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How much is a helicopter ride from Pokhara?
A helicopter ride from Pokhara costs about USD 500 to 700 per person on a shared (group joining) flight to Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Manang or Muktinath. A private charter for up to five passengers costs about USD 2,000 to 3,200 on those routes. Longer pilgrimage flights, such as Damodar Kunda, cost more, at about USD 7,500 per charter.
Prices depend on the destination, group size, season and whether you fly shared or private. This guide lists every helicopter tour package from Pokhara with 2026 prices, flight times and who each option suits. For routes, itineraries and planning, see our helicopter tours from Pokhara guide.
Helicopter ride price from Pokhara at a glance (2026)
| Route | Time | Shared, per person | Private charter (up to 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp | about 1 hr 20 min | from USD 550 | from about USD 2,400 |
| Pokhara to Mardi Himal | about 1 hr 20 min | USD 500 | USD 2,000 |
| Pokhara to Kathmandu | 30 to 35 min flight | USD 700 | USD 3,200 |
| Pokhara to Muktinath | about 2.5 to 3 hours in total | USD 700 | USD 3,000 to 3,200 |
| Pokhara to Manang | about 3 hours in total | USD 700 | USD 2,800 |
| Pokhara to Damodar Kunda | about 4.5 hours in total | USD 1,500 | USD 7,500 |
| Pokhara city sightseeing | 15 to 30 min | n/a | about NPR 40,000 for 4 people |
Prices are starting prices and can change with season, fuel and group size. As a guide, at roughly NPR 140 and INR 88 per US dollar, USD 550 is about NPR 77,000 or INR 48,000. Check today’s exchange rate.
Use our helicopter tour cost calculator or request a free quote for exact pricing on your dates.
What affects the helicopter ride price from Pokhara?
- Destination and flight time. Longer and higher routes cost more.
- Shared or private. A shared seat splits the cost with other passengers, and a private charter is priced per helicopter.
- Group size. A full helicopter of four or five people gives the lowest cost per person on a private charter.
- Altitude and weight. Thin air reduces payload. See helicopter weight limits in Nepal.
- Season. Autumn and spring are the busiest and most in demand.
- Landings and waiting time. Time on the ground at a temple, lake or base camp changes the price.
- Permits and taxes. These are included in some packages and separate in others, so always ask.
Shared vs private helicopter from Pokhara
Shared (group joining) is the lowest-cost way to fly. It suits solo travellers and couples on popular routes like Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal, which run on set morning departures.
Private charter costs more overall but gives you your own schedule and privacy. It’s best for families, pilgrims and groups of three to five. For the best price, fill the helicopter, which carries up to five passengers.
Helicopter tour packages from Pokhara
Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp helicopter
Flight time: about 1 hour 20 minutes, with about 20 minutes each way to base camp
Shared: from USD 550 per person
Private charter: from about USD 2,400
Best for: mountain views without a 7 to 12 day trek
The Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour is the most popular flight from Pokhara. You cross forested ridges and Gurung villages, then reach the amphitheatre of peaks around Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Departures are in the early morning from Pokhara airport, when the weather is clearest and prices are usually best. Each helicopter carries up to 5 passengers, with a total weight limit of 450 kg.
Pokhara to Mardi Himal helicopter
Flight time: about 1 hour 20 minutes
Shared: USD 500 per person
Private charter: USD 2,000
Best for: travellers who want mountain views without hiking
The Mardi Himal helicopter tour suits anyone who doesn’t want to walk, or who wants a safe, comfortable view of the Annapurna massif. It runs daily on a shared basis, and private flights are available for groups.
Pokhara to Kathmandu helicopter price
Flight time: 30 to 35 minutes
Shared: USD 700 per person
Private charter: USD 3,200
Best for: luxury travellers, families and tight schedules
A helicopter is the quickest way to travel between Pokhara and Kathmandu. It replaces a 6 to 8 hour road journey with a scenic flight over valleys and the Himalayas. It’s also used for medical transfers and commercial trips. See our helicopter charter service.
