevation of 4,130 m (13,549 ft), everyone is going to be at high altitude within a short time. Children and older travelers may require special consideration, based on their health and personal situation.

The surroundings of the helicopter should also be considered. Passengers should be able to obey crew instructions, be seated when necessary and be able to get on and off the plane safely.

Persons with medical conditions, especially those that may be influenced by high altitude or air travel, should get appropriate medical advice before booking. The operator might also have age, health and/or passenger restrictions that should be examined before booking.

Travel Insurance

It is recommended to take travel insurance on Annapurna Heli Tour with landing. Review your policy before booking to make sure it includes helicopter travel, medical treatment, rescue evacuation (as applicable), trip cancellation and delays (as applicable). If there are any altitude-related exclusions in the policy, be sure to understand them before travelling to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,549 ft).

You should do the following before your helicopter flight:

• Verify coverage for helicopter and mountain activities
• Be sure to check if emergency evacuation is covered
• Inspect the altitude medical cover
• Discuss conditions for review and trip interruptions
• Have insurance papers and emergency contact information handy

Helicopter Safety

Above all, safety is the most important thing to consider while making an Annapurna Heli Tour with Landing. Weather, visibility, aircraft conditions and other operational factors are the basis for helicopter flights in the mountains. Obey the instructions of the pilot and crew before, during and after the flight.

Some of the safety tips are:

• Comply with all instructions given by the crew for boarding & safety
• Always wear your seatbelt when the helicopter is flying
• Never enter or exit a helicopter without the permission of the crew
• Do not stray from the area during the landing period of 15 minutes
• Secure loose items, particularly in the vicinity of the helicopter
• Avoid walking without supervision
• If the weather is not suitable, be ready for delays and/or changes
• If you are feeling unwell at high altitude, let the crew know right away

Photography Tips for the Helicopter Flight

There are multiple aerial perspectives of the Annapurna region to capture in a helicopter shot but some preparation is necessary to get the best photos. Don’t stow your phone or camera in the back of your bag.

In flight, photographs are often distorted by window reflections. Placing the camera closer to the window but not touching the window glass, can minimize reflections. Do not use flash, as it will not work in the helicopter window.

During 15 minute landing, focus on the most important photos. Start with a few landscape photographs and then, if time allows, proceed with a few personal photographs.

Exposure can be a problem at base camp, where bright snow and strong sunlight can impact it, which can be mitigated by wearing sunglasses and using appropriate camera settings. Check the time regularly; landing is purposefully short.

The trip back brings another opportunity to take pictures of the scenery. The weather conditions may also vary between the outbound and inbound flights.

Important Tips Before Your Flight

With a bit of preparation, your Annapurna Heli Tour with Landing can be more comfortable and enjoyable. The flight is brief but at a destination of 4,130 m (13,549 ft), it’s important to anticipate cold weather and mountain conditions.

• Arrive on time at the pick-up location before the set departure time
• Even if Kathmandu or Pokhara is warm, wear warm clothes
• Keep your bags light, as space in the helicopter is limited
• Take your cell phone or camera with you so you can take photos
• Sunglasses and sun cream for high altitude sunlight
• Avoid heavy exercise and take plenty of fluids before flight
• Obey the instructions of the pilot and crew
• Be flexible with scheduling as it can be impacted by the weather
• Review travel insurance and have policy information
• Inform the operator of any health and mobility issues that may be relevant

Who Is the Annapurna Heli Tour with Landing For?

The Annapurna Heli Tour with Landing is recommended for those who have limited days in Nepal but wish to explore Annapurna Base Camp. It is also great for those who just don’t have the time to trek for a week or more or don’t want to add that to their list of walking adventures.

The Annapurna Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu is a convenient option for those who wish to explore the Annapurna region without having to plan an overland trip to Pokhara from Kathmandu. If one is staying in Pokhara, then they may opt for the shorter flight option.

The tour is also available for families, couples, older people or anyone who doesn’t like to walk too much. But it takes only a short helicopter ride to reach 4,130 m (13,549 ft) and those who travel should take their own health and comfort at altitude into consideration.

Previous trekking experience is not required. The passengers only need to follow the instructions of the pilot and crew when boarding the aircraft, during the flight and upon short landing.

15 Minutes at Annapurna Base Camp: What Can You Actually Do?

A quick stop at Annapurna Base Camp will only take 15 minutes and this time can be utilized well. After the helicopter has landed and the crew has determined it is safe to exit, it’s time to visit the mountain surroundings.

Most of the visitors use the stop during their Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour for photography. Photos can be taken of the surrounding peaks, the base camp area and the Annapurna landscape in the Annapurna Sanctuary. You will need your camera or phone before landing, as there is little time to get off the aircraft.

Alternatively, it’s possible to take a couple of moments to just observe and absorb the high mountain surroundings. The base camp is not suitable for strenuous activities during so brief a visit.

These will be marked by the crew and when it is safe to get back on board the helicopter. Actual landing time may vary in the event of a change due to weather or operational conditions.