Luxury Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Six days to Annapurna Base Camp: fly to Pokhara, drive to Jhinu, walk through Chhomrong and the Modi Khola gorge to the foot of Annapurna I, then fly back to Pokhara by helicopter.
6 days · Annapurna · From US$ 2,690
Enquire- Duration
- 6 days
- Max altitude
- 4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp)
- Group size
- Private — from 2 guests
- Best season
- Mar–May & Oct–Nov
Overview
Annapurna Base Camp sits inside a natural amphitheatre of ice, with Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre all around you. This trek takes you there in four days on foot and brings you back in minutes by helicopter.
You fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, drive by private jeep to Jhinu and climb to Chhomrong. Then the trail follows the Modi Khola gorge through bamboo and rhododendron forest, past Dovan and Deurali, into the sanctuary.
Instead of walking two to three days back down the same gorge, a helicopter flies you from base camp to Pokhara, and you fly home to Kathmandu the next morning.
Highlights
- Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130 m, ringed by peaks
- Machhapuchhre, the “Fishtail”, above the trail
- Helicopter from base camp back to Pokhara
- Flights and a private jeep included
- Six days from Kathmandu and back
Gallery
Day by day
A short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then a private jeep to Jhinu Danda and a steep walk up to Chhomrong (2,170 m), with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre ahead.
Down stone steps to the Chhomrong river, then up through bamboo and rhododendron forest into the Modi Khola valley to Dovan (about 2,600 m).
Deeper into the gorge, past the hamlet of Himalaya, to Deurali (3,230 m) at the gateway to the sanctuary.
Climb past Machhapuchhre Base Camp (about 3,700 m) into the Annapurna Sanctuary and on to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), with the south face of Annapurna I above you.
Morning light on the sanctuary, then a helicopter flies you out of the gorge to Pokhara. The rest of the day is yours by the lake.
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
Choose your comfort
| Comfort tier | Lodging | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | The best lodge in each village with all meals, and Hotel Barahi in Lakeside, Pokhara. | From US$2,690 |
| Luxury | The best lodge in each village with all meals, and Fish Tail Lodge on Phewa Lake. | From US$2,740 |
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car
- Flights Kathmandu–Pokhara and Pokhara–Kathmandu
- Private jeep from Pokhara to Jhinu
- Helicopter from Annapurna Base Camp to Pokhara
- Meals and lodge accommodation on the trek, and one night in Pokhara: Hotel Barahi in Lakeside (Comfort) or Fish Tail Lodge (Luxury)
- Licensed, professional trekking guide
- One porter for every two guests (carries 20–25 kg in total)
- All necessary trekking permits
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Hotel in Kathmandu before and after the trek (we can arrange it)
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (required)
- Drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery charging in the lodges
- Tips for your guide and porter, and personal expenses
Dates & departures
Best from October to November and March to May. Helicopters only fly in good weather, so we suggest keeping a spare day in your plans. Price per person, based on two guests travelling together and sharing a room. Ask us for solo or larger-group prices.
Questions, answered
How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
It is a steady trek of 5–7 hours a day with many stone steps, especially around Chhomrong. No climbing skills are needed; good fitness and some hiking practice beforehand make it enjoyable.
Will the altitude affect me?
Base camp is at 4,130 m and you climb quite quickly, so walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any headache or nausea. If needed we arrange a descent or a helicopter evacuation, which your insurance must cover.
Why the helicopter back?
Walking back down the gorge to the road takes two to three days. The helicopter takes you from base camp to Pokhara in minutes, so the whole trek fits into six days.
When is the best time to go?
October–November and March–May. Spring brings rhododendrons in flower; autumn has the clearest views. Avalanche risk on the upper trail is higher in winter and late spring, and your guide will advise on the day.
Is the price per person?
Yes. The price shown is per person for two guests travelling together and sharing a room. Tell us your group size and dates and we will send an exact quote.
Luxury Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return: the complete guide
The route at a glance
Kathmandu → Pokhara (flight) → Jhinu Danda (jeep) → Chhomrong (2,170 m) → Dovan (about 2,600 m) → Deurali (3,230 m) → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (about 3,700 m) → Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) → Pokhara by helicopter.
Permits
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). It is included and arranged for you.
Luggage
Your porter carries the main bags (20–25 kg in total for two guests). Helicopters have weight limits, so pack light and leave extra luggage at your hotel.
Enquire about this journey
Share a few details for a private, tailor-made proposal.
You may also like
Luxury Annapurna Trek: Ghandruk and Poon Hill
Eight days in the Annapurna foothills: five days on foot through Ghandruk, Tadapani and Ghorepani to the Poon Hill sunrise, then two nights in Pokhara at Hotel Barahi by Phewa Lake or, on the Luxury level, The Pavilions Himalayas.
From US$ 1,500 per person
Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
From US$ 6,390 per person
Luxury Everest View Trek with Helicopter Return
From US$ 4,970 per person