Overview

Itinerary

Cost

More Info

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

More Info

Map

Overview

Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour is the most exciting one-day adventure offering a unique perspective on the majestic beauty of the Annapurna region. Starting from the beautiful city of Pokhara, this exciting flight will offer stunning aerial views of some of the gratifying Himalayas in Nepal. It will land you directly at Mardi Himal Base Camp, rising at an altitude of 4,500 meters and treat you to a different perception of the landscape that few ever get to experience.

The Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour is an ideal option for those who have limited time but a strong desire for a close quarter encounters with the mountains. It is the quickest yet unforgettable experience of flying amid the mighty snow-covered peaks. You can opt for this fantastic helicopter ride to view the majestic Himalayan landscapes from the air and experience the grandeur of the towering mountains with the utmost convenience.

The Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour is a luxurious and stylish alternative without overcoming twists and turns and the longer time commitment of traditional trekking. It is far better than investing a whole week of trekking on challenging trails to Mardi Himal if the same can be experienced within a matter of hours. You won’t have to struggle with heavy breathing or rely on trekking poles; just a short helicopter ride and you will be there.

The Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour is for people of all ages and at every physical fitness level. It is also meant for those who cannot complete the full trekking journey because of time constraints. As a whole the helicopter tour is an ideal option for individuals who are unable to make it to the Mardi Himal for various reasons but still want to witness its magnificence.

Prime Attractions of Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour

Breathtaking mountain view from an aerial perspective including Annapurna, Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, Himalchuli and several others.
Bird’s eye view of Mardi Himal trekking trails passing hills, forests, villages and landscapes that you usually see from the ground.
Close-up vistas of the towering Himalayas and glaciers from the vantage point of a helicopter.
Magnificent aerial exploration of the rich biodiversity of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Flying over diverse breathtaking mountain landscapes within a fraction of the time.
Panoramic photography of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys and alpine terrains aboard a helicopter.
The scenic and luxurious sightseeing experience with a unique way of looking at the landform types below.
The most comfortable way to explore the Mardi Himal region by avoiding the physical strain of a long trek at high altitudes.
Ideal adventure for those who love adventure while skipping excessive exertion and exhaustion.
Glances into life in the Himalayas through culture, traditional houses, and terraced farming while flying above the quaint mountain hamlets.
Personal experience amidst stunning landscapes away from crowds that are commonly seen on many popular trekking routes.

What Makes the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour a Great Choice?

Highly Accessible and Convenient

Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour allows you to reach those places that are otherwise hard or time-consuming to access. There isn’t any need to walk much or go through some tough, steep trails. Your helicopter ride takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp directly, where you are able to see the glorious high mountain surroundings with ease and comfort.

Perfect for All

The Mardi Himal helicopter tour is ideal for those bounded by time or physical limitations. Moreover, this helicopter tour is ideal whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a beginner traveler who would want a relaxed experience. There is no need for any previous trekking experience and people of all ages and fitness levels can join the tour.

No Hassles of Trekking

This tour, in a helicopter, facilitates an exploration of the amazing mountain landscapes without the time and toil required for trekking. If you are not a trekking enthusiast or is unable to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp dealing with the trek challenges but still want to enjoy its grandeur, then the helicopter is the best option for you. You can bypass the physical exertion of the trek, such as steep climbs, long days and altitude challenges, while still enjoying the same spectacular views.

Time-Saving Option

The Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour is a suitable option for tourists who have limited time to spend in Nepal. Instead of multiple trekking days, the few hours of helicopter ride will give you a glimpse of the grandeur of the high Himalayan region. In just 1-2 hours you will experience what would normally take days of strenuous trekking. Hence, it is perfect if you want to see the region’s beauty without spending days on the trail.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best times of year to visit Mardi Base Camp on a helicopter. In the Annapurna region, the months of these seasons are relatively stable, boasting dry weather with clear skies and moderate temperatures.

In addition, the sunshine is bright and the atmosphere is fresh with no haze, fog or dust, all adding to the better visibility conditions. The aerial views of the ethereal Himalayas are truly spectacular to view in such a favorable climatic state. Since the skies are normally void of clouds, the panorama of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys stands majestically unhindered against it.

Spring is also the time when the rhododendrons and other Himalayan wildflowers are in full bloom and add to the natural beauty of the surroundings. In autumn the trees burst in shades of red, orange, brown, pink and gold with stunning fall leaves. The colorful foliage is both serene and invigorating to observe from a helicopter.

