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Short Annapurna base camp trekking with heli return is an extraordinary trekking journey combined with an easy and breathtaking helicopter flight. Since everyone loves to get as close as possible to the Annapurna Himalayas, but due to time constraints, some might even have to cancel or postpone the journey to the Annapurna base camp. Keeping that discomfort in mind and making it easier for everyone to get to the Annapurna in a short time, this short Annapurna heli adventure is created exclusively by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.
No wonder the views you get from this journey are marvelous. One will not regret making this choice since taking weeks to get to the Annapurna is not much different than this short Annapurna base camp trekking in terms of beauty and the natural sceneries. Since centuries ago, travelers have been hooked on the pristine beauty of nature. Getting to the Annapurna base camp and back with helicopter has made the dreams of everyone come to reality. It's unavoidable not to get to the Annapurna base camp once someone lands in the nation of the mountains. Therefore, without emphasizing more, Nature Lovers is excited to take our esteemed clients to the Annapurna Base Camp within a short time.
We also have other base camp trekking packages in which you might be interested Annapurna Base Camp Trekking and Short Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.
Short Annapurna base camp trekking with heli return outline itineraryDay 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m) 7 hours, BL, Hotel
Day 02: Drive to Siwai and trek to Chhomrong 2,040 m 4 hours, BLD, Teahouse
Day 03: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan 2,540 m 7 hours, BLD, Teahouse
Day 04: Trek from Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp 3,700 m 6 hours, BLD, Teahouse
Day 05: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp, fly out on helicopter to Kathmandu via Pokhara, BL.
Porter service: $20/day per porter
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m) 7 hours, BL, Hotel
Pokhara is calling, and no one can avoid this kind of calling since there’s where all the fun is. The clean, bright and charming city always steals everyone’s heart, and our heart is made of no stones, so we are ready for the love of Pokhara. Early in the morning, we start the highway drive towards Pokhara. First, you will leave the crowded Kathmandu valley via the west side at Thankot, then enter the main highway in Dhading. It could be an exciting drive today for many tourists since they haven’t seen the roads like this before. Frequently winding turns, a small highway and the traffic congestion could be something new for you, so you have to be prepared for this. Other than that, enjoy the scenic ride in the beautiful countryside of Nepal.
Day 02: Drive to Siwai and trek to Chhomrong 2,040 m 4 hours, BLD, Teahouse
First thing in the morning, drive to Nayapul and to Siwai via Birethanti. Only 3 hour's drive will take us to our starting point, from where all of the popularity of Annapurna base camp starts to make sense. No other trekking region can give you this awesome feeling while walking in the villages where the typical rural Nepalese live with their own distinct cultures and lifestyles. Then, we start our trek slowly. We follow the trail towards Jhinu Danda through the traditional villages, farmlands or farming terraces, waterfalls and streams. We arrive at the gateway of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, aka Annapurna base camp trek, the Chhomrong village in another few hours. The ethnic Gurung community inhabits Chhomrong and this village offers panoramic mountain views.
Day 03: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan 2,540 m 7 hours, BLD, Teahouse
After crossing the Chhomrong Khola via a suspension bridge early morning, venture the day journey through the deep forests of oak, bamboo and rhododendron. Do the final ascend to Kuldi before descending to arrive at the village called Dovan. It will be one of the longest hikes and challenging for many. However, the views are scenic, and the walk is lovely through dense forest side by side with the Modi Khola river. The walk leads into a cool thick forest till Bamboo (named after the bamboo forest) is reached. A similar hike will lead you to Dovan from there. Walking through the sound of pure nature, the soothing rivers, the lush forests and the never-ending birds’ communications, we fill our day with much happiness.
Day 04: Trek from Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp 3,700 m 6 hours, BLD, Teahouse
Today’s fantastic trek will bring us to a heavenly amphitheater amidst the Himalayas, including Annapurna I, Annapurna III and Machapuchare in Machapuchare Base Camp, aka MBC. The mountain views from MBC is just surreal. The walk is gradual, and you will start to feel the effect of altitude on your breathing. Hike for the first few hours along the Modi River bank through the lush green forest towards Hinku cave and Deurali. After some rest in Deurali, ascend for the last time to reach Machhapuchhare base camp. This day’s further push will bring us closer to the wonderland of the Annapurna base camp. When your mind is set, your body will follow accordingly, and that little hike towards Deurali and MBC won’t be anything. Last night will be spent right beneath the sky-rising hills and the mountains.
