Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek

On this trek, travel involves short domestic flights, private ground transfers and a chartered helicopter ride. The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes) is quite short and gives you superb views of the Himalayas from above, should you have clear weather. Transfers to/from the airport, as well as ground transport between locations such as Kathmandu and the trailhead at Ulleri, are via private car/van throughout the trek.

This trip incorporates a fantastic, chartered helicopter ride from Annapurna Base Camp straight back to Pokhara on Day 8, removing what would have been 3 or 4 days of descent from the itinerary. Helicopter transfers depend on good visibility, so although not often delayed during main trekking seasons, it is a good idea to leave your on-ward arrangements in Pokhara or at least buffer some time in.

Meals on the trek are served full board including breakfast, lunch, and dinner and tea or coffee is served with each. On the menu at tea houses along the trek routes will be found Nepali dal bhat (lentil and rice dish), noodle soups, fried rice, momos, pastas, as well as basic breakfasts such as porridge, eggs and pancakes. Vegetarian and vegan food are quite easily arranged at tea houses as the base of most diets on the trek is dal bhat and vegetable options. 

Water available along the trail at the tea houses will be boiled, filtered and bottled, although it is advisable to take your own refillable water bottle and use this for boiled or filtered water to save money and on plastic. 

Purification tablets or a water filter is recommended for emergencies.

Accommodation on the trek is based in twin sharing tea houses that are deemed "best available" for the particular stage of the itinerary. While the accommodations are fairly simple and comfortable on lower altitude levels such as Ulleri, Ghorepani and Chhomrong, they tend to get more basic towards Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) with communal eating areas acting as the evening congregation point. Accommodation on both ends in Kathmandu will be a 3 star hotel on B&B.

Trekking in this region requires specific permits, both of which are included in the Nepal Adventure Holidays package.

• Trekking entry permit for the Annapurna region

• TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

• Permit checkpoints are located at designated points along the trekking route

• Permits are processed in advance by the trekking company through offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara

The trek is moderately difficult, it consists of 6 days of continuous trekking where on most of these days, the walking time would be between 5 and 8 hours, and the daily trekking distance not exceeding 14 kilometers. The trail follows stone paths, forest trails, and glaciated moraine when it gets close to Annapurna Base Camp, while having considerable Net Altitude gain from 800m altitude from Pokhara to 4130m altitude from ABC.

Some previous trekking experience is useful, and good physical shape is required as Days 4 and Day 6 are relatively longer on days, also there is the benefit of Helicopter back down from Day 8 to give us rest after longer days, thus this itinerary should not be that hard compared to typical trek back round Annapurna Base camp.

Gradual altitude gain over the six trekking days allows for reasonable natural acclimatization, even though the itinerary does not include a dedicated rest day. The overnight stops at Chhomrong and Upper Sinuwa serve as useful pacing points before the final push into higher altitude terrain, and the guide will monitor the group's condition closely as the trail approaches Machapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Staying well hydrated, eating well, and maintaining a steady pace throughout the trek are the most effective ways to support acclimatization on this itinerary.

Reaching 4,130 meters means altitude sickness is a genuine consideration on this trek, and trekkers should be aware of the signs and appropriate responses.

Symptoms:

• Headache and dizziness

• Nausea or loss of appetite

• Fatigue beyond normal exertion

• Shortness of breath at rest or mild activity

Prevention strategies:

• Maintain a steady, unhurried pace on ascent days

• Stay well hydrated throughout the trek

• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals at higher elevations

• Communicate openly with your guide about how you're feeling

Immediate actions if symptoms appear:

• Inform your guide immediately

• Rest and avoid further ascent until symptoms subside

• Descend to a lower elevation if symptoms worsen

• Seek medical attention or emergency evacuation support if symptoms become severe

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layers

• Insulated down jacket

• Waterproof and windproof outer shell

• Trekking trousers

• Warm hat and sun hat

• Insulated gloves

• Wool-blend trekking socks

Trekking Gear

• Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots

• Trekking poles

• Headlamp with spare batteries

• Daypack (30–40 liters)

• Warm sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)

Personal Items

• Reusable water bottle

• Water purification tablets or filter

• Energy snacks and bars

• UV-protective sunglasses

• Quick-dry travel towel

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Biodegradable soap or wet wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm

Electronics

• Power bank

• Universal travel adapter

• Camera or smartphone

• Spare batteries or charging cables

Documents

• Passport and visa copies

• Passport-sized photos

• Travel insurance documents (including helicopter evacuation coverage)

• Printed itinerary and permit copies

Medicines

• Personal prescription medication

• Basic first-aid kit

• Diarrhea and altitude sickness medication

• Blister plasters and pain relievers

The preparation physically for this trekking trail more than for short trekkings since days on consecutive days with the long trekking hours in altitude. It is essential that one develops cardio training by hiking regularly in days with weeks before departure for walking/jogging/ cycling or using stair climber in days. It would be better if one practices with load with their daypack and walk through uphill to have a similar trek on the terrain on real trekking days especially the days with long hiking with the day 4 and 6. 

The weather can change from day to day in the Annapurna Sanctuary, especially in the higher elevation nearby Annapurna Base Camp with the rapid drops in temperature, winds and sudden light snow falls even out of monsoon season. 

So, in general the trek comes with experienced guide and porter from us to offer safety on the journey.

Key preparation and safety points:

• Build cardio and endurance fitness 8–10 weeks before the trek

• Train on hilly terrain with a loaded pack

• Trek with an experienced guide and porter for safety and support

• Monitor weather forecasts closely, especially ahead of the helicopter flight day

• Carry essential first-aid and altitude sickness medication

• Follow your guide's pacing and rest recommendations throughout the sanctuary section

Adequate travel insurance is compulsory for this trekking tour and isn't included in the trek price. Taking into account the helicopter flights, as well as the altitude you'll be gaining, it is crucial to check that your policy provides coverage for helicopter evacuations if an emergency occurs, and also high altitude trekking, up to a minimum of 4500m.

Standard policies can exclude both these activities, so it's advisable to check with your provider or consider an adventure travel insurance policy for your trip.

Your Annapurna experience all in one day with an added extra, instead of spending 4 more days walking down, you’ll jump on board a thrilling helicopter ride back down to Pokhara. This Annapurna trek allows you to explore the beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary including local Gurung villages, rhododendron forest and to end the trek with a standing ovation to the Annapurna I base Camp, alongside some of the worlds tallest mountains, in just 9 days.

Whether you only have limited holiday time, or looking for an adventurous and exotic end to your trekking in Nepal, we have crafted this unique adventure just for you! Book Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek with our team at Nepal Adventure Holidays now!