Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Overview:
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a journey into the heart of the Himalayas, where nature’s grandeur and the richness of Himalayan culture intertwine to create an experience of a lifetime. From the bustling alleys of Kathmandu to the serene lakeside city of Pokhara, the adventure unfolds with breathtaking landscapes, traditional mountain villages, and the ever-present backdrop of towering snow-clad peaks. The trek begins with a scenic drive to Phedi, from where we set foot on winding trails that traverse riverbeds, terraced hillsides, and enchanting forests of rhododendron and oak. As we ascend, the air carries the distant sound of prayer flags fluttering in the wind, welcoming us into the land of the Gurung people in the picturesque village of Ghandruk.
Tour Highlights
- Enchanting Forested Trails
- Breathtaking Views
- Breathtaking Sunrise from Poon Hill
- Himalayan Biodiversity
- Friendly Encounters Cultural Immersion in Gurung Villages
- Diverse Landscapes
- Kali Gandaki River Valley
- Exploration of Pokhara & Kathmandu
Tour Facts
- Duration: 16 Days (11 days of Trekking)
- Max Elevation: 4,130m / 13,546ft
- Trek Grading: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Style: Lodge-to-Lodge
- Suggested Season: March to June and September to November
- Trek Starts/Ends: Phedi/Nayapul
- Accommodation: 5 Nights in BB Hotels and Rest of the Days in BLB Guest Houses
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
- Warm welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Transfer to hotel in the heart of Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast / Refreshments
Day 02: Explore the Best of Kathmandu
- Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a living museum of medieval Nepal, with its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
- Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the Holy Bagmati River, where Hindu pilgrims perform rituals and cremation rites.
- Ascend to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley and a serene spiritual experience.
OR
- Experience the tranquil ambiance of Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.
- Immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage before your trek begins.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast / Refreshments
Trek Briefing and Preparation: Setting the Stage for an Unforgettable Adventure
- Comprehensive Trek Overview– Gain detailed insights into the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, including trail conditions, expected weather, and key highlights.
- Safety and Preparation– Learn about essential trekking gear, altitude precautions, and health guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Cultural Etiquette– Understand local customs and traditions to engage respectfully with the communities you’ll encounter along the trek.
- Scenic & Cultural Expectations– Get a glimpse of the diverse landscapes, from lush forests and terraced farmlands to breathtaking mountain vistas and charming villages.
- Final Gear Check & Readiness– Ensure you have all necessary trekking equipment before embarking on this unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Day 03: Scenic Drive to Pokhara – Gateway to the Annapurna Region
- Departure from Kathmandu
- Drive through scenic countryside
- Arrival in Pokhara at 6-7 hours on the road
- Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
- Meals: Breakfast
Trek Commences:
Day 04: Short Drive to Phedi and Begin Your Trek to Bhickok Deurali (2,100m/6,888ft)
- A scenic short drive to Phedia and start of your trekking journey.
