Annapurna Rural Municipality has revised its policy, imposing a double fee of Rs. 20,000 per flight for helicopters flying without prior registration. Helicopter companies wishing to operate regular flights in the Annapurna Conservation Area must now obtain a flight registration certificate from the local government.
According to the updated policy, any helicopter flight made without registration will incur a double fee, whereas registered helicopters must pay a fee of Rs. 10,000 per flight. The municipality is implementing the ABC Base Camp Helicopter Flight Tourism Fee Management Procedure 2079, with a recent amendment introducing this rule.
Foreign tourists flying to Annapurna Base Camp via helicopter are required to obtain a route permit from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The procedure specifies that tourists without a route permit will not be eligible for the flight.
The amendment also sets the registration fee at Rs. 5,000 and clarifies the role of local partner organizations, which are expected to be active in emergency rescue, disaster management, tourism, and medical assistance.
