Best Helicopter Tours in Nepal
Among various exciting and adventure activities to do in Nepal, Helicopter Tours are, probably, the most thrilling activities to do in the Himalayas of Nepal. Flying with helicopter just over the giant mountain summits, glaciers, local towns and freshwater lakes and landing at the mountain base camps will be the moments for the lifetime. You can step at the base camps of mountains like Annapurna, Langtang and Everest without spending several days in tiring trekking. People can witness even the top of the world, Mt. Everest, within a couple of hours from the closest vantage point by helicopter. This is what the most interesting aspect of Helicopter tours in Nepal.
So far, three helicopter tours are astoundingly popular among the travelers who want to celebrate helicopter tours in Nepal. These are: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour and Langtang/ Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour. Among all, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is the most preferred one because everyone who visit Nepal dream of witnessing Mt. Everest from the closest viewpoint and want to step at Everest Base Camp in his/her life and that is considered to be one of the biggest achievements before they die.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is the most exciting and the most popular helicopter tour in Nepal experienced by thousands of travelers every year. Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is also popular as Everest Helicopter Tour. Whatever it is named, Helicopter Flight to Everest Base Camp will always be mesmerizing while flying over majestic Khumbu region witnessing mountain giants including Mt. Everest, the top of the world. Moreover, landing at either Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp and putting your footsteps will be historical moment for you because you have stepped at the highest mountain base camp of the world.
Highlights
- Enjoy flying over majestic Khumbu region of Nepal’s Himalayas
- Capture spectacular landscapes, glaciers and mountain panoramas
- Visit and explore the tourist destinations like Lukla, Tengboche, Kalapatthar and Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the serenity of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the national park located at the highest elevation of the world
- Step at Everest Base Camp and create a history in your life
- Witness and capture Gokyo Lake and mountain summits including Loa Tse, Nupse, Pumori, Thamserkhu, Mt. Everest and numerous other incredible peaks
- Have an eagle-eye views of unbelievable Himalayan kingdom of Nepal
Details about Everest Helicopter Tour
The Everest Helicopter Tour takes off early in the morning during the fair weathers. You are received by a private vehicle and dropped to the domestic terminal of the Kathmandu airport. The flight to Everest Base Camp takes off as soon as you board in the helicopter. Initially, the helicopter heads towards Langtang region and Mt. Langtang. Lirung and Ganesh Himal are visible.
The helicopter takes right turn and head towards east. The landscapes, rivers and the local settlements are incredible during this section of flight. Within 20-25 minutes of flight, the helicopter lands at Lukla airport for fueling. We stop there for 10-15 minutes for fueling and again fly towards Everest Base Camp.
Now, we begin to fly over Sagarmatha National Park and its serene surrounding. The Khumbu glacier and Thamserkhu are beautifully visible. We fly over Namche Bazaar, fly past Tengboche and finally land at either Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar depending on weather condition. Actually, we don’t land at both Kalapatthar and Everest Base Camp. The first priority will be for Everest Base Camp if the weather favors because stepping at Everest Base Camp will be a historical moment for the people.
Once we land at Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar, we spend almost half an hour to enjoy the moments and capture them in our cameras. We walk and celebrate it by coming out of the helicopter. The both places: Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar are, normally, windy. You cannot stop there for more than 20 minutes since its freezing cold and also there is threat of altitude sickness as we directly fly and land above 5000m. We cannot and should not stop there for more than 20 minutes because in case we have altitude sickness, we will be in a big trouble and ultimately, the entire trip will be very unpleasant.
We suggest you to stop at Kalapatthar instead of landing at Everest Base Camp because Kalapatthar is better vantage point than Everest Base Camp. As a matter of fact, one cannot witness Mt. Everest from Everest Base Camp but you can do it from Kalapatthar. Therefore, majority of people prefer stopping at Kalaptthar while doing Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Enjoy the magnificent views of Loa Tse, Pumori and Everest during the moments you stop there at Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp.
After making the history of stepping at Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp and witnessing Mt. Everest from the closest viewpoint, we fly back to Syangboche where Hotel Everest View is located. Before landing at Hotel Everest View at Syangboche, we enjoy the views of towering mountain peaks of Khumbu region, peaceful freshwater Gokyo Lake, giant glaciers and awe-inspiring landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park. We land at Syangboche and enjoy our breakfast. Interestingly, while you are having your breakfast, you still can witness Mt. Everest and other mountain peaks. After you stop there for 40 minutes, you will take off, fly over Namche Bazaar and land at Lukla airport before flying to Kathmandu. We again land at Lukla airport for refueling and fly back to Kathmandu airport.
