Nepal is a nation of the Himalayas. It attracts adventurers from all over the world with its majestic peaks and culture. Hiking is still a common way to explore the area. But, helicopter tours in Nepal provide a different viewpoint. They let adventurers see Nepal’s beautiful scene from above.
Trekkers must walk 8 to 9 days, 6 to 7 hours a day, to reach their final destination. But, not everyone finds trekking fun. This is especially true for children, the elders, and the physically disabled. The duration of helicopter tours in Nepal might range from a few hours to a whole day. For example, A helicopter trip to Everest base camp will typically be for 4 to 5 hours,
Best time for a Helicopter Tours in Nepal
The best time to go on helicopter tours in Nepal will depend on your goals and what you want to see and experience. Here are some suggestions for the best time to go on helicopter tours in Nepal:
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Weather:
Most people enjoy helicopter tours in Nepal in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). It is great for helicopter tours in Nepal. This is because this time Nepal has clear, sunny skies, good weather, and nice temperatures. temperatures. In Spring, the weather gradually warms up after the winter. This leads to milder temperatures and less rain. The rhododendron forests bloom and add vibrant colors to the landscape. They make the view better.
In autumn, after the monsoon, the skies clear. They offer clear, wide views of the Himalayas.
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Wildlife:
Winter (December to February) is the greatest season to see wildlife by helicopter tours in Nepal. Many animals come down from the highlands. They go to lower altitudes during this period to find food. In the search for food, a large number of animals come from the mountains to lower altitudes.
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Mountain views
In Nepal, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best mountain views. There are clear skies and improved views of the Himalayan peaks throughout these seasons.
Popular Helicopter Tour Packages in Nepal
Here are some of Nepal’s most popular helicopter tour packages. They offer you an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas:
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Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Duration: 4-5 hours
Group size: 1 To 5 Pax In One TripThe helicopter trip to Everest base camp lets us feel the thrill and beauty of the Himalayas. When compared to Everest Base Camp Trekking, the helicopter trip to Everest base camp is much shorter. The helicopter trip to Everest base camp lets adventurers see the best parts quickly. It is best for those with limited time to explore.
We will also get the chance to take pictures and videos of the beautiful part of your life by landing on those Himalayas. The National Aviation Council closed the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour. The closures happened in the last few months of 2023. This was due to news that Manang Air flying from Lukla to Solukhumbhu crashed in Lobuche. In January 2024, the helicopter trip to Everest base camp started again. Strict rules and necessary policies have been implemented.
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Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Duration: 1 hour
Group size: 1 To 5 Pax In One TripThe Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour also offers to experience the thrill and beauty of the Annapurna region. It is 1-hour helicopter tour from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp and vice versa. We get the chance to look at views of Machapuchre (Mt. Fishtail), Annapurna I, II, III, IV, and Dhaulagiri mountains and reach the base camp of Mt. Annapurna.
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Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Group size: 1 to 10 Pax in one tripGosaikunda Lake is a famous mountain beauty that is admired by pilgrims who are both Hindu and Buddhist. The lake is a popular destination for travelers. It’s also a source of inspiration to those who believe it to be the home of Lord Shiva. Adventurers often trek to Gosaikunda. But, the Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour offers an effective alternative. The Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour provides an entrance to peace in the Langtang region’s stunning natural beauty.
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Muktinath Helicopter Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Group size: 1 to 5 PaxMuktinath is in Nepal’s Mustang area at 3,710 meters. People regard it as a site of enlightenment. Passengers can see stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. These views include famous peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri. They can see them through the helicopter tour to Muktinath. This Helicopter Tour lets you visit this holy pilgrimage easily. You won’t have to travel long and difficult hiking routes.
Checklist for Helicopter tours in Nepal
The Checklist for Helicopter Tours in Nepal is a guide for travelers who do helicopter tours. By following the checklist, travelers can plan and prepare for their helicopter tour. Here’s a checklist that might help you with helicopter tours in Nepal:
- Valid Passport: You must carry a valid passport with a visa if applicable.
