More Useful Info
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour Packing List
Having proper clothing and essentials is the key to have an excellent helicopter ride. Even though Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is short, you need to prepare and pack well.
What to wear?
You need to wear appropriate and comfortable clothes depending on the season of your helicopter tour. If you are going in the winter season, you need to wear a down jacket, thermals scarf, and gloves. Wear comfortable shoes and even if you are doing this tour in summer, don’t wear sandals or flip-flops.
If you are taking an Annapurna helicopter flight in summer, then wear loose and light-colored clothing so that you will not get too hot from the sun that will be coming through the window of the helicopter. You also should wear sunscreen and sunglasses. It is wise to dress in layers during spring and autumn since the temperature fluctuates without warning as the helicopters ascend into the air. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and bring a windproof jacket.
Likewise, carry a camera with you to capture shots of the breathtaking views as you fly through the sky and look down at the landscapes. It is good to bring extra batteries, just in case. Besides, don’t bring a purse, backpack, loose keys, or other stuff that could get in the way and interfere with the safe operation of the helicopter. So, you need to know about weight limits for carry-on items.
Here is the shortlist you need to pack for this heli tour.
- Windproof Down Jacket
- Sun Hat/ Wollen Hat
- Sunscreen and Body Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Scarf
- A bottle of water
- Some snack and chocolates
- Toilet Paper
- Camera
- Your Passport or Passport Copy
Weight Limit of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
During Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour, the total weight limit will be 500 KG. Helicopter tour capacity depends on the weight of a person on your trip. Every helicopter flight has a weight limit, and the maximum number is five from Kathmandu.
Weather and Climate
Weather conditions are changeable in every season in the Himalayas. Annapurna Base Camp by helicopter flight is doable all time of the year. Because the weather is always clear in the morning time of the whole year, sometimes the weather remains bad in monsoon.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Spring Season
Spring in the Annapurna region is stunning with long days and gorgeous, green vistas, and spectacular mountain views. The best time to take this heli-trip, as the weather is stable and the views are best.
From March to May, the average temperature is 15°C in the daytime, making it a pleasant trip to the base camp. Early in the morning, sometimes the temperature drops down to the freezing point.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Autumn Season
Autumn is another good season to take this flight, as the weather is more transparent after the summer monsoon rains. The average daytime temperature range from 15°C to 20°C. At the same time, the temperature in morning and night remains above the freezing point. There is less chance of clouds or fog obstructing the visions.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Winter Season
During the winter season, the mountain views are clear, but the temperature will be colder than other seasons. The daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C, and in the morning, it will be cold and might have below -10°C temperature. During this time, a thick layer of snow covers the mountains, and the views are spellbound and unobstructed. We recommend you to prepare yourself for flight delays or cancellations.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Summer Season
Summer is not considered the best time for the ABC helicopter tour because of the massive rainfall and unstable weather conditions. However, helicopter flight to the base camp is still possible as, after the rain, the weather will be clear long enough to complete a short heli trip around the camp. The daytime temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C on average. During this season, the rain washed all dirt and pollution, the vegetation is green and alluring, making the surrounding in the Annapurna region must watch.
Major Attraction of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
During this helicopter flight to Annapurna base camp, you will witness an amazing aerial view of the Annapurna Conservation Area. You will get the above view from the stunning landscape, sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas, rich vegetation, pristine lakes, and dense forests.
Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest protected area in Nepal. It is rich in biodiversity and home to 1,226 plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians. The Annapurna region is equally natural and culturally beautiful. If you are lucky enough, you will witness some of the world’s rare and endangered species such as snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and barking deer. Likewise, the conservation area also provides excellent habitats for various spring and autumn birds migrating from China and India.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the starting point of many beautiful treks around the Annapurna region of Nepal. It lies approximately 200km west of Kathmandu, the most beautiful and famous city in Nepal. It is well-known as the scenic lake city of Nepal.
Well, this small beautiful lake city offers lots of adventure, lakes, temples, stupas, caves, etc. There are beautiful popular viewpoints such as Sarangkot, World Peace Pagoda, which provide panoramic mountain views. Taking the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a fun and exciting experience that will let you capture a bird’s eye view of a famous lake city, Pokhara, and make lasting memories!
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Annapurna Base Camp is just a slice of paradise on earth! Surrounding by enchanting Himalayan ranges, ABC stands at 4,130 meters of altitude above sea level. During this Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Landing Tour, you will experience the best sunrise view from the base camp.
Besides, Annapurna Base Camp offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Annapurna region’s stunning mountain range. You will enjoy the breathtaking mountain views, including Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters), Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Annapurna II (7,555 meters), Gangapurna (7,454 meters), and Himchuli (6,441 meters).
5 Best Reasons to Choose for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter tour offers tourists a chance to view the picturesque Annapurna Base camp and surrounding mountains. You will also experience the spectacular scenery of magnificent Gurung village, the pristine and unspoiled, and the mountains’ beauty. With all the lakes, rivers, waterfalls, often snow-capped peaks, ABC helicopter tour contains some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
1. Escape the Crowds Below
Undoubtedly, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Thus, thousands of trekkers come to the Annapurna region every year to trek. A heli tour of the Annapurna base camp is the perfect way to get a more personal experience and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Only 10% of the trekkers ever see the views you will get while on a helicopter tour.
