Nepal is a country with eight of the ten tallest mountains in the world and a gorgeous Himalayan range. If you wish to visit them all, or even see just the popular ones, a helicopter tour is the quickest yet most immersive way. In Nepal, there are a lot of Heli tour packages that you can choose including the Everest Heli tour, the ABC Heli tour (Annapurna base camp), the Rara Heli tour, and more.
For first-timers, the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is an adventure trip that offers a unique way to explore the beautiful Annapurna region of Nepal. This two-hour Heli tour makes you feel more than just two hours. It takes you on a scenic helicopter ride to the base of the Annapurna mountains, where you can experience trekking, local culture, and food.
The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is a thrilling adventure that takes you on a helicopter ride to the base of the Annapurna mountains and the Annapurna region (not just the mountain). You can either start the tour from the capital city of Kathmandu or the city of Pokhara. Popularly, most tourists prefer the tour from Pokhara. This tour offers a unique way to explore the Annapurna region and provides stunning views of the Himalayas.
From Pokhara, the trip by helicopter to Annapurna Base Camp will start. The Annapurna Base Camp, Mounts Annapurna, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and their ranges are all fairly close by from Pokhara valley. It takes a helicopter 15 minutes to fly through breathtaking mountain scenery to get to ABC. A helicopter window provides a 360-degree view of the majestic Annapurna range including Mount Fishtail (Locally Machhapuchre), Mount Annapurna I (at 8,091m), Mount Dhaulagiri (at 8,167m), and other Himalayan peaks.
There are two types of heli tours available for the ABC region. They’re charter basis private helicopter tours and group-joining helicopter tours. If you’re with a group or want to fly private, you can book the charter basis flight. In this, you (or your group) will book the helicopter and pay for the flight.
If you’re flying solo or duo and do not want to book the whole helicopter, you can choose a group joining flight. This package will include a total of five passengers that have booked individually. The full capacity of the helicopter is five people. The tour typically lasts 2-3 hours and costs around $360 – $420 per person. You can contact private heli tour operators like Simrik Air, Nepal Helicopter tour, Air dynasty, and more to book your flight. However, if you decide to go with Pokhara Info, we will manage all the hassles for the tour including the booking, and paperwork, and let you enjoy the tour effortlessly.
The best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp by helicopter is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is clear and stable, making it perfect for a scenic flight and trekking. The tour generally starts in the morning as it’s the best time of the day to view the mountainous region without much clouds or fog. It’s important to note that the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. So, it’s best to check weather forecasts and plan your trip accordingly.
You can select private helicopter providers such as Simrik Air (a recognized airline in Nepal) that has Airbus H125, 9N AJI, or Bell 407GXP helicopters. To make a flight reservation, you can go to the official Simrik air website.
The Annapurna Base Camp Heli tour begins with a scenic flight from the Pokhara valley. Since Pokhara International Airport is the closest takeoff location to the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour begins there. The Heli trip lasts for about 2-3 hours, taking into account the 30-minute flight time to the base camp. A member of the staff will provide a brief introduction to the members of the flight crew before outlining basic safety considerations that must be adhered to at all costs while on the charter. Safety is the first concern. Before getting on the helicopter, it’s necessary to make sure that you have understood all the instructions.
We formally begin the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour as we soar over the picturesque city of Pokhara (1,400 m), admiring the enchanted Fewa Lake. You will get to see some breathtaking vistas of heavenly nature interspersed by the sporadic Magar and Gurung settlements along the road. The massive snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna mountain range greet you after a 30-minute flight.
Staying for more than 30 minutes can be dangerous because the base camp is at a height of 4,130 meters. Acute Mountain Sickness could result from quickly gaining such a high altitude (AMS). Nonetheless, thirty minutes is more than time for us to take in some sightseeing, record some priceless moments, and savor a hearty and delicious meal. Thereafter, we go back to the airport in Pokhara.
There are a few important factors you should consider before you think of engaging in an ABC Heli tour.
Even kids and senior citizens can perfectly experience the ABC heli tour. While the tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, it’s important to be physically prepared for the trek. Regular exercise and cardiovascular training are recommended.
You’ll need to bring appropriate clothing and equipment for the trek. This includes warm clothing, hiking boots, and a daypack. It’s recommended to pack light to make the helicopter ride more comfortable.
