Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return - 4 Days
Insight on the ABC Trek with Helicopter Return
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a perfect blend of adventure and comfort, ideal for travelers short on time. In just four days, this journey takes you through beautiful villages, lush forests, and into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trek rewards you with breathtaking mountain views, while the helicopter return offers a luxurious and scenic flight back to Pokhara, making the entire experience both thrilling and unforgettable.
Trip at a Glance
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Country: Nepal
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Trip grade: Moderate
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Destination: ABC
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Activities: Trekking with Heli Tour
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Accommodation: Teahouse
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Transportation: Jeep & Helicopter
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Maximum altitude: 4,130m / 13,550ft
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Group size: 1-12
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Trip Start / End: Pokhara - Pokhara
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Best Season: Mar-May & Sep-Nov
Key Highlights
- Experience the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in just 4 days, perfect for time-bound travelers
- Enjoy a scenic helicopter return from Annapurna Base Camp to Pokhara
- Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna Himalayan range
- Trek through beautiful Gurung villages like Chhomrong
- Walk along lush rhododendron and bamboo forests
- Explore the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering peaks
- Capture close-up views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli
- Ideal combination of adventure trekking and luxury travel experience
- Suitable for trekkers seeking a short yet rewarding Himalayan journey
Benefits of Booking ABC Trek with Helicopter Return with BHT
- Simple and convenient booking process
- Simple and multiple payment methods (cash, bank transfer, card or payment gateway)
- Complementary Airport pick up and transfer from/to hotel
- Various communication channel for conversation (Email, Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat)
- 24/7 phone service at: +977-9851149197/+977-9810043046
- Provide sleeping bag and trekking poles (used) if needed
- Duffle bag provide to Porters
- Free luggage storage during the trek in Best Heritage Tour store
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek with Helicopter Return is a thoughtfully designed short Himalayan adventure that perfectly balances trekking excitement with comfort and efficiency. Ideal for travelers who want to experience the grandeur of the Annapurna region without spending weeks on the trail, this 4-day journey delivers an unforgettable high-altitude experience in a limited timeframe.
Starting from Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, the journey begins with a scenic drive to Samrung, followed by a trek through picturesque landscapes and traditional Gurung settlements like Chhomrong. As you ascend, the trail winds through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and narrow river valleys, gradually revealing the dramatic beauty of the Himalayas.
The trek continues deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, offering ever-changing scenery and increasingly close views of iconic peaks. Passing through Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, you finally reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), where you are surrounded by a natural amphitheater of snow-capped mountains, including Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. The sense of scale and serenity here is truly awe-inspiring.
What sets this package apart is the helicopter return from ABC to Pokhara, allowing you to skip the long descent and instead enjoy a breathtaking aerial perspective of the region. This unique combination makes the trek less physically demanding while adding a touch of luxury.
Overall, this trek is perfect for adventure seekers, couples, and even first-time trekkers looking for a short, scenic, and rewarding Himalayan experience.
What one can expect during the ABC Trek with Helicopter Return?
1. Rapid Altitudinal Ascent
Expect a quick transition from the subtropical lushness of the Pokhara valley to the rugged alpine tundra. Because we bypass the lower foothills via Jeep, you will experience a dramatic change in air pressure and temperature within the first 48 hours. Our guides prioritize a steady pace to ensure your body acclimates safely as the oxygen levels begin to drop.
2. Traditional Gurung Hospitality
As you pass through villages like Chhomrong, expect a warm welcome from the local Gurung community. You will stay in cozy, family-run teahouses that offer a glimpse into the resilient mountain lifestyle. Expect hearty, locally sourced meals like "Dal Bhat" and the opportunity to experience the unique cultural heritage that has defined these slopes for centuries.
