Furthermore, in Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return, you will fly back directly to Pokhara from the base camp without the need to retrace your steps back on the trekking route. So, most definitely, this exciting trekking package is more comfortable and easier than the standard ABC trekking package.
You will kick start this trekking after a scenic drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda (1,780 meters). Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters) is the only destination with a significant elevation. However, as you will acclimatize properly, this won’t be much of a big deal either.
The total distance of the ABC trek is around 115 to 130 km (71 to 81 miles) in total. You will trek about 4 to 6 hours on average to cover the required distance in a single-day itinerary. However, the trek will be at a slow pace, so you don’t need to worry about the long hours of hiking either.
Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return for Me?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return, without a doubt, is one of the most incredible and rewarding trekking packages in the Himalayas. Thanks to its light and mild difficulty level, pretty much anyone can easily partake in this exciting adventure.
You will not require any technical or mountaineering skills to do this trek. You don’t even need to have previous hiking or trekking experience. As you will be returning with a helicopter flight to Pokhara, this exciting package will rescue the physical demand of the return trip. So, even the elderly trekking enthusiast can do this trek.
The success rate of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is 99% to a total of 100%. If you do some light preparation for the trek and have good health conditions, you will be able to smoothly complete this expedition without any hassles.
Training and Preparation
Although the Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return isn’t a physically challenging adventure, it is still a Himalayan trekking experience. So, you will need to make an adequate effort in your preparation to add comfort to the experience.
The Annapurna region is known for its uphill and downhill sections, which means you will be ascending and descending along the trekking a lot, during your adventure. You should generally work on your strength and stamina aspects for this excursion. You will trek for long hours during the trekking part and should maintain a strength level to carry a backpack at rising altitudes.
Stamina Training Exercises: Running, Jumping Rope, Swimming, Dancing, Rowing, Hiking, Power Walking, Aerobics, Cardio, etc
Strength and Endurance Exercises: Push Up, Plank, Squat, Pull Up, Lunge, Deadlift, Bicep Curl, Glute Bridge, Overhead Press, Leg Raise, Leg Extension, Woodchup, Hammer Curl, etc
Permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return
You will need two permits to do this exciting trekking adventure in the north-central part of the Himalayas.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Both of these permits are mandatory for trekking in the Annapurna region. As you traverse across the protected areas of the region, you need to have an ACAP Permit, which costs approximately US$ 30.
TIMS Card, on the other hand, is a mandatory requirement for high-altitude trekking adventures in Nepal. This card helps the authorities to keep track of trekkers’ entry points in the region and enhances the security features in case of any mishaps. The TIMS card costs around US$ 17.
You can get both TIMS Card and ACAP permits from the Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. The ACAP permit is also available at the Tourism Board Center in Pokhara and the permit counter at Besisahar. However, for a seamless transition and hassle-free experience, My Everest Trip will arrange all the necessary permits for you.
What Kind of Accommodation Can You Expect?
During this exciting 6-day exploration of the enchanting Annapurna region, you will spend 3 nights at the teahouse/lodge and 2 nights at Pokhara City. You will enjoy luxurious accommodation facilities during your stay at a star hotel in Pokhara. Every type of modern amenities and in-house services in the major tourist hub of the country.
As for the accommodation facilities at the teahouse, they are also on a moderate level. Most of the teahouses/lodges are run by the locals of the region, so the in-house services can be on a limited number.
In a standard trekking package, you will stay in a comfortable and warm room. You will receive clean-fresh bedding, a cosy mattress, blankets, and pillows during your stay. There are modern bathroom facilities with showers at the lower trails. However, as you trek to the higher altitudes, the facilities may be limited.
Food and Beverages
As the Annapurna region is known for its culturally enthralling trails, the food and beverage lineup is pretty exciting as well. In this remarkable exploration of the Annapurna region, you will be able to taste a wide range of delightful delicacies.
You will be able to enjoy fine dining services during your stay at the hotel in Pokhara. However, the teahouses along the trekking trail will offer a more culturally immersive and authentic experience to explore the diverse range of regional dishes in the country.
Besides the incredible local delicacies, the teahouses in the Annapurna region also include other Asian cuisines and international dishes on the menu.
