Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Duration: 15 Days | 3 Reviews

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek takes you to some of the most coveted vantage points in the Annapurna region- Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp. This journey to the base of the South face of Annapurna I (8,091m, 10th highest mountain) traverses through beautiful mountain landscapes, rhododendron forests and picturesque cultural villages among other attractions.

We start our 15-day-long Annapurna Sanctuary Trek begins with a sightseeing tour of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Visiting these religious and cultural sites in Kathmandu helps you get a grip on what Nepalese culture is all about. We drive to Pokhara the next day and start the trek officially from the following the day. We can divide this trek into two sections; Trek to Poon Hill and Trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

The first of the trek takes you to one of the most coveted vantage points in Annapurna region- Poon Hill. We trek through spellbinding rhododendron forests accompanied by a procession of yaks and donkeys from time to time and mountain views all the while to reach Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, it is a 1-hour uphill climb to Poon Hill the next morning before dawn.

We will enjoy the sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Mt. Machapuchhre (fishtail) and dozens of other mountains. It is a truly enlightening moment. The next part of the trek is the journey to Annapurna Base Camp. It takes us four days to reach the base camp from Ghorepani. We traverse through another section of the rhododendron forest trail- Chomrong to Deurali.

We cross Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 37,00 m to arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) crossing Annapurna Sanctuary on our way.The Annapurna Sanctuary is an oval-shaped plateau over 4,000 meters surrounded by the mountains in Annapurna range. The only entrance is a narrow valley between Mt. Hiunchuli and Mt. Machhapuchhre. Surrounded by mountains over 7,000 m on all sides, the sanctuary receives only seven hours of sunlight a day.

Once at the Annapurna Base Camp, you can enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of some of the world’s highest mountains including Annapurna I’s south face. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek-15 Days are for those who want to take their time and enjoy their journey to the Annapurna Base Camp. For those seeking a shorter trek in the Annapurna region, Annapurna Base Camp-14 Days and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek-9 Days are ideal.

Trip Highlights:

The trip starts with exploring some of the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath among others.
Chill in The City of Lake enjoying the serene beauty of the Phewa Lake.
Explore different villages inhabited by different castes like Gurung and Magar, getting to know their culture a little better.
Soak in the beauty of different mountains including Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri(8,167 m) and Machhapuchhre throughout the trek.
Watch the golden hour from Poon Hill; the sun rising over the Himalayas and unobstructed 360-degree views of the mountains
Explore the Annapurna Base Camp; enjoy the close- up views of Annapurna I(8,091m), Annapurna II, Annapurna III(7,555m), Annapurna South(7,219m), Machhapuchhre(6,993m), and Hiunchuli(6,441m) among others.
Trek through the quiet urban areas passing by lush rhododendron forest with mountains on the backdrop

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 02: Explore UNESCO sites in Kathmandu and trek preparation.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara, stroll around lakeside (958m)
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul (1010m) and trek to Ulleri (2050m) : 6 hours
Day 05: Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,750m) : 5 -6 hours
Day 06: Visit Poon Hill for sunrise views and trek to Tadapani (2,700m) : 6-7 hours
Day 07: Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m) : 5 hours
Day 08: Trek Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310m) : 4- 5 hours
Day 09: Trek Bamboo to Deurali (3230m) : 5 hours
Day 10: Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp(3700m): 5- 6 hours
Day 11: Trek Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m): 6-7 hours
Day 12: Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,760m) : 5- 6 hours
Day 13: Trek Jhinu Danda - Nayapul to Pokhara: 6 hours walk and 1-hour drive
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 15: Farewell, flights home

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), you will be welcomed by a representative from Adventure Club Trek. After sorting out your custom formalities (visa and so on), you will be then transferred to your respective hotel in Adventure Club Trek’s private vehicle and give you some time to freshen up. After this, you will attend an orientation about your trek led by the trekking leader over a welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel.
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 02: Explore UNESCO sites in Kathmandu and trek preparation.

