Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour from Pokhara: The Ultimate Guide
✨ Why Take the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour?
Limited on time but still wish to take a flight over the majestic Annapurna range?
The Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour is your quintessential shortcut to witnessing one of the most stunning Himalayan panoramas in Nepal. Perfect for non-trekkers, families with children, honeymooners, or thrill-seekers, the tour offers:
- A luxurious and thrilling trekking alternative
- Panoramic aerial views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Mardi Himal
- A chance to be at 4,500 meters without physical exertion
Where is Mardi Himal?
Mardi Himal is situated in the Annapurna range, east of the heavily trekked Annapurna Base Camp trail. Mardi Himal Base Camp is directly under the towering Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) and offers panoramic views with fewer crowds.
Tour Highlights of Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour
Two-way Helicopter Flight: Pokhara → Mardi Himal Base Camp → Pokhara
Flight Duration: 12–15 minutes one way
Landing Time: 20–30 minutes at the base camp
Total Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (door to door)
Maximum Altitude: 4,500m (14,763 ft)
Panoramic Views of: Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and Dhaulagiri
Cost and Booking Options
Shared Flight: ~$350–$450 per person
Private Charter: ~$2,250–$2,800 per helicopter (up to 5 pax)
Inclusions: Airport transfers, helicopter ride, landing permit, oxygen cylinder (on board), taxes
Exclusions: Meals, personal expenses, travel insurance
Pro Tip: Book early for peak seasons (March–May & Sept–Nov) to secure a spot.
Itinerary Breakdown
1. Hotel Pickup (Pokhara)
Morning hotel transfer to Pokhara airport.
2. Pre-Flight Briefing
Meet your pilot and receive a safety briefing.
3. Helicopter Ride to Mardi Himal Base Camp
Fly over Phewa Lake, terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and into the high alpine wilderness.
4. Landing at Mardi Himal Base Camp
Step out into the crisp air, take photos, and see a 360° panorama of Himalayan giants. (20–30 min max due to altitude)
5. Return Flight to Pokhara
Enjoy more scenic views on the way down.
6. Hotel Drop-Off
Back in Pokhara, with half the day still to spare.
Photography Tips
- Wide-angle lenses for the vast landscapes.
- Dress in neutral colors to blend in with the environment and not get overexposed in the snow.
- Take photos of mountains if snow or water is present on the landing site.
- Take shots quickly—the weather can change in a short time.
Who Is Best for Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour?
- Travelers who have short time in Nepal
- Visitors who cannot do the full trek due to mobility, health, or age issues
- Honeymooners who desire a romantic once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Photographers and videographers who need high-altitude footage
- Luxury travelers who want a quick adrenaline kick
When Is the Best Time for the Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour?
Season Conditions
Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendron in bloom, clear mornings
Autumn (Sept–Nov): Best visibility, mild temperatures
Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowy landscapes, colder temps, low season
Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Not recommended due to poor visibility
What to Pack for the Helicopter Ride?
Even if Pokhara is hot, it’s cold and windy at 4,500m:
- Down jacket or windbreaker
- Sunglasses (snow glare is real!)
- Gloves and hat/beanie
- Sunscreen (UV is intense)
- Water and light snacks
- Camera/GoPro with extra battery
Health & Safety Tips
Oxygen is available on board in the chopper.
Don’t drink alcohol the night before—altitude sets in fast.
Stay hydrated before the flight.
If you feel dizzy or nauseous, let the crew know.
Real Experiences & Testimonials
“The best decision on our Nepal trip, hands down. In 2 hours we saw what takes 5–6 days of trekking. The views? Unreal!”
— Anya & Victor, Australia
“Mardi Himal Base Camp by heli is unreal. Like touching the sky!”
— Pasang D., Nepal
Fun Facts About Mardi Himal
- Mardi Himal was opened to trekking in 2012—a secret gem!
- The helicopter flies near the ridge that trekkers use, giving a bird’s-eye view of the traditional trail.
- The mountain is a sacred peak and is not climbed—just like Machhapuchhre.
The History of Helicopter Tours in Nepal
Helicopter tours have become increasingly popular in Nepal, especially among travelers who wish to have instant access to high-altitude regions without trekking. Tourism has opened up the Himalayas to people who would otherwise not have a chance to experience them.
The Mardi Himal helicopter tour is part of this revolution as well, where in a few hours you will be able to view the stunning Annapurna range, which would take days to see on foot.
Ever since the years, helicopter tourism facilities have improved as well, including better safety measures, experienced pilots, and better navigation trails, making the ride all the more convenient and secure for all on board.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour?
Following are some additional tips to make your tour even better:
Early Morning Tours: Choose an early morning flight to relish the serene, clear skies and optimal light for photography.
Bring a Travel Buddy: Flying with a buddy or partner will make the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
Dress in Layers: Temperature can plummet with altitude, so layering is crucial. Thin air, and you’ll be colder than you imagine.
Book a Private Tour: If you’re in a larger group or prefer an intimate tour, booking a private helicopter can allow you to customize the itinerary or even ask the pilot to take certain routes for more photography.
Why Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour Stands Apart from Other Scenic Helicopter Tours in Nepal?
There are several helicopter tours in Nepal showcasing its majestic mountains in a serene manner. And here’s where the Mardi Himal tour diverges from other tours:
Mardi Himal vs. Everest Helicopter Tour: Both tours offer great views of the mountains, but the Mardi Himal tour offers a less busy and quieter tour. The Everest helicopter tour normally accommodates more tourists and may be a longer journey to reach Everest Base Camp.
Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour: The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour will get you closer to the Annapurna base camp itself, but there are finer views of the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain from Mardi Himal, commonly known as one of Nepal’s most beautiful mountains.
Mardi Himal vs. Langtang Helicopter Tour: Langtang offers breathtaking views of glaciers, but Mardi Himal’s tour is more accessible, and the landing at the base camp is closer to the range’s pristine snow-capped peaks.
Why Mardi Himal Is a Hidden Gem?
Less Crowded: Mardi Himal is one of the lesser-known trekking destinations in Nepal, meaning you’ll avoid the crowds often found at places like Everest or Annapurna.
More Peaceful: Mardi Himal Base Camp offers a peaceful setting to trekkers away from the disarray of trekkers generally found at high-altitude base camps.
Untouched Sherpa Culture: Local villages near Mardi Himal offer a chance to see unadulterated Sherpa culture and heritage, and thus a culturally enriching as well as scenic experience.
Impact of Helicopter Tours and Ecotourism
Eco-Friendly Aspects: Helicopter tours provide a convenient way of accessing remote locations without damaging the environment with foot traffic. However, it is essential that tourists choose operators who try to minimize their impact on the environment.