Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek

5.00/5 from 8 reviews
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek takes you to Nepal's second most popular trekking trail in the north-central region. Once off-limit, the Annapurna Sanctuary now offers a breathtaking wilderness experience.
At a Glance
  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration9 days
  • Trip DifficultyEasy to Moderate
  • ActivitiesTrekking
  • AccommodationHotel/Lodges
  • MealsB.L.D
  • Max. Elevation4130m.
  • Group SizeMin. 2 Pax
  • Best TimeMarch - May and Sept - Dec

Trip Overview

Nepal Hiking Team offers an exceptional tour package to explore the serene Annapurna massif and its indigenous community! Our Annapurna exclusive package, '9-day Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek,'  combines the best aerial commute via chopper and an exhilarating trekking experience!

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Heli trek begins and ends at Kathmandu. While on the journey to ABC (4,130 m), you will come across Nepal's second-most favorite tourist destination - Pokhara. It is a sprawling city on the banks of Phewa Lake. The hike from Birethanti, the trailhead, will take you across lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, mountain streams, and many dainty villages of Annapurna's Indigenous communities like Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Manange, and Loba. 

You will also encounter Buddhist structures in the Annapurna region, such as monasteries, stupas, and shrines. It will be an enriching cultural immersion for you as you connect with the deep spiritual faith of people living in this mountainous region.

The highlight of our nine-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the 25-minute helicopter ride from the ABC to Pokhara. After days of hiking on these rugged trails, it will be a rewarding experience.

Also, the spectacular view of the Annapurna massif from the chopper is bound to leave you amazed. You will see prominent peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre (6,997 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and others. 

Best Highlights of the 9-day ABC Heli trek

  • Experience the perfect combination of a challenging trek and a luxurious chopper ride in the Annapurna region
  • A visit to Pokhara, the famous tourist city on the banks of Phewa Lake
  • Explore the diverse wildlife of Annapurna Conservation Area; there are snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, hundreds of bird species, and many more
  • Get the thrill of walking on high-suspension bridges with gushing rivers flowing beneath
  • Connect with the spiritual ambiance of the region by joining prayer sessions at Buddhist monasteries 
  • A chance to engage with the local community by interacting and observing their customs, traditions, and dialects
  • Discover the harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions of the Annapurna region 
  • A splendid panoramic view of Mt Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt Annapurna (8,091 m), and other mountains from Poon Hill station
  • Relish the great sense of accomplishment on ascending the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
  • An exhilarating helicopter ride from Annapurna Base Camp to Pokhara provides breathtaking views of the snowy peaks of the Annapurna massif.

How to Get Annapurna Base Camp/Route Overview 

The unforgettable journey to the heart of Nepal, Annapurna, begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

A Nepal Hiking Team member will receive you at the airport and drive you to your hotel around in Thamel. Being the tourist hub of Kathmandu, you will find many attractions here in Thamel.

After a short briefing session, our staff will leave you to either rest or explore the nearby attractions. The following day, you will fly to Pokhara - the gateway to the Annapurna region and Nepal's most popular tour destination after Kathmandu.

Once in Pokhara, you will take a motor ride to Birethanti - our 10-day ABC trek trailhead. From there, you will trek through Ulleri (1,960 m), Ghorepani (2,860 m), all the way to Poon Hill (3,210 m) - the famous vantage point overlooking the Annapurna massif. You can catch spectacular views of Mt Annapurna I (8,091 m), Mt Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt Annapurna South (7,219 m), Mt Machhapuchhre (6,993), and others from Poon Hill.

Tracing your steps back to Ghorepani, you will walk towards Chuile (2,195 m) and Sinuwa (2,340 m), which are small villages of Gurung and Magar ethnicity, before reaching Deurali (3,200 m). The next destination will be Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), 3,700 meters above sea level. From MBC, you will finally hike up to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).

You will have ample time to relish your successful ascent of the Annapurna Base Camp. This brings us to the rewarding phase of the trek - the helicopter ride! The next day, you will take a chopper ride from ABC to Pokhara and then a flight back to Kathmandu.