Today, we go on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. We start the program after breakfast, first visiting the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main premises of the temple we are allowed to visit the cremation site and surrounding areas. We then head to Boudhanath, considered one of the largest stupas in Asia due to the massive mandala that surrounds the main dome. The smell of Himalayan incense and locals doing kora(making clockwise rounds of the stupa) gives you a little insight on Buddhist culture. Our next stop is Swayambhunath also known as the Monkey Temple, located on top of a hill. The stupa is similar to Boudhanath, but here the stupa is surrounded by many temples and shrines. Some of the temples date back to the medieval Lichchhavi period. Our final stop is Kathmandu Durbar square which is a fine example of Newari architecture. The premises of the Durbar square house many temples and royal palaces, however, most of the temples and building were destroyed by the 2015 earthquake and are being renovated. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara, stroll around lakeside (958m)

We head to the beautiful City of Lakes today. The day kicks off with an early morning breakfast followed by boarding a tourist bus to Pokhara. It is a 7-hour-long drive along the winding hillside Prithvi Highway. Upon checking in at a hotel in Pokhara, we freshen up and relax for a while before heading out to take a stroll around the Phewa lakeside.Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul (1010m) and trek to Ulleri (2050m) : 6 hours

One hour of drive from Pokhara brings us to Nayapul, the starting point of Annapurna Base Camp trek. Trekking along the banks of Modi Khola for 15 minutes, we reach Birethanti (1,015m), a beautiful predominantly Gurung settlement. We walk through a valley forest, cross the Bhurundi Khola (river) before reaching Tikhedhunga Village. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward will really prove a test of our stamina. We reach Ulleri by late afternoon. Overnight in Ulleri. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,750m) : 5 -6 hours

After breakfast, we ascend to the Ghorepani village via stone stairs. As we are ascending, we admire the spectacular scenery as Annapurna South looms large, coming and going from our view. We pass waterfalls, tiny villages, and several tea-houses before reaching Ghorepani. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. The village has small shops that sell local products such as handbags and crafts. The village also has excellent Wi-Fi. Overnight at guesthouse in Ghorepani.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Visit Poon Hill for sunrise views and trek to Tadapani (2,700m) : 6-7 hours

We wake up early in the morning before the dawn cracks with a target to reach Poon Hill at the golden hour. It takes about an hour to reach the top, the best vantage point to enjoy the sunrise over some of the world’s highest mountains including Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri among others. Bask in the serene beauty of the mountains before we descend to Ghorepani for a filling breakfast. We set off on a new adventure conquering the ridges and walking through pine and rhododendron forests to first arrive at Deurali. Continue on the trail as it drops to Banthanti and again through a rhododendron forest to ThuloOdar Kharka. Then a steep descent followed by short climb brings us to Tadapani. Overnight at a teahouse in Tadapani.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m) : 5 hours

Today’s trail starts with a steep descend through the rhododendron forest and gradually eases as we near the Gurung village of Gurung. It is mostly downhill trekking today, and with the drop in the altitude, it should be a piece of cake. From Gurjung it won’t take long to reach Chhomrong. Overnight at guesthouse in Chhomrong.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Trek Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310m) : 4- 5 hours

Enjoy the breakfast at Chhomrong before we head out to Bamboo. After we leave the village we follow stone steps towards the Chhomrong River until we come across a bridge to cross the river. The trail then climbs up to Sinuwa. Hereafter, it is an easy walk to Bamboo, and on the way, we pass through Kuldhighar. Overnight in a teahouse at Bamboo.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Trek Bamboo to Deurali (3230m) : 5 hours

As we head out of Bamboo, we come across steep stone stairs that lead us to a suspension bridge. Upon crossing the bridge, we arrive at Dobhan. The trail then continues through oak, bamboo and rhododendron forest leading to a steep climb that will take us to the Himalaya Hotel. On the way to Deurali, we explore the Hinku Cave. Overnight at a teahouse in Deurali.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp(3700m): 5- 6 hours

The main highlight of the trip is today as we set foot on the Annapurna Base Camp. The day starts with a gradual ascent along the Modi Khola towards Bagar. The difficulty level of the trek rises as we near the Machhapuchhre Base Camp which is not a base camp as climbing the MachhapuchhreMountain is restricted. From here we head towards the Annapurna Base Camp where the 360-degree Mountain View awaits us. Mountains like Machapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli among other can be observed from the Base Camp. Overnight at a teahouse in Annapurna Base Camp.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Trek Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m): 6-7 hours

Enjoy breakfast amidst some of the world’s highest mountains, soak in the serene beauty of the mountains as much as you can before we head down to Bamboo. We retrace our step back through Bagar, Deurali, and Doban to arrive at Bamboo where we spend the night finally.Overnight at a guesthouse in Bamboo.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,760m) : 5- 6 hours

Retracing our steps back to Chhomrong, we pass through Kuldighar and Sinuwa. After arriving at Chhomrong, it is a steep downhill descend to reach Jhinu Danda. There is a natural hot spring 15-20 minute away from the village where you can relax your tired muscles. Overnight at a teahouse inJhinu Danda.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Trek Jhinu Danda - Nayapul to Pokhara: 6 hours walk and 1-hour drive