While spring and autumn offer the most favorable conditions, these are also the peak trekking seasons in Nepal. This means flights may be fuller and prices slightly higher. However, the trade-off is the best weather to see the grandeur of the Himalayas from the comfort of a helicopter along with ideal conditions for photography and sightseeing.

Winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August) pose some challenges. In winter, cold temperatures and possible snowfall can create difficult flying conditions as well as there will be a reduction in visibility. On the other hand the summer/monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and cloud cover, often obstructing the views and making flying risky.

So spring and autumn will be the most reliable and enjoyable times to take up a Mardi Himal helicopter tour for the best experiences.

Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour Itinerary Overview

The helicopter tour initiates a flight over Pokhara Valley. The panoramic view of serene Phewa Lake and the rolling hills that surround it is really awesome. As you gain altitude, the views are increasingly striking with snow-capped peaks and deep valleys becoming more prominent.

The helicopter flies even more towards the Annapurna region’s verdant forests and traditional villages dotted by terraced farms. The ride opens out stunning sights of the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness from a wholly different angle. The helicopter glides even closer to Mardi Himal Base Camp and unfolds before your eyes a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Massif.

Once you land at Mardi Himal Base Camp (3,800 meters), you will catch the awesomely breathtaking vistas of towering peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and more. The difference in a bird’s-eye view of giant mountains, glaciers and virgin landscapes and what can be seen from the ground is such a strong contrast.

The return flight is breathtaking with views of the valleys, villages and mountain ranges from another angle. The whole adventure takes less than a few hours but the memories it will leave you with are a lifetime.

Phase 01 :

Transfer to the Pokhara Airport From Your Hotel

Early morning: around 6.00 AM

Our team will pick you up from your hotel early, around 6 or 7 AM, depending on your departure time. A vehicle suitable for your group size will be arranged to take you. Make yourself ready for at least 10 minutes in advance so that the transfer goes on smoothly. You will go to the Pokhara airport where you will be taken to the domestic terminal for necessary procedures before your flight.

Phase 02 :

Check-In and Boarding

First, check-in and present your boarding pass and documents to the airport officer. If everything is in order, then you will be taken to the base for the helicopter take-off point to the designated seat on the helicopter. Listen to a pre-flight briefing on flight expectations, risks and the day's itinerary before boarding the chopper. The adventure commences here.

Phase 03 :

Departure From Pokhara and Fly Toward Mardi Himal

Flight Duration: 15-20 min

The moment the helicopter lifts off, you will enjoy a stunning aerial view of Pokhara, including the picturesque Phewa Lake. When you are on board, you will see wonderful scenery, including valleys, mountain villages with terraced fields and the entire Annapurna mountain range looming high with snow.

Phase 04 :

Landing and Sightseeing at the Mardi Himal Base Camp

Mid-morning: around 9 AM

After flying for around 20 min the helicopter lands at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. A short stopover here (around 30 min) provides panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, Annapurna and other peaks around. This is your chance to take good pictures, savor a cup of coffee and see the great scenery of the Himalayas' beauty.

Phase 05 :

Return to Pokhara

Late morning: around 10:00 AM

After exploring the stunning surroundings of the Mardi Himal, the helicopter will take off once again and start flying back toward Pokhara. The flight offers you one last chance to look down at the breathtaking views of the entire region from above.

Phase 06 :

Landing and Transfer to the Hotel

Late morning: around 11:00 AM

The helicopter lands back in Pokhara where your incredible Mardi Himal aerial adventure ends. Upon arrival at Pokhara one of our representatives will transfer you to your hotel. You can spend the rest part of the day at leisure or exploring the city.

