Helipad Guide in Nepal: Helicopter Landing Locations & Flight Information

Nepal has a wide variety of helicopter landing locations, ranging from CAAN-certified airports and registered helipads to informal landing areas on ridgelines, cleared ground, and open fields. Understanding the differences between these location types is important for planning helicopter travel in Nepal.

Helicopter landing locations in Nepal are not all the same. The terms helipad, heliport, airport, landing area, and landing site are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of facilities with different levels of infrastructure, regulation, and certification.

Types of Helicopter Landing Locations

• Airports used by helicopters: CAAN-certified aerodromes with runways that accommodate both fixed-wing and helicopter operations. Examples include Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport), Jomsom Airport, and Pokhara Airport.
• Heliports: Facilities specifically designed for helicopter operations. The Nalinchowk Heliport in Bhaktapur, opened in 2024, is an example of a CAAN-developed heliport in the Kathmandu Valley.
• Registered helipads: Helicopter landing areas that are listed in aviation databases with specific designators. Examples include Namche Bazaar (NP-0012), Tengboche (NP-0005), and Pathibhara Devi Temple (NP-0017).
• Rooftop helipads: Helicopter landing areas built on building rooftops, commonly found at hospitals and hotels. These require specific structural and safety standards.
• Landing areas: Informal or designated landing zones that are not officially certified as helipads. Many popular helicopter destinations in Nepal, including Annapurna Base Camp, Kyanjin Gompa, and Muktinath, fall into this category.
• Temporary or seasonal landing areas: Landing zones that may be used only during certain seasons or under specific conditions, such as high-altitude areas that are accessible only when weather permits.

How Helicopter Landing Locations Are Regulated

Helicopter operations in Nepal are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), which oversees aerodrome safety, certification, and aviation requirements. However, CAAN's regulatory role differs depending on the type of landing location.

CAAN's Role in Aerodrome Oversight

• Certified aerodromes: CAAN inspects, certifies, and maintains safety standards for certified airports such as Tribhuvan International Airport, Lukla, and Jomsom.
• Registered helipads: CAAN maintains records of registered helipads through its Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and aerodrome databases.
• Unregistered landing areas: CAAN does not operate, maintain, or provide security for landing areas on government and private property. Operators are required to obtain necessary information before conducting flights to these locations.
• Permissions: Helicopter operations may require permissions from CAAN, national park authorities, local municipalities, or property owners depending on the location.
• Operator responsibility: Helicopter operators are responsible for conducting their own risk assessments, obtaining current information about landing conditions, and ensuring compliance with applicable aviation requirements.

Kathmandu Valley Helicopter Landing Locations

The Kathmandu Valley serves as the primary departure hub for helicopter operations across Nepal. The valley has several helicopter landing facilities, including the country's main international airport, a dedicated heliport, and various private and hospital helipads.

Airport Facilities

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is Nepal's primary international airport at 1,340 meters (4,395 feet) elevation. It has 13 helicopter parking stands at the domestic apron. Since June 2024, commercial helicopter operations have largely shifted to the Nalinchowk Heliport, with TIA now primarily used for emergency helicopter operations.

Dedicated Helicopter Facilities

Nalinchowk Heliport in Bhaktapur, opened in June 2024, is a CAAN-developed heliport at approximately 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) elevation. It has 13 parking stands and 4 simultaneous takeoff and landing pads. CAAN mandated that each helicopter company park at least one aircraft at this facility.

Other Landing Areas

The Kathmandu Valley also has various rooftop helipads at hospitals, hotels, and private buildings. These are typically used for specific operational purposes and are not public helicopter landing facilities. Helicopter operators based in the Kathmandu Valley include Air Dynasty, Manang Air, Prabhu Helicopter, Simrik Air, Shree Airlines, and Fishtail Air.

Everest Region Helicopter Landing Locations

The Everest (Khumbu) region has Nepal's most heavily used helicopter landing locations, with operations centered around Lukla as the primary gateway. This region has seen significant regulatory activity in recent years, including disputes over commercial helicopter operations and safety directives following incidents.