Is altitude sickness a threat for Everest Helicopter Tour?
Actually, it is not. It is not like that because a very few cases of acute mountain affect this trip. If the travelers have some serious health issues and they are very fragile, they may get altitude sickness, however, it is very rare case.
Another important thing to remind you that if you stop longer than maximum 30 minutes at Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar, there is high possibility of getting altitude sickness. As you are getting it, you may have the symptoms like dizzy, light-headedness, disturbances in stomach, weakness etc. So, if incase you start having these symptoms while flying or stopping at Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar, you have to tell your team and have to move for further solutions.
How long will be the Everest Helicopter Tour?
It is a day tour that begins early in the morning and gets over before noon. Initially, we fly to Lukla and land there for fuelling. It takes 15-20 minutes and fly to Everest Base Camp and land there. We again stop there for 20-30 minutes for the views and few minutes' walk around. After that, we fly over Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Valley and fly back to land at Syangboche. We stop here for our breakfast witnessing mesmerizing Everest for around 40 minutes and you can stop here a bit longer if you want. Finally, we fly back to Lukla and stop there for refueling. It takes another 15-20 minutes. After refueling, we fly back to Kathmandu and you are transferred to the hotel by private vehicle. So, the total duration of time you spend for your Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is 3-4 hours.
What is the weight limit for one helicopter?
Maximum weight for Everest Helicopter Tour is 450 kg. and one more thing is that helicopter cannot carry more than 200kg above 4000m so the helicopter have to do another shuttle flight from Lukla to Everest Base Camp leaving 2-3 people at Lukla. They will again be taken to Everest Base Camp and finally all will be taken back to Kathmandu. If the weight is not exceeding than 200 kg, the helicopter doesn’t require another shuttle flight during Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The region Annapurna is the second most preferred travelling destination in Nepal after Everest. The largest Annapurna Conservation Area is also located in Annapurna region where people can do trekking, hiking, climbing, and helicopter tour. Annapurna Helicopter Tour is one of the most exciting trips to experience in Annapurna region landing at Annapurna Base Camp and witnessing the closest view of Mt. Annapurna.
The Annapurna Helicopter Tour takes the travelers to Annapurna Base Camp flying over Annapurna Protected Area and stop there for more than half an hour for snacks, tea and the mountain views and return back to either Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Highlights
- Enjoy flying over breathtaking Annapurna region of Nepal’s Himalayas
- Capture spectacular landscapes, glaciers and mountain panoramas
- Visit and explore the tourist destinations like Annapurna Base Camp and Pokhara
- Enjoy the serenity of Annapurna Protected Area, the largest protected area of the world
- Step at Annapurna Base Camp and collect a blessing from Annapurna Himalayas
- Witness and capture local settlements, winding rivers and mountain summits including Mt. Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and numerous other incredible peaks
- Have an eagle-eye views of unbelievable Himalayan kingdom of Nepal including lower Mustang
Details about Annapurna Helicopter Tour
Once the helicopter takes off from Kathmandu airport, it heads towards Langtang mountain region initially. Then, it, further, moves towards Annapurna region. The local villages, rivers, deep forests and numerous mountain peaks are visible astonishingly. You will really enjoy this helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp from Kathmandu.
If you are flying from Pokhara, you will directly head to Annapurna Base Camp flying over Annapurna Protected Area witnessing all Annapurna Himalayan Panorama including Dhaulagiri.
Within half an hour mesmerizing flight, we land at Annapurna Base Camp and stop there for more than half an hour, indeed, around 40 minutes. As you land there at Annapurna Base Camp, you cannot believe your eyes that you witness Mt. Annapurna-I from such a close viewpoint. You enjoy this spectacular view, spend half an hour for some snacks and tea or some kind of meal you want there at the Annapurna Base Camp. As you celebrate the moments fully with your naked eyes and cameras, you fly back to either Pokhara or Kathmandu viewing all mountain panoramas in Annapurna region of Nepal.
