Annapurna Sanctuary Trek:
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a spectacular journey on foot to the South Face of Annapurna I – a pleasant hike through the diverse Nepalese landscape and its culture. On your 14-day journey you will reach the base camp of the world’s 10th highest mountain, Annapurna (8,091m/26,545ft); visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, enjoy breathtaking Himalayan vistas during the trek and experience the sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from Poon Hill.
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is famous for trekkers. The principal peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare, are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier-covered amphitheatre at the centre.
From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Modi Khola knifes its way south in a narrow gorge fully 3660m deep. Further south, the gorge opens up into a wide and fertile valley, the domain of the Gurungs. The middle and upper portions of Modi Khola offer some of the best short trekking routes in Nepal, and the valley is located so that these treks can be easily combined with treks into the Kali Gandaki region to the west.
TREK DETAILS:
Trek Duration: 14 Nights 15 Days
Max Altitude: 4130 meters
Grade: Moderate
Trip Starting/Ending Point: Kathmandu
Trek Category: Adventure
Best season: Sep-Oct-Nov/ Apr-May –June –July –Aug
Highlights of Annapurna Sanctuary
- Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
- Relax at hot spring in Jhinu Danda
- Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare peaks
- Get a taste of rural Nepali life
- Machhapuchhare Base Camp (4,000m)
Outline Itinerary:
| Days | Description | Overnight | Altitude+Hrs |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu |
Bhaktapur(Hotel) |
1300m |
| Day 2 | Trek Preparation Day in Bhaktapur |
Bhaktapur(Hotel) |
1300m |
| Day 3 | Drive from Bhaktapur to Pokhara |
Pokhara(Hotel) |
820m (7-9 hrs) |
| Day 4 | Drive and Trek from Pokhara to Ulleri |
Ulleri(Tea House) |
2,055m ( 5 hrs) |
| Day 5 | Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani |
Ghorepani(Tea House) |
2,750m (6-7 hrs) |
| Day 6 | Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani Via Poonhill |
Tadapani(Tea House) |
2,700m( 6-7 hrs) |
| Day 7 | Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong |
Chhomrong(Tea House) |
2,170m (5-6 hrs) |
| Day 8 | Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya |
Himalaya(Tea House) |
2,540m (6-7 hrs) |
| Day 9 | Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp |
ABC(Tea House) |
4,130m ( 6hrs) |
| Day 10 | Trek from ABC and descend to Bamboo |
Bamboo(Tea House) |
2,350m (6-7 hrs) |
| Day 11 | Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu |
Jhinu(Tea House) |
1,780m (5 hrs) |
| Day 12 | Trek from Jhinu to Siwai And drive back to Pokhara |
Pokhara(Hotel) |
820m (4-5 hrs) |
| Day 13 | Rest day at Pokhara |
Pokhara(Hotel) |
820m |
| Day 14 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu |
Kathmandu(Hotel) |
1300m |
| Day 15 | Kathmandu |
Itinerary Details :
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu/Transfer to Bhaktapur
Arrive at Kathmandu International airport. Meet, welcome, and assist by our office representative & transfer to hotel. Welcome drink, followed by tour briefing. Get refreshed, free time for your own & Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Sight Seeing/Trek Preparation Day
A half-day sightseeing tour of UNESCO heritage site Bhaktapur includes different temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. We will escort you with our trekking guide for program briefing of the trek.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (900 m) in a Tourist Bus - 7 hours
Morning assemble at the tourist bus park,Sorekhutte.The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:00 am. A beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, Pokhara is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our trek.
Day 04 : Drive to Nayapul (1,010 m) and Trek to Ulleri (1,570 m) - 6 hours
We begin our trek at Nayapul after a hour drive on a private vehicle from Pokhara. After a short 15-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015 m), a large village with many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495 m. After a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,570 m. We move on towards the steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at an altitude of 2,070 m.