3. Challenging Terrain and Stone Steps
The trail is famous for its thousands of hand-laid stone steps, particularly the steep descent and ascent around the Chhomrong Khola. Expect a physical workout that tests your endurance and knee strength. While the path is well-maintained and safe, the verticality of the Annapurna region provides a true sense of "Himalayan flat" - which locals jokingly call "a bit up and a bit down."
4. Dramatic Mountain Microclimates
Weather in the Annapurna Sanctuary is notoriously inconsistent. You can expect bright, sunny mornings followed by misty afternoons where clouds roll up from the valley floor, creating a mystical atmosphere. By the time you reach Deurali and MBC, the lush greenery disappears, replaced by massive rock walls and glacial debris, signaling your entry into the high-altitude wilderness.
5. An Immersive 360-Degree Sanctuary
Entering the Annapurna Sanctuary is like walking into a massive natural bowl made of ice and rock. Unlike other treks where you view peaks from a distance, here you are literally surrounded by them. Expect to feel humbled by the sheer scale of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre, which loom so close they seem within arm's reach from your teahouse window.
6. A Cinematic Aerial Grand Finale
The final morning offers a sensory shift from the crunch of gravel under your boots to the smooth roar of helicopter blades. Expect a rush of adrenaline as you lift off from the base camp. The flight provides a spectacular perspective of the Modi Khola gorge and the terraced farmlands below, turning your hard-earned trek into a breathtaking visual victory lap.
Are You Ready for the ABC Trek with Helicopter Return?
To truly enjoy the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, what matters most isn’t just physical fitness - it’s your mindset. This journey is best embraced with a sense of curiosity, patience, and openness to nature. While the trek is relatively short, it still involves several hours of walking each day through changing terrains and increasing altitude. A moderate level of fitness will help, but more importantly, a positive attitude and willingness to step outside your comfort zone will make the experience far more rewarding.
Equally important is your ability to slow down and connect with the journey itself. This trek isn’t just about reaching Annapurna Base Camp - it’s about the quiet forest trails, the warmth of local teahouses, the sound of rivers, and the feeling of standing among giants in the Himalayas. If you come prepared with respect for the mountains, flexibility with conditions, and a genuine appreciation for simple moments, you’ll find this trek not only achievable but deeply fulfilling.
Itinerary
The journey starts with a scenic drive that transitions from the bustling streets of Pokhara into the rugged heart of the Annapurna foothills. As your private Jeep winds along the Modi Khola river, you’ll witness a tapestry of terraced millet fields and small roadside settlements.
Once your boots hit the trail at Samrung, the trek begins with a crossing of a high suspension bridge followed by a steady, rhythmic climb. You’ll weave through rhododendron forests that burst with color during the spring and pass through small hamlets where local life moves at a timeless pace. The day culminates in the vibrant village of Chhomrong. Perched on a hillside, this Gurung settlement offers your first truly intimate view of Annapurna South and the sacred "Fishtail" peak, Machhapuchhre, towering directly ahead.
Today is characterized by the dramatic verticality of the Himalayas. The trail starts with a descent down the legendary 2,500 stone steps of Chhomrong to the river below, only to climb back up into a dense canopy of bamboo, oak, and rhododendron. This section of the trek feels like a journey through an enchanted forest; the trail is often moist and cool, with waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. As you pass through the "Himalaya Hotel" area, the forest begins to thin, revealing the massive rock faces of the deep gorge.
As you approach Deurali, the landscape shifts significantly from lush greenery to a more rugged, alpine environment. Deurali serves as a peaceful high-altitude outpost, offering a perfect spot to rest and acclimatize while watching the shadows dance across the sheer cliffs of the surrounding peaks.
The climb from Deurali to the sanctuary is a spiritual and physical transition. As you ascend toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), the vegetation disappears entirely, replaced by the stark beauty of the "Himalayan desert." This stretch follows the riverbed before climbing a lateral moraine. Reaching MBC is a major milestone; although Machhapuchhre is a forbidden climb, standing at its base provides an unparalleled view of its unique double-peaked summit that dominates the skyline like a jagged crown.