Flying to Annapurna Base Camp is not only to step at Annapurna Base Camp and witnessing Mt. Annapurna but also observing entire Annapurna region and Lower Mustang region. You will enjoy spectacular view of Pokhara city too at the same time.
Will there be a threat of altitude sickness?
Since Annapurna Base Camp is located at 4130m, there is no threat of altitude sickness with the travelers who fly to Annapurna Base Camp with helicopter. Actually, it is believed that no acute mountain sickness attacks to the travelers who are ascending up to 4000m. However, there are few cases of altitude sickness every year with the people doing Annapurna Helicopter Tour.
To avoid any sudden altitude sickness, we suggest you not to spend more than 40 minutes at Annapurna Base Camp because spending long hours there can cause altitude sickness. Some travelers go there directly without doing basic exercises and without having such stamina to resist the altitude of 4000m. So, those who have weaker health condition and weaker stamina are suggested not to remain at Annapurna Base Camp for more than 40 minutes.
What is the difference between the helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp from Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu is for those people who are not willing to go to Pokhara and they want to witness Annapurna Himalayan range by helicopter staying in Kathmandu. This tour is longer than the tour from Pokhara and expensive as well.
But, those who are in Pokhara and want to spend some days here, also can do Annapurna Base Camp Tour escaping tiring trekking to the base camp. Pokhara International Airport is already in operation and you can directly fly to Pokhara and enjoy your Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour which is shorter and less costly than the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu. You can explore beautiful Pokhara city and its surrounding if you are in Pokhara along with your heli flight to Annapurna Base Camp.
How many people can accommodate in one helicopter? What is the weight limit?
Maximum of 5 people can accommodate in one helicopter not exceeding 500 kg. If it exceeds 500 kg, then, it requires another shuttle flight from Pokhara if you are doing this helicopter tour from Kathmandu. Unlike Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, the helicopter flying to Annapurna Base Camp can carry more weight because it is not going to land above 5000m, instead, it is landing only at around 4200m which is Annapurna Base Camp. It means, the weight limit is determined by the capacity helicopter and the altitude you are flying to.
How long will be the Annapurna Helicopter Tour?
If you are flying from Kathmandu, it will be of total 3 hours and if you are flying from Pokhara, it will be of only 2 hours. You will fly towards Langtang mountain range initially while flying from Kathmandu and fly past them. Next, within half an hour you will be flying over Annapurna Conservation Area and happen to witness entire mountain range in Annapurna region including Dhaulagiri and finally land at Annapurna Base Camp. You will stop at Annapurna Base Camp for 40 minutes for capturing breathtaking views and you will also have some meals or snacks there.
But, if you are planning this tour from Pokhara, you will directly fly to Annapurna Base Camp and land there for around 40 minutes for spectacular views and for some snacks, tea and coffee and meals to experience. Then, you will fly wither to Kathmandu or to Pokhara.
Langtang Helicopter Tour
Langtang Helicopter Tour is another exciting heli tour in Nepal to experience. Langtang Helicopter Tour that takes you to Langtang Valley and offers you mesmerizing Langtang Mountain range. There is another helicopter tour destination in Langtang region that is holy Gosainkunda. Langtang Helicopter Tour and Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour can be combined in the same flight.
Langtang Helicopter Tour is to witness entire Langtang and Lirung mountain panoramas and other alluring summits in the same region. At the same time, landscapes, winding rivers, glaciers, local settlements and serene Langtang National Park are also some other highlights of Langtang Helicopter Tour.
Highlights
- Celebrate a mesmerizing Helicopter flight to Langtang Valley/ Kyangjin Gompa
- Land at Langtang Valley or Kyanjin Gompa and enjoy witnessing Mt. Langtang ad Lirung
- Walk around the village, have local cuisines and marvel at astonishing local villages
- Witness marvelous landscapes, winding rivers, glaciers, local villages, serene Langtang National Park and alluring mountain summits
- Visit holy Gosainkunda Lake if you are combining it within this tour
- Get refreshed with this thrilling and one of the most exciting helicopter tours in Nepal
Details about Langtang Helicopter Tour
Langtang Helicopter Tour takes off from Kathmandu airport and directly head towards Langtang Himalayan range. Then, we begin to fly over Shivapuri National Park and then Langtang National Park past flying Gosainkunda and land at either Kyanjin Gompa or Langtang Valley. After you land there, you will have around 40 minutes time to observe the views and the surrounding. At the same time, you will enjoy your meal, light snacks, tea, coffee etc whatever you want. Mt. Langtang, Lirung, and Langtang Valley with beautiful Langtang Village are the most infatuating highlights to witness while stopping there.
