Weather and timing
Mountain weather is clearest early in the day; clouds often build by late morning. Flights leave at the time the operator sets, usually between 6 and 7 a.m., and the pilot may delay, reroute or cancel for safety. The pilot's decision is final.
Payload and seating
Helicopters used in Nepal usually carry up to five passengers at lower altitudes. At high landings such as Kala Patthar or Annapurna Base Camp the safe load falls, so the operator may land passengers in two groups or drop some at a lower point while others go up. Weight limits apply; tell us each passenger's weight when booking.
Shared seats and charters
On a shared-seat tour you fly with other passengers on fixed departures. On a private charter you have the whole helicopter, and the price is per helicopter, not per person.
Weather cancellations
If weather stops a booked helicopter tour and we cannot reschedule within your stay, we refund the flight in full. If weather forces a shortened route (for example no landing at the highest point), the operator's partial refund, if any, is passed on to you.
Altitude
Above about 2,500 m some people feel altitude sickness. On treks we build in acclimatisation days; on helicopter tours you go high fast but stay briefly. Tell us about heart, lung or blood pressure conditions, pregnancy or recent surgery. Our guides carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter on treks and can arrange evacuation, which your insurance should cover.
Evacuation
If you need a rescue helicopter on a trek, we call it immediately. The operator bills your insurer or you directly; costs can be several thousand US dollars. Insurance with helicopter evacuation cover to your highest altitude is a condition of booking.
Questions about this policy? Write to [email protected] or use our contact page. Your written quote and booking confirmation say which terms apply to your trip.