Top Heli Destinations in Nepal and Why One Must Try it at Least Once

While everyone knows Nepal for its incredible trekking routes, from the Everest Base Camp Trek to trekking in the Annapurna Region, few realize there are so many more activities to do in Nepal. So, before you get on a plane, think about what you need to know before going to Nepal. This will range from culture, safety (is it safe to travel in Nepal), weather (best season to visit Nepal), and accommodation.

Did you even know there are helicopter trips available in Nepal?

Probably the most famous helicopter trip is to Mount Everest for breakfast. It is often called the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, but it is the same. Other helicopter tours are available, so let's look at the top 5.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

I have always thought the name itself is a little misleading. While you fly over the base camp, the heli can't land there. It does, however, land on Kalapattar, a high rocky outcrop known as the Everest viewpoint. Here the helicopter can land safely, and from here, the views of Everest are simply stunning – much better than those at base camp. If you were to stand at base camp, you would be too close to Mount Everest to get great views.

Leaving Kathmandu in the early morning, the heli stops off at Lukla in the Everest Region to refuel. Then it's off again, soaring over first green landscapes, then the ice falls, glaciers, and getting close to the mountains. Because of the high altitude, the helicopter can only take three people at a time up to Kalapattar. Because of this, half of the group will enjoy breakfast in the Everest View Hotel, which certainly lives up to its name, while the other half fly on to Kalapattar.  Again, due to the high altitude, it is only possible to land at Kalapattar for around 15 minutes. It is long enough for passengers to soak up the atmosphere and click unforgettable photos.

The whole journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. But memories will last a lifetime!

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Probably the second most popular helicopter ride in Nepal is to Annapurna Base Camp. For this trip, you can choose whether you fly out of Kathmandu or out of Pokhara. Flying from Kathmandu will take approximately 3 hours (including ground time), and from Pokhara, approximately 1.5 hours (including ground time). 

Because the altitude is not as high here as at Everest Base Camp, the helicopter can land for longer (approximately 30 minutes) to let you enjoy the surroundings. You are in the heart of the Annapurna Mountain Range with stunning mountains such as Fishtail, Annapurna, Annapurna II, and Dhaulagiri. As well as being surrounded by mountains, you will fly over villages, farmland, forests, and hills, which are among the world's most famous tourist and trekking destinations. 

Some companies will provide breakfast at base camp, or you can take your own. Best ask when you book! This is something to add to your "activities to do in Pokhara" list!

Muktinath Helicopter Tour

Another trendy heli ride, particularly among pilgrims, is to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Siting among the Annapurnas, Muktinath is also a popular trekking destination (approximately six days from Pokhara) with a fascinating history and features.  

Again, you can fly from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Flying by heli from Kathmandu takes approximately 3 hours round trip (flying time 2 hours, ground time 1 hour). It is approximately 30 minutes from Pokhara, with a ground time of 1 hour (2 hours total). Since most visitors will carry out religious rites, it is essential to remember that ground time is strictly obeyed since this area is very windy. Witnessing the temple, 108 waterspouts, and the eternal flame found nearby are still fascinating for those not carrying out religious rites. And, of course, beautiful mountains are all around and on the flight path! Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche are just some famous mountains you will see. And there are the lakes around Pokhara and the Pokhara Valley itself to marvel over. 

Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour

Another famous pilgrimage site is Gosainkunda Lake, situated in Langtang National Park. In 2007 this fascinating lake and its surrounds were designated a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) by UNESCO. The area is busy with Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims during the Janai Purnima Festival (August) when people come from all over Nepal and India to take a holy dip in the lake. The reason for its fame comes from a large rock in the center of the lake, which is said to be the remains of a Shive shrine built where Shiva once meditated.   While it is fascinating to witness the festival, the lake is quieter at other times, which might suit many who wish to meditate or enjoy nature.

The Heli tour spends 1 hour in the air (30 minutes each way) and 30 minutes on the ground. For those not taking a holy dip, the beauty of the lake alone is enough. Mountains are also in view from the lake and while in the air.

Langtang Helicopter Tour

Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this trip also takes you into Langtang National Park but lets you explore Kyangin Gompa (monastery). Spending only 30 minutes in the air each way and 30 minutes on the ground, this short 1.5-hour trip may be a great introduction to helicopter rides and the nearest trekking area to Kathmandu. The 2015 earthquake hard hit the village of Langtang. The Gompa, about 300 years old, survived and is a fascinating place to visit, as is the nearby cheese factory! If you would like to return on foot, there are fantastic mountain viewpoints to hike up and lakes to visit. But from the helicopter, you will get a birds-ey view of the area! Tea/ coffee and perhaps breakfast will be served. Check with your travel agent. Naturally, if you are hiring the whole helicopter for your group, they can be more flexible on your requirements!