Lukla / Tenzing-Hillary Airport

Lukla (2,860m / 9,383ft) is a CAAN-certified domestic airport and the primary helicopter gateway to the Everest region. It handles extremely heavy helicopter traffic, with over 150 helicopter operations recorded on peak days. The airport is the starting point for most Everest helicopter tours and serves as a refueling stop for flights heading to higher-altitude locations.

Namche / Syangboche Area

Syangboche Airport (3,748m / 12,293ft) is listed by CAAN but is not authorized for commercial fixed-wing operations. However, helicopter landings at Syangboche remain common for chartered flights, tourist scenic flights, and evacuations. The Namche Bazaar helipad (registered as NP-0012) at approximately 3,440 meters is an active helicopter landing area used for supply runs, tourist flights, and medical evacuations. The Hotel Everest View at Syangboche (3,880m) is a frequent stop on Everest helicopter tours for breakfast and panoramic views.

Tengboche

Tengboche (approximately 3,860m / 12,664ft) is a registered helipad (NP-0005) that is active for helicopter operations. It is commonly used as a stop on Everest helicopter tours and provides views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and the surrounding peaks.

Pheriche

Pheriche (approximately 4,371m / 14,340ft) is a registered helipad (NP-0008) that serves as a primary rescue staging area in the Everest region. It is also used as a shuttle stop during helicopter tours to manage weight for high-altitude flights to upper viewpoints.

Dingboche and Lobuche

Dingboche (approximately 4,410m) and Lobuche (approximately 4,940m) are landing areas used for rescue operations and some tourist helicopter flights. These locations are not formally certified helipads. Following the October 2025 Altitude Air helicopter crash at Lobuche, CAAN issued Circular 12/2025 mandating stricter safety measures for high-altitude winter operations, including requirements for bear paws on skids, mandatory marshalling, and snow/ice clearance at helipads.

Gorak Shep and Kala Patthar

Gorak Shep (approximately 5,164m) is an active landing area used for rescue and charter helicopter operations. Kala Patthar (approximately 5,545m) was historically the standard landing viewpoint for Everest helicopter tours, providing the closest panoramic view of Mount Everest. However, helicopter landings at Kala Patthar may be subject to current restrictions following CAAN's safety directives issued after the October 2025 Lobuche incident.

Everest Base Camp

Annapurna Region Helicopter Landing Locations

The Annapurna region is accessed primarily through Pokhara, which has two airports serving helicopter operations. The region includes several verified helicopter landing areas, with Annapurna Base Camp being the most popular destination.

Pokhara Airports

Pokhara Airport (Old) (1,438m / 4,718ft) is a CAAN-certified domestic airport that continues to serve helicopter operations to the Annapurna region, Mustang, and Muktinath. Pokhara International Airport (approximately 827m / 2,713ft), opened in January 2023, has become a major hub for helicopter operations to western Nepal, with several operators establishing bases there.

Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp (approximately 4,130m / 13,549ft) is an active helicopter landing zone inside the Annapurna Sanctuary. As of 2025, helicopter operations to ABC are regulated by the Annapurna Rural Municipality, which has imposed a landing fee of Rs. 10,000 per flight, a daily limit of 12 flights, and a requirement for helicopter companies to register with the municipality. Rescue flights are exempt from landing fees. An ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit is also required.

Langtang Region Helicopter Landing Locations

The Langtang region lies north of Kathmandu and is one of the more accessible helicopter tour destinations from the capital. The region has several landing areas used for helicopter tours and pilgrimage flights.

Langtang Valley / Kyanjin Gompa

Kyanjin Gompa (approximately 3,870m / 12,697ft) is an active helicopter landing zone and a popular destination for helicopter tours from Kathmandu, typically a 30-minute flight. Helicopters land on flat open ground near the monastery. This is a landing area rather than a formally constructed helipad. Note that CAAN lists a separate "Langtang Airport" (VNLT) as not in operation; this is a different, lower-altitude location near Langtang village, not Kyanjin Gompa.