Pokhara to Muktinath helicopter
Total trip: about 2.5 to 3 hours, including time at the temple
Flight: about 45 minutes one way
Shared: USD 700 per person
Private charter: USD 3,000 to 3,200
Best for: pilgrims and scenic flyers
Muktinath is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, and many pilgrims visit during Bijaya Dashami and other festivals. The flight from Pokhara is usually the most economical way to reach it by helicopter. You land at the Muktinath helipad and walk a short distance to the temple. A private charter is the best choice if you want to avoid crowds. For Indian pilgrims, see our Muktinath helicopter yatra from India guide.
Pokhara to Damodarkunda helicopter ride
Total trip: about 4.5 hours
Shared: USD 1,500 per person
Private charter: USD 7,500 (for 3 to 5 people)
Best for: Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims
Damodar Kunda is a high-altitude pilgrimage lake in the Upper Mustang region, and many pilgrims travel there around the Janai Purnima festival in August. Helicopters make it possible for visitors who are short on time or unable to make the long trek. See the Damodar Kunda helicopter tour page.
Pokhara to Manang helicopter flight
Total trip: about 3 hours
Shared: USD 700 per person
Private charter: USD 2,800
Best for: trekkers saving time and travellers wanting alpine scenery
The Pokhara to Manang helicopter flight lifts you from the lakeside city to the high-altitude Manang valley in well under an hour, passing waterfalls, monasteries and remote villages. From Manang, you can visit Gangapurna Lake or continue to Tilicho Lake and the Thorong La region.
Pokhara city sightseeing helicopter
A short flight over Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda and Sarangkot, with the Annapurna range in the background. It costs about NPR 40,000 for four people. See the Pokhara helicopter sightseeing tour page.
What is included in the price?
Inclusions differ by package. Typically, a quote covers the helicopter, pilot, fuel and airport transfers, while items such as permits, conservation fees and government taxes may be included or added separately. The Mardi Himal package, for example, includes airport transfers, permit fees and government taxes. Always ask for a written list of inclusions before you pay.
Best time to fly from Pokhara
- October to November and March to May offer the clearest views.
- December to February can be cold but very clear in the mornings.
- June to September is the monsoon, with frequent clouds. Some flights may be delayed or cancelled.
Early morning flights give the best visibility and often the best availability.
How to book a helicopter ride from Pokhara
- Choose your route and date.
- Send your group size and weights.
- Receive a written quote with inclusions.
- Confirm and pay through our secure checkout.
- Be ready for hotel pickup in Lakeside, Pokhara.
Read our helicopter charter cost in Nepal guide for prices across the country, or our safety guide before you book. To start, request a free quote or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a helicopter ride from Pokhara?
From about USD 500 to 700 per person on shared flights and about USD 2,000 to 3,200 for a private charter on most routes.
How much is the Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp helicopter?
From USD 550 per person on a shared flight, and from about USD 2,400 for a private charter.
How much is a helicopter from Pokhara to Kathmandu?
About USD 700 per person shared, or about USD 3,200 for a private charter. The flight takes 30 to 35 minutes.
How much is a helicopter from Pokhara to Muktinath?
About USD 700 per person shared, or USD 3,000 to 3,200 for a private charter of up to five passengers.
How long is the helicopter ride from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp?
About 1 hour 20 minutes in total, with roughly 20 minutes each way.
What is group joining or shared helicopter?
You share the helicopter and cost with other passengers on a set departure. It’s cheaper per person than a private charter.
How many people fit in one helicopter?
Up to five passengers, subject to weight limits, which are lower at high altitude.
What is the best time for a helicopter ride from Pokhara?
October to November and March to May, in the early morning.
Are helicopter rides from Pokhara safe?
Flights are operated by certified pilots and helicopters, and are cancelled or rescheduled if conditions aren’t safe.
Are permits and taxes included in the price?
It depends on the package. Ask for a written list of inclusions.