Day 05: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m, fly out on helicopter to Kathmandu, BL.
A short climb in the early morning will expose us to the areas of Annapurna base camp, aka ABC, within a couple of hours. After catching some breath, continue to get to the most magnificent viewpoint at Annapurna South Base Camp to witness the Himalayan wonders, picturesque landscapes and the panoramic Himalayan valleys with soaring peaks. Behold, since your heart might stop beating for a few seconds. It’s going to be mind-blowing, trust us. It’s Annapurna 8,091 m, the tenth-highest mountain in the world that we are talking about. What else can be more beautiful than a hug from the massive snow-filled mountains? Hike down to the lodge, and enjoy hearty meals before flying back to Kathmandu by helicopter via Pokhara.
Customized Trips and Trip departure
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return departs from Kathmandu as per our fixed departure dates. You can join any available fixed departure groups if you are a solo or small group travelers if you wish to, when the trips cannot be customized.
But if you are in a private group, fixed departure dates are not suitable for you and so you need to choose your own dates and packages, when you can customize the trek as per your travel needs. For further information, please kindly contact your own friendly neighbor, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.
Accommodations during trek
You will be staying in the teahouse lodges or guesthouses during the trek.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best accommodation arrangement for you from the beginning to the end. We believe after the tough walking day, everyone deserves the proper rest and the right ambience to relax and chill. Therefore, our choice of accommodation is the best when it comes to the trekking days. The rooms will be clean and comfy. Our entire accommodations will be on twin-sharing basis as you can see, so you have to let us know if others; let’s say if you want triple or quadruple sharing or if you want a double bed, etc. There will be extra charge for the single supplement.
Route Map and Company T-shirt
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers you a complimentary trekking map and the company t-shirts.
Safe Drinking Water during Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return trip
Hydrating yourself is the most important thing to do during the trek. You should drink at least 3 liters of water every day or more. The main reason is to avoid the altitude sickness and to avoid other health issues. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides you water purification tablets or liquids to purify the water in the mountains. You can even buy mineral water or boiled water on extra cost.
Your trekking guides and porters
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best guides and porters in the whole tourism industry. We can guarantee you on that. Ask yourselves a question. What do you look for in a guide and a porter? Are they fully insured and are they paid well? Well, they are the staffs of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours so they are hundred percent happy with their treatment by the company. They are experienced, licensed and knowledgeable in the field. They are well paid and fully insured for their journey as well as for the medicals.
Now, let’s talk about our backbones. The leader or a guide should have a significant knowledge in the climbing and trekking so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you, clearing any obstacles on the way. We, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours can proudly say that our guides (climbing, assistant, trekking guide) are highly qualified for the role. They are fully trained, experienced and licensed. They have undergone through a whole lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and to make your journey a smooth and pleasant one.
Our guide knows the local areas, the cultures, the traditions and the lifestyles much more than anyone do. Some of the things he tells you, might even be hard to find in the travel guide books. Depending upon the situations and weather conditions, the daily plans might change slightly which when happens, he will inform you beforehand. You should always be flexibly ready to accommodate to your guides’ instructions. Let him know if you have any health problems as well since he will act accordingly to the situation. Depending upon the group size, we will also provide you assistant guides and extra Sherpas if needed.
Our porters are always fully equipped with the gears they need and as per the company policy, they are always insured and completely looked after. They are our backbone. We allow maximum weight of 25/30 kg to be carried by one porter. They are the strongest in our group with less communication skills. We also closely work with IPPG {International Porter Protection Group} and follow their ethics and guidelines.
We have had many solo travelers in the past. Nepal is totally safe to travel even in the Himalayas, even though you are solo. No matter if you're a solo female or a male traveler, you can hike in the Himalayas doubtlessly, with our experienced guide.
Extra personal expenses during and after trek
The clients are responsible for their own personal expenses during or after the treks like, for buying beverages and snacks, WiFi, doing laundry, buying souvenirs & personal equipment, tips for the field staffs, etc. Therefore, we recommend you to bring some extra cash (in dollars or euro, etc.) of about $200-400, and change it into Nepali Rupees since only NPR are accepted in majority of the Nepali market.
