Mountain flight in Nepal
Mountain flights in Nepal are ideal for those not ready to spend time and energy on long hikes in the mountains in search of spectacular Himalayan panoramas. The main purpose of a mountain flight in the Himalayas is to contemplate the majestic mountains. During the flight, you can also enjoy charming landscapes – green waves of hills with a scattering of houses, blue rivers carrying their waters from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, and blue mountain lakes.
Usually, a mountain flight is one hour round trip from Kathmandu. The flight starts from Tribhuvan International Airport and passes through Ganesh Himal, Everest, and reaches near Kanchenjunga Himal and then lands in Kathmandu with the picturesque view of the Mahabharata mountain range along with the high mountains.
Main destinations for mountain flights in Nepal
I. Everest Base Camp
Without a doubt, flying to Everest is the most popular flight tour in Nepal. Everyone knows Mount Everest (8848 m) is the highest in the world. Hundreds of climbers try to climb this peak every year, and thousands of trekkers go on a hike to reach the Everest base camp (5364 m). But not all can conquer Everest by hiking; if you just wish to boast you have seen Mount Everest, go on a mountain flight to Everest Base camp.
Climbing to the top, taking into account stepwise acclimatization, will take 2 months, a trip to the base camp – 2 weeks, and a helicopter flight to Everest and back will take about 4 hours.
The price for one person is approximately $12000 – it depends on the helicopter, the group composition, and the season.
II. Annapurna Base Camp
The second most popular destination for mountain flights in Nepal is the flight to Annapurna Base Camp (8091m). The goal of the trip is to experience the grandeur of this legendary Himalayan peak. For climbers, this is the most dangerous mountain of the eight-thousanders; for you, this is the peak of joy from incredible experiences. You will discover yourself in the heart of the Himalayas and can also enjoy the view of the Fishtail and other peaks of the Himalayan range.
You can tour the Annapurna base camp and back by helicopter: when flying from Kathmandu – in 4 hours, from Pokhara – 1.5 hours.
This unforgettable tour costs about $1800 per person when flying to Annapurna from Pokhara and $3500 per person when flying from Kathmandu.
III. Langtang
A mountain flight to Langtang is the fastest way to be amazed by the stunning panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. In addition, you can choose a landing site on this route. It is not so crowded here, which creates a special atmosphere of being on the “roof of the world.”
A helicopter tour to Langtang takes 1.5 – 2 hours. The cost of such pleasure is approximately $400.
IV. Poon Hill
A helicopter flight to the top of the hill in the foothills of the Annapurna massif is a quick and very scenic way to get to one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. The mountain flight takes place at a low altitude over forests, villages, rivers, and rice terraces and takes 1 hour in total.
Guests will see peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Khinchuli – and, of course, Annapurna peaks. The helicopter lands at the top of the hill (Poon Hill or Muldai, 3200 meters), and guests have 20 minutes to walk around and take pictures. Such a helicopter tour is available for people of any age and does not require physical training. The approximate price for the tour over Poon Hill is $3600 per person.
V. Rara Lake
For the majestic natural beauty and peace reigning here, the Nepalese call Rara Lake “paradise on Earth.” A helicopter tour to Lake Rara gives a whole range of experiences. The lake is located in western Nepal, remote from Kathmandu. Therefore, on the way to it, you can watch from a bird’s eye view how the picturesque landscapes change.
A helicopter flight to Rara Lake takes about 6 hours. The cost is appropriate – about $4000 per person.
VI. Muktinath
Muktinath is an ancient place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus. It is believed that bathing in its springs cleanses from all sins. This is probably why the flow of pilgrims does not dry out here, especially from neighboring India. The word “Mukti” in Nepali means “salvation.”
A helicopter tour to Muktinath is a great opportunity to quickly and comfortably get rid of sins and at the same time see the original Mustang culture and admire the Himalayan mountains of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Fishtail, and others.
A helicopter tour to Muktinath takes 2-3 hours and costs $500.
Information on Mountain Flights in Nepal
Tour Duration Price per person in USD
Everest Base Camp 4 hours 1200
Annapurna Base Camp 4 hours from Kathmandu and 1.5 hours from Pokhara 3500 from Kathmandu and 1800 from Pokhara
Langtang 1.5 to 2 hours 400
Poon Hill 1 hour 3600
Rara Lake` 6 hours 4000
Muktinath 2-3 hours 500