As you will be flying from Pokhara directly to the base camp at 4500m, you need to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
To prevent it, make sure to have plenty of fluids before and throughout the tour. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before flying. Since the landing is brief, altitude sickness symptoms are usually mild. However, if you experience any of the symptoms, let your guide know immediately.
Where is the landing point of the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour from Pokhara?
The landing point of our Helicopter Tour to Mardi Himal is around Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude of 4,500 meters. The exact landing area can vary slightly based on the winds and weather conditions to achieve the safest landing.
After landing, you will get around 20-30 minutes to explore, walk, and take photos. The landing spot offers you a beautiful panoramic view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, making it an ideal destination for this short but beautiful flight from Pokhara to Mardi Himal.
Different Options for Landing on the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour
The Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour from Pokhara primarily includes landing at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). However, based on your interest, the number of people in your group, the following are alternative landing options you can choose from:
Custom Landing at a Lower Altitude Viewpoint (on request)
If you prefer lower elevations or are traveling with elderly guests or children, we can customize your Helicopter Tour to Mardi Himal to land at a scenic point below the base camp with good Himalayan views for more comfort.
Price and package cost differ depending on the location of landing and the length of time. You can contact us directly for customized options for your 2026/2027 trip.
What is the flight route of the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour?
Our Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour follows a scenic flight route that begins in Pokhara and ends at the scenic Mardi Himal Base Camp.
The flight takes you over rice fields, deep valleys of flowing rivers, thick jungles, and typical Nepali settlements before unwrapping the breathtaking Himalayan landscape of the Annapurna range.
Since you are flying from Pokhara Airport, you will be quickly soaring above the city and flying eastward parallel to the Annapurna range. You will have 15-30 minutes to explore and then hop back to the helicopter to get back to Pokhara following the same route.
What permits are required for the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour from Pokhara?
For a helicopter tour to Mardi Himal, two permits are required as you are entering the Annapurna conservation area. All the permit arrangements and costs are included in our package, making sure you are stress-free and can enjoy the tour without any hassle.
The two permits needed for the Mardi Himal Helicopter tour are
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – approximately USD 30 for foreigners
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) – approximately USD 20
When is the best Season for the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour?
The best season for the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour is during Nepal's two trekking seasons when visibility, weather, and air traffic are ideal:
- Spring (March to May): This is the most picturesque time for the Mardi Helicopter Tour. The weather is clear, rhododendrons are in bloom along the hillsides, and the air is dry. The views of the mountains are crisp and unobstructed.
- Autumn (Late September to Early December): Autumn offers you comfortable temperatures, making this another great time for your Pokhara to Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour. Crystal-clear views and stable flight conditions characterize this time of the year.
You can also embark on this trip during Winter (December–February) if you don't mind early snow and cold. We do not recommend Monsoon (June–August) as there are high chances of flight cancellation during this season because of low visibility.
What do you need to know about the weather during the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour?
Weather plays the biggest role in making your Mardi Himal Heli Tour a success. The best flights are early morning, when the weather is clear, the winds are light, and the visibility of the Annapurna mountain range is best.
During the monsoon months (June–August), dense clouds, rain, and turbulence cause flights to be cancelled or rescheduled. Winter (December–February) offers crystal-clear views but also brings icy temperatures to the Mardi Himal Base Camp landing site (4,500m).
For safety, our team carefully monitors live weather forecasts and can postpone or divert the flight if the weather doesn't look good.
How can you prepare for the Helicopter Tour to Mardi?
Preplanning your Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour from Pokhara is necessary to ensure your flight is safe and pleasant. As it is a high-altitude helicopter tour, remember the following crucial preparation tips:
- Health Check: Inform us in advance if you have any underlying medical conditions, especially related to heart or breathing problems.
- Weight and Luggage: Provide your exact weight during booking to maintain the weight limits.
- Book Early: Since the helicopter tour to Mardi Himal is so well-liked, book your 2026/2027 flight far enough in advance to choose your preferred date and time.
- Dress in layers: As you will be going 4500m from Pokhara in less than an hour, you need to wear layers of clothes for a warm and comfortable time.
What to Wear for a Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour?
While the flight from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp is short, dressing warmly makes you feel cozy and comfortable at high altitudes. It's best to dress in layers, as the temperature inside the helicopter is mild but quite cold at 4,500 meters.
A windproof or insulated jacket will protect you from the cold at the landing site. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended for walking around the landing site.
Take along sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect you from harsh UV rays, and gloves and a warm hat come in especially useful for early morning or winter flights. Avoid bringing large or loose bags, as only small backpacks or camera bags will comfortably fit inside the helicopter.
How much is the Mardi Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Pokhara's Weight Limit?
Our Mardi Base Camp Helicopter Tour follows strict weight restrictions for safety and comfort.
The maximum weight limit per passenger is usually 100–110 kg (220–242 lbs), and this includes personal belongings. The overall weight of the helicopter, based on the model, like the Airbus H125, is typically 1,000–1,200 kg, and this includes fuel, passengers, and baggage.
In case of an excess passenger weight, we redistribute the weight or adjust the passenger number onboard. To ensure a safe and comfortable helicopter flight to Mardi Himal Base Camp, we suggest you provide accurate weight information at the time of booking.
Which fleet is used for the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour from Pokhara?
For the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour, we use modern and well-maintained helicopters for a safe and comfortable ride. We use Airbus H125 (formerly AS350), Bell 407, or similar light utility helicopters.
The capacity of these helis is 5-6 passengers. All these helicopters are equipped with GPS navigation, the latest avionics, an oxygen kit, and weather radar for flying in all weather.
This modern fleet offers you a comfortable and expansive helicopter flight from Pokhara to Mardi Himal.
What is the Pokhara to Mardi Helicopter Tour Cost?
The cost of the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour varies depending on whether you book a private flight or join a group tour.
Our standard package cost for the helicopter tour to Mardi for 2026/2027 is between USD 400 and USD 500 per person for a group size of 5.
If you wish to book a private helicopter flight from Pokhara to Mardi Himal, it will cost up to USD 1800 to 2200 per trip.
The cost of the package includes round-trip airfare from Pokhara, ground handling fees, a guide, and permit fees. You can also customize the tour by adding other landing points or combining it with a trek.
How do you book a Mardi Himal helicopter tour?
It is very easy, transparent, and convenient to book your Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour from Pokhara with Himalayan Recreation Treks. For booking, you first need to fill out a booking form and choose your preferred date and way of traveling (group or private).
Then, we need a 40% advance payment at booking, with the rest of the amount payable after you arrive at Pokhara. As soon as your booking is confirmed, you will receive written confirmation, usually within 24 hours.
Cancellation policy
For cancellations, we have a policy that is reasonable and traveler-friendly. In case of cancellation 15 days or more before flying, you'll be refunded fully.
For cancellation a week before, you will get a 50% refund. Unfortunately, last-minute cancellations result in the loss of the deposit. But if the flight is canceled due to bad weather or aviation restrictions, you will be refunded in full, keeping your money and trust intact.