The final push from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp is a gentle but breathless incline across a wide glacial basin. As you walk, the 360-degree amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary slowly unveils itself. You aren't just looking at the mountains anymore; you are standing inside them. Arriving at ABC (4,130m) feels like reaching the end of the world. Surrounded by the massive south face of Annapurna I and a dozen other silver peaks, the silence of the high-altitude glacier is broken only by the occasional distant rumble of an avalanche.
Your final morning in the sanctuary is a masterclass in natural beauty. Waking up at ABC, you’ll step out into the crisp, thin air to witness the "Golden Hour." As the sun rises behind the Machhapuchhre ridge, the first light hits the summit of Annapurna I, turning the white ice into a glowing ember of orange and gold. After a final Himalayan breakfast, you will board a helicopter to return to Pokhara.
The flight back to Pokhara is a 15-minute cinematic masterpiece. From your window, you will see the entire route you spent days climbing - the river valleys, the stone villages, and the deep green forests - all shrinking beneath you. You’ll soar past the hanging glaciers and jagged ridges of the Annapurna range before descending into the tropical warmth of Pokhara.
What is included?
- All private airport transfers (pickup and drop-off)
- Transportation in private vehicle from Pokhara to Samrung
- Helicopter ride from Annapurna Base Camp to Pokhara
- Best available accommodations in mountain lodges and tea houses during the trek
- Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
- An experienced, English speaking, government licensed trekking guide
- All trekking staff wages, accommodation, meals, equipment, insurance, medical coverage etc
- All necessary permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) & TIMS card
- Well-equipped first aid kit, including oximeter
- Assistance in rescue operations in case of emergency covered by travel insurance
- Certificate of achievement upon trek completion
- Souvenirs: Company T-shirt and Purse
- Cultural program with farewell dinner
What is not included?
- International airfare & Nepal entry visa
- Accommodation and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek
- Optional Porter Service: USD 18 per day per porter (each porter can carry up to 25 kg of luggage)
- Personal expenses (clothing & gears, drinking water, beverages, laundry, showers, etc.)
- Travel insurance (can be arranged by us), including high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
- Additional costs resulting from factors beyond our control
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the Itinerary & Included section
- All Government taxes 13% and Service Charges 10%
Route Map
Equipment
Clothing
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Base Layers: T-shirts, thermal tops, leggings
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Mid Layers: Fleece jackets, insulated sweater
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Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
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Down Jacket
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Trekking Pants
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Shorts/Trekking T-shirts
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Gloves
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Hat/Beanie
Footwear
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Socks: Wool or synthetic, 3-4 pairs
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Trekking Boots
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Sandals
Trekking Gear
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Backpack: 40-50 L
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Trekking Poles
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Sleeping Bag: -15°C rated
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Water Bottles / Hydration Bladder
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Headlamp/Flashlight
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Sunglasses
Personal Items
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Toiletries
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Sunscreen & Lip Balm
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Quick dry Towel
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Personal Medications
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Hand Sanitizer / Tissue Paper
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Camera / Smartphone / Power Bank
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Water Purification Tablets / Filters
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Personal First Aid Kit
Extra Items
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Binoculars
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Notebook / Journal
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Travel Permits & ID
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Snacks / Energy Bars
Trip Info
Best Time for the ABC Trek with Helicopter Return
Choosing the right season for the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek with Helicopter Return plays a crucial role in shaping your overall experience. While this trek is possible throughout the year, certain seasons offer clearer skies, better mountain views, and more comfortable trekking conditions.
- Spring (March to May)
The best time to do this trek is during Spring (March to May). During these months, the weather is mild, the skies are generally clear, and the trails come alive with blooming rhododendron forests. The temperatures are pleasant for trekking, and the views of the Annapurna range are often at their most vibrant. This is also a great time for photography, as the landscapes are colorful and the visibility is excellent.