Since you’ll be trekking at a high altitude, it’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. You’ll need to spend a few days in Kathmandu before the tour to adjust to the altitude.
The trek to the Annapurna Base Camp takes more than 10 days. There are a lot of things you can do in those ten days including:
With ABC heli tour, you can still view most of these attractions but do not have to spend the two weeks trekking and hiking. However, Pokhara Info also has ABC trekking tours available if you’re a trekking enthusiast.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour provides a singular approach to appreciating the Himalayas’ natural splendor. This tour is ideal for adventurers looking to experience the area in a secure and pleasant manner because it offers breathtaking mountain views, trekking, local culture, and delicious food.
In the Annapurna region lays the Tharpu Chuli Peak, also known as the Tent Peak, due to its peculiar shape. It sits in the middle of the Annapurna Sanctuary amidst one of the most magnificent mountain ranges. Generally, Tharpu Chuli Peak is considered to be one of the easier climbs in Nepal; it is appropriate for beginners and those who wish to climb their first mountains.
Overview
This trip combines trekking to the base camp and visiting local villages like Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and Dovan. The trip offers superb views of mountains such as Mount Gangapurna (7455 m.), Machhapuchhre (6997 m.), and Hiunchuli (6331 m.), as well as the Annapurna massifs.
As you walk past the moraine fields, draped glaciers, and alpine Himalayan terrains of the Annapurna, the view, once you reach the summit of Tharpu Chuli Peak, is breathtaking. As the Annapurna Sanctuary is a habitat of abundant flora and fauna, you’ll be sure to see the natural wildlife of the area. We will also encounter the culture of the Gurung people, the abundance of botanical diversity, and the tranquility of the Modi Khola River.
Our hike to Poon Hill and the ABC, which can be challenging at times, is another highlight of this tour in addition to our summit. Hence, we recommend that all our travelers be in good health and train for a physically demanding trip.
Tharpu Chuli Peak Itinerary
Our second day is set aside to visit the world heritage sites of Kathmandu valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple. We spend the night at the hotel, including breakfast.
We depart for Pokhara after breakfast. The road to Pokhara is picturesque, with a river, gorges, valleys, rice terraces, and rocky cliffs. After checking in to the hotel, we go boating on the scenic Fewa Lake in the evening. From the lake, you can see a reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Range.
We will drive/taxi to Naya Pul (42km) after breakfast at 07:30 am via Lumle, a local village. We will then walk for about 20 minutes to Birethanti, a large, prosperous town. A trail leads through bamboo forests and past a swimming hole and waterfall on Birethanti's main street.
As you ascend up the side of the valley, you reach the grassy pasture used by pony caravans. After lunch, the trail climbs gradually up the side of the valley until you reach Tikhe Dhunga.
Near the campsite, the trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge. Next, the trail ascends to the large Magar village of Ulleri at 2080m via a steep stone staircase. Above the village, the trail winds through the pastures and fields until it reaches the Tikhe Dhunga camp.
One hour's walk above Ulleri is a campsite and a water stop. The path crosses two sparkling streams before doing one last climb to Nangethanti, where we stop for lunch. Thanti means "rest house" in Nepali. In winter, there are snowshoes available to travel the trail.
Afterward, we will take a trek to Ghorepani (2850 m), where we can see the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m), Tukuche Nilgiri (6940 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), and Hiunchuli (6441 m). Dinner, breakfast, and overnight at the guesthouse included.
We will get up early this morning and hike to Poon Hill. From here, we will be able to see a splendid view of sunrise and the Himalayan range, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Fishtail. After exploring Poonhill, we will return to Ghorepani.
We start the day with a steep descent as we leave Tadapani, then descend steeply through forests until we reach Chhomrong, the Gurung village.
The trail descends to Chhomrong Khola today & we climb up to Khuldighar at 2380m, where there is an ACAP checkpoint. The hike is a continuous descent today.
After ascending through bamboo and rhododendron forests, we reach Dovan, then the Himalayan Hotel, and Hinko at 3020m. We stay in Deurali, which is located just above Hinko & is the most avalanche-prone area.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) is no longer a base camp since climbing the mountain is prohibited, and the trail carries on to the Annapurna Base Camp since mountain ranges surround the base camp. Alternatively, you can trek two hours to Annapurna Base Camp and view the mountain scenery there. You will get even better views there. This area is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary.
