Annapurna Base Camp 10 Days Heli Return Trek is a luxurious trip to the base camp (4130 m / 13550 ft) of Annapurna I. For those unaware, Annapurna I is the tenth highest mountain in the world at 8091 m / 26545 ft. Moreover, it is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. The trip is thus a trek to a high glacial basin lying 40 km directly north of Pokhara. Moreover, this oval-shaped plateau sits at an altitude of over 4000 meters and is surrounded by a ring of mountains. However, the only entrance here is a narrow valley between the peaks of Himchuli and Macchapucchre. The Sanctuary was therefore not penetrated by outsiders until 1956.
The Annapurna Sanctuary receives only 7 hours of sunlight a day at the height of summer. The unique combination of heights and depths inside the sanctuary thus gives an insight into an extraordinary variety of ecosystems. Furthermore, the south-facing slopes are covered in dense tropical jungles of rhododendron and bamboo. While the north-facing slopes, in the rain shadow, have a drier colder climate.
Nonetheless, the panoramic view of the sanctuary from the Annapurna Base Camp is breathtaking and never experienced like before. Due to the same, the number of trekkers to the Sanctuary has increased substantially. Additionally, it is because the Sanctuary forms the base of one of the major routes to the peaks of the Annapurna range. The Annapurna Sanctuary is now part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). This therefore adds restrictions on the number of outside travelers, gathering of firewood, and domestic animal grazing.
Moreover, during your journey you will also be experiencing a diverse range of flora and fauna. Additionally the travelers will also be exploring the ethnic Gurung cultures and their hospitality while visiting the famous Ghandruk village.
The Annapurna Base Camp Luxury Trek contains an additional perk of helicopter ride back to Pokhara and two way return flight tickets from Kathmandu to Pokhara. With the package you will be enjoying a five star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as well. Additionally you will also be provided with an attached bathroom and hot shower in the mountain guest house where available. The package is thus suitable for all adventure seekers with a limited span of time.
We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Annapurna region for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip. Or, you may as well pay the full amount of USD 1899 for solo travelers or USD 1499 per person (for two or more travelers) to confirm your trip. If you want to go for the booking option, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.
For your 10 Days Annapurna Base Camp Heli Return Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 10. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.
Please click here for a complete checklist of your 10-Days Annapurna Base Camp Heli Return Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.
Once you’ve booked your flight tickets, please share the details with us. Our airport representatives will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can arrange accommodation for extra nights and add-on tours as well for additional cost and provide complimentary airport pickup.
The actual trekking days are from Day 3 to Day 7. The trip begins with a short (20 minutes) flight to Pokhara on Day 2. You’ll then take a jeep ride to Birethanti on Day 3 to commence the trek. Moreover, the travelers will reach Annapurna Base Camp on Day 7. During the trek, the travelers will take night halts in Ghandruk, Chomrong, Bamboo, Deurali and ABC. Expect to spend 6 Days and 5 nights completing the ABC trek.
Furthermore, the travelers will then take a helicopter ride back to Pokhara on Day 8. You’ll then fly back to Kathmandu on Day 9 and be transferred to your hotel.
Moreover, each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.
Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.
The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Return Trek has a special perk of a 15 minutes helicopter ride back to Pokhara from ABC on Day 8. After the travelers experience their sunrise at ABC on day eight, a helicopter will escort them back to Pokhara Airport.
In Kathmandu & Pokhara, you’ll stay in 5 Star Category Hotels with twin / double sharing beds.
During the trek, your accommodation options will be a mountain guest house with private bathroom and hot showers (where available). Some days (one or two nights) might have tea houses as your accommodation. Although basic, these tea houses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.
In Kathmandu & Pokhara, your package includes breakfast only. They are typically served buffet-style. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.
Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trail.
On your flight to Pokhara, the total baggage weight allowance is 25 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 15-20 kilos in your checked bag and 5-10 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 25-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel for storage at no extra cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.
Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.
Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to the Annapurna region and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.
You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 100 to 150 equivalent Nepali rupees for the same. Additionally, set aside another USD 100 to 150 for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.
Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. You may also utilize the full 25 kgs if you are a solo traveler. Or you may hire a private porter for extra cost as well. Both guide and porter will be fully insured and well equipped with necessary items & first aid kit.
1. Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m)
2. KTM-PKR-KTM domestic flight tickets
3. Helicopter ride from ABC to Pokhara on Day 8
4. Explore the beautiful city of Pokhara
5. Experience Gurung culture and traditions
6. Five Star accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara
7. Mountain Guest House with private bathroom & hot shower (where available)