We have to trek till Nayapul and thereafter board a private vehicle that takes us back to Pokhara. From Jhinu Danda, we first drop down to Birethanti and then get to Nayapul.Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After a rejuvenating morning breakfast, we get ready to leave Pokhara behind and drive to Kathmandu. Once we reach Kathmandu, your guide can help you with any souvenir shopping or other special requests. Farewell dinner from Adventure Club Trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 15: Farewell, flights home

Adventure Club Trek will manage a farewell drive to the international airport for your final flight departure. Meeting you and serving you was a pleasant experience over the weeks. We are sure you enjoyed a wonderful holiday in beautiful Nepal. We hope you will remember us in the years ahead.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cost Includes

Arrival and Departure transfer by private tourist vehicle.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (3 nights).
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast (2 nights).
Best available twin sharing Teahouse or lodge accommodation during the trek
Private, round-trip land transportation between Pokhara and Nayapul
Surface transfer between Pokhara and Kathmandu by tourist bus
Kathmandu city tours, including of all entry fees, tour guide and private vehicle
Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
Government licensed, English speaking guide trained in wilderness first aid
Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
Assistant trekking guides walking with the group to support as necessary (1 assistant guide for 4 trekkers)
Staff costs including their, Food, salary, accommodation, transportation and medicine.
Insurance covering all staff, including porters as per state law.
Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion).
Annapurna Conservation Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
Complimentary Adventure Club Trek T-shirt, and trekking map
Duffel bag for trekking.
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
Travel and rescue arrangement (helicopter evacuation is available if needed - at an additional cost)
All Government and Local taxes

Cost Excludes

Nepal visa (USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days)
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
International air fares/flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon the request)
Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks)
Personal travel insurance and medical bills
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)

Clients Reviews

szaboz
Hungary Published: Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Great guides, excellet trip
Rating:
I trekked with them to Annapurna Sanctuary - well organized tour, helpful guides who made our tri a great experience by explaining a lot about local culture and our environment. Would definitely recommend them!
Kike P
Spain Published: Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Experienced in my life is an awesome place
Rating:
I recently made the trek and has been a wonderful experience. All perfectly organized my guide Sonam is now a friend he took care of me e very moment . so i have always felt in good hands and safe and you have to know i made the trek in winter(february) full of snow! . The views in the sanctuary are for sure the best I've experienced in my life is an awesome place. I recommend it one hundred percent and I recommend this company . It is very important to have a good adventure partner if you want to go to the himalaya! Thanks for all!
RichardMcKe
United States Published: Monday, November 30, -0001

Wonderful help in planning my time Nepal
Rating:
I arrived in Kathmandu with my itinerary for the next 2 weeks all planned out. Birendra looked over it carefully and helped me rearrange it to me more realistic. Because of his experience and knowledge of the country he knew that it would be an extreme hassle to get from point A to point B in one day, so he convinced me to give up on point B and substitute another destination. I was very thankful for this change because otherwise I would have been very close to the epicenter of the earthquake. After the earthquake Birendra kept constantly in touch with me to be sure that I was not having any problems. He did this while taking care of his frightened family and leading a grassroots effort to build sturdy shelters for people whose houses were destroyed! If I could I would rate Birendra at beyond excellent as a travel guide and trip planner!

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Pre-Trip Meeting

Prior to all the treks and expeditions, Adventure Club Trek hosts a pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The primary purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming trek and to introduce other team members. The meeting covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatization and usually involves a hike and some skills training. Pre-trip meeting is very important in order to have a better preparation of the trekking.

Trip Map

Photos ofAnnapurna Sanctuary Trek

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Fixed Departure Dates and Cost

The quoted costs are per person but don't include International flights if you are a single person and want to be in a group you can join our fixed departure schedule if the schedule dates are not suitable for you, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize our trips to suit your needs. If any individuals/group don't want to join our other group, we can comply with your wishes and requirements. We are ground operators Himalayan destinations and can arrange your trip to suit your dates and choices.

Trip Status

Available - Trip is available to run if minimum group size is filled
Guaranteed - Trip is Guaranteed to run
Limited - Only a few spaces available

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PRICE FROM US$ 999 (Per Person)

Trip Facts

Trip Code ACTE-64
Trip Duration 15 Days
Destination Nepal
Trip Difficulty Moderate
Trip Style Tea House Trek
Accomodation Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara and teahouses during the trek