The Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour is a morning flight from Pokhara into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Fly up the Modi Khola valley past the sacred fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), land at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Gangapurna, and return to Pokhara in about two hours.
It is the easiest way to see the Sanctuary without a week-long trek, and it suits travellers short on time, families and anyone who can't trek at altitude. Flights operate early in the morning from October to May, weather permitting, as a shared seat or private charter. Hotel transfers in Pokhara, the flight and landing fees are arranged by our team.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a glacial bowl closed in by a ring of peaks above 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 metres. There's nowhere quite like it. On foot, reaching it takes a week or more. By helicopter from Pokhara, you can be standing at Annapurna Base Camp within about half an hour.
The flight follows the Modi Khola gorge north, passing terraced villages, the Gurung village of Ghandruk and the forests below Chhomrong, then flies close to Machhapuchhre before landing inside the Sanctuary. On a clear morning the south face of Annapurna I fills half the sky.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 1.5–2 hours from Pokhara |
| Landing | Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130 m, about 10–20 minutes |
| Views | Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre |
| Options | Shared seat or private charter |
| Best time | October–May, early morning |
| Suitable for | Most healthy travellers, including children and older people |
Annapurna Base Camp is lower than the Everest landing sites, but you still arrive at 4,130 m directly from Pokhara at 820 m. Move slowly at the landing site and tell the pilot or crew if you feel unwell. Anyone with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor before booking.
A shared tour is priced per seat and depends on enough passengers booking for the day. A private charter gives your group the whole helicopter and your choice of date and time, subject to weather. Helicopters usually carry up to five passengers.
Flights depart early, when skies are clearest. October to May is the best period. During the monsoon, cloud often prevents flying, and flights are rescheduled to the next suitable morning.
The tour leaves the rest of the day free for boating on Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda or paragliding. It also pairs well with an Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu for the ultimate Himalayan flight experience.
Most healthy travellers, including children and older people. Consult a doctor first if you have heart or lung conditions; pregnant travellers are generally advised not to fly to high altitude.
Passenger weights are recorded for safety, and seating is arranged by the pilot. Bring only a small bag.
It is cold at 4,130 m even on sunny mornings. Wear a warm jacket, hat and gloves, and bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
Flights operate only in safe weather and are rescheduled if needed; keep a spare morning in Pokhara if you can.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
About 1.5–2 hours from Pokhara, including a landing at Annapurna Base Camp.
Usually about 10–20 minutes, depending on weather, altitude and the operator.
In Pokhara. We can arrange a flight or transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the glaciers of the Sanctuary.
Both are available: shared seats or a private charter for your group.
October to May, early in the morning. Monsoon clouds often prevent flying.
Most healthy travellers can join. Consult a doctor if you have heart or lung conditions.
The flight is rescheduled to the next suitable morning.
Warm layers, hat, gloves and sunglasses; it is cold at base camp.
Yes, for example with Muktinath from Pokhara or the Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu.
Landing fees and the conservation area fee for the landing are included.
The price shown is per person for a shared seat, with group rates in the price box; private charters are quoted per helicopter.
