Helicopter Tour vs Trekking to Annapurna Region
When it comes to exploring the fabled Annapurna region, trekking is the most desirable alternative. However, in recent years we were introduced to the Annapurna helicopter tour which opened a new set of possibilities. Through this article, we shall take a detailed look as to which method of travel suits your interest. Also, we shall compare the perks of trekking to Annapurna and traveling by air.
1. Taking the most famous Trekking to Annapurna -by walking of course!
The vintage and standard method of comprehending the immaculate beauty of the Annapurna region is to partake in a trek. Trekking ordeal ranges from a meager 7 days to the prolonged 14 days trek too. The walk sees you walk on trails that dwindle through the hills. Finally, it leads you to the highlight of the trek, i.e. the Annapurna Base Camp.
1. Basic itinerary
We have a basic itinerary for you that you’ll follow while trekking to Annapurna. Note that this itinerary is made to provide you an idea of what the trip looks like. If you want to modify this itinerary, then it is possible.
1st day: From Kathmandu to Pokhara
2nd day: From Naya Pul to Tikhedhunga
3rd day: From Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
4th day: From Ghorepani to Tadapani
5th day: From Tadapani to Chhomrong
6th day: From Chhomrong to Dovan
7th day: From Dovan to Macchhapuchre Base Camp
8th day: From Machhapuchre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp
9th day: From Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
10th day: From Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
11th day: From Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
12th day: From Pokhara to Kathmandu
2. Highlights
- Relaxing in the tranquil waters of the Jhinu hot springs
- Walking past Gurung settlements like Chhomrong, Dovan and understanding the lifestyle of the locals
- Observing exotic birds and animals en route to the Annapurna Base Camp
- Resting on the banks of the Modi Khola and interacting with the locals
- Witnessing the sheer magnitude of the Macchapucchre mountain and Annapurna mountain
3. Fitness Level
Trekking to Annapurna demands a certain level of fitness which you must possess. To emphasize, you must train yourself at least a month before taking this trek. You need to train your body for endurance, flexibility, and strength. In some cases, the training can be difficult than the actual trek.
2. Helicopter Tour of the Annapurna
The helicopter tour is a stark contrast to the orthodox Annapurna Base Camp trek. In this journey, you don’t have to worry about traversing through the rigorous trials and fearing altitude sickness. You’ll just relax inside your chartered helicopter and arrive at the Annapurna Base Camp. The mere feeling of exiting from your helicopter like a boss has a separate feeling which trekking simply doesn’t provide.
1. Basic Itinerary
While the trekking to Annapurna has an itinerary that exceeds a week, the itinerary for the Annapurna base camp helicopter tour lasts for about 3-days only. In short, it gives you the picture of the Himalayas in a limited time in comparison to the actual trek. When you arrive at the base camp all fresh, you will see worn out trekkers there. You might even thank yourself for not choosing the trek!
1st day: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
2nd day: Fly from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp (30-40 minutes)
3rd day: Fly back to Kathmandu
In a mere 3-days’ time, you can visit the Annapurna Base Camp and get back.
2. Highlights
If you expect to see highlights besides stunning mountains and amazing flight experience, then you might need a reality check. In this helicopter tour, you will miss the opportunity to explore the quaint Gurung settlements that dot the Annapurna region. Furthermore, you will miss out on encounters with wild animals and birds. You know what they say, ‘The journey is more important than the destination’. So, if you want to add more highlights, then go trekking to Annapurna.
3. Fitness level
You might be sad knowing that there are not enough highlights on the helicopter tour. Well on the bright side, you don’t need to have any sort of fitness level to take this tour. That saves you the time of exercising which you can use in other activities.
Conclusion
Whether you decide to trek to Annapurna or enjoy a helicopter tour, each has its benefits. While deciding, you need to understand how much time and money you are going to spend. Also, you need to perfectly aware as to what to expect from this trek. By saying this, we hope that you will take either of the journeys shortly.
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