After an overnight stay in Kathmandu, one of our Nepal Hiking Team members will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport to catch your return flight back to your home.

Join us for an exclusive Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour! The Nepal Hiking Team is ever-ready to be your partner in this exciting adventure!

Alternative Treks for ABC Trek with Helicopter Tour?

We have plenty of other alternative heli tours with the Nepal Hiking Team!

A popular alternative is the 11-day Luxury Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, which combines a hike to the Everest Base Camp with a scenic helicopter ride back to Kathmandu.

The 8-day Langtang Valley Heli Trek is another excellent option! After your successful ascent of Cherko Ri (5,050 m), you will board a chopper from Kyangjuma Gompa and fly back to Kathmandu. 

We also have an 11-day Gokyo Heli Shuttle Trek, where you will be flown back to Lukla from Gokyo village at the end of your tour.

Contact the Nepal Hiking Team for further inquiries. We are always ready to assist you in realizing your dream holidays.

Short Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
  • Day 02:Fly to Pokhara 25-min, then trek to Ulleri(1960m/6,400 ft), Distance: 9 - 10 km, Duration: 5 hours
  • Day 03:Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2880m/9448 ft), Distance: 8 km, Duration: 7 hours
  • Day 04:Morning Hike to Poonhill (3210m/10,530ft) then trek to Chuile, Distance: 12 - 14 km, Duration: 7 - 8 hours
  • Day 05:Trek from Chuile to Upper SInuwa (2630m/8630ft) via Chhomrong, Distance: 6 - 7 km, Duration: 5 hours
  • Day 06:Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali (3230m/10,597 ft), Distance: 13 - 14 km, Duration: 6 -7 hours
  • Day 07:Ascend from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m/13550 ft) via MBC, Distance: 8 km, Duration: 5 hours
  • Day 08:Helicopter Ride to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu, Duration: 30 minutes
  • Day 09:Departure from Kathmandu

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Return flight Pokhara to Kathmandu including departure tax.
  • Charter Helicopter flight from Annapurna Base camp to Pokhara.
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
  • One highly experienced, helpful & friendly guide porter (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, accidental insurance etc.
  • Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket, and sleeping bag during the trek
  • Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate
  • First aid medicine kit with Oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
  • All permits and paperworks are included (Please bring 3 passport photographs)
  • Government taxes & office service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Hot showers during the trek
  • All kind of cold drinks e.g. water, coke, Fanta, juice etc.
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver

Detail Itinerary

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Trip Route Map

Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek Route Map

Elevation Chart

Detailed Elevation and Duration Chart of the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek

Trip FAQS

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PRACTICAL QUESTIONS

BOOKING POLICY

Airport Pickup and Accommodation Arrangements

PREPARATION/EQUIPMENT

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Annapurna Base Camp

Good to Know

Best time for Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek

Nepal's best time for trekking is during Spring and Autumn, as there is less precipitation and a much clearer sky, resulting in better visibility. Temperature remains moderate during these months, providing pleasant weather conditions for trekking. The same goes for trekking in the Annapurna region; the best time to book your 10-day Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek is during spring (March-May) and summer (September-December). There is, however, a slight drawback. The trails get crowded during these months. 

If you are pressed for time and cannot make it during these seasons, we can arrange an  Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek during the off-season. However, it would help if you took extra precautions as it could get risky due to rain, snow, and colder temperatures. With proper precautions, seasoned trekkers may still enjoy the Annapurna trek during these off-seasons. 

Is Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek Challenging?

Difficulty-wise, the ABC Heli Tour falls under the easy-to-moderate category. Trekkers of all levels can participate in this trek as we, the Nepal Hiking Team, have put significant thought into designing this itinerary to make it accessible for all age groups.

You will traverse diverse landscapes on this trek, which may make it moderately challenging for novice trekkers. The highest point on this trail is the ABC (4,130 m). However, regular rests at water stops and the leisurely pacing of the journey for proper acclimatization combined can still make this adventure enjoyable.

Cost and Date

Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.

The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 9 days Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.

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