Overview

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Duration: 15 Days

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 (1,300m)
Day 02: Explore UNESCO sites in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara, stroll around lakeside (958m): 6-7 hours.
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul (1010m) and trek to Ulleri (2050 m/6725 ft.): 6 hours trek
Day 05: Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,800m): 5 -6 hours
Day 06: Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,700m) with a visit to Poon Hill (3,200m): 6 -7 Hours
Day 07: Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m) : 5 hours
Day 08: Trek Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310m): 4 - 5 hours
Day 09: Trek Bamboo to Deurali (3230m) : 3 - 4 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 (2,310m): 6 -7 hours
Day 12: Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,750m): 5- 6 hours
Day 13: Trek Jhinu Danda - Nayapul to Pokhara: 6 hours trek, 1-hour drive
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 15: Farewell, flights home