Nothing beats a helicopter tour into the remote far reaches of Nepal. From the air, you get exclusive views of the Himalayan vistas. Better still, treks that take weeks are covered in hours. So you can see both the Annapurna and Everest regions in one short trip. Just imagine flying into the remotest corners, hundreds of miles from any other tourist. Throw in a picnic and a bottle of champagne, and the experience is extraordinary.

Kathmandu to Begin

Begin in Kathmandu at the beautiful Dwarika’s. After a gentle first afternoon, the next day is yours to explore. So we craft a tour around your interests. That might mean hidden markets and backstreets. Equally, it could be the Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Either way, an expert guide brings it all to life.

Everest by Helicopter

Then the adventure lifts off. You fly east to the Everest region, landing at Lukla to refuel. From there, continue higher to the hamlet of Tengboche. Here you can visit the Tibetan monastery, hopefully mid-chant. Soon you reach Everest Base Camp itself. Afterwards, fly back along the stunning Gokyo Valley to Kathmandu.

Mustang and Annapurna

After a quick lunch, you fly west to Mustang. So you overfly this high-altitude desert from the air. Then continue to Annapurna Base Camp, a sanctuary ringed by 8,000m peaks. Finally, land at the remote village of Ghandruk for the night. You stay at the lovely Himalaya Lodge, the mountains all around.

A Gentle Foothills Trek

Next, the pace slows for a two-day trek in the Annapurnas. First, walk to Landruk across the Modi Valley, about three hours. Then continue along the ridgeline to Majgaun, past intricately carved rice terraces. Each day is short, with time for an afternoon walk or simply the views. So you experience life on the ground as well as from the air.

Langtang and Dhulikhel

From Majgaun, your helicopter lifts you to the remote Langtang region. There you stop for a picnic, taking in yet another Himalayan skyline. For many, this is the highlight of the whole tour. Then you fly on to Dwarika’s Dhulikhel, on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. So the last days are for relaxing, with the spa and the views.

How You Travel

The heart of this trip is the helicopter itself. We use modern French Ecureuil AS350s, capable of flying to 16,000ft. Meanwhile, the pilots are experts in flying at altitude. So you reach places few ever see, in comfort and safety. As a result, the logistics feel as special as the views.

A Final Day

On your last day, the choice is yours. So you might take a gentle walk through the surrounding villages. Equally, a quick cycle is a fine way to stretch the legs. Above all, though, we suggest a visit to Bhaktapur. Its medieval architecture is among the best preserved in Nepal.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, spring and autumn bring the clearest skies for flying. They also offer the finest mountain views. By contrast, the monsoon can disrupt helicopter plans. So we usually favour those windows. Either way, we advise on the ideal timing for your dates.

The Magic of Flying

The real wonder here is the perspective. So instead of a plane window, you have the whole sky. Meanwhile, the helicopter lands where roads and trails cannot. As a result, you stand in places few ever reach. Above all, the views are exclusively yours. In short, it is a once-in-a-lifetime way to see the Himalayas.

A Different Pace

Flying also gives you time back. So you skip the long treks and transfers. Instead, you enjoy whole extra afternoons in the mountains. Meanwhile, you arrive fresh rather than footsore. As a result, you savour each place more fully.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits travellers who want the very best. For example, it is ideal for a milestone trip. Equally, it rewards those short on time but big on ambition. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

Easy to Tailor

Finally, the tour flexes around you. For example, add more time in Pokhara or at the spa. Equally, weave in extra culture in the Kathmandu Valley. As ever, every detail is shaped to suit your plans.

The Hotels

Either side of the flying, the hotels are special. So you begin and end at the wonderful Dwarika’s properties. On the trail, the lodges are simpler but charming. Meanwhile, each sits amid extraordinary scenery. As a result, every night feels part of the adventure.

A Trip to Remember

Put simply, this is Nepal at its most spectacular. So you see Everest, Mustang and Annapurna in days, not weeks. Meanwhile, the picnics and champagne add a touch of magic. In the end, it is a journey you will never forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why see Nepal by helicopter?

Simply put, it covers in hours what trekking takes weeks. So you reach remote regions with ease. Meanwhile, the aerial views are spectacular in themselves.

Are the flights safe?

Yes. We use modern aircraft and expert high-altitude pilots. So you are in very experienced hands throughout.

Is there any walking?

Yes, a gentle two-day trek in the Annapurnas. So you also experience life on the ground. The pace, though, stays easy.

When is the best time to go?

Generally, spring and autumn are best for clear flying. We will advise on timing for your dates.