The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek is a perfect way to experience the classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek with helicopter return, offering a blend of trekking and aerial adventure for those with limited time. Annapurna Region is one of the most popular and less explored trekking regions of Nepal. There are numerous popular trekking packages in Nepal. But Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek and EBC Heli Trek are quite popular nowadays. Annapurna Basecamp Heli Trek or ABC Heli Trek is a unique blend of popular Annapurna Basecamp Trek.
Trekkers who have a tight schedule but want to experience Annapurna Region. For them, ABC Helicopter Trek is perfect. Trekking over the naturally and culturally rich places of the Annapurna region offers you lifetime adventures and memories. Annapurna Base Camp Heli trek is nowadays very popular among the adventure lovers.
You will start Heli Trek from Kathmandu to the city of lakes, Pokhara. From here, you start your special journey on the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek, following scenic trails of the Annapurna Region, and end with a helicopter return from Annapurna Base Camp for a breathtaking aerial view.
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek
Follow the routes that pass through deciduous forest, dazzling rivers and streams, ethnic villages, Annapurna Sanctuary. On the route of this Heli Trekking, you will get a chance to visit attractive ethnic villages; which offers you cultural experiences and tours around the villages.
Alluring forest of rhododendrons, pines, bamboo will be there to entertain you with its pure and natural beauty. Relax your entire body and mind with a hot spring bath at Jhinu Danda.
Finally, You will be surprised to see “How close and beautiful Mt. Annapurna is”? The giant walls of Annapurna stood just above you with great pride and elegance. Capture the 360-degree sweeping views of the Annapurna Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, Himchuli, Gangapurna, etc for eternity.
As a final ending to the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek, you will enjoy a helicopter return from Annapurna Base Camp, capturing spectacular 360-degree views of the Annapurna Region on your way back to Pokhara. Have a birds-eye view on attractive views and sceneries as the helicopter passes over wonderful places and villages of Annapurna Region.
Trip Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek
A scenic flight to the city of lakes, Pokhara.
Off-beaten roads, farmlands, terraces.
Cultural tour around remote ethnic villages.
Hot springs bath at Jhinu.
Enjoy mountain views while resting at Teahouses and Lodges.
A dense forest of rhododendrons and bamboo.
360-degree panoramic views of Annapurna I, II, II, south, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Gangapurna and many more.
Scenic Annapurna Helicopter Ride.
Itinerary
1 Day
Arrival at Kathmandu (1.400 m)
One of the members from Nepal Hiking Adventure will be there to welcome you to Nepal. Then, he will drive you towards your hotel at Thamel. Thamel is the central hub for every tourist visiting Nepal. In the meantime, you can either relax at your hotel or visit our office to have a discussion about Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek. Overnight at Thamel.
Accomodation: Hotel
Duration: 30 min drive to hotel
2 Day
Drive/Flight to Pokhara (822 m) and Transfer to hotel.
Having your first delightful breakfast at Kathmandu, you take a tourist bus from near Thamel. your journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara you will be driven through Trishuli river and other hilly areas of Prithivi Highway.
Or, if you choose through flight, you take a 25 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara. The aerial journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara offers remarkable scenes of greenery hills, valleys, rivers, remote villages, lakes and many more.
Once you reach Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel near Lakeside. From your hotel, you can observe panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. Overnight at Pokhara.
Accomodation: Hotel
Duration: 6-7 hours drive or 30 min flight
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: Around 200 km by road or 125 km by air
3 Day
Drive to Kyumi (1,400 m) and Trek to Jhinu (1,780 m)
From the city of Pokhara, you drive to Kyumi on a private vehicle which takes 2 hours. You will then start trekking from Kyumi up to Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda is a famous spot among trekkers as it offers a hot spring bath for relaxation. The trails follow decent up and down with beautiful ethnic villages, farmlands, terraces, streams, etc.
Reaching Jhinu, you can have a warm bath on hot springs and relax your body and mind. Overnight at Jhinu Guest House.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 2 hours drive and 3 hours trek
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: +380 m
Distance: Around 6 km
4 Day
Trek from Jhinu (1,780 m) to Bamboo (2,620 m)
Today you will descend from Jhinu Danda and ascent for hours to Chhomrong village. Then, you cross the suspension bridge over Chhomrong river and take steep climb Bamboo crossing villages of Tilche, Sinuwa, and Kuldighar. With the final walk among the deep forest of bamboo, you reach Bamboo Camp.
This segment of the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Overnight at Bamboo GuestHouse.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 4-5 hours walk
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: +840 m
Distance: Around 8 km
5 Day
Trek from Bamboo (2,620 m) to Deurali (3,230 m)
Leaving Bamboo, the routes pass through the evergreen bamboo forest which inhabitants unique flora and fauna of this region. Passing some glaciated rivers, water streams, wooden bridges, you then start hiking up towards Deurali.
On the day 6 of Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek, you will enjoy the stunning peak of Machapuchare, then you will leave the dense greenery region to the subalpine region of Annapurna. A few more hours of walking over the rough, less vegetated trails, you reach Deurali. Overnight at Deurali Guesthouse.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 6-7 hours trek
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: +610 m
Distance: Around 12 km
6 Day
Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via MBC
After an early breakfast at Deurali, you start hiking up along the river channel on the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek, which finally steeps up making it very difficult to walk. Soon reaching Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC), you will be rewarded with magnificent views of numerous world-famous peaks. It includes Annapurna I, II, III and south, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Himchuli, Gandharvachuli, etc. Here, Machapuchare dominates all other peaks and stands just above you.
