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5 helicopter rides with the most breath-taking views
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While soaring over these magnificent reefs and creeks with crystal-clear water, teeming with vibrant marine life, travellers will be treated to a grand panoramic view of the area that is impossible to attain without riding a helicopter. You can start such a journey from any location of your choice. However, it is advisable to commence your tour from either Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Whitsunday Islands to ensure convenience and accessibility.
You will find the rides from Cairn to be a more economic option. Depending on the duration, rides from this port range from Tk 20,000 to Tk 55,000. However, if you wish to embark from either Port Douglas or Townsville, you would encounter notably heftier price tags, with most rides commencing at Tk 35,000 and reaching as high as Tk 90,000.
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai, also known as the ‘Garden Isle’ of Hawaii, is mostly inaccessible on foot, making it a perfect destination for a helicopter ride. The available options are helicopter rides spanning 60 to 90 minutes. As travellers embark on a journey flying over the famous Napali Coast, the striking Waimea Canyon, the breath-taking Waialeale Crater and a lot more, it feels like a portal has opened into another world.
Amidst this adventure, do not miss capturing a few moments before the Manawaiopuna Falls, a spot featured in the famous movie, Jurassic Park. However, as you plan your tour, bear in mind that due to the time constraints of these flights, the starting point tends to shape your entire experience.
For an extensive and luxurious expedition, Lihue, the city housing the island’s primary airport, is the best starting point. A trip from the city will cost around Tk 45,000. For a more economical alternative, consider Princeville, nestled along Kauai’s northern shore near the Napali Coast, or the charming Hanapepe town situated on the southern coast. You can secure a ride for as low as Tk 25,000 from these beaches! If you plan to stay a night or two, check out Poipu, the resort area of Kauai on the southern shore known for its beautiful lava formations.
The Himalayan Mountain Range
Let’s acknowledge first that some of us have passed our prime years and regardless of our fervent desire to trek the icy roads of the Himalayas, we will not be able to do that anymore. However, that does not necessarily mean a life without ever seeing Mount Everest, as a number of helicopter services are available for taking a peek at the highest point on Earth.
Embarking on a journey to the Himalayas aboard a helicopter can commence from Kathmandu Airport, courtesy of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. As the name suggests, this package includes a journey around the Mount Everest base camps with landing opportunities at Kalapathar. This premium plan for a helicopter ride over the vast Himalayan mountains will cost you around Tk 1,32,000. Tours over the Langtang National Park are also available from Kathmandu for a price of Tk 40,000.
For a more budget-friendly plan, travellers should consider a Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour from Pokhara, where ride-sharing options are usually available. You may expect to find rides to these locations between Tk 38,000 to Tk 55,000 depending on the flight duration.
Grand Canyon, USA
A helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon comes with the unique opportunity to cover a large portion of this geological marvel in a short time. Moreover, the sheer scale and magnificence of the region become evident only from an aerial view. Such a vantage point unveils an unforgettable scenery of the Colorado River, gracefully winding its way through the canyon like a glistening ribbon amidst the rocky terrain.
In addition, the vivid array of hues displayed by the various layers of rock formations expanding over a vast region delivers an unparalleled spectacle. To get this unique experience, helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon can be arranged from either Las Vegas or the entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park.
You can secure a 25-minute ride for Tk 22,000 from the canyon entrance at the Grand Canyon Discovery package. However, a trip from Las Vegas will be more expensive, with most price tags ranging between Tk 45,000 and Tk 85,000.
Victoria Waterfalls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
Although not the widest or tallest, Victoria Falls holds the distinction of being our planet’s largest curtain of cascading water, making it a premier location for an exhilarating helicopter journey. With a staggering volume of approximately five hundred million cubic metres of water pouring over its nearly two-kilometre span, misty plumes become visible from several miles away.
Needless to say, the best way to visit this vast spectacle is from above, where the waterfall can be seen as a whole in all its glory. Furthermore, the strategic placement of the helipad ensures that this majestic beauty is visible from the very first minute of the flight. A 15-minute ride will cost you around Tk 15,000 whereas an hour-long helicopter tour comes with a price tag of Tk 40,000. The waterfall is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia and can be reached from either Victoria Airport (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone Airport (Zambia).
By Abdullah Al Zobayer
Photo: Collected
Disclaimer: Please note that the prices mentioned above are based on the assumption of a group of five people for the helicopter ride. Should your party be smaller, it may require the chartering of a private helicopter, which could lead to a substantially higher cost. The helicopter ride rates may change based on the current dollar exchange rate.