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Key Considerations During Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour

The weather in the alpine mountain areas is quite unpredictable. Therefore, do not forget to check the weather forecast before your tour.
Always pay attention to the safety briefing from the crew and put on the right safety gear.
While the helicopter tour gets rid of much of the physical stress of trekking, altitude sickness is still possible in higher altitudes. Be conscious of your health and do not rush to the altitude after the helicopter landing.
Helicopter cabins are usually small, so prepare to travel light and respect personal space. Pay attention to the luggage policy and avoid taking bulky items.
Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the ethereal vistas of towering mountains. Secure your camera to prevent it from falling during the flight.
Consider to arrive on time so that the flight would not be delayed.
Book the helicopter tour in advance and confirm a day before the flight is scheduled for.
Be fit before the tour as a high altitude ride can be uncomfortable for people with certain health conditions like heart disease, respiratory issues, high blood pressure or previous altitude sickness.
Always fly with a reputable company that employs experienced pilots who are knowledgeable in the terrain and weather of the region.
It is quite important to take travel insurance that covers helicopter tours along with any kind of medical or other emergencies or last-minute changes in your tour plans.
Bad weather, maintenance or other operational factors can delay helicopter flights. So be flexible with your schedule.
Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour may cost a bit more in comparison with the classic trekking one. Remember to budget for the cost of the tour, possible additional expenses and your personal expenditure.
Understand the procedures for emergency evacuation in case of an unexpected situation.

What Things to Carry Along During the Tour?

A short day-long Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour is okay with light packing. In addition, as you will be traveling by helicopter, there is very little space for luggage. So pack only those necessary items that are indispensable to a journey like:

Light backpack to carry your essentials
Documents like passport, visa, air tickets, travel insurance etc
Cash and credit cards
Weather-appropriate clothing like a warm jacket, liner gloves, hat, and scarf
Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and snow glare
Camera or smartphone to photograph stunning sceneries
Extra memory cards and lenses
Water Bottle to stay hydrated during your journey
Snacks for a quick boost of energy
Medication if you are taking any
Comfortable footwear like boots or sneakers for walking around the base camp area
A high SPF sunblock cream and lip balm with SPF

Private and Group Sharing Helicopter Tour

Both private and group-sharing helicopter tours to Mardi Himal are available from Pokhara. In both types, you will have four other members sharing the journey with you. The major difference between these options is in a private charter, you can choose to go with your own group or solo as per your preferences whereas in a group flight, you may have to catch up with stranger groups.

A private Mardi Himal helicopter tour will be much more personal and exclusive. On this, you are independent to go on a tour with your family or friends, without sharing the helicopter with others. It provides much flexibility, comfort, and privacy and full customization of flight as per your interest.

On the other hand, flights with group sharing are an excellent choice for economy travelers or solo travelers; this option is more reasonably priced because the cost will be shared among other passengers. The group-sharing flights are scheduled on specific days and times, and passengers have to follow the set timetable. This is highly recommended for solo travelers or anyone looking to meet other people on a helicopter tour adventure.

Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour Cost

Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour price varies depending on the flight duration and time of the year. The cost generally lies between USD 300 and USD 2,000 per person.

In the case of a private helicopter tour, which is pretty exclusive, it costs around USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 per head. This price is for a flight with only your group on board. If you opt for a group helicopter tour which means sharing the flight with other travelers, the cost is more affordable. The size of the group flights is normally around 4 to 5 people.

Shorter flights are cheaper, while longer flights, with more time to enjoy the stunning scenery, are a bit more expensive. The time of year may affect the price since, in peak tourist seasons like spring and autumn, demand is high and so are the costs. On the other hand, during months when demand is low, you may get better prices or discounts.

The cost generally includes a helicopter ride, pilot, ground time, and all permits and insurance. On top of that, other essential provisions like first aid kits, oxygen cylinders and other comfort services are made available. However, in extra services, hotel pickup might be included, perhaps even a professional guide and some refreshments, so sometimes extra costs may apply.

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Safety Precautions to be Followed for the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tours

Take time for the pre-flight briefings given by the crew members, which are mainly about the operation of the helicopter and safety procedures.
Always wear your safety gear like seat belts, life vests and headphones.
Always follow instructions provided by the pilot and crew.
The combined weight of all passengers and luggage should not exceed the capacity of the helicopter. So consider carrying as minimum weight as possible.
Do not carry loose items on your lap, as they could cause injury from sudden turbulence.
In the event you start to feel ill or experience some in-flight concern, promptly share this with the pilot or attendant.
Sudden movements should be avoided, so just sit and do not have jerky movements that could cause problems in the stability of the helicopter.
Take notice of emergency exits and procedures in the case of an emergency landing. The crew will brief on these steps, and so one should listen when the time comes.
If the helicopter is going through turbulence, stay calm and heed the pilot’s guidance. Turbulence can be experienced at high altitudes, but the helicopter is designed for such conditions.
During the flight, remain inside the helicopter. Opening windows or doors should not be done unless instructed by the crew.