Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Overview

  • Duration: 1 Day
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Destination: Everest Region
  • Starts/Ends: Lobuche/Lukla
  • Best Time: All Season
  • Travel Style: Helicopter Tour
  • Maximum Altitude: 4,940 m

Highlights

  • Trek to the lap of the tenth highest mountain in the world, Annapurna Base Camp
  • An adventurous trail through lush forests of rhododendron and small mountain villages
  • Meet with locals and see the unique mountain lifestyle
  • Get to see the culture of locals from different communities
  • Come across a diverse range of flora and fauna while walking
  • Cross suspension bridges and walk by beautiful waterfalls
  • Witness breathing mountains views and sceneries
  • Spend a night at ABC and take a thrilling helicopter flight to Pokhara

"Trek in the famous Annapurna region and take a comfortable helicopter ride back to Pokhara on our Annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return. Explore the beautiful villages, vibrant cultures, lush forests, and the lap of the tenth highest mountains in the world, Annapurna Base Camp, on this short adventurous trek."

Annapurna base camp trek and return by helicopter is a short trekking package that explores the lower altitude of Mt. Annapurna. Unlike the classic 14 days or 16 days of Annapurna base camp trekking package, we have combined helicopter return at the end of the trek to make the journey comparatively short yet more thrilling.

Explore the wonders of the Annapurna region and witness jaw-dropping views of the western Himalayan mountains on the Annapurna base camp helicopter trek. Trek through the Annapurna Conservative Area, home to numerous flora & fauna. The trail is all about ascending and descending through lush woodlands and small villages.

The locals from different ethnic groups like Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, Brahmin, etc reside along the Annapurna base camp trek route. They make the trekking experience furthermore compelling. You'll be getting to see their daily lifestyle and have a glimpse of their culture. The locals are very welcoming and friendly. You'll not feel alone and unattended.

The lush green hills and terraced fields with the occasional appearance of waterfalls and rushing streams make the trekking part very immersing. The trail has steep, rugged sections. You'll be crossing many suspension and wooden bridges. Before reaching the Annapurna base camp, the trail passes by Machhapuchhre base camp.

The view of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Fishtail (6,993 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), etc is seen throughout the trail. The scenery from every village is stunning. Likewise, the aerial panorama of the snowy mountains and hills is heavenly too. You'll enjoy very close and dramatic views of the mountains during the Annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return.

Annapurna Sanctuary

Located 40 km north of Pokhara, Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin with mountains above 7,000 meters. The sanctuary has an extraordinary ecosystem that ranges from dense tropical forests of rhododendron & bamboo to the rain shadow and alpine zone.

The Annapurna Sanctuary is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is the largest conservation area in Nepal, home to 100,000 residents, 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians.

The trail goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, there's a high chance of you coming across the wildlife and exotic plants.

Annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return itinerary

The Annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return begins from Pokhara with a short drive to Nayapul. Nayapul is our starting point of the trek. From here, we begin trekking through lush forests and small villages like Birethanti and Kimche to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is our first night stop. The next day, the trail ascends to Komrong Danda and descends to Komrong Khola. Enjoying the mountain views, we continue trekking above the riverside to Sinuwa.

Leaving Sinuwa, we’ll gradually walk through beautiful villages like Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya. We walk by forests of rhododendron and bamboo to Deurali, the last village we stay in before reaching ABC. The trail further ascends via Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Following a narrow path from here, we reach Annapurna Base Camp.

We spend the night at ABC, and the next day early in the morning fly back to Pokhara in a helicopter. The helicopter flies over the Annapurna region and offers a jaw-dropping aerial view of the mountains & hills. In the evening, we'll have a farewell dinner and celebrate the trek's success.

Annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return to Pokhara/Kathmandu

According to our Annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return itinerary, the trek ends at ABC, and you'll fly to Pokhara. The flight time is approximately 20 minutes. Or, if you want, we can extend the helicopter flight to Kathmandu with an additional charge. We offer the best helicopter flight cost with a safe and comfortable flight experience.

ABC trek and heli return difficulty

Annapurna base camp trekking is known as a moderate trek in the Himalayas. The trekking route is rugged and gains high elevation. This trek is doable for anyone with good health and can walk 5 to 6 hours a day. No previous trekking experience is needed to join the Annapurna base camp trek and return by helicopter.

Other factors like basic accommodation, simple food, and limited services can make the journey overall difficult for the trekkers. Walking 6 hours on average each day demands stamina and endurance, so it is better to work on that before the beginning of the trek.

During the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek, there's also the risk of altitude sickness. Our Annapurna Heli trek itinerary is perfect. It provides adequate time for trekkers to adjust to the elevation and rest. However, your body may react differently to the changes in altitude, so we recommend you visit your doctor and get a prescription to carry on the trek.

Join Annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return 2022/2023

You can join our Annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return for the upcoming autumn season in 2022 or place an early booking for spring/autumn 2023. We organized both group and private Annapurna base camp trek returns by helicopter. As per your requirement, you can choose either option.

On a group helicopter trek, you travel with other trekkers from around the world (if you are a solo trekker). This option reduces the per head cost, and you get to make new friends too. Or, there is also the alternative of private trekking and helicopter return.

