Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
- 9 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–December)
We combine a classic trek through Gurung villages to the Annapurna Sanctuary with a helicopter flight back to Pokhara.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our nine-day Annapurna Base Camp trek takes us deep into the high amphitheatre known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. We start our journey by leaving Kathmandu for Pokhara, then heading to the trailhead at Birethanti. From there, our route climbs stone staircases and winds through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests past villages settled by Gurung and Magar communities.
We walk through Ulleri, Ghorepani, and ascend Poon Hill at 3,210 m for panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. Continuing along the Modi Khola river valley, our ascent leads past Machhapuchhre Base Camp and finally onto the glacial moraine of Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m. This route suits hikers with good cardiovascular fitness who are comfortable with consecutive days of uphill and downhill walking on stone steps.
The physical challenge of the climb is balanced by a direct helicopter flight from Annapurna Base Camp back to Pokhara. This aerial route provides close-up views of the Annapurna massif before we catch our connecting flight back to Kathmandu. Teahouses along the trail provide basic twin-share rooms and standard meals, keeping our expedition self-contained.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Poon Hill Sunrise
We climb early to the ridge at 3,210 m to watch the sun hit the ice faces of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Annapurna Sanctuary
We spend a night surrounded by a ring of peaks exceeding 7,000 m inside the glacial basin at 4,130 m.
Helicopter Return
We board a helicopter at base camp for a direct flight over the Modi Khola gorge down to Pokhara.
Gurung Villages
We pass through terraced farming settlements like Chomrong and Sinuwa, interacting with local families.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team greets you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. We hold a pre-trek briefing in the afternoon to check your gear and discuss safety protocols for the days ahead.
Day 2
Fly to Pokhara, drive to Birethanti, trek to Ulleri (1,960 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Fly to Pokhara, drive to Birethanti, trek to Ulleri (1,960 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a short drive to Birethanti to begin our trek. Today's walking involves climbing numerous stone steps through bamboo and oak forests until we reach the ridge village of Ulleri.
Day 3
Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,880 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,880 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail continues to climb through rhododendron woods, passing minor streams and rest stops with views of Hiunchuli. We arrive by afternoon in the mountain village of Ghorepani, set against the backdrop of Dhaulagiri.
Day 4
Poon Hill (3,210 m) to Chuile (2,195 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Poon Hill (3,210 m) to Chuile (2,195 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill for sunrise views over the main Himalayan chain before returning to Ghorepani for breakfast. Afterward, we walk along forested ridges down toward Tadapani and descend further to settle in Chuile village.
Day 5
Chuile to Upper Sinuwa (2,630 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Chuile to Upper Sinuwa (2,630 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We descend through terraced fields to cross the Kimrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climb steeply toward Chomrong. From Chomrong, we drop down stone steps to cross the Chomrong Khola before ascending to Upper Sinuwa.
Day 6
Upper Sinuwa to Deurali (3,230 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Upper Sinuwa to Deurali (3,230 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our path leads past Kuldi Ghar through dense bamboo forests and narrow rocky gorges along the Modi Khola. The route levels out as we approach the alpine clearing of Deurali for our overnight stop.
Day 7
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We trek past Machhapuchhre Base Camp into the wide glacial basin known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. Continuing steadily up the moraine, we reach Annapurna Base Camp in time to view the surrounding peaks in the afternoon light.
Day 8
Helicopter to Pokhara, fly to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Helicopter to Pokhara, fly to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our helicopter at Annapurna Base Camp for a scenic flight down to Pokhara over the rugged mountain terrain. After some time by Phewa Lake, we take a domestic flight back to Kathmandu for our final night.
Day 9
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 9
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our transport takes you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your return flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Helicopter flight from Annapurna Base Camp to Pokhara
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on the trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porter support
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card registration
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency rescue
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging at teahouses
- Personal tips for guides and porters
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We reach a maximum elevation of 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp. Because our ascent is relatively rapid, we monitor all team members for signs of acute mountain sickness and maintain a steady, measured pace.
Accommodation on trek
Teahouses along the Annapurna route provide simple twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. Bathroom facilities are shared at higher elevations, and rooms are unheated.
Physical preparation
This trek requires walking for 5 to 7 hours per day over uneven stone staircases and steep inclines. Cardiovascular endurance training and knee-strengthening exercises are essential before arrival.
Weather conditions
Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly from clear mornings to afternoon cloud cover or precipitation. Packing layers for both warm sun and freezing temperatures is necessary.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking boots with ankle supportEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to the trip to prevent blisters.
Down jacket rated for sub-zero temperaturesEssential
Clothing
Required for cold mornings and nights at base camp.
Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against rain and mountain squalls.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Crucial for protecting knees on stone stair descents.
Sleeping bag rated to -15°CEssential
Camping
Teahouse blankets are often insufficient at higher camps.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for early morning starts like the Poon Hill hike.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency evacuation up to 5,000 m.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
PermitRequired for entry into the Annapurna region conservation area.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for safety tracking.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek?
The trek is rated easy to moderate. You should be prepared for long days of walking up and down stone stairs, with the highest point reaching 4,130 m.
What happens if weather cancels the helicopter return?
If bad weather prevents the helicopter from flying out of Annapurna Base Camp, we will hike down along the standard trail as a safety backup.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous multi-day hiking experience is helpful but not strictly required, provided you maintain good physical fitness and stamina.
Are charging and hot showers available on the trail?
Hot showers and device charging are available at most teahouses for a small extra fee, though availability decreases at higher altitudes.
What permits do I need for this trek?
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, both of which are arranged by our team.
How much weight can my porter carry?
Our porters carry a shared duffel bag with a weight limit of 10 kg per trekker. You will carry a daypack with your personal items.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 9 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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