Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek is a short but exciting trip to the middle of the Himalayas. The adventure of trekking combines with the luxury of helicopter ride and presents breathtaking views without having to hike for hours.
From Pokhara, the trekkers hike to the beautiful villages, green forests and beautiful valleys during treks across the country to experience and discover the rich culture and nature of Nepal.
Picked up by a helicopter after some stage, trekkers are flown to Annapurna Base Camp where you will see snow loaded tops, for example, Annapurna I, Machapuchare and Hiunchuli.
Additionally, people with limited time or physical limitations can be given an opportunity to be close to the beauty of the Himalayas.
A perfect combination of adventure, comforts and splendid scenery, Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek is suitable for anyone looking for an extraordinary Himalayan trip without days of walking.
To start with, the trek takes about 3 to 4 hours of stunning drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda (1,780m). As you go to the green hills and terraces of fields, the local villages will follow you along the way.
From here onwards until Chhomrong (2,170 m) the trek route is easy. Enjoy the beautiful Gurung village, breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The trail involves crossing a long suspension bridge and hiking stone steps through a rhododendron forest.
In Chhomrong you will once settle in a cozy teahouse, eat a warm meal and you enjoy the majestic Himalayan peaks. This first day is an adventure and cultural immersion mixed day.
After breakfast, the route takes through forests, ridges and waterfalls to Himalaya (2,920m). After crossing Sinuwa and Bamboo, which are small settlements, most famous for their unspoiled atmosphere and rich in greenery, you will cross the Iron Chain Bridge.
As you leave the valley, the landscape begins to change, as there are less and less trees and more open mountain views as you gain altitude. The trail runs along the Modi Khola river to Deurali from where it is a short climb to Himalaya. Upon arrival, you will see the most amazing setting sun over the mountains turning the peaks golden and resulting in an unbelievable moment. An excellent place to relax and acclimatize, and readying for the last bit of the Annapurna Base Camp walk the following day.
Today is the day you have been waiting for the most: the day when you are heading towards the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). The trail passes through Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3,700m), when the valley unwinds giving away extraordinary views of great peaks. On reaching ABC, you will be taken in the midst of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Trekkers should be in good aerobic condition as the trek takes between 5 and 6 hours and is very physically demanding, but very rewarding. When arriving in Annapurna Sanctuary, you are able to relax, take photos, and admire the unique beauty of the Annapurna Sanctuary. At night ABC is magical, the sky is clear and the stars light up the Himalayas, a sight, such as in most cases, we’ve never forgotten.
See a sensational dawn break over the Annapurna range, but you need to get up early to do so. Highlight of the trip is the spectacular view of the snow covered peaks reflecting in the golden morning light. Following your warm breakfast you will be boarding a helicopter for a thrilling flight back to Pokhara. The 30 minute helicopter ride encompasses the Annapurna Sanctuary and the Modi River Valley, as well as reaching the lush hills below. This way is perfect to conclude the trek as it provides you the excitement of trek as well as the luxury of swift return. After the wonderful Himalayan adventure you can relax by Phewa Lake in Pokhara.