- Autumn (September to November)
Another ideal season is Autumn (September to November), widely considered the peak trekking season in Nepal. After the monsoon rains, the air becomes crisp and clean, offering crystal-clear mountain views. The weather is stable, with warm days and cool nights, making it perfect for trekking at higher altitudes. This season also brings a lively atmosphere to the trails, as trekkers from around the world visit Nepal.
- Other Seasons
During Winter (December to February), extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and icy trails make the route hard and physically demanding, while high-altitude sections can become risky and less accessible. At the same time, helicopter operations are often affected by poor weather and limited visibility. During the Monsoon (June to August), continuous rainfall leads to slippery trails, leeches, landslides, and thick cloud cover, which not only reduces mountain visibility but also makes helicopter flights highly unreliable, with frequent delays or cancellations.
Permits Required for the ABC Trek with Helicopter Return
Trekking in the Annapurna region requires official permits to ensure conservation, safety, and proper trekking regulation. Trekkers must obtain the following:
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
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Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Documents Required for Permits
Best Heritage Tour takes care of all necessary permits on your behalf, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the trek without worrying about paperwork. To process these permits, Best Heritage Tour will need:
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Clear Passport Copy: A scanned color copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months).
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Passport-Sized Photos: 4 recent digital photos (for permit forms and conservation logs).
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Travel Insurance: Your policy must explicitly cover emergency helicopter evacuation at altitudes up to 5,000 meters.
Note: There are several checkpoints along the trail where local authorities will check permit so keep permit safe.
Accommodation and Meals
At Best Heritage Tour, we believe that good sleep and a full stomach are the two most important things for a successful trek. We take care of all your lodging and food needs so you can focus on the trail.
Cozy Teahouse Accommodation
Throughout the journey, you will stay in local tea houses and lodges. These are charming, family-run guesthouses that offer a warm and friendly atmosphere.
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The Rooms: You will usually have a twin-sharing room with two comfortable beds. Warm blankets are provided, but we also recommend bringing a good sleeping bag for colder nights.
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The Atmosphere: The heart of every tea house is the dining hall. It’s the warmest place in the building, where trekkers gather around a central stove to share stories, drink tea, and stay cozy after a long day of walking.
Hearty Meals: Fuel for the Mountains
Your package includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. We make sure you get plenty of nutrients to keep your energy levels high.
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The Famous Dal Bhat: This is the ultimate "trekker fuel." It consists of steamed rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetable curry. The best part? It comes with free refills, making it the most popular choice for hungry hikers. As the locals say: "Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour!"
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Local Delicacies: You must try specialties like Momos (Nepali dumplings filled with veggies or meat), vegetable curries, and freshly baked bread from local lodges. These are perfect for cold mountain evenings.
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Other Options: Most tea houses also serve porridge, eggs, noodles, pancakes, and soups.
Staying hydrated is the secret to beating altitude sickness. You can choose from hot drinks like ginger-lemon-honey tea, masala tea, and hot chocolate. Most mountain meals are naturally vegetarian, and vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options can be arranged. Simply inform Best Heritage Tour at the start of the trek, and the kitchens will prepare meals according to your dietary needs.
Trek Difficulty & Fitness Level
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek with Helicopter Return is a moderate trek, made more accessible thanks to the helicopter ride back from ABC. While the trail involves steep ascents, high-altitude trekking, and scenic forest paths, the return flight eliminates the long, strenuous descent, making it much easier and less physically demanding than the traditional ABC trek. This makes the trek suitable even for travelers with limited time or moderate fitness.
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Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours per day on average
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Altitude: Up to 4,130 meters (Annapurna Base Camp)
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Terrain: Well-marked trails, forest paths, rocky sections, and alpine landscapes
Fitness Requirements
Trekkers should have moderate physical fitness, including the ability to walk uphill for several hours and handle uneven or rocky trails. Light training, stamina-building exercises, and leg strengthening prior to the trek will ensure you enjoy the journey comfortably while taking in the breathtaking views of the Annapurna region.
