ABC Heli Return Trek & Bhutan Highlights

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Himalayan Dream Team and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax after your journey or take a leisurely walk around the lively streets near your hotel to experience your first glimpse of Nepal's vibrant capital.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner at one of Kathmandu's finest local restaurants. This is the perfect opportunity to sample authentic Nepali cuisine, meet your guide, receive a briefing about the adventure ahead, and experience the warm hospitality that Nepal is famous for.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before exploring the cultural and spiritual highlights of Kathmandu, home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Begin your sightseeing at the ancient hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath, one of Nepal's oldest Buddhist monuments. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley while learning about this sacred site, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple: Continue to Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Observe traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies, meet the colorful Sadhus (holy men), and gain a deeper understanding of Nepal's rich spiritual traditions.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: After lunch, visit the historic royal palace complex of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Admire centuries-old temples, courtyards, and beautifully carved Newari architecture while discovering the fascinating history of Nepal's former royal kingdom.

Local Markets: End the day by exploring Kathmandu's lively spice, vegetable, and local markets. Wander through the narrow streets, experience the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Nepal.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel for the final trek briefing and preparations before beginning your Annapurna Base Camp Trek the following morning.

After an early breakfast, take a spectacular flight to Pokhara (25 minutes), the gateway to the Annapurna region. On a clear day, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). After landing, drive through picturesque villages, terraced hillsides, and scenic river valleys to Hile, where your Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins.

From Hile, follow ancient stone trails through traditional villages before climbing the famous stone staircase to Ulleri, a charming Magar village with beautiful mountain views and an authentic Himalayan atmosphere.

Today's trail climbs gradually through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, passing traditional mountain villages and peaceful terraced farmland. During spring, the forests burst into vibrant colors as Nepal's national flower, the rhododendron, comes into full bloom, creating one of the most beautiful sections of the Annapurna region.

By afternoon, arrive in Ghorepani, one of Nepal's most famous trekking villages. Surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery, the village offers magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and the Dhaulagiri Range, making it the perfect place to prepare for tomorrow's unforgettable sunrise at Poon Hill.

Before dawn, hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of Nepal's most celebrated viewpoints. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-capped Himalayas, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), Hiunchuli, Nilgiri and many other towering peaks. This unforgettable sunrise is one of the highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

After breakfast back in Ghorepani, continue your trek through peaceful forests and scenic mountain trails via Tadapani before descending to the quiet village of Chuile, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings in the heart of the Annapurna region.

After breakfast, continue your trek deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, passing through peaceful forests, terraced hillsides, and traditional Gurung villages. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Stop for lunch in Chhomrong, the last major village on the route to Annapurna Base Camp. After crossing the Chhomrong Khola via a suspension bridge, climb through lush rhododendron and bamboo forests to reach the quiet mountain village of Sinuwa, where you will spend the night.

Today's trail leads through the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area, following peaceful forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. Descend to Bamboo before gradually ascending through Dovan, with the Modi Khola River flowing below and towering cliffs rising above the valley.

As you gain altitude, enjoy spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), Hiunchuli, and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. By afternoon, arrive at the small settlement of Himalaya, surrounded by pristine mountain scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Today is the highlight of your Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Leaving Himalaya behind, the trail climbs gradually through alpine landscapes, passing Hinku Cave before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and the surrounding snow-covered peaks.

Continue into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, where a spectacular natural amphitheater of towering Himalayan giants surrounds you. Upon reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), take in unforgettable 360-degree views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and several other majestic peaks before spending the night beneath the Himalayas.

Wake early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna Sanctuary, as the first light illuminates Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. This unforgettable moment is one of the highlights of the entire journey.

After breakfast, board a helicopter for a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight back to Pokhara (20-30 minutes). Enjoy incredible aerial views of glaciers, deep valleys, remote mountain villages, and the magnificent Annapurna range before landing in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. The remainder of the day is free to relax by Phewa Lake, explore Lakeside or simply celebrate your trekking achievement.

Enjoy a relaxing day in Pokhara, one of Nepal's most beautiful lakeside cities. Spend your time strolling along the shores of Phewa Lake, visiting charming cafés, or simply relaxing and enjoying the peaceful Himalayan atmosphere after your trekking adventure.

For those wishing to explore further, optional excursions include Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum, the World Peace Pagoda, Bindhyabasini Temple, or adventure activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, ultralight flights or an early morning sunrise trip to Sarangkot.

After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara Airport for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu (25 minutes). On a clear day, enjoy one last aerial view of the magnificent Annapurna Himalayas before arriving in Nepal's vibrant capital.

Upon arrival, visit the sacred Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk around the stupa alongside pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras while soaking in the peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa before returning to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore Thamel at your own pace.

Today your Bhutan adventure begins with one of the world's most spectacular Himalayan flights. Fly from Kathmandu to Paro (1 hour), enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including Mount Everest, before landing in the beautiful Paro Valley. After meeting your Bhutanese guide, enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's peaceful capital.

In the afternoon, visit some of Thimphu's most famous landmarks, including the National Memorial Chorten, the impressive Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point), and the magnificent Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and religious heart of Bhutan. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing walk through the charming streets of Thimphu.

After breakfast, continue exploring Thimphu with visits to the Sangaygang Viewpoint (BBS Tower), Dechen Phodrang Monastic School, and the historic Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's oldest fortress-monastery.

Later, drive across the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m), famous for its 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views. Descend into the fertile Punakha Valley, where you will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most beautiful monasteries, followed by a walk across the impressive Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Paro through picturesque valleys and traditional Bhutanese villages. Upon arrival, visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples, dating back to the 7th century.

Continue to the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, renowned for its beautiful Bhutanese architecture and rich history, before visiting Ta Dzong, now home to Bhutan's National Museum. The evening is free to explore Paro town or relax at your hotel.

After an early breakfast, begin the unforgettable hike to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery), Bhutan's most iconic landmark. Perched dramatically on a cliff nearly 900 metres above the Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan Buddhist world.

The trail climbs gradually through fragrant pine forests decorated with colourful prayer flags, offering increasingly spectacular views of the monastery and the valley below. After exploring this remarkable spiritual site and learning about the legend of Guru Rinpoche, hike back to Paro for a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu (1 hour), enjoying one final opportunity to admire the spectacular Himalayan mountain range. Upon arrival, visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's most important Hindu pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, the temple complex offers a fascinating insight into Nepal's spiritual traditions, where you may witness Hindu rituals and traditional cremation ceremonies. Afterwards, continue to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bhaktapur, renowned for its rich Newari culture, historic architecture, and timeless atmosphere.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, one of Nepal's best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent Bhaktapur Durbar Square, admire the beautifully carved 55-Window Palace, pass through the ornate Golden Gate, and visit the lively Pottery Square, where local artisans continue centuries-old pottery traditions.

After the guided tour, enjoy a free afternoon to wander through Bhaktapur's narrow cobbled streets, browse traditional handicraft shops, relax in a local café, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic Newari city.

After breakfast, your unforgettable Nepal & Bhutan Tour with Annapurna Base Camp Trek comes to an end. At the appropriate time, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.

If your flight departs later in the day, you may have time for some last-minute shopping, a relaxing café visit, or a final stroll through the historic streets of Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. If you wish to extend your holiday, we would be delighted to arrange additional tours, wildlife safaris, or trekking adventures in Nepal.

We thank you for choosing Himalayan Dream Team Treks & Tours and hope to welcome you back to the Himalayas for another unforgettable journey in the future.