Why Take a Heli Tour in Nepal?

It is one of the top things to do in Nepal. While helicopter rides anywhere can be pretty exciting, you get views you won't see anywhere else in Nepal! The Everest mountain range, the Annapurna mountain range, lakes, rivers, forests, and much more! So why not?

Should you Take a Private or Chartered Heli Tour?

The two things to consider here are the number of people in your group and your budget. Even if you are alone or with one other and have the budget, go ahead and book the whole heli for an exceptional and personal experience. You can even take a photographer and specialist guide who will turn the "wow" factor up a notch or two! (Note: there is no guide on the standard heli rides. The pilot will point out points of interest.)  If your group is not enough to fill up a helicopter (5 people), it is cheaper to join a chartered flight. In addition, the number of trips is limited by the number of available helicopters and the number of interested people.

Costs Involved

 Simply put, it costs between USD2,000 to USD3,500 per helicopter for the tours mentioned above. These costs are divided among the passengers (chartered flights) or for the whole helicopter (private flights). Costs will vary depending on the season, the agency, the heli company, etc., so these are a rough guide only. If you make a quick comparison with prices in other countries, Nepal is pretty competitive, and the views are also outstanding! And in general, the whole trip is much longer than the standard 40 minutes to an hour sightseeing in, for example, the UK, USA or Australia.

 So, this is another reason to experience your first heli ride here in Nepal. And, of course, if you have done heli tours in other countries, there is still the scenery you won't have seen anywhere else – including the highest mountain in the world!

 Be aware that if you are joining a charter tour, if there are not five passengers and no sign that others will join (in the quiet season, for example), you will be required to pay a little more. The cost for the helicopter remains the same regardless of whether there is one passenger or 5.

Tips on How to get the Most from Your Helicopter Tour in Nepal

What to wear

I always joke about turning up in my nightwear and slippers. No trekking is involved. But, although you are not trekking, it will be cold in the mountains! A warm jacket is a must, and a hat and gloves are recommended. On your feet, well, you might be standing on snow or ice, so good walking shoes or boots are recommended. Something warm, with cozy socks underneath. Sunscreen is also recommended as you will be at a high altitude where the sun is more robust, even if it doesn't feel warm. Sunglasses for the same reason.   I carry water everywhere, so a small bottle in your day pack would be a great idea, even if you are having breakfast on tour. And, of course, your camera or phone is a must to capture the beauty all around you!

What Happens on the Trip?

You will be picked up at your hotel by whoever you have booked and taken to the airport's domestic terminal in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Before climbing in and heading off, you will be briefed and introduced to the pilot. In the case of the Everest Base Camp tour, We will refuel the helicopter, giving you an extra few minutes on the ground to take in the sounds and feel of Lukla, the flight entrance to the Everest Region. Again, on the Everest Base Camp trip, your group will be divided into two, so the helicopter carries no more than three passengers when it lands at a high altitude, Kalapattar. On other trips, the ground time varies; you should discuss the details when you sign up. 

What Happens if the Weather is Bad?

If the weather is unsuitable for flying, We will postpone your trip for another day. You will get your money refunded if you cannot make it (due to an international flight etc.). 

Best Season to Take a Heli Tour in Nepal

The best times to visit Nepal, particularly the mountains, are spring – March to May and autumn – October to December. The same goes for flying. It is less comfortable flying in the monsoon, and the views are not so spectacular. In the winter, the views can be outstanding on clear days, but the cold may be prohibitive. Best discuss with your agent. 

Can I Tailor Make My Own Heli Itinerary?

You can tailor your itinerary if you have the budget and the helicopter is free. Many trekking companies fly their clients into the mountains by helicopter and trek back out. Shortening the trip length and providing an extra thrilling trip! Please discuss this with your Nepal tour agent.   Please remember that helicopters are traditionally used for rescue operations in the high mountains and locals living in remote areas, so they may not always be available on demand.

In Conclusion

Nepal is the best place to take a heli tour – whether it's your first or your hundredth! You will see things from a different perspective and witness places you might not otherwise be able to access (no days of hiking!). You can do it at any age and with any ability (no months at the gym preparing to hike to EBC).   

 And don't forget – it is fun!