# Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour > 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. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 1 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Helicopter tour - **Max altitude:** 4,130 m / 13,550 ft (Annapurna Base Camp) - **Best season:** Oct–May (early mornings) - **Group size:** 1–5 per helicopter - **Accommodation:** None (day tour from Pokhara) - **Meals:** Breakfast at Annapurna Base Camp or Pokhara - **Price:** from US$650 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/annapurna-base-camp-helicopter-tour - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=annapurna-base-camp-helicopter-tour ## Overview 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. ### ABC helicopter tour at a glance Trip factDetailsDurationAbout 1.5–2 hours from PokharaLandingAnnapurna Base Camp, 4,130 m, about 10–20 minutesViewsAnnapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, MachhapuchhreOptionsShared seat or private charterBest timeOctober–May, early morningSuitable forMost healthy travellers, including children and older people### Highlights - **Land inside the Annapurna Sanctuary** at 4,130 m. - **Close views of Machhapuchhre**, the sacred fishtail peak. - **The south face of Annapurna I**, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. - **Short and easy**: back in Pokhara in time for lunch by the lake. ### Altitude and health 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. ### Shared or private? 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. ### Weather and best time 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. ### Combine it with Pokhara 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. ## Highlights - Land at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) inside the Annapurna Sanctuary - Fly past Machhapuchhre, the sacred fishtail peak - Views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Gangapurna - About 2 hours from Pokhara, back by late morning - Shared seats or private charter ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour from Pokhara Early morning pick-up from your Pokhara hotel and transfer to the airport for a safety briefing. Fly up the Modi Khola valley past Ghandruk and Chhomrong and close to Machhapuchhre, then land at Annapurna Base Camp for photographs surrounded by the Sanctuary's peaks. Return to Pokhara and your hotel by late morning. _Walking: 1.5–2 hours · Altitude: 4,130 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Pokhara - Helicopter flight Pokhara – Annapurna Base Camp – Pokhara - Landing fees and Annapurna Conservation Area fees for the landing - Experienced mountain pilot and ground staff - Light breakfast - All government taxes ## Not included - Travel to Pokhara and hotel accommodation - Travel insurance covering helicopter flights and travel to 4,200 m - Extra charges if the flight is extended at your request - Tips ## Useful information ### Who can join? 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. ### Weight and seating Passenger weights are recorded for safety, and seating is arranged by the pilot. Bring only a small bag. ### What to wear It is cold at 4,130 m even on sunny mornings. Wear a warm jacket, hat and gloves, and bring sunglasses and sunscreen. ### Weather Flights operate only in safe weather and are rescheduled if needed; keep a spare morning in Pokhara if you can. ## Packing list - Warm jacket, hat and gloves - Comfortable shoes - Sunglasses and sunscreen - Camera with charged battery - Passport ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour? About **1.5–2 hours** from Pokhara, including a landing at Annapurna Base Camp. ### How long can we stay at ABC? Usually about 10–20 minutes, depending on weather, altitude and the operator. ### Where does the tour start? In **Pokhara**. We can arrange a flight or transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara. ### What will I see? Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the glaciers of the Sanctuary. ### Is it shared or private? Both are available: shared seats or a private charter for your group. ### What is the best time? **October to May**, early in the morning. Monsoon clouds often prevent flying. ### Is it safe for older travellers? Most healthy travellers can join. Consult a doctor if you have heart or lung conditions. ### What if the weather is bad? The flight is rescheduled to the next suitable morning. ### What should I wear? Warm layers, hat, gloves and sunglasses; it is cold at base camp. ### Can I combine it with other flights? Yes, for example with Muktinath from Pokhara or the Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu. ### Do I need a permit? Landing fees and the conservation area fee for the landing are included. ### How much does the ABC helicopter tour cost? The price shown is per person for a shared seat, with group rates in the price box; private charters are quoted per helicopter.