
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is one of the famous classic treks of the Annapurna region. This trek combines some of the most eye-catching mountain scenery with a wonderful insight into the life of middle hill Nepalese. The Annapurna Sanctuary trek allows you to experience the varieties of natural and cultural diversity and is a good introduction to higher altitude trekking without being too strenuous.
The main highlight of this trek is to visit the inner Annapurna Sanctuary, a valley with 360 degree panoramic views from Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) of almost 10 silvery peaks over 6000m. Another highlight is the amazing sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himals and Kali Gandaki from Poon Hill. You will also trek through the world's biggest rhododendron forest and a combination of pretty Gurung villages and farmland, including rice terraces. The natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda, Devis falls, Mahendra Cave and Fewa lake in Pokhara while add to your interesting and unforgettable experience on this trek .
You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.
Facts of the Trek
Total Days: 17 days
Trekking Days : 11 days
Hotel in Kathmandu: 4 days
Hotel in Pokhara: 2 days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Altitude Maximum: 4130m (Annapurna Base Camp)
Type of Trek: Lodge (Recommended for camping also)
Best season: March-May and September-November
Walking Time: 5-6 hours each day
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.
Day 02 : Kathmandu: In the morning we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living goddess who is the reincarnation of Kali).
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) by tourist coach bus: In the afternoon, we will visit Devis Falls (the waterfall goes into a very deep and narrow canal), Guptesowri Cave (a very attractive natural cave) and Fewa Lake (second largest lake in Nepal, 1.5 km long) which are the main tourist attractions in Pokhara.
Overnight: Hotel
Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours (200Km)
Difference in Elevation: - 515m.
Day 04 : Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1540m): After a one and half hour drive to Naya Pul, we will start our trek to Tikhedunga. Before reaching Tikhedunga the check post police will check our TIMS card and conservation permit at Birethati village, which is situated beside the Modi Khola river.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 720m.
Day 05 : Trek Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2860m): Today we have about 7 hours of walking via Ulleri and Nangethati villages. From Tikhedhunga, we begin our journey with a rocky steep climb to Ulleri which is a large Magar village at 2070m elevation. On the trail we will see beautiful rhododendron forests which will be very colorful if our trek is during the blooming season in the months of April and May.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1320m
Day 06 : Ghorepani to Tadapani (2590m): In the early morning we will hike to Poon Hill (3210m) for the wonderful mountain scenery at sunrise, including Dhaulagiri( 8167m), Machhapuchhre (commonly called Fishtail(6998m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II( 7939m), Annapurna III(7555m), Annapurna IV(7525m), Himchuli(6441m), Annapurna South(7219m), Tukuche Peak(6920m), and Lamjung Himal(6986m). From Poon Hill we will retrace our steps to Ghorepani. After having breakfast we will continue our trek climbing a small hill leaving behind the view of Poon Hill then trail descends through dense mossy forest rich with bird life to Tadapani.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 270m
Day 07 : Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m): Our day will start with a steep descend from Tadapani through forests as we approach to Gurjung which is a village of Gurung peoples. We will than take an easy walk to Chhomrong, where we will see very close views of Annapurna and Fishtail.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 420m
Day 08 : Trek Chhomrong to Dovan: On the third day of our trek, we will descend to Chhomrong Khola and than continue by ascending to Khuldighar where there is Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) checkpost. Our trek continues to Dovan.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Différence in Elevation: + 340m
Day 09 : Trek Dovan to Deurali (3230m): Today, the trek will begin by climbing through Bamboo (2335m) and crossing rhododendron and other mixed forests until we reach Deurali.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 720m
Day 10 : Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC-4130m) : The trek through the narrow Modi Kola valley will bring you to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). We continue to ABC, one of the famous places in the Annapurna area, where you will ringed by silvery mountains in one of the most beautiful of landscapes. These include tremendous views of the near vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary to the north-west.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 900m
Day 11 : Trek Annapurna Base camp (ABC) to Bamboo (2340m): The trek from ABC descends back along the same trail past MBC to Bamboo, taking about five hours. For many, it's much easier to descend.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1790m
Day 12 : Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m): The trek to Jhinu Danda has a lot of ups and downs and takes approximately five hours. From Jhinu Danda, it takes about 20 minutes to descend to the hot spring on the bank of the Modi Khola where you can have a relaxing soak.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 560 m
Day 13 : Trek Jhinu Danda to Tolka (1850m): This day, the trek will commence to Landrung Gurung village by crossing the Modi Khola. Then our trek continues to Tolka.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hour
Difference in Elevation: +70 m
Day 14 : Trek Tolka to Pokhara (820m): This is our final trekking day and we will trek from Tokla to Phedi to get a Bus or Van. It’s 30 minutes drive to Pokhara.
Overnight: Hotel
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 940m
Day 15 : Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m): The flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu in the morning is approximately 30 minutes and during your flight you will enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas again and be able to take some spectacular pictures.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 30 mins
Difference in Elevation: + 514m
Day 16 : Kathmandu: Today we will visit Pashupatinath (ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion), Boudhanath (the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century), Soyambhunath (one of the world's most glorious stupa), famous for eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from four directions.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 17 : Transfer to the airport and departure
Special Note:
This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.
NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.