Combine days of classic Himalayan trekking with a jaw-dropping helicopter descent: this 8-day Annapurna Base Camp heli trek moves from terraced farms to an alpine amphitheater at 4,130 m. Expect long stone steps, rhododendron forests, Poon Hill sunrise and a 40-minute scenic flight back to Pokhara.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold pre-dawn hush hangs over Ulleri as you tighten your boots and step onto stone staircases that have served mule trains for generations. The path climbs through terraced farms and rhododendron groves, opens to sweeping ridgelines at Ghorepani, and narrows again into bamboo-scented gullies where the Modi Khola whispers below. At Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) the peaks close in and the amphitheater of rock and ice reads like a geological archive of uplift and glaciation.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7–8 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience on multi-day hikes; comfortable with long ascents and sustained uphill days.
Wildlife
History
The Annapurna Sanctuary has long been home to Gurung communities and was protected under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project in the 1980s to balance tourism and local livelihoods.
Conservation
Travel in this area requires ACAP permits; minimize impact by carrying out waste, avoiding unnecessary firewood use and supporting family-run teahouses.
Reserve your spot on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Scenic Helicopter Ride today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize gradually
Build in an easy day and drink frequently—altitude is the primary risk on this route.
Bring cash and small bills
Teahouses accept limited card payments; ATMs in Pokhara only—carry enough for tips and extras.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for stone steps and scree.
Headlamp for early starts
Pre‑sunrise climbs (Poon Hill) require a reliable headlamp and spare batteries.
Sturdy trekking boots
Support and traction for long stone stair sections and steep terrain.
Down jacket
Warmth for cold nights at high elevation and windy ridge sections.
winter
Headlamp with spare batteries
Necessary for pre-dawn starts (Poon Hill) and early-morning packing.
Water treatment (tablets or filter)
Safe drinking water on trail where clean sources are limited.