Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek

Welcome to Kathmandu, a city where ancient and modern life cross each other in chaos and culture. As your plane descends into the valley, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Himalayas—just a taste of the awe-inspiring adventure that lies ahead. You will be transferred to your centrally located hotel after passing through the customs. You will have the chance to relax, freshen up, and get over the long flight and jet lag.

Though it sits at 1,400 meters elevation, Kathmandu is much more than a stopover—it's a complete experience. Whether you are prone to the powerful pull of its maze-like streets, where flags flutter in the breeze and the smell of incense is constant, or you really just want to have a cup of tea and take it all in, today is all about soaking up that atmosphere. The adventure of a lifetime lies ahead.

Today's all about getting into the heart of Kathmandu. This is a city-museum, and your guided tour today takes you through some of its most iconic sites. Start at Swayambhunath, or more popularly, the Monkey Temple. Mischievous monkeys move about, with views of the valley from atop the stupa. Later, explore Pashupatinath, the holy Hindu temple complex, and witness ancient rituals alongside the holy Bagmati River.

Next, visit the enormous dome of Boudhanath Stupa, where Tibetan Buddhism resonates and pilgrims walk endlessly, spinning prayer wheels. Then, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its centuries-old palaces and temples that tell stories of kings and gods. It is a day that is certain to put you in touch with the spiritual heartbeat of Nepal.

Pack your bags; you're off to Pokhara, a beautiful getaway that almost holds the charm of being a world apart from Kathmandu. At an altitude of 822 meters, Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region and aptly falls under one place where tranquility meets adventure. The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara has a noteworthy view of terraced fields and hills clothed with green trees that offer glimpses of rural life along the way; it's around a 6-7-hour drive.

In the city, at your arrival, there will be a warm welcome awaiting you with its tranquil feel. Have the evening on the brink of serene Phewa Lake and watch the dance of the reflected Annapurna range on the water surface. Pokhara is a place for the adventurous and the laid-back, but tonight, you can choose to be one, another, or both.

The real adventure starts today. An early breakfast before driving to the village of Jhinu Danda, a charming village at an elevation of 1,780 meters, dominated by the presence of natural hot springs, much valued out here. Soak your feet, kick back, and begin to feel the mountain vibes really starting to soak in. From Jhinu, the trek really starts to take off.

You walk up trails through green forests and pass the suspension bridges over the Modi Khola's flow. The air is cool and fresh, growing even cooler as you ascend. Lower Sinuwa is about 2,340 meters in elevation and around three hours of walking from Chhomorong. Views now open more seriously, affording previous glimpses of snow-clad massifs that dazzle your mind. And here, tonight, you rest under a starlit canopy, ready for more tomorrow.

Today, the walk will be even deeper into the Annapurna region, where gradually the scenery changes into wilder and more remote country. Then, leaving Lower Sinuwa, the path winds through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo. There will be the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and rushing waterfalls in the distance, which have blended together to create a perfect soundtrack to Nature.

This is the altitude, 2900 m, from which the air begins to get really thin. But, of course, the landscape makes up for it; you will trek past small villages and cross rivers, with the route ascending to the appropriately named village of Himalaya. Placed like a jewel in a dramatic vale flanked by towering peaks, this is where you'll rest for the night with the majesties of the mountains close at hand.

Get ready for one of the most exciting days of your trek. You will reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700 meters today. Now, the trails get steeper and the landscapes more rugged and rocky. Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain, dominates the skyline, its unique shape always seemingly within sight as you climb.

As you approach Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the air feels thinner, and the peaks closer. The base camp is surrounded by a circle of snow-covered giants, and the atmosphere is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Spend the evening here, enveloped by the mountains and the crisp, cold air, as you prepare for tomorrow’s big push.

Today, you’ll achieve what you set out for—Annapurna Base Camp, standing proud at 4,130 meters. The trek from MBC to ABC is a relatively short but steep climb through glacial moraines. As you approach, the grandeur of the Annapurna massif unfolds before you, a breathtaking amphitheater of peaks, with Annapurna I towering at 8,091 meters.

Reaching ABC, it is a moment of victory. You now occupy the center of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by a couple of the highest peaks in the world. You can chill out as much as you want today, take pictures, and live in that moment. Tonight, you are going to spend the night at ABC—literally under the stars.

Again, daylight slowly makes its way to Base Camp with the first sunbeams touching the top of Annapurna. You are free this morning, you can spend time around Base Camp, observing the beauty of the view and the tranquility of the atmosphere. Your adventure does not stop here; ride via helicopter on your way back to Pokhara for a thrilling experience.

The flight itself is something of a scenic award, as it gives you a bird's-eye view of the landscapes that you have trekked through. You will land in Pokhara, after which you have a day for sightseeing. Visit the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, pay homage at the Bindhyabasini Temple, marvel at the towering Pumdikot Shiva Statue, and seek peace at the World Peace Stupa. Finally, end the day with a visit to Davis Falls, where the water just disappears into an underground tunnel.

Today, you will drive back to Kathmandu after bidding farewell to Pokhara. You will have all the scenic countryside of Nepal in front of you, with its terraced farming, rivers, and villages that often stick in a bygone era. In Kathmandu, you will have your evening at leisure to relax, do some last-minute shopping, or maybe get back to one of those areas that particularly resonated with you during your first few days in Nepal.

It's a reflective day, looking back on the big journey just completed, mountains conquered, and memories made. Enjoy that special energy of the city one final time as your adventure winds down.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Take a minute and just look back upon the incredible landscapes, the cultural richness, and experiences that cannot be forgotten in this trip of a lifetime. You leave Nepal, and with you, the vibe of the Himalayas will be retained—a feeling of awe, adventure, peace that shall inhabit you long after you go back home. Safe journeys, until we meet again!