Helicopter Tour Costs in Nepal

Helicopter tours are thrilling experiences that fly one above beautiful forests, typical Nepali villages, temples, glaciers, Himalayan ranges, and whatnot. Flying up above the clouds on a helicopter, one gets to soak in all the beauty Nepal has to offer. It even allows people to see the unique vegetation, lakes, and remote areas that are nearly impossible to walk to. These tours are a blessing in disguise for people who are short on time and have an illness that does not allow them to trek or hike to various destinations. Not only are they time-saving but also budget-friendly.

 Spreading throughout the entire country, there is an endless number of Helicopter tours to choose from. Some of the most famous and sought-after out of them are

1. Everest base camp helicopter tour

2. Annapurna base camp helicopter tour

3. Upper Mustang Helicopter tour

4. Muktinath Helicopter tour

5. Gosaikunda Helicopter tour

6. Rara Lake helicopter tour

7. Langtang Helicopter tour

8. Pokhara Helicopter tour

9. Halesi Helicopter tour

10. Tilicho Helicopter tour

11. Pathivara Darsan through Helicopter ride, etc.

Expected cost for the helicopter tours and destination (2023)

Here's a table for you to take as a reference on how much you are supposed to pay.

Note: This price is an approximation of what you will be expected to pay. It will change with time. The service providers have their own range of total expected costs. So, it is suggested to try to contact the service provider you pick to know the exact payable amount before the Helicopter tour.

Factors affecting the total cost of a Helicopter tour

Talking about the price of Helicopter tours, there are numerous factors that fluctuate it. Several aspects are responsible for bringing the price below or rising above the expected total cost. Let's see some of them, and how they fluctuate the price so you can make a better choice.

•   The total number of people on tour

The total number of people on a flight with you makes a significant difference in the price you will pay. If one goes alone on a helicopter tour, they are expected to cover the total cost by themselves. However, in a group, they will have heads to divide the total cost with.

A tip for you to save some cash is to go as a group and share the total cost. If you can not form a team, then try to be a part of an existing group. Doing so means you get the same experience at a lesser cost.

•   The company you pick to manage the tour

Yes, different companies have different charges for the same destinations. There are companies that have additional services for you, so the more the offers the more you need to pay. Similarly, a reputed and well-established company is more likely to have a higher cost range than a newer one.

•  The luxury during the Helicopter tour

 It is up to you if you want to experience a lavish helicopter tour, or a mediocre will do. A luxurious helicopter ride does ensure comfort. This also means more bucks. So, go for what suits you.

•   The Time of the Helicopter tour

In this case, charges differ a little. Spring and Autumn are the peak season for a helicopter tour. With that being said, companies tend to have higher Helicopter tour costs during these seasons of the year compared to the Winter and Summer seasons.

•   Destination of the helicopter tour

When we say destination differs in the price, it is not only about the distance. Well, the farther the destination, the more the price is obvious, but there is another factor that affects the price. It is the popularity of the destination. If you choose the destinations that have higher demand, like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, be ready to pay accordingly.

•  Duration of the tour

 Again, different helicopter ride covers the same tour in different time period. For the Helicopter tours that go for longer periods of time, you will be more likely to pay a higher amount. And for the tours that have a short period, you will be expected to pay less.

When to go for a Helicopter tour?

One can plan a Helicopter tour at any time of the year. There are not any restrictions according to time whatsoever. But if you don’t want to leave any room for disappointment, then go for Spring or Fall (Autumn) season. The winter season in Nepal ( December, January, and February) will not have the clear and best sights of almost every destination because of low visibility and fog. This season’s helicopter rides can also be interrupted by snowstorms. Likewise, the Summer season of Nepal is a rainy period, making it more prone to accidents up in the sky. Furthermore, the rain and dark clouds stop you from getting the best possible view. This can also delay or cancel the Helicopter ride completely.

Spring season (March, April, and May ) and Autumn season ( September, October, and November ) on the other hand, have the ideal surroundings, weather, and unobstructed view below. These two seasons also have little to no chances of misfortunate events due to weather issues. Usually, there are no flight cancellations or delays either.

In conclusion, even though planning Helicopter tours are possible at any time of the year. It is best to go for the Spring and Autumn seasons. Generally, the best time of the day to be at your destination is the morning. Mornings usually have the best and cool weather. This period of the day offers a better view compared to the afternoon and evening.

Trekking Vs. Helicopter tour

While both the trekking and Helicopter tours are an absolutely magical experience, there are some reasons that will get you biased toward the Helicopter tour.

Trekking

• One needs to have good physical health and high endurance.

• Not an ideal option for children and people of older age groups.

• Trekking or hiking is very time-consuming.

• Walking through remote areas for several days and new food habits are more likely to get you sick.

• Your body may not be able to adapt to the new surroundings. This will have you to suffer from mountain sickness. 

• Trekking comes with more responsibilities in terms of clothing and accommodation.

Helicopter tours

• A helicopter tour is a safer option for people with moderate health conditions. (Even people with a not-so-severe illness can be part of it with few precautions ).

• It is the ideal option for a family tour because it is comfortable for little ones and older family members.

• A helicopter tour is a dream come true for people who are differently enabled or handicapped. This lets them be part of these exciting adventures and makes them feel included.

• These types of tours are very short, which is ideal for busy people who can not take weeks out of their schedule.

• You will not need to worry about mountain sickness and other illness that comes with altitude. Just be seated in the Helicopter comfortably and enjoy the view.

• Most of your needs will be taken care of. So, there are fewer responsibilities for you to be worrying about.

• One does not need to worry about accommodation problems.

Final say

A helicopter tour to any region of Nepal is truly bliss. Although it does fall on the expensive side of the scale, it is more than worth it. You may feel like you're paying more than necessary for a service, but once you experience it for yourself, you'll understand why it was worth the cost.

Consider all the factors mentioned above to lower the total cost of it. Follow the safety measures and get flying in the sky, enjoying the breathtaking view right below you!