General
Helicopter Charter to K2 (Karakoram Heli Safari)
Helicopter Charter to K2 (Karakoram Heli Safari) can come to reality if you are planning well ahead of time and following due process.
Always make a reservation (by advance payment) through a designated tour operator (Apricot Tours) that is registered with relevant authorities to conduct the chartered flights. Apricot Tours works with authorities to take care of all due process, support, permissions, security clearance, payments, etc.. These companies include:
- Askari Aviation (the only permitted/designated company to fly near the border areas of Northern Pakistan)
- Heli-Wing at Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO)
Apricot Tours works closely with Askari Aviation (a company of the military) that is the only charter operator allowed to fly in the northern areas of Pakistan due to sensitive border areas with China.
Askari Aviation is based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The aviation company has been operating 1995 and it has played a key role in rescue missions for mountaineers around the remote mountains including K2 in the Karakoram Range and Nanga Parbat in the West Himalayas. Every year, Apricot Tours makes use of their helicopters for rescue missions in difficult areas.
Estimated Duration & Price – Helicopter Charter to K2 (Karakoram Heli Safari)
Helicopter Charter to K2 (Karakoram Heli Safari) is an expensive adventure. The cost/price of helicopter safaris in Pakistan are given in the table below.
| Destinations | Helicopter Type | Min. Flights | Total Seats | Price per hour per heli (USD) | Total Cost | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K2 Base Camp | Ecureuil | 2 | 3+3 | USD 4,435 | USD 35,480 | 4hrs + 4hrs (SKD) |
| K2 Base Camp | Mi-17 | 2 | 16+16 | USD 14,039 | USD 221,816 | 7.9hrs + 7.9hrs (ISB) |
| Fairy Meadows | Ecureuil | 2 | 3+3 | USD 4,435 | USD 40,802 | 4.6hrs + 4.6hrs (SKD) |
| Fairy Meadows | Mi-17 | 2 | 16+16 | USD 14,039 | USD 190,930 | 6.8hrs + 6.8hrs (ISB) |
| Destinations | Helicopter Type | Min. Flights | Total Seats | Price per hour per heli (USD) | Total Cost | Flight Duration |
Terms and Conditions – Helicopter Charter to K2 (Karakoram)
Timings
Flying time calculations are based on shortest route, which may vary slightly because of weather,safety and client considerations.
Charges
All flying charges will be calculated from base to base, with 100% payment in advance.
Daily Flying
Minimum flying single engine 1.5 hrs and twin engine 2 hrs per day.
Specialized Operations
Specialized operations subject to finalization of details and acceptance of cost effects.
Safety & Security
Confirmation and execution of mission is subject to meeting all safety and security requirements (MoD).
Processing
7 working days minimum (in case of all Pakistani passengers) if Foreigners are involved necessary security clearance is required from ISI or MI Dte which takes 6-8 weeks of time.
Logistics
Crew boarding and lodging for night stay, aircraft security, helipad preparations on un-manned location, and fuel transportation to non-regular station i.e. less Gilgit and Skardu, at users expense by AAL.
Waiting
Non-flying days will be charged as 2 hrs of flying per day.
Night Stay Charges: A sum of US $ 500/- will be charged per night.
Availability
Not Guaranteed – Final availability is subject to meeting all safety and security requirements and release of aircraft by Army on due dates, while free space will be at the disposal of Army and AAL for its use.
Quote
Are valid for 15 days. No cancellation charges except 10% in last 48 hrs.
Rescue
Over glaciated areas single engine helicopters will be used in pair. Each Rescue will be charged independently.
Aerial Filming
Subject to permission, vetting and clearance for export out of Pakistan by security agencies.
Security Deposit
Two flight hours, (Refundable)