Gosaikunda

Gosaikunda Lake (approximately 4,380m / 14,370ft) is an active helicopter landing zone used for pilgrimage helicopter tours from Kathmandu, typically a 25 to 30-minute flight. The landing area is a flat gravel area approximately 200 meters from the lakeshore. Located within Langtang National Park, a park entry permit is required. Ground time at altitude is typically limited to 15 to 45 minutes.

Mustang Region Helicopter Landing Locations

The Mustang region in western Nepal offers some of the most dramatic helicopter landing locations in the country, including the gateway to the restricted Upper Mustang area.

Jomsom Airport

Jomsom Airport (2,736m / 8,976ft) is a CAAN-certified domestic airport and a major helicopter hub for the Mustang region. While STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) fixed-wing flights operate seasonally on the Pokhara-Jomsom route, helicopter services operate year-round. The airport has capacity for 4 fixed-wing and 2 helicopter parking positions.

Muktinath

Muktinath (approximately 3,710 to 3,800m) is an active helicopter landing zone at Ranipauwa, approximately 10 to 15 minutes uphill walk from the Muktinath Temple. Horse and motorbike services are available from the landing area to the temple. Muktinath helicopter tours operate from both Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Kagbeni and Upper Mustang

Kagbeni (approximately 2,810m) is a landing area used as a refueling stop on some Mustang helicopter tour itineraries. Upper Mustang / Lo Manthang (approximately 3,800m) is an active helicopter landing zone in the restricted area. Upper Mustang requires a Restricted Area Permit (approximately $500 per person), an ACAP permit, and a Restricted Area Helicopter Landing Permit. Tours must be booked in advance through a registered trekking company.

Pilgrimage Helicopter Landing Locations

Several helicopter landing locations in Nepal are associated with important pilgrimage destinations, making helicopter travel a practical option for religious visits.

Muktinath

Muktinath Temple is one of Nepal's most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. Helicopter tours to Muktinath depart from Pokhara (45 to 55 minutes) and Kathmandu (1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes). The helicopter landing zone at Ranipauwa provides access to the temple complex, which features 108 water spouts and an eternal flame.

Gosaikunda

Gosaikunda Lake holds deep significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Helicopter tours from Kathmandu bring pilgrims to this sacred alpine lake in under two hours. The flight crosses dramatic ridgelines with views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Gosaikunda is especially popular during the Janai Purnima festival.

Pathibhara Devi Temple

Pathibhara Devi Temple in eastern Nepal has a registered helipad (NP-0017) at approximately 3,779 meters. Regular helicopter pilgrimage flights operate from Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Dharan, and Bhadrapur. From the helipad, pilgrims walk approximately 10 to 15 minutes uphill to the temple.

Halesi Mahadev

Halesi Mahadev in eastern Nepal is a cave temple complex with a landing area accessible by charter helicopter from Kathmandu. Helicopter charters are available with various aircraft sizes, though no regular scheduled helicopter service operates to this location.

Remote & High-Altitude Helicopter Landing Areas

Beyond the major tourist and pilgrimage destinations, Nepal has numerous remote and high-altitude helicopter landing areas used for rescue operations, expedition support, supply runs, and occasional tourist flights.

Trekking Areas and Mountain Villages

Helicopter landing areas exist at various trekking locations throughout Nepal, including Pangboche (approximately 3,985m), Chukung (approximately 4,730m), Gokyo (approximately 4,790m), and Thame (approximately 3,800m). These locations are primarily used for rescue operations and expedition support rather than regular tourist helicopter services.

Base Camp Areas

Base camp areas for major mountain expeditions serve as helicopter landing zones for rescue and resupply operations. These landing areas are typically informal, seasonally active, and subject to operational conditions including weather, terrain, and aircraft performance.

Rescue and Medical Landing Areas

Rescue helicopter operations use a network of landing areas across Nepal, including locations at Manang (approximately 3,519m), Pheriche, and various high-altitude points. These operations are essential for medical evacuation and emergency response in mountainous terrain.

