Flights leave Pokhara airport between about 6:30 and 9 am, when skies are usually clearest. The route passes over Phewa Lake and the foothills, then enters the gorge of the Modi Khola between Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. The walls rise close on both sides before the sanctuary opens out ahead. The landing is on flat ground near the lodges, 25–30 minutes after take-off. Many operators stop briefly at Machhapuchhre Base Camp on the way down.
Weather decides everything. Cloud often fills the gorge by late morning, so flights go early and can be delayed, rerouted or cancelled at short notice. At 4,130 m helicopter engines and rotors produce less lift, so pilots take fewer passengers than they would at Pokhara; on larger bookings the group may be shuttled in two loads. Time on the ground is usually 15–20 minutes. Our one-day heli tour starts at ₹56,000 or US$650 per person on a shared seat. Check current status before you travel.
Arriving from 822 m to 4,130 m in half an hour gives the body no time to adjust. Most healthy people feel only mild breathlessness during a short stop, but walk slowly and avoid running or carrying heavy bags. People with heart or lung conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure or pregnancy should not fly to this altitude without medical advice, and we may decline such bookings. Children should be old enough to say how they feel.
Good for
- Couples
- Families
- Seniors
- Photographers
Questions travellers ask
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp heli tour cost?
Our one-day Annapurna Base Camp heli tour from Pokhara starts at ₹56,000 or US$650 per person on a shared seat. A private charter for the whole helicopter costs considerably more and is quoted per flight. Prices depend on fuel and passenger numbers; check current status before you travel.
How long do you stay at Annapurna Base Camp on a heli tour?
Usually 15–20 minutes on the ground. The limit comes from weather, which can close in quickly, and from altitude, since staying long at 4,130 m without acclimatisation increases the risk of headaches and breathlessness. Some flights also stop briefly at Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Who should not take the ABC helicopter tour?
People with heart or lung disease, severe high blood pressure, recent surgery or pregnancy should not fly to 4,130 m without a doctor's approval. Infants and very young children who cannot describe symptoms are also better left out. Everyone else should walk slowly and drink water on landing.