Day 05 : Trek to Ghorepani (2,840 m) - 4 hours
The trail ascends more gently from this point, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons, towards Banthanti at 2,250 m. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2,460 m. After an hour walk we arrive at Ghorepani (2,840 m).
Day 06 : Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and Trek to Tadapani (2,610 m) - 7 hours
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210 m, a brilliant mountain range spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. There we spend about 1 hour and returning to Ghorepani, we take a hot breakfast. Then we make a climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests, towards Deurali (2,960 m). After that, we descend to the Banthanti, then turn off to Tadapani.
Day 07 : Trek to Chomrong (2,140 m) - 5 hours
The day starts with a steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend through the forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung which is the village of Gurung people. From here it is an easy walk to Chomrong at an elevation of 2,140 m.
Day 08 : Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2,950 m) - 6 hours
Today the trail drops down to the Chomrong Khola and again we continue climbing to Khuldighar at 2,380 m where there used to be an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check post. There is a clearing in the forest a little further on, from which, the route travels very steeply down a rock bank, then levels out, running through thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge, keeping always on the west side of the river. We walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests to the Himalayan Hotel.
Day 09 :Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) - 7 hours
Today the trail climbs on past the Hinko Cave, Deurali and then Machapuchare Base Camp, which isn’t really a base camp since climbing Mt Machapuchare is not permitted. Since it is totally surrounded by mountains, this area is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. Two hours trek from Machapuchare Base Camp takes us to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at elevation of 4,130 m. There, we will view unobstructed views of mountain scenery, which is very spectacular.
Day 10: Trek to Bamboo (2345 m) - 6 hours
We follow the same trail down today. The trail drops by 1,700 m to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo at 2,345 m where there are a few teahouse/lodges available to stay at.
Day 11: Trek to Jhinu (1,780 m) - 5 hours
We follow the same trail until Chomrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar, there is an experimental sheep farm. The trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields. From Chomrong, the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu, where we can bath in natural hot springs.
Day 12: Trek to Nayapul (1,010 m), Drive to Pokhara - 5.5 hours and Guided Tour of Barahi Temple and Fewa Lake
From Jhinu we walk at the right side of Modi Khola for 4.5 hrs to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing walks of the entire trek. We reach Nayapul. Then an hour drive will take us back to Pokhara.
After we check into the hotel, we will then walk to the Fewa Lake for our boating trip to Barahi Temple.
Day 13 : Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,400 m) in a Tourist Bus - 7 hours
Early morning We will drive back to Kathmandu. Its 8 hours drive (200 kms) then we will check in at the Hotel in Thamel.Evening we will have leisure time.Overnigh stay.
Day 14: Kathmandu Valley Sight Seeing.
Todays day for sightseeing in Kathmandu Downtown. We will leave hotel at 8.30 AM, then 30 minute car drive to Swayambhunath Buddhist Stupa and then will visit Baudhanath Stupa nthen Kathmandu old Durbar Sqaure. The sightseeing will be over in the afternoon.We will have a Farewell Dinner in the evening. Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 15: Final Departure
We are confident that you have enjoyed one of the best holidays ever & will go back home with lasting memories of this amazing country. Our escorts & vehicles will be on standby at your hotel to take you to the airport for your final departure.
Cost Includes:
Government registered, well experienced and friendly local trekking guide.
Accommodation.
All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
Accommodation on Bed and breakfast plan during Bhaktapur Kathmandu and Pokhara Stay.
All Transportation Services.
Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Cards.
All tourist service charge, tax and Office Service charge.
Porters ( 1 for 3 people)
Cost Excludes:
All bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, sprite and mineral water.
Immediate Rescue.
Travel insurance, Items and expenses of personal nature.
Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
Personal Trekking Equipments and rescue operation in case of emergency.
Lunch and dinner during Bhaktapur Kathmandu and Pokhara Stay.
Any expenses which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political trouble, and strikes etc.
Laundry, phone calls, internet, heater charge and wifi services.
Tips for guide, porters, and driver.