- Booking Confirmation: You must confirm the helicopter tour in advance with a good tour operator. Be sure to get all the needed details, like the date, time, and itinerary of your tour.
- Personal Essentials: You should pack essentials such as water, snacks, a camera or smartphone for photos, extra batteries, and a power bank.
- Medications: You should carry any necessary medications and a first-aid kit for emergencies.
- Clothing and Gear: You must wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You must dress for high-altitude conditions with layers. You can add or remove clothes as the temperature changes. Don’t forget sunscreen and lip balm with SPF protection.
- Emergency Contacts: You can keep a list of emergency contacts. It should include the contact info for your tour operator and local emergency services.
- Environmental Awareness: You should respect nature and wildlife during your helicopter tours in Nepal. You should avoid littering and minimize noise disturbance to wildlife and local communities.
High Altitude Sickness during Helicopter Tour in Nepal
Helicopter tours offer a faster way to reach places than trekking. But, they also expose you to rapid changes in altitude. So, you might get high-altitude sickness during a helicopter tour in Nepal. This happens at high-altitude destinations like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp.
High altitude sickness is also known as Acute mountain sickness (AMS). It can happen when the body is unable to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Its symptoms can include headache, nausea, tiredness, and trouble breathing. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness on a helicopter tour, you can take the following steps:
- Stay Hydrated: You should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It helps lessen altitude sickness. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can worsen dehydration.
- Listen to Your Body: You must pay attention to your body’s signals. You must tell the pilot or tour guide about any symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Oxygen: Helicopter operators carry extra oxygen on board for trips to high-altitude locations. During the tour, if you feel altitude sickness, oxygen can help. It reduces discomfort and raises blood oxygen levels.
- Personal Health: Before a helicopter tour, people with medical issues or a history of altitude sickness should talk to their doctor. For a safe trip, it’s important to provide the tour operator the medical information.
- Descend if Necessary: You can move to a lower altitude where symptoms are less severe. You should do this if you face extreme altitude sickness. The pilots of helicopters are also qualified to handle emergencies.
Age limit on the Helicopter Tour in Nepal
Nepal’s stunning Himalayan beauty and culture attract many people of all ages around the world. Helicopter tours offer a unique way to see Nepal’s mountains. They give travelers great views and unforgettable experiences. However, age limits are important. So, they make sure about the comfort and safety of visitors on helicopter tours in Nepal.
Since it varies according to the tour operator and each person’s health and fitness. There is no age limit for helicopter tours in Nepal. For safety reasons, children under the age of two are typically not permitted to attend the tour. And, those over 70 should also talk with a healthcare provider. This is even important if they have any pre-existing illnesses. Therefore, it is recommended that those who plan to do so are in good health.
Cost of Helicopter Tours in Nepal
Prices for helicopter tours in Nepal are based on many factors. These include the length of the tour, the location, the type of helicopter, and extra services. Here are some general ideas on the cost of helicopter tours in Nepal:
- Short Helicopter tours in Nepal: The short helicopter tours last from 1 to 2 hours. It may cost from $500 to $1500 per person. These tours can be helicopter trips to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or the Kathmandu Valley.
- Peak Season Pricing: Tour prices in Nepal may be higher during peak tourist seasons. These include spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This is due to an increase in demand. It’s advisable to book well in advance during these peak seasons. This will secure availability and might also get you early booking discounts.
- Group Discounts: Some helicopter tour operators offer discounts for groups. Travelers should inquire about group rates and discounts when planning their helicopter tour.
Helicopter tours in Nepal are great. They let you see the country’s amazing mountains and landscapes. They are quick, easy, and offer stunning views. Whether you fly over Everest, Annapurna, or the Gosaikunda, you will surely have an unforgettable experience. Book a helicopter tour in Nepal for a unique and memorable adventure.
Birendra Duwadi by profession a trekking and tourist guide and an enterpreur whose passion is trekking in the himalayas start Mission Himalaya Treks in 2015 with a new vision to introduce Nepal Himlayas to the world. his vision is explore and documentation new trekking routes . Birendra leads Mission Himalaya, a small company that change the qualities of trekking in Nepal.