Health & Safety
At Best Heritage Tour, your well-being is our priority. Although the trek is moderate, careful attention to health, hydration, and acclimatization ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Daily Health Monitoring:
Our guides monitor trekkers for early signs of altitude sickness, fatigue, and hydration levels. They carry pulse oximeters to track blood oxygen and heart rate, ensuring safe acclimatization throughout the trek.
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Altitude Awareness:
While Annapurna Base Camp is below 5,000 meters, mild altitude sickness is still possible. Our itinerary includes gradual ascents and follows the principle of “Climb High, Sleep Low.” Trekkers are never pushed beyond safe limits.
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Safety Gear:
Guides carry comprehensive first-aid kits, including oxygen, pain relief, and medications for minor injuries or altitude-related issues.
Travel Insurance
For this trek, standard travel insurance is simply not enough. At Best Heritage Tour, we require proof of a comprehensive insurance policy before you can begin the trek. Your policy must include the following specific coverages:
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High-Altitude Coverage (Up to 4,500m)
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Medical Emergency & Hospitalization: Including treatment for Altitude Sickness (AMS, HAPE, or HACE).
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Emergency Helicopter Evacuation
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Search and Rescue (SAR)
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Trip Cancellation & Interruption
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Cashless Claims & Direct Payment
Pro Tip: Always carry a physical print-out of your insurance policy and the 24-hour emergency contact number in your chest pocket. In an emergency, every second counts, and having your policy number ready allows Best Heritage Tour to launch a rescue immediately.
Visa for Nepal
All international travelers (except Indian) need a tourist visa to visit Nepal, which can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport or online.
Key Details:
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Duration: 15, 30, or 90 days (15 days recommended for this trek)
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Fees: 15 days - USD 30 | 30 days - USD 50 | 90 days - USD 125
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Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), visa form, passport photo, and payment in cash (USD/EUR/GBP/NPR)
Tip: Keep a copy of your visa and passport during the trek and consider applying visa online (through Nepal Immigration Website) for a smoother arrival. Also register to Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS) as this is now mandatory for any Tourists entering Nepal from 2026.
Booking & Payment
Booking your ABC Trek Helicopter Return with Best Heritage Tour is simple and secure. To confirm your trip, a 10% deposit of the total trip cost is required at the time of booking, while the remaining balance must be cleared at least one day before departure. Payments can be made via cash, bank transfer, or card; bank transfer and card fees are the responsibility of the trekker, and incur a 4% transaction fee. All booking and cancellation terms are clearly explained by Best Heritage Tour staff during the booking process and can also be reviewed on our website.
Bank transfer:
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Account Name: Best Heritage Tour And Treks Pvt. Ltd.
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Account Number: 13201040254106
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Bank Name: Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd.
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Address: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
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SWIFT Code: NIBLNPKT
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Bank Transfer Link: www.bestheritagetour.com/payment
Once we receive the deposit, we will issue the official invoice and booking conformation right away. If you need any clarification, we are happy to answer your questions or provide additional details you may require.
Last-Minute Booking
For travelers planning on short notice, Best Heritage Tour accepts last-minute bookings up to 24 hours before departure. In such cases, full payment (100% of the trip cost) is required at the time of booking. Trekkers should be aware that accommodation, logistics, and services may be limited, and the company cannot be held responsible for any compromises arising from late arrangements.
Trip Extension
After completing the ABC Trek, travelers can extend their adventure in Pokhara with activities like paragliding, rafting, boating, or Pokhara city tour. For those seeking more trekking, options include the Mardi Himal Trek or Poon Hill Trek, offering stunning mountain views and cultural experiences. These extensions are flexible, allowing you to combine adventure, nature, and relaxation to enhance your Himalayan journey.