Manaslu Helicopter Tour with Samagaun Landing

Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) is the eighth-highest mountain in the world and the highest peak that lies entirely inside Nepal. Walking to its foot on the Manaslu Circuit takes about a week. By helicopter from Kathmandu you can stand in Samagaun (3,530 m), the village at the foot of the mountain, in about an hour.

The flight heads north-west into the Budhi Gandaki valley, with Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli in view, until the Manaslu massif fills the windscreen. After landing near Samagaun there is time to walk through the village, past its chortens and mani walls, and look up at the glaciers that pour down from Manaslu.

This is a private charter for up to five passengers. It suits travellers short on time, photographers and anyone who wants to see a quiet corner of the Himalaya without a long trek.

Manaslu Helicopter Tour Highlights

• Close views of Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth-highest mountain
• Landing near Samagaun (3,530 m), a traditional Tibetan-influenced village
• Flight over the Budhi Gandaki valley with Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli in view
• Scenic loop towards Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Tal when the weather allows
• Private charter: your group, your departure time
• Back in Kathmandu the same morning

Flight Route and Landing

The helicopter leaves the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport early in the morning, when mountain views are clearest. The flight to Samagaun takes about an hour. After landing you have around 30 to 45 minutes on the ground, depending on weather and altitude.

On clear days the pilot can fly a short loop towards Manaslu Base Camp (about 4,800 m) and the glacial lake of Birendra Tal before returning to Kathmandu. The whole tour takes about three to four hours, including ground time and any fuel stop.

Best Time for a Manaslu Helicopter Tour

The clearest months are March to May and September to November. December to February brings crisp views but cold mornings in Samagaun. During the June to August monsoon, cloud often builds early, so flights leave at first light and may be rescheduled.

Itinerary: Manaslu Helicopter Tour

06:00 – Hotel pickup

Transfer from your Kathmandu hotel to the domestic terminal for check-in and the passenger weight check.

06:30 – Take-off from Kathmandu

Fly north-west over the hills of Dhading and Gorkha into the Budhi Gandaki valley.

07:30 – Landing near Samagaun

Around 30 to 45 minutes to walk around the village and photograph Manaslu and its glaciers.

08:15 – Scenic flight

Weather permitting, a short loop towards Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Tal.

09:30 to 10:30 – Back in Kathmandu

Landing at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer back to your hotel. Times are approximate and depend on weather.