Chartering a helicopter for an air safari is not difficult at all if you are following due process.
Always make a reservation through a designated tour operator that is registered with both Department of Tourist Services [DTS] and Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) to almost guarantee a chartered helicopter. A few examples of such tour operators are Apricot Tours, Jangoo Adventures, etc.
Askari Aviation (a company of the military) is the only charter operator allowed to fly in the northern areas of Pakistan due to sensitive border areas.
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.
Helicopter Rates in Pakistan
The cost/price of helicopter safaris in Pakistan are given in the table below.
| Heli Type | Engines | Seats | Cargo (Kilograms) | Max Altitude | Price per hour (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi-17 | Two | 22 | 3,000 | 5,000 M | $9,915 |
| Puma | Two | 18 | 1,500 | 4,000 M | $10,019 |
| Bell-412 | Two | 7 | – | 3,000 M | $4,018 |
| Ecureuil | One | 3 | 1,500 | 6,000 M | $3,184 |
| Alt-III | One | 4 | – | 4,500 M | $4,074 |
| Lama | One | 3 | – | 5,500 M | $4,085 |
| UH-1H / AB-205 | One | 8 | – | 1,500 M | $6,307 |
| Jet Ranger | One | 3 | – | 2,500 M | $4,962 |
| Schweitzer | One | 1 | – | 1,000 M | $1,134 |
| JPC | Two | 6 | – | Runway | $10,037 |
| Y-12 | Two | 14 | 1,000 | Runway | $5,802 |
| MFI-17 | One | 1 | – | Runway | $1,005 |
Terms and Conditions
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)
i didnt even know that you could book a helicopter here. looks super expensive to me though. let me start saving.