Pokhara: Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Landing Tour

Land at 4,130 Meters Without the Trek

You're picked up from your Pokhara hotel and flown directly to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, where you spend 30 minutes on the glacier surrounded by Annapurna I and neighboring peaks. The helicopter flight gives you unobstructed aerial views of the terrain, glaciers, and valleys that trekkers see only in pieces over two weeks. You're back in Pokhara by early afternoon, with pickup and all fees included in the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp

• Depart from Pokhara by helicopter
• Enjoy aerial views of Annapurna peaks
• View glaciers, valleys, and villages
• Land at Annapurna Base Camp
• Spend 30-45 minutes at base camp
• Return to Pokhara by helicopter

The experience

The helicopter lifts off from Pokhara and within minutes the city shrinks below you. Most people who want to see Annapurna Base Camp spend two weeks trekking to get there. You'll be standing on the glacier in under an hour. The flight itself is the whole point: the helicopter climbs steadily over forested ridges and then suddenly the peaks open up in front of you, unobstructed and close enough that you stop breathing for a second. Annapurna I rises to 8,091 meters, and from the air you can see the glaciers and the valleys spreading out below it in a way that no ground-level view can match.

Once you land at Annapurna Base Camp, you get 30 minutes on the ground. That's enough time to walk around, take photos, and feel the altitude. It's thin up there at 4,130 meters, and the silence is complete. Your guide will point out the surrounding peaks: Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, the smaller summits that frame the camp. You're not rushing. The helicopter waits. Then you climb back in and the flight back to Pokhara is just as good as the way up, because now you know what you're looking at.

The whole experience from pickup at your Lakeside hotel to drop-off takes about two to three hours. You're back in Pokhara by early afternoon, which means you can still have lunch, rest, or do something else that day. The helicopter tour from Pokhara works for people who don't have two weeks to trek, or whose knees won't handle the descent, or who simply want to see the base camp without the commitment. ACAP fees and airport tax are included, so there's no surprise cost at the end.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Lakeside, Pokhara, a helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp with 30 minutes of ground time at 4,130 meters, aerial views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and surrounding glaciers, ACAP entry fees, airport and departure tax, and return drop-off to your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:15, 07:00, 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesUp to age 90

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cordial Trek Pvt. Ltd.

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see Annapurna Base Camp without spending two weeks trekking or managing the physical demands of a high-altitude trek. The helicopter does the work, and you get the views in a single morning.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the helicopter flight from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp?

The flight takes roughly 30-45 minutes each way, depending on weather and wind conditions.

How much time do you spend on the ground at Annapurna Base Camp?

You have 30 minutes at the base camp to walk around, take photos, and acclimatize to the altitude.

What peaks can you see from the helicopter?

You'll see Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and other surrounding peaks, plus glaciers and valleys.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Lakeside, Pokhara are included in the tour price.

What is the altitude of Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 meters above sea level.

Do I need to be fit to do this helicopter tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You're not trekking, so fitness is not a barrier.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Helicopter flights depend on weather conditions. Your operator will reschedule or offer a refund if flying is unsafe.

Are infants allowed on the helicopter?

Yes, infants are allowed and must sit on an adult's lap during the flight.

What is included in the price?

The helicopter flight, 30 minutes ground time at ABC, hotel pickup and drop-off, ACAP fees, and airport/departure tax are all included.

How long is the total experience from hotel pickup to drop-off?

The entire experience takes about 2 to 3 hours, including flight time and ground time at the base camp.