For those who don't want to climb, hiking from the camp can be quite pleasant and exciting. We struggle against the glaciated mountain pass on our way to Tent peak high camp/Tharpu Chuli base camp. Exotic ecosystems and jaw-dropping vistas of the Himalayan peaks of Nepal can also be enjoyed. Bed and breakfast are included, as are lunch and dinner.
Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and how to use climbing equipment such as ice axes, climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, ascend, etc., as well as how to go up and down using ropes after lunch.
Although prior training experience is not necessary for peak climbing, we believe it will enhance your confidence and climbing skills, as well as your ability to reach the summit and thoroughly enjoy the experience.
A strenuous climb takes us to the summit of Tent Peak. From there, we enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Annapurna range. Once we've reached our goal, we return to Annapurna Base Camp.
The weather on the planned summit day (day 12) cannot be guaranteed to be quite favorable, so we plan to summit the peak on this day if weather conditions are not favorable on day 12 or other reasons prevent us from summiting the peak.
In the event of a very poor weather forecast, it might be wise to postpone summiting the peak. Sometimes the acclimatization process for someone may not be as good as it should be; in those conditions, an extra day may be useful.
The tour includes a hike to a hidden valley and a trek back to Bamboo. Overnight in a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
The evening can be spent in the hot springs. Overnight in a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
After a trek to Matque, we return back to Pokhara.
After a thrilling and wonderful trip, we return back to Kathmandu. The next day is free for you to explore or rest in Kathmandu, depending on your inclination.
After you’ve enjoyed the thrilling and joyful experience, you can choose whether to visit other beautiful places in Nepal or head back home. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a fantastic time.
We can accommodate group tours for this trip; however, you may also opt for a private tour according to your liking. We can arrange private trips at any time of the year at any date of your choosing. Please let us know what your preferred travel dates are so that we can accommodate you.
Finally, When you are ready to start adventures in Nepal, it is time to begin thinking about what to pack. If you are ready to book but aren’t sure when is the best time to trek or what to stay in, Pokhara Info has got you covered. You can figure out these queries through our site. We can also be found on Facebook and Instagram, and other social media sites. Hope you have a good time in Nepal, and thank you for visiting!
Between Jomsom-Muktinath and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail, the Khopra Danda Trek presents an eco-friendly nature alternative. The Panorama Himalayas Viewpoint Trekking spotting point at Khopra Danda is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna Region, which is connected to two other popular treks: the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The Khopra trek is much better than the similar Poon hill trek for those who do not want to deal with crowds.
In addition to Khayer Lake, a Hindu sacred site, high pastures, and a temporary herder’s settlement, we also travel through rhododendron forests and past Tibetan-looking villages. And, of course, we walk along the ridge itself. The Khopra Ridge at 3,660m is at the end of a steady ascent through alpine meadows and pastures, and it offers a superb vantage point overlooking Kali Gandaki River in the world’s deepest gorge. From the ridge, magnificent peaks shimmer in snow and ice.
There are several teahouse treks in Khopra Ridge. The trail to Khopra Ridge is also very prominent, although one should be aware of diverting to other villages along the way.
During the hike along Khopra Ridge, you can see Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and Dhampus Peak. Additionally, you can see one of the most spectacular valleys on the Kali Gandaki River from this trail. Furthermore, the main attractions of this particular Trek are Khayer Barahi Temple or Khayer Lake, Narchyang village, Tatopani village, and Ghandruk village.
A spectacular Himalayan panorama can be seen while trekking from the Khopra ridge of Mount Annapurna (8,000 meters), Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Dhampus peak, Tukuche peak, Himchuli, Gurja Himal. It is favorable to trek to Annapurna Khopra Trek in the months of March to June and September to November because Annapurna Khopra trek weather in these months is excellent.
There is only one long walking day (which can be a challenge, and the view from the summit rivals any viewpoint in the Himalayas). So this Trek is the perfect way to view and experience the beauty of the Himalayas landscape and mountain ranges in a more serene and one-on-one manner. Over nine days, the Khopra Ridge trek covers a distance of 70 kilometers, covering an average of 8 kilometers a day. Your stay for the day usually ends in the early evening.
Like any other trekking destination near the Annapurna region, you’ll need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Park (ACAP) permit, which can be acquired from the Nepal Tourism Board or with our help.