Helipad & Landing Location Information Table

The following table provides a summary of verified helicopter landing locations in Nepal. This is an informational guide and should not be considered a definitive official registry. Operational status and availability can change.

How Helicopter Landing Locations Are Selected

The selection of a helicopter landing location depends on multiple factors that are assessed by the pilot and operator before each flight. These factors determine whether a specific location can be safely used for landing.

• Terrain: The landing area must have suitable ground conditions, including flat or near-flat terrain free from large obstacles.
• Elevation: Higher elevation affects aircraft performance, payload capacity, and engine power. This is why helicopters often shuttle passengers at high-altitude locations like Pheriche.
• Weather: Visibility, wind speed, cloud base, temperature, and precipitation all affect whether landing is possible at a given location.
• Wind conditions: Strong or gusty winds, wind shear, and turbulence near ridgelines can make landing unsafe at exposed locations.
• Obstacles: Trees, buildings, power lines, rock formations, and other obstacles in the approach and departure paths affect landing feasibility.
• Aircraft performance: The helicopter's weight, fuel load, passenger count, and payload affect how it performs at different elevations and temperatures.
• Pilot assessment: The pilot makes the final decision on whether to land based on all available information, visual assessment, and operational judgment.
• Operator procedures: Each helicopter operator has standard operating procedures for assessing and using landing locations, including risk assessment protocols.
• Aviation requirements: CAAN regulations, Visual Flight Rules (VFR), and any applicable permissions or restrictions govern landing operations.
• Permissions: Some locations require specific permissions from authorities, park offices, local municipalities, or property owners.

Can Helicopters Land Anywhere in Nepal?

No. Helicopters cannot land anywhere in Nepal. Helicopter landing is subject to operational, safety, regulatory, and site-specific requirements.

While Nepal has a wide variety of helicopter landing locations, each location must meet certain criteria for safe helicopter operations. The pilot and operator assess multiple factors before any landing, including terrain, weather, aircraft performance, obstacles, and applicable regulations.

• Not every flat area is suitable for helicopter landing
• High-altitude locations have reduced aircraft performance and payload limitations
• National park and conservation area landings may require specific permissions
• Some areas are restricted or prohibited for helicopter operations
• Weather conditions may prevent landing at otherwise suitable locations
• Private property landings require owner permission
• Emergency and rescue operations may have different operational considerations

CAAN's Aeronautical Information Publication makes clear that CAAN does not operate heliports and does not maintain landing areas on government and private property. Operators must obtain necessary information and ensure compliance with all applicable requirements before conducting flights to any location.

Helipad Information for Popular Go Heli Tours

The following popular helicopter tours offered by Go Heli Services include various landing locations and flight routes across Nepal. Landing points may vary based on weather, operational conditions, and pilot assessment.

Planning a Helicopter Flight From a Landing Location

When planning a helicopter flight to or from any landing location in Nepal, several practical considerations help ensure a smooth travel experience.

• Departure point: Know your departure airport or heliport. Most helicopter flights from Kathmandu depart from Tribhuvan International Airport domestic section or Nalinchowk Heliport. Pokhara flights depart from Pokhara Airport or Pokhara International Airport.
• Meeting point and timing: Helicopter operators typically designate a meeting point and check-in time. Arrive early for safety briefings and weight checks.
• Destination confirmation: Confirm the specific landing location with your helicopter operator before travel, as landing points may change based on conditions.
• Weather awareness: Mountain weather can change quickly. Be prepared for possible delays or rescheduling due to weather conditions.
• Passenger details: Provide accurate passenger information including weights, as weight and balance are critical for high-altitude helicopter operations.
• Baggage and weight considerations: Helicopter payload is limited, especially at high altitudes. Check baggage allowances with your operator.
• Landing restrictions: Some locations have specific landing restrictions, time limits, or permit requirements. Your operator will advise on applicable restrictions.
• Operational changes: Landing locations, flight routes, and schedules may change at short notice due to operational conditions. Stay in contact with your operator.

Nepal Helipad Guide FAQs