Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek

You will take an early morning flight to Pokhara on this day. The lake side city of Pokhara is a beautiful tourism-hub of the country and is also called the adventure-centre of Nepal. Many mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna can be seen from the city. Pokhara is also famous for its pristine Fewa Lake. The reflection of the Machhapuchhre Himal can be seen on clear days on the surface of the lake. Leisure activities like boating and fishing can also be done. From Pokhara, we will then drive to Nayapul (42km) on a car/taxi, passing the village of Lumle. Walking for about 20 minutes, we will reach Birethanti. Following the main street of Birethanti, we will go through forests of bamboos and past a large waterfall and a swimming hole. Cutting across the pasturelands that are mostly used for pony caravans, we will reach the village of Ramghai where we will have our lunch. After that, we will reach Tikhe Dhunga. Overnight stay at guesthouse breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

The trail continues across a stream via a suspension bridge from Tikhe Dhunga near the camp site, and ascends to the steep stone staircase to the Magar village of Ulleri. The stone staircase allegedly has 3300 steps and the trail through it is quite beautiful. Ulleri lies at an elevation of 2080 meters. Above the village, the trail continues gently across pasturelands and beautiful cultivated fields of mustard and rice. About an hour’s walk from Ulleri, we will reach a camp site for a rest and a water stop. The trail continues across two small rivers before finally ascending to Nangethanti where we shall have our lunch. During winters, the trail to the village is generally covered in snow. From Nangethanti we will climb to Ghorepani at 2850m, from here we can see the spectacular panorama of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). Overnight at guesthouse breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

This morning, we will get up early and hike to Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a famous vantage point of the Annapurna region popular for its amazing panoramic view of the entire Annapurna mountain massif. From here, we can observe the amazing phenomenon of the changing colors of the mountain as the rays of the sun sweep across their surface. It truly is a beautiful sight. Views of Mount Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna South, the Fishtail Mountain and many others can be seen from here. After visiting Poonhill, we will come back to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast, and continue walking to Tadapani. Overnight at guesthouse breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

From Tadapani, we will follow a route to the village of Sinuwa. On the way, the Gurjung route offers amazing view of the Upper Modi valley. The path ascends to the west bank of the Modi Khola and then passes through the village of Chhomrong. Chhomrong village lies at a beautiful location at the very base of Himal Chuli. We will continue our trail alongside the Chhomrong Khola and then climb steadily up ahead to Sinuwa further on. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

We will proceed to Kuldi Ghar, which takes about 2 and a half to 3 hours of walking time today. There is a clearing in the forest a little further on from where the route goes very steeply down a bank of rocks and then levels out, running through thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge. The trail keeps to the west side of the river. We will pass by the pasturelands of Tomo, and then trek along the very neck of the gorge at Barah, where there is a small trail and a shrine. The track climbs to the Himalayas from here. Finally, we shall reach Deurali where we shall be staying for the night. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Today is a much anticipated day of the trek. We will follow the trail and climb on past the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (which isn’t really a base camp since climbing the mountain is not permitted) to the Annapurna Base Camp. This area is also called the Annapurna Sanctuary, since it is totally surrounded by mountains and is under the protection of the sanctuary. From here, it is a two-hour trek to the Annapurna Base camp, which offers spectacular views of the mountain peaks and lets you experience the wide vastness of snowy terrain and close views of huge Himals. The landscape at the Annapurna Base camp is spectacular and fascinating. The snowy landscape of the Base Camp is very beautiful and the overall view of whole mountain peaks is pretty wonderful. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

This is another most anticipated day of the trek as today; you will be experiencing one of the most amazing helicopter rides from the base camp of Annapurna back to Pokhara early in the morning. The aerial view of the mountain peaks from the helicopter is something that inspires thrill and excitement. While looking below, you would be able to notice the dramatic change in the landscape as the snowy lands of the high mountains are replaced with the green hills, terrace farmlands and forests. Sometimes, herds of wild goats can be seen from above, running in a group below. The beautiful landscape of the Annapurna region does not disappoint when seen from a bird ‘eye perspective. The panoramic view of the entire terrain presents itself like a beguiling portrait. Finally, we will land at Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will then take an afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

On this day, at approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport by one of Nepal Hiking Team’s representatives, from where you will depart, with beautiful memories of the journey.