Shower during the trek
It's an important matter to discuss about. After a day's end, you might feel like showering and get fresh. It's a good idea on the lower altitudes but if you're on the higher altitudes (more than 3500m), we recommend to shower on intervals. People seem to catch a cold easily after showering which can lead to altitude sickness. Teahouses in the lower elevation offers you hot shower, but in the upper elevation, a bucket of hot water is provided. They charge a little extra for the hot water bath ($2-5).
Laundry on the trail
There are some teahouses which offer laundry services and you can use their service during the acclimatizing days. However, most of the lodges don't have laundry service and you might have to either wash your clothes yourself or postpone until you arrive in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. Please plan in advance about it.
Your safety
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. We provide you our own comprehensive first aid medical kit bag along with the professional team of guides and porters. We are always in communication with our field team members to keep track of your safety and concerns. Your entire journey will be monitored by us and we make sure you enjoy your journey in full scale. We are available 24/7 for your health and safety checks during Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return.
How much does the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return cost?
The cost of the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return varies from $1000-$2000 {for 3 pax only} depending upon the number of days you choose to trek. The longer the trek, more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will differ with the accommodation choices also. Normally, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package which is inclusive of all the cost and expenses for the entire journey from the moment you land in Nepal till the moment you fly back home. However, you could also choose to buy only service-based package from us when we will be providing you only the supporting field staffs plus trekking permits and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.
How is the Accommodation during the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
In Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return, we will provide you the teahouse accommodations. A teahouse is typically a mountain lodge which is a combination of a lodge or a guest house and a restaurant or a café with basic furniture and interiors suitable for the social hangout. Many teahouses even have attached bathrooms and the central heating furnace. Most of the teahouses provide the European toilets these days while Asian style of toilets are available in every teahouses. Hot showers are available but on extra cost. The same goes with the hot drinking water since they use the gas or solar to boil the water. Sleeping blankets are usually provided but we recommend you to carry your own sleeping bags for the hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to carry your own toiletries including the towels.
What are the permits that I need for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
For Annapurna base camp trek, you will need to make two permits: ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
How does this tipping system in Nepal works and do I have to tip?
Tipping is not compulsory for Annapurna base camp trekking however tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staffs in the fields so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and also your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected and we’ve made it mandatory too. The amount of gratuities can be determined by yourselves. Normally, a guide expects around $5 or more per day per person while a porter expects $4 or more per day per person.
Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices in Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
You can easily charge your electronic devices during Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return trip but by paying small amount or fees for charging. Don’t forget to buy a plug adapter or socket fittings before you leave Kathmandu.
Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
Annapurna base camp trek route has good mobile network coverage these days, thanks to the Nepalese telecommunication companies called Ncell and NTC. You can buy one of these Sim cards from any local phone shops in Kathmandu to use the mobile date during the trek.
WiFi is easily available on purchase in Annapurna base camp trekking route. However, the signal varies from place to place and please don’t expect to receive the fast data coverage in the trek.
When is the best time to trek to Annapurna base camp?
Annapurna base camp trekking can be done throughout the year. However in average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to trek to Annapurna base camp. Spring and Autumn are known as the Peak season or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed while during other Summer {June, July and August} and Winter {December, January and February} season, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer and a peace lover, less busy season can also be the right time to do Annapurna base camp trek. The problem is the weather is harsh cold in winter and there’s snow everywhere while the summer has rainfalls and clouds obscuring the mountains and the views are not so great most of the time.
Do I have to worry about the altitude sickness in Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
The itinerary of our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours and has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact can affect anyone regardless of the age or the fitness level, so it is very important to walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more in details about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return.
Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
When it comes to trekking in the mountains, health and fitness of a person plays a vital role. If you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return is for you but if you have any sorts of medical issues, please consult to your doctor before coming to Nepal for the trek. We will be gaining the high altitude of 4130 m above the sea level which is not a joke. People normally start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from the sea level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.