In terms of accommodations, Swanta, Christibung, and Khopra Danda each have two or three lodges, each with five to seven rooms, and each room has two to four beds and an excellent heater. Hence, a group of six to ten people can stay comfortably in the same lodge at each location. However, multiple homestays or tea house accommodations are also available on the trekking route.
The hike from Pokhara to Khopra danda does not contain high altitudes or rugged paths; they are shorter and more relaxing, and you will enjoy the scenery along the way. So it would be best if you prepared accordingly. When we made our first trip to this area, our group of friends brought along the following items with them. We suggest you do the same in order for a similarly comfortable trek.
Nevertheless, you can easily find these items at the trek shops near the lakeside at the beginning of the Trek if you forget any of them.
You will need to obtain a Nepalese visa if you’re a foreign explorer and fly to Kathmandu. Then, after a couple of days of exploring the beautiful Kathmandu valley, you will need to get to Pokhara by flight or by bus. From Pokhara, we will begin our Trek.
Today, a beautiful day starts with a climb up Ulleri's stairs to Banthanti. From Banthanti, the trail passes through the forest, with very few stairs, until we reach Nangethanti. In Nangethati, we have lunch at a place situated in a relaxing forest. After lunch, we need to walk for 1 hour more to Ghorepani, from where you can see Mount Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiri mountain range, Annapurna South, and more.
We drive to Poon Hill at 3210 meters to watch the sunrise over the mountains in the early morning. After you return to Ghorepani, we have breakfast. We then begin our Trek. This Trek is fantastic because it goes through the ridge of the hill until Deurali, where you can try the local cheese of this area. Then the trail separates into two; one goes to Tadapani and the other to Dobato with forests. We continue trekking up the second trail until you reach Dobato, where you'll find an amazing landscape.
The day is exciting today. You wake up early and go to see the views from Mulde Viewpoint in the morning. This is a wonderful viewpoint, better than Poon Hill. Today you trek through the beautiful forest, passing several pastures along the way. You then arrive at Shrsitibang, where you eat lunch and continue the Trek to Khopra Danda, which takes approximately 2.30 hours.
From around six in the morning, you start hiking towards Khayer Lake, where you will gain great views of the Fang and surrounding mountains. Trekking along the ridge, you can see both sides of the mountain. As Hinduism and Buddhism are interrelated, you can see both Hindu and Buddhist temples on the lakeside of Khayer Lake. Khayer Lake is considered a sacred lake by the Hindus, and bathing in its waters is believed to help attain Nirvana.
We hike through a thick forest today to get down to Swanta. The forest is full of rhododendrons, oaks, pines, and other alpine trees. This walk is very relaxing. We stay overnight in Swanta.
The Trek today will take us down to Tatopani, where we will have the opportunity to wash up in a natural hot spring and relax after a long day of trekking. After that, we will stay at Nayapul for the night.
The itinerary mentioned above is the general plan arranged by Pokhara Info. The above itinerary is only a guideline; it might change due to the availability of lodging and campsites, fluctuating weather conditions, unforeseen political, trail, and environmental, or any other factors beyond our control. After consulting with the group, your trek leader will decide the best way to reach a final decision if this occurs.
If the itinerary is unsuitable for you, please let us know, and we will customize it. We will be able to make changes to the itinerary if clients want to do so.
In the end, we follow our steps back home via Pokhara from Nayapul. First, however, do not forget to acknowledge and cherish all the beautiful memories and the gorgeous sceneries you experienced during the Trek during your return home.
Nepal’s enthralling beauty allows travelers to experience heavenly experiences without traveling to heaven. This makes Nepal one of the top travel destinations for tourists, adventurers, and nature lovers alike.
Planning a trek with your family or friends is one of the best ways to enjoy Nepal’s beautiful hills and mountains. Trek to one of Nepal’s numerous hills and mountains allows an individual to enjoy the beauty of Nepal, including the sceneries of rivers, mountains, forests, and many more. Furthermore, it allows you to interact with new people with a different perspective on life.
After completing numerous treks in Nepal, I also learned about the thrilling adventures you could have while learning so much about life, nature, and people of different cultures. On top of that, the trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, which was quite challenging, to be honest, was one of my favorites among the rest due to all the awesome days I got to enjoy while there.