- Phedi to Dhampus bringing you closer to the grandeur of theAnnapurna range
- Wallk through Rhododendron Forests
- Picturesque Views
- Bhickok Deurali
- A Taste of Himalayan Adventure
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 850m
- Down Hill20m
- Distance: 7.8km
- Duration : 4hrs
Day 05: Trek to Landruk (1,565m/5,133ft)
- Descent into the Forest, and walk through terraced fields enjoying the pastoral beauty
- Experience the charming trail of Tolka village
- Cross Tigu Khola
- Glimpses of Landruk
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 700m
- Distance: 12km
- Duration: 5hrs
Day 06: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m/7,117ft)
- Gentle Descent and terraced fields
- Cross Modi Khola suspension bridge
- Rugged ascent to Taglung
- Tea house breaks
- Arrival in Chhomrong
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 800m
- Down Hill: 145m
- Distance: 8km
- Duration: 6hrs
Day 07: Trek to Doban (2,505m/8,216ft)
- Morning Descent and Chhomrong Khola
- Steep Ascent and Views of Machhapuchhare
- Passing Through Bamboo Village
- Easing Ascent to Doban
- Immersion in Nature
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 430m
- Down Hill: 95m
- Distance: 10km
- Duration: 6hrs
Day 08: Trek to Deurali (3,230m/10,594ft)
- Walk through misty Modi Khola Gorge
- Trek through bamboo and Rhododendron Forests
- Gradual climb through Hinko cave and rugged terrain
- Arrival at Deurali (3,230 m)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 555m
- Distance: 7.7km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 09: Trek to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m/12,136ft)
- Trek through narrowing valley and rugged landscape
- Arrive Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC) and get the clear view of Machhapuchhare (6,993m)
- Majestic Views and Reflection
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 483m
- Distance: 4km
- Duration: 3hrs
Day 10: Arrival at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,546ft)
- Scenic ascent through Glacial valley heading westward toward Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
- Approaching Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4,130m), experience awe-inspiring 360 degree panorama of the highest peaks: Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Himchuli, and the ever-iconic Machhapuchhare
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 450m
- Distance: 4km
- Duration: 2hrs
Day 11: Descending into the Valley – Return to Himalaya (2,920m/9,578ft)
- Morning descent from Annapurna Base Camp
- Pass through the familiar sights of Deurali and Hinko cave
- Descent through cascading waterfalls and bamboo forest
- Arrival in Himalaya through meditative descend through the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 1320m
- Distance: 13km
- Duration: 8hrs
Day 12: Return Journey to Chhomrong (2,170m/7,117ft)
- Descent through bamboo forests and rhododendron groves along the Modi Khola river
- Ascend towards Sinuwa through mesmerizing trail
- Crossing the suspension Bridge and arrive at Chhomrong
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 510m
- Down Hill: 1140m
- Distance: 15km
- Duration: 9hrs
Day 13: A Picturesque Descent to Ghandruk (2,590m/8,495ft)
- Descending from Chhomrong through a series of stone-paved steps, winding past lush green terraces and scattered Gurung villages
- Cross Chhomrong river and climb and approach Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
- Arriving in Ghandruk, a pictorial Gurung village
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 480m
- Down Hill: 850m
- Distance: 9.8km
- Duration: 6hrs
Day 14 - Descend to Nayapul (1,070m/3,510ft) and Drive to Pokhara
- Scenic descend to Nayapul
- Observe the convergence of Rivers—Bhurundi Khola with the Modi Khola
- Arrival in Nayapul
- Return drive to Pokhara
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 1000m
- Distance: 11km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 15 - An Exploration Day Sightseeing in Pokhara
- Peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake
- Visit to the World Peace Pagoda
- Explore Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave
- Observe International Mountain Museum
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
Return to Kathmandu
Day 15: Fly Back to Kathmandu
- Morning Flight to Kathmandu
- Arriving in Kathmandu
- Explore Thamel, Kathmandu (Optional)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Trip Concludes
- Airport Transfer
- Accommodation: None
- Meals: Breakfast
Cost, Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes:
- All ground transportation including airport pick up and transfers
- Double occupancy hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara with entire entry fees
- English speaking trekking guide
- Best available local lodge accommodation during trek
- Three meals a day during trek
- Well equipped and insured porters
- Conservation fee
- Domestic flight tickets
Cost Does Not Includes:
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Domestic and international flight fares
- Airport departure tax for international flights
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal/travel/accidental/evacuation insurance
- Rescue charge if needed
- Medical expenses if treatment needed
- Personal equipment, e. g. shoes, clothing etc.
- Expenses of personal nature, e. g. bar bill, telephone bill, laundry charge etc.
Trip Extension
Do you wish to extend your trip to include more time, additional destinations, or both? Let us know and we’ll help you plan it out.
(These trips can also be extended or modified to fit your schedule.)
To view our Trip Extension options, please take a quick look at our Trip Extensions menu.