Menu for Breakfast: Bread, Toast, Roti, Tibetan Bread, Muesli, Pancake, Pudding, Chapati, Paratha, Salad, Fruits, Oats, etc
Menu for Lunch and Dinner: Dal Bhat, Dhindo Gundruk, Thakali Set, Sel Roti, Samosa, Thukpa, Choila, Pizza, Sandwich, Momo, Chowmein, Steak, Fries, Pasta, etc
Beverages
Besides the incredible delicacies, the Annapurna region also offers a diverse range of delightful beverages. During your trekking exploration, you can start the day with warm, refreshing drinks like Tea, Coffee, Milk, Hot Chocolate, and freshly squeezed Fruit Juice.
There are also bottled and canned variants of cold drinks like Fanta, Coke, Dew, Mirinda, Pepsi, etc. But we recommend you to avoid plastic bottles and tin cans as it hurts the environment.
In the hard drink category, local drinks like Chang, Raksi, Tongba, and Aila take the top spot. Branded drinks like Beer, Whiskey, Brandy, and Rum are also available at the teahouses if the local alcohol doesn’t grow on you. But you should drink alcoholic drinks in moderation or completely avoid them as they are known to affect the acclimatization process.
Health and Safety
Even though this is not a Himalayan trekking adventure with major altitude jump points above 4,000- 5,000 meters class, we will strictly follow the proper precautionary measures to make the experience safe and enjoyable.
Your health and safety are our topmost priority, and we will monitor your health conditions throughout the trek. This remarkable trekking adventure will be led by a government-licensed guide with significant experience in the Annapurna region.
He/she will carry out the health inspection and monitor your oxygen saturation level during the trip. In case of any health issues or emergency, your guide will coordinate with the head office to take immediate measures.
My Everest Trip guides are also trained for first-aid response and have received high-altitude training. So, you are in safe hands during your Himalayan exploration, and you can enjoy the adventure without worrying about anything.
Packing for Trek
In this Himalayan exploration, you will traverse across different climatic zones, from sub-tropical regions to alpine altitudes. Thus, you need to pack the right layers wisely, which is ideal for different climatic zones.
My Everest Trip will provide one porter for two trekkers, and the maximum luggage weight limit for the porter is 30 kg (66 lbs). That means the porter will carry 15 kg (33 lbs) worth of luggage of a single trekker.
You will have to carry extra luggage that is over the recommended weight limit by yourself during the trek. So, pack as lightly as possible without leaving out the most essentials.
Recommended Packing List for Trek
For Head and Body
- Sun hat
- Woollen hat and beanie
- Scarf, neck gaiter
- Tshirt, shirt (lightweight)
- Insulated inner wear
- Sweater
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Down jacket for minus degrees
- Fleece jacket
- Trekking shorts, cotton pant
- Lightweight trousers, woollen trousers
- Waterproof/windproof trousers
- Gloves (light, woollen, insulated)
- Several pairs of undergarments
For Foot
- Comfortable trekking boots
- Trainer shoes
- Sandals, slippers
- Waterproof gaiter
- Ankle support
- Socks (light, woollen, insulated)
Personal Hygiene
- Bar soap
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair oil
- Body lotion, sunscreen cream, lip care
- Deodorant
- Foot powder
- Nail clipper
- Small mirror
- Tissue paper, toilet paper
- Wet wipes, face wash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- First aid box
- Sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Water purifier
Gears
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Duffle bag
- Packsack
- Waterproof cover
- Sunglass
- Binocular, Camera
- Headlamp
- Powerbank
- Map, GPS
- Journals, magazines, pen
- Entertainment set
Electricity and Internet
Most parts of this trekking have access to reliable electricity and different modes of internet facilities. But, as you move to higher elevation points, the settlements are more dependent on solar power.
Regardless of that, you will be able to charge your devices at the teahouses throughout the trekking. You will have to pay an extra amount to charge your gadgets at the teahouses; the cost may vary from US$ 2 to US$ 4, depending on the altitude.
In the case of internet facilities, you will be able to use the Wi-Fi services at your resting destination during the trek. The cafes and restaurants around the region also offer internet services, and you will get short breaks during the trek and have plenty of time to reconnect with the world.
Like electricity, you will have to pay an extra US$ 2 to US$ 4 to use the internet services at the teahouses/lodges. There are also mobile networks like Ncell and NTC that offer reliable data packages. You can opt for these networks if don’t feel like using shared WiFi; click the following links to check the fresh data packages offered by both of these networks: Ncell and NTC.