One really doesn’t believe their eyes that they can see such marvelous Himalayan village, Langtang village, surrounded by majestic mountain panoramas including Langtang and Lirung. If you are landing at Kyanjin Gompa, you will visibly see Mera Peak. You will be astonished at seeing the local people’s lifestyle and their civilization while landing and spending sometime there.
After observing all surrounding and the mountain views, we fly back to Kathmandu via very similar mountain setting. Or on the way back to Kathmandu, you can land at Gosainkunda, a holy lake where god Shiva is believed to be resting, explore the lake and take a holy bath or sprinkle holy water from the lake which is believed to wash all the sins.
Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour
Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour is a popular heli tour in Nepal. Gosainkunda is a part of Langtang National Park and Langtang Himalayan region. This tour is also known as Gosainkunda Darsan by helicopter or a holy Gosainkunda Pilgrimage by helicopter from Kathmandu.
Actually, Gosainkunda is a holy lake located in Langtang National Park and a part of Langtang Himalayan region. Thousands of pilgrims and travelers visit Gosainkunda and other freshwater lakes believing that the water from the lake can wash all the sins. God Shiva is believed to be sleeping in the center of the lake as a statue making the entire lake and the area holy. One special full-moon day in a year is observed magnificently by the devotees by visiting the lake and takes a holy bath there. Both international and domestic tourists love visiting, exploring and taking holy bath in Gosainkunda. Gosainkunda Pass is very popular among the trekkers to enjoy freshly fallen snow. You will enjoy massive snow at Gosainkunda Pass.
Details about Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour
Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour can be done separately without adjoining it with Langtang Helicopter Tour. Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour takes off from Kathmandu airport and directly heads to Langtang region. The helicopter, now, begins to fly over Shivapuri National Park, passes through awe-inspiring landscapes, green hills, and local settlements and enter into Langtang National Park. Within half an hour’s flight, we land at Gosainkunda. We stop there for another half an hour to observe the magnificent Himalayan setting, the local village with some teahouses, take a short walk around the Gosainkunda Lake, have holy bath or sprinkle some water in your body or wash your face with fresh water from the lake and enjoy the moments. Some religious people perform some pujas during their stop at Gosainkunda.
After doing all these exciting activities there in Gosainkunda, we, finally, fly back to Kathmandu flying over Gosainkunda Pass and Shivapuri National Park. We land at Kathmandu airport within half an hour and end our Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour.
Will there be a threat of altitude sickness?
Since Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda is located below 5000m, there is no threat of altitude sickness with the travelers who fly to Langtang Valley/ Kyanjin Gompa or Gosainkunda with helicopter. Actually, it is believed that no acute mountain sickness attacks to the travelers who are ascending up to 4000m. However, there are few cases of altitude sickness every year with the people doing Langtang Helicopter Tour.
To avoid any sudden altitude sickness, we suggest you not to spend more than 40 minutes at Langtang Valley or at Gosainkunda because spending long hours there can cause altitude sickness. Some travelers go there directly without doing basic exercises and without having such stamina to resist the altitude of 4000m. So, those who have weaker health condition and weaker stamina are suggested not to remain at Langtang Valley for more than 40 minutes.
How many people can accommodate in one helicopter? What is the weight limit?
Maximum of 5 people can accommodate in one helicopter not exceeding 500 kg. If it exceeds 500 kg, then, it requires another shuttle flight from Kathmandu if you are doing this helicopter tour from Kathmandu. Unlike Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, the helicopter flying to Langtang Valley (3430m) and Gosainkunda (4380m) can carry more weight because it is not going to land above 5000m, instead, it is landing only at around 4300m which is Gosainkunda. It means, the weight limit is determined by the capacity helicopter and the altitude you are flying to.
How long will be the Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour?
If you are doing only Langtang Valley Helicopter Tour, it will take 2.30 hrs and if you are taking only Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour, it will take 2 hours only. If you want to combine both destinations in one trip, then, it will take at least 3 hrs and sometimes more than that.
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