2. Super Time Saver
If you want to be at Annapurna Base Camp but want to skip long days of trekking, then this Annapurna base camp helicopter ride is an ideal option for you. This one-day heli tour begins early in the morning and ends in a couple of hours, still covering all the Annapurna Base Camp trek’s major highlights.
3. Thrilling Experience
You will land at base camp to capture the wonderful views of snow-capped mountains. This helicopter ride will reward you with an incredible aerial view of the Annapurna range’s great massifs. So, this exciting helicopter tour to base camp is the best way to experience the majesty and thrilling scenic vistas of the Annapurna range.
4. Bird’s Eye View
As you fly in the chopper above the beautiful lake city, green hills, and the mountain view will take your breaths away. We help make your dream come true to have a close glimpse of Mt. Annapurna and other surrounding peaks by introducing a short heli tour to the Annapurna region of Nepal.
5. No Age Boundary
This helicopter adventure suits every age group wishing to catch the closest views of Mt. Annapurna South. This tour is favorable throughout the whole year and suitable for all age groups of travelers. This helicopter tour doesn’t require any physical fitness level, so this heli-trip is comfortable for travelers of any age group.
Helicopter Models Used for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Flight
View scenic Annapurna Base Camp from one of the safest and quietest helicopters in the industry. We offer flight training, aerial photography, and unique heli experiences. Since 1993 the Air Dynasty’s staff and a team of pilots have whisked riders high above the beautiful mountains from 15 minutes to one hour. These skilled pilots know every ripple of the mountains and beyond. Helicopter tour provides passengers stunning views of mountains, forests, and wilderness areas.
Air dynasty offers safe and quiet aircraft among Helicopter Charter companies in Nepal. With a maximum of five passengers, AS 350 series provide unobstructed window seats for each passenger. We offer our fleet of a helicopter which is specially designed for high altitude operations.
Here is some useful information about helicopters. The use of these models will depend on the area and altitude.
1. 9N ANA (AS350B3e)
Model: AS350B3e
- Manufacturer: Airbus, France
- Engine type: Arriel 2D
- Passenger capacity: 5 + 1
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG
- Maximum Operating Altitude: 23,000 FT
2. 9N ALA (AS350B3e)
Model: AS350b3e
- Manufacturer: Airbus, France
- Engine Type: Arriel 2D
- Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG
- Maximum Operating Altitude: 23,000 FT
3. 9N-AJD (AS 350 FX II)
Model: AS350 FX II
- Manufacturer: Airbus, France
- Engine Type: LTS – 101 700D2
- Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG
- Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT
4. 9N-AFQ (AS 350 FX II)
Model: AS350 FX II
- Manufacturer: Airbus, France
- Engine Type: LTS – 101 700D2
- Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG
- Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT
5. 9N-AGU (AS350 BA)
Model: AS350 BA
- Manufacturer: Airbus, France
- Engine Type: Arriel 1B
- Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2100 KG
- Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT
Essential Safety Measures for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
- Follow the pilot’s instructions to enter and exit from the aircraft.
- Don’t move around in-flight or exchange seats with fellow travelers.
- Remember to secure your personal belongings.
- Don’t put your hands or heads out of the window.
- Smoking is not allowed inside the helicopter at any time.
- Always tighten your seat belt during the flight.
Besides, we are following these health and safety protocols for our customer and crew safety and health during this COVID-19 pandemic.
- Helicopters will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before, after, and between flights.
- Pilots and other staff will wear face protection during the flight.
- All guests will be screened for a mandatory temperature before entering the helicopter or pickup points.
- All guests are required to wear face-covering or masks.
- Employees and guests need to wash or sanitize their hands regularly throughout the day.
How to Deal with Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a disorder that people might experience at high altitude if not adequately acclimatized.
During Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter, there is a mild risk of altitude sickness once you get out of the helicopter as the helicopter takes you to the high altitude in a few hours. So, your body is quite vulnerable to get altitude sickness. To prevent such problems, you will have only 20-30 minutes of landing time at the base camp. But this time is more than enough to enjoy the view and capture plenty of pictures.
During a short helicopter tour, the major concern for visitors is altitude sickness. When it comes to the Annapurna region, you will be traveling from the lowest altitude of 1,300 meters from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp, altitudes of more than 4,100 meters. In this heli-tour, you will not get proper time for acclimatization, so it is common for visitors to feel sick with major headaches and dizziness.
However, an oxygen cylinder can be used for those who are suffering from altitude sickness. If you or other group members get sick or other altitude sickness symptoms, it is wise to move lower altitude immediately for care and treatment. But during this short-heli tour, there is a very low chance of getting altitude sickness.
Booking Terms and Conditions for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
While booking online, you need to acknowledge our cancellation and refund policy, as stated below:
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellations are made 24 hours before your scheduled departure, you will get a 100 percent refund.
- If you reschedule 24 hours before takeoff, you can do it without any payments.
- If a flight is canceled due to unforeseen weather conditions, you will have two options; get your money back or rescheduled on the same tour at a time and day that fits your itinerary.
