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Annapurna Basecamp Trek Helicopter Return
The Annapurna Base Camp gives a deep-rooted feeling of trekking. It is indeed fantastic and adventurous for those people who love enjoying the natural flora and fauna with pedantic snow-capped peaks.
Highlights
Key trip facts at a glance.
Gallery
Trip photos and moments.
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp gives a deep-rooted feeling of trekking. It is indeed fantastic and adventurous for those people who love enjoying the natural flora and fauna with pedantic snow-capped peaks. This ideal trek is a classical one to take in unparalleled mountain scenery and the enormous glaciers’ outlook, including true Nepalese life and culture. Annapurna Base Camp trekking starts and ends in Pokhara, being a part of the Annapurna Circuit or the Jomsom/Muktinath trek. The Annapurna Base Camp is spread from Tatopani through Ghorepani and Tadapani by joining the main Sanctuary trail at Chhomrong. The trek involves several ascents and descents but is not so hard to attempt, as there are several alternative routes to the Sanctuary, all meeting at Chhomrong.
Annapurna Base Camp trails are also famous for trekkers because the principal peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare, are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier-covered amphitheater at the center. From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Modi Khola knifes its way south in a narrow gorge fully 12,000 ft. deep. Further south, the gorge opens up into a wide and fertile valley, the domain of the Gurungs. The middle and upper portions of Modi Khola offer some of the best short trekking in Nepal, and the valley is located so that these treks can be easily combined with treks into the Kali Gandaki region to the west.
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5 to 7 hours a day with a light rucksack. On some days we might even need to walk for 7 to 8 hours. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, and have strong determination, we may accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. No previous trekking experience is needed for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform us before booking the trips. We also recommend that you consult your doctor before the trip.
Accommodation
We will organize for you the best and most deluxe hotel in Kathmandu as per your requirements and a teahouse lodge during the Annapurna trek. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. However, tea houses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking area at lower elevations, but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Best Time to Travel
March to May and September to December are the best months for this trekking trips. Although this trip can be taken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.
Itinerary
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport, Nepal Himalaya Tour’s team will be in the Kathmandu airport to receive you without any delay according to your arrival flight schedule. It may take some time, like 30-40 minutes, to collect your luggage and for security checking at the airport. After that, you make your way to the exit from the airport and stuff your name card and our company name, “Nepal Himalaya Tours.” As you see the card, our staff will greet you and transfer you to the hotel by luxury car. After check-in, you can take a rest or visit our office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner with our team member.
Your sightseeing trip will start at 9AM in the morning after breakfast. We will provide a private vehicle and professional city guide. You will visit Pasupatinath Temple, Buddhanath, Shyambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The evening includes a final briefing and preparations for the trek. Overnight at a hotel.
After breakfast we will drive you to the domestic airport to take around a 25-minute flight to Pokhara. Or you can travel by tourist bus to Pokhara from the scenic Prithvi Highway, which will take you about 6 to 7 hours, including time for breakfast and lunch on the way. In the evening you may go for boating trip on Phewa Lake will follow where you can enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna Himalayan Range reflected in all its glory in the cool green water of the lake and visit the temple which is only available by boat.
After having breakfast in Pokhara, you will start your journey for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. Drive by car to the Nayapul via the large village of Kaski; it will be about a 1-hour 30-minute drive. You will start your dream trek from Nayapul by crossing a large and prosperous town, Birethanti. Today the trekking trail follows the bamboo forests and passes waterfalls with plunge pools, which invite you to swim. You can have lunch at the small village of Sudame. After lunch the trail climbs steadily up to the Hile; after one hour you will arrive at Tikhedhunga. Overnight at a guest house.
From Tikhedhunga the trail ascends to Ulleri village through a stone staircase. Ulleri is a large Magar village situated at 2070 m. From Ulleri the trail gently climbs through pasture and cultivated fields; as you climb up, you walk beside the cascading river through refreshingly cool oak and rhododendron forest. We have lunch at Nangethanti. And evening at Ghorepani. From Ghorepani you will see majestic views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Tarke Kang (7193m), and other mountains. Overnight at the lodge.
Early morning climb up to Poon Hill (3210 meters) to see the panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himalayan ranges, as well as the sunrise over the tolerable Himalayas. Experiencing the great views of the Himalayan panorama from Poon Hill, we descend to Ghorepani. After breakfast, continue the downhill trek to Tadapani (2625 meters). The trail goes along the ridges of rhododendron and pine forest till Tadapani. Overnight at a guest house.
Today we trek down to Kimrong stream through the forest of rhododendron. Then we walk towards Chhomrong, crossing through the Gurung village. Chhomrong offers you close views of Mt. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli and the virgin peak, Fishtail (Machhapuchchhre).
After descending to the suspension bridge over the Chomrong Khola, we hike the undulating trail to the small hamlet of Dobhan via the villages of Sinuwa, Kuldihar, and Bamboo. About half an hour past Dobhan is a shrine, which is the sacred home of the deity Panchhi Baraha, and next to it is a view of an impressive waterfall. Passing the Modi Khola, the trail goes steeply up to the Himalaya. Overnight at the teahouse.
The trail continues gradually ascending to Machhapuchre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) and takes around 5 hours. This area is called the Annapurna Sanctuary since it is totally surrounded by spectacular mountains. Overnight at the teahouse.
Wake up early in the morning, explore the hidden valley, and then go back to Pokhara by helicopter; it will take about 20 minutes. In the afternoon, explore Pokhara Valley. Overnight at Pokhara.
After breakfast at the hotel, then we fly back to Kathmandu. The flight duration is about 25 minutes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will take a rest, and the rest of the time we will visit the downtown of Thamel to buy souvenirs for your friends and family. We will have a farewell dinner with a culture program in the evening. Overnight at a hotel.
Today is the departure day; after breakfast we transfer to the airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight. We hope you really enjoyed the Annapurna Trekking with Helicopter tour with us, and we are sure you will be back for a trip to the Nepal Himalaya next year with your friends.
Includes / Excludes
Trip Includes
- All meals during trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
- Helicopter back to Pokhara.
- All Accommodation at Kathmandu and during trek.
- All ground transport by private vehicle
- English speaking Sherpa expert guide and porters.
- Annapurna Conservation and National Park fees.
- Accommodation at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing basis.
- All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
- Airport pickup and drive by private car.
- Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
- Insurance for all staff and porters
- Farewell dinner at final night.
Trip Excludes
- International flight tickets
- Nepal entire visa (available in Kathmandu airport).
- Lunch and dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason.
- Table drinks (Tea, Coffee, Cola, alcoholic drink), snacks while walking.
- Traveler's insurance.
Route Map
Featured Video
Packing List
Know Before You Go
- You are traveling to Nepal for Trekking; you must need Nepal visa. It is also available at immigration office at Kathmandu airport.
- Personal expenses, such as extra foods, drinks, and snacks, are not included in the package. It’s advisable to carry extra cash.
- Always carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets to ensure you have access to safe drinking water.
- Prepare for varying weather by packing clothing appropriate for the season and the regions you plan to visit.
- The rural side can’t accept credit cards, so it is recommended to have enough cash for your expenses.
- At tourist points, maintain a safe distance from wild animals and follow your guide’s instructions to avoid any risks.
- When booking international flights far in advance, be conscious, as weather conditions in Nepal can lead to delays or cancellations.
- The travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover potential emergencies, such as medical care and trip interruptions.