Leaving MBC, the trail broadens to Annapurna Base Camp. With a final climb to ABC, you will get the views and experience of your lifetime. The great Annapurna will stand just in front of you with other snow peaks. Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges; then save this scenery into your mind for a lifetime. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 5-6 hours trek
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Ascent: +900 m
Descent: -470 m
Distance: Around 7 km
7 Day
Morning Helicopter Flight from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) to Pokhara (822 m) and Flight to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
As it is your last day of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek, you take a scenic helicopter trip back to Pokhara. While returning to Pokhara, you can enjoy some features of the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Take an aerial glimpse of the entire Annapurna Region for the last time.
Once you land in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore the beautiful Pokhara Valley at your own pace. Later, you will board a flight back to Kathmandu to conclude your Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek adventure.
Accomodation: Hotel
Duration: 30 min by helicopter and 30 min by plane
Meal: Breakfast
Descent: 4,130 m (from ABC to Pokhara)
Distance: Around 81 km by air to Pokhara & 200 km flight to Kathmandu
8 Day
Final Departure
On the final day of your Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek, our dedicated staff will assist you with a smooth transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Before leaving, you will also be presented with your official trek completion certificate, commemorating your adventure and the unforgettable experiences of the Annapurna region.
This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable adventure, where you experienced the stunning landscapes, cultural villages, and majestic peaks of the Annapurna region from both the trekking trail and the helicopter. You’ll have time to reflect on the memories and breathtaking sights before boarding your flight, bringing your Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek journey to a memorable close.
Duration: 30 min drive to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Distance: Around 6 km
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Cost Includes
Tribhuvan International Airport Drop and pickup service.
1-night accommodation in Kathmandu with a BB plan.
2-night accommodation in Pokhara.
Kathmandu-Pokhara tourist bus ticket (if you need air ticket of Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu you most need to pay extra cost for your ticket)
Pokhara-Nayapool transportation during the trek as per itinerary.
Annapurna base camp to Pokhara helicopter flight cost.
3 meals and Guest House accommodation during the trek.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
A government license holder experienced guide and porters
Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage and all kind of their needs for guides and porters
Free company duffel bags, Trekking Maps, and t-shirt.
First Aid Kit
Service charge and government taxes
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Cost Excludes
Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (besides breakfast).
All kinds of Personal nature expenses (shopping, extra snacks, etc.)
All kinds of drinks(Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea, and coffee.)
Tips for guide and porter.
Extra accommodation and meals outside of the itinerary.
Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
Temperature Chart
Altitude Chart
Useful Info
Best Season For The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek
The best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek is from February to June and September to December. During these periods, the weather is generally clear, providing excellent visibility of the Annapurna mountain range. Spring (February to June) showcases blooming rhododendron forests, lush greenery, and pleasant temperatures along the trekking trails. Autumn (September to December) offers crisp air, stable weather, and panoramic Himalayan views, making it ideal for photography and sightseeing.
Winter (December to February) can be cold at higher altitudes like Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), while the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, landslides, and slippery trails. However, the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek provides a safe and comfortable option even during less favorable conditions, allowing trekkers to enjoy the majestic peaks and landscapes without hiking long or risky trails.
In summary, planning your ABC Heli Trek between February to June or September to December ensures the best weather, clear mountain views, and an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Why Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek?
Annapurna base camp helicopter tour and ABC Heli trek are one of the best Alternative Adventure trips to everyone. this trek takes you a different experience with high mountain around Annapurna.
FAQ
What is the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek is a unique adventure combining trekking and helicopter flights. Trekkers hike through scenic trails from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp, experiencing forests, rivers, and traditional villages. After reaching ABC, a helicopter takes you back to Pokhara, making it ideal for those short on time or wanting a less strenuous option. This trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
How long does the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek take?
The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek can be completed in 3 to 5 days, depending on your starting point and pace. Usually, trekkers spend 2-3 days hiking to ABC, enjoy the panoramic views, and then take the helicopter back to Pokhara, followed by a flight to Kathmandu. This makes it a perfect short alternative to the traditional 8-10 day ABC trek.
Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return suitable for beginners?
Yes! This version of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is ideal for beginners or trekkers with limited time. The trek involves moderate daily walks, usually 4-6 hours, and the helicopter return reduces the need for descending long trails. Even first-time trekkers can enjoy spectacular views safely while avoiding physical exhaustion on the descent.
What mountains can I see during the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek?
During this trek, you can see iconic peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna II, III, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993 m), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. The helicopter flight back offers a 360-degree aerial panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, which is not possible from ground level alone.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek?
Altitude sickness is minimal compared to traditional ABC trekking because the highest point reached is around 4,130 m, and the helicopter return reduces the duration at high altitude. Trekkers should still ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and follow guide instructions. For sensitive individuals, the helicopter return is a safer alternative.
What are the accommodation and meals like on the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek?
Accommodations are primarily in teahouses and lodges along the trekking route. Meals include local Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Hot meals and basic western options are usually available. After the helicopter return, accommodations in Pokhara and Kathmandu are typically hotels with standard amenities.
How physically demanding is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?
The trek is considered moderate. Daily walking is 4-6 hours over hilly trails with occasional steep sections. The helicopter return eliminates the long descent, making it accessible to trekkers with average fitness. Preparation with uphill walking, light jogging, and leg-strength exercises is recommended.
Are permits required for the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek?
Yes, trekkers need ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card. Your trekking operator usually arranges these permits before departure. These permits are mandatory for hiking and for helicopter landing zones in the Annapurna region.
What makes the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek unique compared to the regular ABC trek?
The helicopter return offers a time-efficient and less physically demanding alternative, while still providing breathtaking mountain vistas. Trekkers experience forests, rivers, rhododendron trails, and ethnic villages on the hike, and then enjoy aerial 360-degree views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and more during the flight back. This combination of trekking and helicopter ride makes it a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan adventure.
