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Helicopter Tours from Pokhara

Fishtail from Pokhara

Pokhara, popularly known as the City of Lakes, is the gateway to the Annapurna region. As such, there are plenty of places around Pokhara to explore by foot or helicopter.

Due to the drop in prices and easy availability, helicopter tours have become increasingly popular to destinations like Mardi Himal, Kapuche Glacial Lake, and even the highlands of Kori.

Here are some heli tours you can do from Pokhara:

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Annapurna Base Camp

Before we describe this heli tour, let us remind you that this helicopter tour is no longer available.

However, before it was restricted, it was a thrilling hour-long ride through deep canyons, beautiful villages, and the panoramic 360-degree mountain view from Annapurna Base Camp.

Attractions

  • Stunning aerial view of green forests, villages, and impressive valleys.
  • Touchdown at Annapurna Base Camp for 30 minutes.
  • 360-degree mountain view from ABC. You will see Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Fishtail, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III, among other lesser peaks.

Itinerary

6:30 am Fly from Pokhara Airport to Annapurna Base Camp
7:00 am Explore Annapurna Base Camp – 30 minutes ground time for exploration
7:30 am Fly back to Pokhara Airport
8:00 am Arrive in Pokhara Airport

Quick facts

  • Max Altitude: 4,130 m
  • Start point: Pokhara
  • End Point: Pokhara
  • Duration of flight: 40 minutes
  • Number of passengers: 5
  • Best season: Autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May)
  • Permits
    • For Nepalis: ACAP Permit (NPR 100)
    • For Indians and SAARC Nationals: ACAP Permit (NPR 1,000)
    • For all others: ACAP Permit (NPR 3,000)

Kapuche Lake Helicopter Tour

Kapuche Lake
PC: Ngawang Sherpa

Kapuche lake is the lowest altitude glacial lake in the world. Due to its unique location and pristine natural presence, it has become one of the fastest-growing destinations in Nepal.

While most people trek to the lake, you have the option to take a helicopter to this lake. It will save you time and provide you with the possibility to go to Kori Highlands on a single tour.

Attractions:

  • Touchdown at Kapuche, the world’s lowest glacial lake, for 30 minutes.
  • The panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range.
  • Fly over the largest Gurung village, Sikles, and pristine forests.

Itinerary

8:00 am Fly from Pokhara Airport to Annapurna Base Camp
8:20 am Arrival at Kapuche lake – 30 Minutes ground time for exploration
8:50 am Fly back to Pokhara Airport
9:05 am Arrive in Pokhara Airport

Quick facts:

  • Max Altitude: 2,546 m
  • Start point: Pokhara
  • End Point: Pokhara
  • Duration of flight: 30 minutes
  • Number of passengers: 5
  • Best season: Autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May)
  • Permits
    • For Nepalis: ACAP Permit (NPR 100)
    • For Indians and SAARC Nationals: ACAP Permit (NPR 1,000)
    • For all others: ACAP Permit (NPR 3,000)

Kori Highlands Helicopter Tour

Kori Highlands is a newly opened trail in the Annapurna region. Located above Sikles village, Kori is considered the crown of Sikles and Tangting villages.

Getting increasing attention for its scenic and unspoiled natural beauty, Kori is truly a gem.

While the trekking trails are rugged, a helicopter ride from Pokhara will get you to the highlands in under fifteen minutes. We bet you will remember the tour for the rest of your life.

It is also possible to add Kapuche Lake to this tour for a nominal extra cost.

Attractions:

  • Touchdown at Kori Highlands for 30 minutes
  • Breathtaking view of gorgeous Annapurna Himalayas range 
  • In the morning, this place makes you feel like you are floating above the clouds.

Itinerary

8:00 am Fly from Pokhara Airport to Annapurna Base Camp
8:20 am Arrival at Kori Highlands – 30 Minutes ground time for exploration
8:50 am Fly back to Pokhara Airport
9:05 am Arrive in Pokhara Airport

Quick facts:

  • Max Altitude: 3,800 m
  • Start point: Pokhara
  • End Point: Pokhara
  • Duration of flight: 30 minutes
  • Number of passengers: 5
  • Best season: Autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May)
  • Permits
    • For Nepalis: ACAP Permit (NPR 100)
    • For Indians and SAARC Nationals: ACAP Permit (NPR 1,000)
    • For all others: ACAP Permit (NPR 3,000)

Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour

Machapuchare from Mardi High Camp

Mardi Himal is one of the Annapurna region’s hidden gems that offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. It is the lesser-known side of the Annapurna Massif. Still, this trail has recently gained popularity among domestic and international travelers.

While you can choose to walk up there, it is also possible to take a helicopter to Base Camp. From there, you can see stunning views of the Annapurna mountains and Machapuchare. If you are up for it, you can also choose to walk down the beautiful ridgeline to Dhampus. 

Attractions:

  • Stunning aerial view of Pokhara valley.
  • Touchdown at Mardi Himal Base Camp for 30 minutes.
  • Panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.

Itinerary

7:00 am Fly from Pokhara Airport to Annapurna Base Camp
7:20 am Arrival at Mardi Base Camp- 30 Minutes ground time for exploration
7:50 am Fly back to Pokhara Airport
8:10 am Arrive in Pokhara Airport

Quick facts:

  • Max Altitude: 3,550 m
  • Start point: Pokhara
  • End Point: Pokhara
  • Duration of flight: 30 minutes
  • Number of passengers: 5
  • Best season: Autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May)
  • Permits
    • For Nepalis: ACAP Permit (NPR 100)
    • For Indians and SAARC Nationals: ACAP Permit (NPR 1,000)
    • For all others: ACAP Permit (NPR 3,000)

Muktinath Helicopter Tour

Muktinath Temple

Muktinath is a Vishnu temple located at Muktinath valley on the lap of Throng La mountain pass. While most people drive/fly to Jomsom and then take a jeep/bus to Muktinath, it is also possible to take a helicopter from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The prices for the tour from Pokhara are more reasonable.

You also include Damodar Kunda in this and worship at both places in a single tour.

Attractions:

  • Bird-eye view Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
  • Aerial view of Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Muktinath Valley. 
  • View of the semi-desert of Nepal, Mustang district.
  • Worship and darshan at one of the world’s highest temples, Muktinath Temple. 
  • Take a holy bath under the 108 spring water at Muktinath.

Itinerary

FROM POKHARA FROM KATHMANDU
-Heli flight from Pokhara to Muktinath (45 min.) – Heli Flight from Kathmandu to Muktinath
-Touchdown at Muktinath(Ground time 1 hour) -Touchdown at Muktinath(Ground time 1 hour)
-Fly back to Pokhara – Fly back to Kathmandu

Quick facts:

  • Max Altitude: 3,800 meters
  • Start point: Kathmandu/Pokhara/Jomsom
  • Best Season: March – December
  • Required Permits
    • For Nepalis: ACAP Permit (NPR 100)
    • For Indians and SAARC Nations: ACAP Permit (NPR 1,000)
    • For all others: ACAP Permit (NPR 3,000)

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HoneyGuide Staff

This post was created by an internal staff writer.

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