If you, too, want one of the best trekking experiences for yourself or your friends or family, this is a guide to help you do the Annapurna Base Camp trek. At the same time, I, too, will get to relive that crazy experience again and think about the beauty of the Himalayas.
Any random picnic or family gathering can be a great escape from an individual’s day-to-day life. However, a trek to the Annapurna mountain range base camp would be ideal if you were looking for a vacation and wanted to enjoy mother earth’s gift and experience a physically and spiritually fulfilling journey.
In addition, you would be able to see breathtaking hills, villages, and mountains. You can enjoy a wide variety of gorgeous scenery along this trek, from tranquil villages to powerful glaciers and breathtaking mountain views.
Trekking the Annapurna Base Camp is most enjoyable in the shoulder seasons that precede monsoon and just before winter, such as spring or autumn. Furthermore, before starting the trek, be sure that you are in good physical shape and sound health. Getting travel insurance can be a great idea in this situation.
The trek starts from Pokhara, located at 822 meters or around 2700 feet of altitude. Likewise, our destination, the Annapurna Base Camp, is located at 4,130 meters or 13,550 feet.
A trip to such an extreme elevation may result in altitude sickness or even breathlessness, so those with lung issues or similar conditions should avoid the trip. Likewise, you must take all the necessary precautions before embarking on this journey.
Moreover, you will need to walk constantly in a cold climate for many days. Therefore, you will need to bring along the following materials.
All these items are ideal for the expedition, as mentioned above, though not all are essential. Annapurna base camp trek is popular among frequent travelers, so many hotels and homestays offer these supplies at a higher cost than usual.
The Trek Starts
To begin the journey, people outside of Nepal must obtain a Nepalese visa and get to Kathmandu. If you are already in Kathmandu or anywhere else in Nepal, you must travel to Pokhara via plane or another mode of transportation.
The trek starts after you reach Kande or Nayapul from Pokhara. The trek might take 5 to 15 days for a healthy individual, depending on their pace and activities. During the evening, you can choose to stay in the various homestays available in the areas.
Plan your day to hike to Ghorepani village from Ulleri and enjoy the beautiful view of forests full of rhododendron trees along the way. You need to stay overnight at Ghorepani for the night.
On the third day, it'd be great if you woke up early and hiked up to the beautiful Poon hill. This 1-hour uphill climb will allow you to view a stunning sunrise over the Annapurna. Then, you can continue with the trek for the rest of the day to reach Tadapani at the end of it.
On the fourth day, you need to reach Chomrong. Start your descent to Kimrung Khola and reach the base of Hiunchuli, where the beautiful Chomrong village lies through some difficult steep stairs. There, you'll get to enjoy the stunning view of fishtail mountain and Annapurna itself.
Start the fifth-day trekking through the woods for about 2 hours to reach Kuldi. Furthermore, continue your trek until you reach the Modi river and walk up to Doban. Take a break and spend the night there.
You'll trek 14 kilometers on day six, which might take about three hours. During this time, you'll pass through Deurali, walk towards the west bank of Modi River, and rest near the Fishtail Base Camp.
You will reach the highest point on your trek on the seventh day. I hope you take care of your body as per its need and eat well. Walk up from Fishtail Base Camp to reach the Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130 meters. Views from either of these base camps are equally incredible, so take in what you experience and enjoy the moment.
Enjoy the morning with a beautiful sunrise and all the beautiful mountains such as Himchuli, Annapurna 1, Macchapucchhre, Tent Peak, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Annapurna 3 right there near you. Start your descent back to Pokhara via Bamboo.
As you descend Chhomrong's steep staircases, you will reach Jhinu Danda. From Jhinu Danda, you can enjoy the hot springs of Modi Khola if you walk for about 20 minutes.
By the tenth day, I hope you adapt to long walks because you must reach Pothana through Tolkha and Deurali, probably the longest distance in a day. However, it'll be easier this time as you'll primarily descend down the previously climbed roads.
For the eleventh and the final day, hike down to Phedi for about 2 hours, passing through Dhampus after you've had your breakfast. Well, from there, you'll reach Pokhara after an hour-long drive. Finally, get to a hotel and get some well-deserved rest.
You’ll return home with a memory that will last a lifetime after an exciting couple of weeks.
Finally, a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp can be an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. It certainly deserves its reputation for its rich history, spectacular views along with the hospitality of the people. Pokhara Info is here to make sure of that.