During the Annapurna base camp trek heli fly out, our best guides and porters will accompany you. The trip is safe and guaranteed. Our team will help you with booking and preparation.

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. For a quick response, you can text (Viber) us at +977-9801 366911.

Itinerary

Representatives of Everest Assistance will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. They will drop you at the hotel and inform you about the day program. You have the remaining day leisure. We meet you over a welcome dinner in the late evening.

  • Hotel
  • Welcome dinner

Today, early in the morning, we’ll have a delicious breakfast and meet with our tour guide in the hotel lobby. We then go on a guided sightseeing tour of monuments in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is known as the city of temples. During the tour, you visit ancient stupas, monasteries, temples, palaces, and courtyards.

Some of the historical sites we'll explore during the tour are Boudhnath Stupa and Swayambhunath. Both of these stupas are one of the kinds in the world and hold huge religious values. The location of Boudhanath Stupa amidst a bustling market but the instant calming atmosphere inside the premises is unbelievable.

Likewise, we also visit the holy Pashupatinath Temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square. After lunch, we take a small break and later meet with the trek guide. We’ll spend the rest of the day preparing for the trek.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

Our today plan is to reach Pokhara. From Kathmandu, it's a 6 to 7 hours drive to Pokhara. We follow a well-made road and use a private tourist vehicle as per the group size. It's an amazing drive with gorgeous scenery. The views of green hills, terraced fields, rivers, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and small resident areas make the drive soothing.

We spend the evening in Pokhara gazing at the beautiful sunset around Phewa Lake. Later, explore the Lakeside Market and end the day with a delicious dinner.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & lunch
  • 6-7 hours

The day begins with a quick drive to Nayapul. From here, we begin trekking through the forested path and reach Birethanti. The trail then gradually ascends along with terraced fields to Chimrung and passes by Syauli Bazar. Further, walking through Kimche and Chame, we reach Ghandruk village.

From Ghanrudk, we can see excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. The village is mostly resided by Gurung and offers good accommodation facilities.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 2,020 m
  • 1-hour drive & 4-5 hours

From Ghandruk, the trail ascends to Komrong Danda. It's a few hours trek up to this danda. Further, the trail descends to Komrong Khola, offering stunning mountain views. We then walk on an uphill route that leads to Chhomrong, a beautiful village. Walking above the riverside, we finally reach Sinuwa for the night's stay. We can see locals doing their chores on the way.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 2,340 m
  • 5 hours

After having a warm breakfast, we begin the day with a gentle walk out of Sinuwa. If the sky is clear, we get to see breathtaking mountain scenery along the way. The trail passes by small villages like Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya. Trekking through the lush forests of rhododendron and bamboo, we ascend to Deurali. While passing by forests, we may see birds and many exotic plants. The walk will be tranquil and soothing.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 3,200 m
  • 6-7 hours

Today is our last day of trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Leaving Deurali, we trek following a rugged path to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The view of Himchuli, Gandharva Chuli, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, etc are fantastic on the way. While trekking, we'll see many signs saying avalanche area. So, we make sure to keep passing by these areas as quickly as possible. The trail then becomes thinner, and we soon reach Annapurna Base Camp. We'll spend the night at ABC, enjoying the surreal mountain landscapes.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 4,130 m
  • 6-7 hours

We wake up early and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast with breathtaking views of the western Himalayan mountains. Later, we pack our stuff and hop in the helicopter that came there to pick us. Flying over the snow-capped mountains and Annapurna region, we descend at Pokhara airport. Our team will drop you at the hotel, and the adventurous ABC trek with helicopter return ends.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & farewell dinner
  • 20 minutes

Tour FAQs

  • Q1. Is there health care available on the Annapurna base camp trekking route?

    There are health posts in some villages that take care of basic sickness. We also carry a first aid kit with all the essential medicines to get over simple medical issues. If any serious medical emergency occurs during the trek, we'll air evacuate the trekker to a nearby hospital in Pokhara.

  • Annapurna base camp trekking route is moderate, and combining a helicopter return makes the journey even more doable. Anyone can do this trek if in good health, and no issue in walking 6 hours a day.

  • We begin trekking early in the morning, around 7:30 to 8:00 am every day. This way, we get to reach the last destination of the day between 1:00 to 4:00 pm. On average, we walk 6 hours a day.

  • Yes, you'll need a trekking permit for Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. We need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card for this trip. All the required permits are covered in the package cost. Our team will obtain the permits on behalf of you.

  • Yes, there are electricity and internet facilities available in the mountains. Not only that, you get access to the internet at the base camp itself. There can be power cuts sometimes because of weather or technical issues. Likewise, you may see disturbance in-network at some places.

  • The mobile network is good up to Bamboo. From here onwards, the network gets unstable and degrades.

  • Annapurna Base Camp trail offers decent meal options. Nepali dishes, along with a handful of Chinese and Indian dishes are available. Whereas in Pokhara and Kathmandu, you get cuisine from all around the world and can dine in fine-restraints to cafes as per your wish.

  • The Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return saves your return trekking time and also offers you an outstanding aerial panorama of the mountains. Not many people have seen the aerial views of the Annapurna region.

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