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Annapurna Aerial Expedition via Helicopter

  • 1 days
  • extreme
  • Up to 12
  • Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
4.8

We offer a direct aerial route from Pokhara into the high Annapurna sanctuary, landing near Mardi Himal High Camp.

At a glance

Trip overview

Our Annapurna helicopter tour provides an immediate aerial vantage of the high Himalayan peaks for travelers with limited time or those who prefer not to undertake multi-day treks. Departing from the lakeside city of Pokhara, our private helicopter ascends rapidly above the terraced farmlands and winding river gorges of the Annapurna foothills, bringing passengers face-to-face with major summits including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.

This flight suits travelers of varying physical fitness levels who wish to experience high-altitude wilderness without the sustained physical exertion of standard trekking routes. The journey includes a brief touchdown at Mardi Himal High Camp, allowing our passengers to step out onto the alpine terrain, take in the surrounding peaks, and document the landscape before the return flight to Pokhara.

Weather conditions dictate the exact timing and execution of our flights, as mountain visibility changes rapidly. Our pilots monitor local meteorological patterns closely to ensure safe passage through the cloud layers and valleys. We manage all ground logistics, including hotel transfers to the Pokhara airport, ensuring a direct and structured operation from start to finish.

Classic 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek — hero

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Summit Panorama

    We fly past Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli from close range.

  • Mardi Himal Landing

    We touch down at Mardi Himal High Camp for a brief ground-level exploration of the alpine zone.

  • Aerial Valley Views

    We trace the contours of the Seti and Modi river gorges and observe the terraced hillsides from the air.

  • Pokhara Departure

    We depart directly from Pokhara Airport, situated near the shores of Phewa Taal Lake.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Pokhara to Mardi Himal High Camp and Return

Meals: B

We begin our tour with a private transfer from your hotel in Pokhara to the domestic airport. After safety briefings and headset fittings, our helicopter lifts off and tracks north toward the main Himalayan wall. We climb above the green hills and deep river gorges, breaking through the mountain air to approach the high ridge systems.

We land briefly at Mardi Himal High Camp, where you can step out onto the alpine ground to view the surrounding ice faces and peaks up close. Following a short stay on the ridge, we reboard the aircraft for the scenic return flight back to Pokhara Airport, concluding our one-hour aerial circuit.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Hotel to Pokhara Airport transfer
  • Private Helicopter flight
  • Government taxes and office service charge
  • Experienced pilot and aviation crew
  • Safety headsets and pre-flight briefing

Not included

  • Meals and accommodation in Pokhara or Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa and international airfare
  • Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation
  • Tipping for pilot and ground support staff

Before you go

Good to know

Weather and Visibility

Mountain weather in the Annapurna region is dynamic and can shift with little notice. We schedule our flights during periods with historical trends of clear morning visibility, but flights remain subject to pilot discretion and air traffic control approvals.

Physical Preparation

Because this is a short helicopter tour with only a brief touchdown at high altitude, no strenuous physical training or long-distance trekking preparation is required. Passengers of various ages can participate comfortably.

Clothing and Gear

Temperatures at high-altitude landing sites can be significantly cooler than in Pokhara. We recommend bringing a windproof jacket, layered clothing, sunglasses, and sturdy footwear for stepping out onto the mountain terrain.

Booking and Group Size

Our helicopter tours operate on both group-joining and private charter bases. We require a minimum number of passengers for group departures, while private charters offer flexible scheduling tailored to your preferred dates.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — altitude profile

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — route map

Pack list

What to pack

  • Windproof jacketEssential

    Clothing

    Essential for cold winds during the high-altitude landing.

  • SunglassesEssential

    Clothing

    Protects against glare off snow and high-altitude sunlight.

  • Sturdy footwearEssential

    Footwear

    Required for stepping out onto uneven mountain terrain.

  • Camera or phone

    Documents

    For capturing aerial views of the Annapurna range.

  • PassportEssential

    Documents

    Required for airport security and check-in procedures.

  • Travel insurance detailsEssential

    Documents

    Must cover helicopter evacuation if required.

  • Fleece layerEssential

    Clothing

    Provides warmth during the brief ground stop.

  • Sun hat

    Clothing

    Useful during pre-flight boarding on the tarmac.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Where does the helicopter tour start and end?

Our tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Pokhara, following a private transfer from your hotel.

What happens if the weather is poor on our scheduled day?

If adverse weather prevents a safe flight, we will work with you to reschedule the tour for the next available weather window or provide a full refund according to our policy.

Do I need to be physically fit to join this tour?

No special physical fitness is required since you will be flying rather than trekking, though you should be able to walk a short distance on uneven ground at the landing site.

Are meals included in the package?

No meals or hotel accommodations are included in Pokhara or Kathmandu, as this is a short flight-only package.

Can children or older adults participate?

Yes, this tour is suitable for a wide range of ages, making it an accessible option for families and older travelers who cannot manage long treks.

What mountains will we see during the flight?

You will view major peaks including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli.

Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.

Book your trip

Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 1 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
SMTWTFS

Start dateTrip runs

Ready to book Annapurna Aerial Expedition via Helicopter?

Talk to a Himalaya Treks planner about departure dates, group discounts, or a customised private departure.