General / Company Archives - Page 3 of 5 - HSJ Heli & Assistance

Question 1

Are you affiliated with hsj.com.np?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hsj.com.np (Himalayan Social Journey) is our parent company. HSJ Heli & Assistance is its dedicated aviation, rescue, and insurance assistance division.

Question 2

Can I visit your office in Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our office is located at Kumari Club, Shorakhutte, Kathmandu 44600. We recommend contacting us in advance to ensure the right team member is available for your inquiry.

Question 3

Can the Everest Photography Tour itinerary be customized for specific shots?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the schedule is built around photography requirements and can include stops at Kala Patthar, EBC, and/or Gokyo depending on conditions.

Question 4

Can the itinerary be customized for specific shots?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the schedule is built around photography requirements and can include stops at Kala Patthar, EBC, and/or Gokyo depending on conditions.

Question 5

Can the itinerary be fully customized?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the route and stops are tailored to the group's preferences, potentially spanning both the Everest and Annapurna regions in one day.

Question 6

Can the Luxury Helicopter Tour itinerary be fully customized?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the route and stops are tailored to the group's preferences, potentially spanning both the Everest and Annapurna regions in one day.

Question 7

Do I need a separate permit for this flight?

Accepted Answer

A TIMS card or Annapurna Conservation Area permit is not included and should be arranged separately if required.

Question 8

Does HSJ Heli & Assistance have reviews?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our parent company Himalayan Social Journey has over 2,100 verified TripAdvisor reviews with an average rating of approximately 4.8 stars, and received TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards in 2025 and 2026.

Question 9

Does HSJ Heli & Assistance operate its own helicopters?

Accepted Answer

Helicopter operations are conducted through our business alliance with Altitude Air, a CAAN-certified operator based in Kathmandu operating a modern Airbus AS350 B3e fleet.

Question 10

Does this cover the entire Annapurna Circuit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, coverage extends across the Annapurna Conservation Area, including ABC, Thorong La, Ghorepani, and Manang.

Question 11

Does this include the return flight to Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a one-way transfer; the return leg is booked separately.

Question 12

Does this replace the entire EBC trek?

Accepted Answer

It replaces only the upper portion of the trail from Lukla onward; travelers still need to reach Lukla first, by trek or flight.

Question 13

How do I contact HSJ Heli & Assistance?

Accepted Answer

For emergencies, call our 24/7 line at +977 9810650405. For general inquiries: info@heli.hsj.com.np. For tour bookings: tours@heli.hsj.com.np. For insurance partners: insurance@heli.hsj.com.np.

Question 14

How does this compare to trekking to Tilicho Lake?

Accepted Answer

The standard trek takes 9–11 days, while this helicopter tour reaches the lake and returns in under 3 hours.

Question 15

How is this different from the full Everest Base Camp tour?

Accepted Answer

It skips the Everest View Hotel breakfast stop, making the flight about an hour shorter while keeping the Kala Patthar landing.

Question 16

How long has HSJ been operating in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Social Journey, our parent company, was founded in 2008 — 18 years of Himalayan travel operations.

Question 17

How long would the trek take compared to this flight?

Accepted Answer

The standard trek from Syabrubesi takes 3–4 days, compared with a same-day round trip by helicopter.

Question 18

How many trekking days does this flight save?

Accepted Answer

Roughly 5–6 days compared with trekking back down the Khumbu trail.

Question 19

Is a Lukla stop required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the helicopter makes a brief refueling stop at Lukla Airport before continuing toward Kala Patthar.

Question 20

Is a return flight included?

Accepted Answer

A return option is available but should be confirmed separately when booking.

Question 21

Is camera equipment provided on the Photography Tour?

Accepted Answer

No, travelers bring their own photography or filming equipment; the tour provides the flight access and positioning support.

Question 22

Is camera equipment provided?

Accepted Answer

No, travelers bring their own photography or filming equipment; the tour provides the flight access and positioning support.

Question 23

Is HSJ Heli & Assistance insured?

Accepted Answer

We maintain professional liability insurance and operate flight operations through Altitude Air, which holds CAAN AOC certification and associated insurance requirements.