Now when it comes to the fitness level required, Annapurna base camp trek does not demand high physical fitness. The trekking includes daily walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents which means you need at least some practices before you start the trekking journey. If you do not have the previous trekking experience, that’s fine but obviously if you have previous experiences, it will be lot easier. For those not having previous trekking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least few weeks prior to your trekking departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go for trekking to Annapurna base camp.
What kind of food items or meals can I eat on Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
Only breakfast is included in Pokhara while full board meals or full meals are included during the trek. Tea and coffee will also be provided during the entire trip. During the trek, you will have your breakfast and dinner in the same teahouse where you spend the night while the lunch will be served en route towards the next destination of the day. There are a varieties of choices to choose from; Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, Continental, etc.
The most common and the highly recommended food during the Annapurna base camp trek is typical Nepali Dal Bhat {rice and lentil}; even better without meat, means Nepali Vegetarian Dal Bhat. You can also eat other food items such as seasonal vegetables, noodles and spaghetti, pastas, pizzas and French fries, soups, etc. depending upon the availability. For the beverage, you can either choose warm, hot or cold beverages; soft drinks, beer and hard drinks. For the breakfast, you can order cereals, breads, noodle soups, egg dishes, etc.
Do I need a travel insurance for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
Travel insurance is a must when you trek to Annapurna base camp. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because of the reason that they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out an insurance which covers any medical risks up to 4200 meter as well as the medical evacuation from the mountains.
In general, most of the places in Nepal don't accept the card payments as they are remote and of limited use to them. So, we recommend you to withdraw some cash before departing for the journey. ATMs will charge you minimal service fee for withdrawing money and you will also get good exchange rate from the banks.
How much weight of luggage can I take during the trek?
Our porter is allowed to carry maximum of 25 kg so, since 2 clients will share one porter, both of your combined weights shouldn't be more than 18-20kg. We care about our porters and he also has his personal belongings to carry as well.
For the important things and your personal items, you might have to carry your own backpack. But please, only carry the essentials and you will have to leave the rest of the unimportant items, either in the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free.
Is there any age limit for Annapurna base camp trek?
Not, at all. No matter if you're 5 years old or 85, you can trek as long as you can. In fact, the children seem to adapt to the high altitudes faster than an adult. So, as long as you're willing to hike the Himalayas, you can hike no matter what your age is.
How do you take the remaining balance on arrival in Kathmandu? Do I need to pay you by cash or I can use my card?
On arrival in Kathmandu, you can pay the remaining balance either on cash or by card. We prefer to be paid in cash (doesn't matter which currency) rather than by card but however, you can also swipe your card which will incur you extra 3.5% charge from the bank.
How big should my backpack be?
It all depends on what you wish to carry on your day pack. We recommend a backpack between 20-40 liter or roughly the size of a school bag.
If I have to use a restroom during the hike or trek, where can I use the restroom?
You can easily access the restrooms of any teahouses on the trail. If in case it's urgent and you cannot find any teahouses around, you can always go off the trail to ease yourself.
Can I leave my luggage in Kathmandu?
Definitely, you can leave your excess stuffs in Kathmandu. Either you can leave them on the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free.
What about extra days and nights in Kathmandu?
For any extra days and nights in Kathmandu which is outside of your schedule, you can let us know beforehand and we can book the hotels for you and also other add-ons or activities as you may like. If under unforeseen circumstances you get extra days in Kathmandu after the trek, we shall work out the right solution for you.
What if I get sick or injured during the trek?
Like we said earlier, we, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. Our professional team is always with you and monitoring you to ensure your wellness and safety. Our experienced and well-trained guide will use his emergency skills in case of emergency; either if you get injured or if you get sick. If it's regarding a symptom of altitude sickness or AMS, you will have to go down to the lower altitudes as fast as possible in order to gain your energy back. You can always continue in the later days or retreat as per your choice. In case of necessity, he will arrange the rescue helicopter for you as well to get the quick medical attention in Kathmandu.
How cold is it during the Annapurna base camp trekking?
The places in the mountainous region are always cold no matter which season or what time. But the temperatures vary depending on the season and altitude.
What gears and equipment do I need to pack for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli return?
Choosing the right gear and equipment is important as well for the successful trek to Annapurna base camp. Pack the right gears and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when trekking to Annapurna base camp. You should read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry to get to Annapurna base camp and back.
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