Question 24

Is HSJ Heli & Assistance involved in community work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As part of the Himalayan Social Journey Group, we pledge 7% of every booking toward funding children's education in remote Himalayan communities.

Question 25

Is HSJ Heli & Assistance part of a larger company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HSJ Heli & Assistance is part of the Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ) Group, an 18-year-old Nepal trekking and travel company with over 2,100 verified TripAdvisor reviews and Travelers' Choice awards in 2025 and 2026.

Question 26

Is pricing fixed for this route?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is on request and depends on group size and current operating conditions.

Question 27

Is the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour safe at high altitude?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Flights carry onboard oxygen, an experienced mountain pilot, and the Kala Patthar stop is kept brief (roughly 15–20 minutes) to limit exposure to thin air.

Question 28

Is the Luxury Helicopter Tour suitable for special occasions like proposals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's specifically positioned for occasions such as anniversaries, proposals, and corporate incentive trips, with VIP and concierge service included.

Question 29

Is the permit fee included in the price?

Accepted Answer

No, the Restricted Area Permit fee is charged separately even though assistance with the permit process is included.

Question 30

Is this more reliable than the fixed-wing flight from Lukla?

Accepted Answer

Helicopters tend to face fewer weather-related disruptions than fixed-wing aircraft at Lukla's challenging airport, though delays are still possible in poor conditions.

Question 31

Is this tour suitable for special occasions like proposals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's specifically positioned for occasions such as anniversaries, proposals, and corporate incentive trips, with VIP and concierge service included.

Question 32

What can I do at Kyanjin Gompa during the Langtang tour?

Accepted Answer

Travelers can explore the Tibetan Buddhist monastery and surrounding village during the 20–30 minute landing.

Question 33

What can I do at Kyanjin Gompa?

Accepted Answer

Travelers can explore the Tibetan Buddhist monastery and surrounding village during the 20–30 minute landing.

Question 34

What is Altitude Air?

Accepted Answer

Altitude Air is HSJ Heli & Assistance's aviation alliance partner, a CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal) certified helicopter operator providing the aircraft and flight crews for our rescue, tour, and charter operations.

Question 35

What is CAAN and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

CAAN is the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the regulatory body that issues Air Operator Certificates (AOC) to helicopter operators. CAAN certification confirms an operator meets Nepal's aviation safety and operational standards.

Question 36

What is HSJ Heli & Assistance?

Accepted Answer

HSJ Heli & Assistance is a Kathmandu-based company providing helicopter tours, emergency rescue and medical evacuation, and insurance correspondent services across Nepal. It operates as the aviation and insurance assistance arm of Himalayan Social Journey, founded in 2008.

Question 37

What languages does your team speak?

Accepted Answer

Our team operates in English, Nepali, and Hindi, covering the primary languages needed for both international travellers and insurance case management.

Question 38

What professional associations is HSJ part of?

Accepted Answer

We are associated with the Nepal Tourism Board, NATTA (Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents), TAAN (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal), and the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

Question 39

What wildlife might be seen around Rara Lake?

Accepted Answer

Rara National Park is known to host red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and a range of bird species, though sightings aren't guaranteed.

Question 40

What wildlife might be seen in the area?

Accepted Answer

Rara National Park is known to host red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and a range of bird species, though sightings aren't guaranteed.

Question 41

What's the main difference from the standard ABC tour?

Accepted Answer

This version cuts the extended breakfast stop, reducing total time from about 4 hours to 2 hours.

Question 42

What's the most demanding part of the trip physically?

Accepted Answer

The two-day Kailash Kora, including crossing the Dolma La Pass at roughly 5,630 m, is the most physically demanding segment.

Question 43

What's the most physically demanding part of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra?

Accepted Answer

The two-day Kailash Kora, including crossing the Dolma La Pass at roughly 5,630 m, is the most physically demanding segment.

Question 44

Where is HSJ Heli & Assistance located?

Accepted Answer

Our office is located at Kumari Club, Shorakhutte, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.

Question 45

Why is this considered such an exclusive trip?

Accepted Answer

Damodar Kunda's extreme remoteness means very few tourists visit each year, traditionally requiring a multi-week trek that this flight bypasses.

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