Another World Adventures

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Duration: 17 days
From:
£1,499.00
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Annarpurna Sanctuary trek.

One of the most famous Annapurna treks, this trek takes you as far as the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,095 m. We enter the sanctuary after a magnificent and varied trek through the foothills of the Himalayas, passing through small villages, mixed forests, and terraced farmland. En-route, we enjoy great mountain views at sunrise from Poon Hill and end up relaxing in the lakeside town of Pokhara and exploring the Newari hilltop town of Bandipur. An excellent introduction to Nepal and hiking in Annapurnas.
You start your tour of Kathmandu with a guided tour of this bustling city, taking in tiny markets, corner temples and the famous Durbar Square. You have a scenic journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where your trek begins from nearby Naya Pul. Staying in lodges throughout the day, you will meet and talk to other trekkers and guides every night, discuss the places you've visited and the route ahead, and make a contribution to the local economy.
Starting in the foothills, immediately north of Pokhara, you start your trek to Ghorepani, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise view of the Annapurna range from Poon Hill. From Ghorepani, you cross many valleys and then go up the beautiful Modi Khola Valley. A dominant characteristic of this trek is the Deep Rhododendron forests, with sprinklings of a wide variety of orchids and bamboo forests full of pussy monkeys.
As you walk up to the middle of the Annapurna Himal, you can visit the Machhapuchhare Base Camp, followed by the Annapurna Base Camp itself. When you reach the Annapurna Sanctuary (a mountain ringed amphitheatre of enormous proportions), you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of 10 snow-capped peaks above 6,000 m. The summits include: Fang, Glacier Dome, Homunculi, Annapurna, Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare. All of these, combined with the impressive background of the south face of Annapurna 1 (8,090 m), make this trek a truly unique and unforgettable experience. After some time exploring the Sanctuary, take a few days to walk back to Pokhara and stop along the way at the hot springs near Jhinnadunda.
You have a free day in Pokhara, which we leave to give you time to relax in this peaceful lakeside town, and to allow for any delay in the trek itself. From Pokhara you drive back to Kathmandu via Bandipur and have a little free time to do some last-minute shopping or a little more sightseeing around the city and the surrounding valley.
One of the great things about the Annapurna trekking region is the wide variety of routes and paths available. This means that the itinerary below can be both shortened and extended in all kinds of different ways if you have more or less time for your trek. Options are also available to explore the ancient areas of Patan & Bhaktapur outside Kathmandu, take a mountain flight to Everest, or extend the trip to try some white-water rafting or visit one of Nepal's wildlife sanctuaries.

Highlights

Kathmandu temples & bazaars, trekking in the Annapurnas, sunrise on Poon Hill, majestic mountain views in the Annapurna Sanctuary, Newari village of Bandipur, hike to Ramkot.

Why you'll love this adventure

  • A beautiful and varied trek through the Himalayan foothills
  • A scenic road journey to Pokhara
  • The huge variety of routes and paths available
Start
Nepal, Nepal
Finish
Annapurna trekking, Nepal
Trip Duration
17 Days
Group Size
Min group size 1 and Max group size 20
Activity
Culture, Explorer, Hiking & Trekking, Mixed Activity
Style of Travel
Guided Group, Incentive Travel, Private Departure, Solo Traveller

Dates

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Tuesday

5 December 2023

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21 December 2023

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6 December 2023

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22 December 2023

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7 December 2023

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23 December 2023

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29 December 2023

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31 December 2023

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1 January 2024

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17 December 2023

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3 January 2024

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7 February 2024

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8 February 2024

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9 February 2024

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28 January 2024

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13 February 2024

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14 February 2024

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15 February 2024

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26 February 2024

This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.

Itinerary

This trip includes an action packed itinerary! Please make an enquiry and we'll send you the full itinerary for each day including meals, activities, travel and accommodation.

Enquire Today
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

What's included

  • All accommodation (5 nights in boutique hotels, 1 night in Bandipur hotel, 10 nights in trekking lodges)
  • 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
  • Half day informal walking tour in Kathmandu
  • Private car between Kathmandu & Pokhara (flight upgrades available)
  • Services of a trekking guide and porter(s) throughout the trek
  • Insurance for porters and guides
  • Trekking area permissions/permits
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (breakfasts in hotels, all meals on trek)

Trip notes

Price

From £1499.00 land only

Who is this trip for?

  • Suitable For Solo
  • Suitable For Couples
  • Suitable For Children
  • Suitable For Groups
  • Suitable For Students
  • Suitable For Business
  • Suitable For Wheelchairs

Additional notes

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
We welcome you to the airport and take you to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu, where our Encounters Travel agent welcomes you, helps you settle in and explains the agenda for the rest of your tour.
| OVERNIGHT: Kathmandu hotel

Day 2: Kathmandu
The first part of the morning will be a pre-trek briefing and introduction to your trekking guide. After that, you will take a relaxed walking tour through the tourist district of Thamel and through the tiny markets, past the local temples and down to central Durbar Square with its magnificent array of Hindu temples, stupas and palaces. The rest of the day is free to explore yourself and make some final purchases from one of the many trekking shops.
In the evening, you can try out the many restaurants and bars and soak up the feeling of the place that makes Kathmandu a magnet for travelers from all over the world.
| OVERNIGHT: Kathmandu hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 3: Pokhara (flying option available)
You started off early today, going west for Pokhara. You will travel by private car or minivan with a driver and a trekking guide, and once clear of the surrounding hills of the city, there is a wonderful view of the snow-capped peaks as you wind down the valley of the Trisuli River. You can see white water rafts on the Trisuli River below you. The drive continues through the junction of the town of Mugling and to Pokhara (about 7 hours). The journey will also give you your first glimpse of Himalchuli and Manaslu from the north.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, after checking in at the hotel, you are free to explore the busy Lakeside area.
| OVERNIGHT: Pokhara hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 4: Drive to Naya Pul. Trek to Tirkhedunga (1540m)
Your trek begins today after a 1 1/2 hour drive through the major village of Lumle to Naya Pul. The route begins by passing Birethanti (1025 m), a large and prosperous village. Your path follows the main trail to Sudami, where you climb up the side of the valley until you reach Hille (1,495 m) before you reach Tirke Dhunga (1540 m).
| OVERNIGHT: Thirkhedhunga trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani (2860 m)
From Tirkhedhunga, the trail crosses a stream and then goes up a steep stone stairway to the large village of Magar in Ulleri (2.070 m). You walk through the Rhododendron and oak forests and through the streams until you make a quick, final climb to Nangethanti.
You eventually get to Ghorepani (2,850 m) from Nangethanti. The distance covered is not too wide today, but you are at an altitude of over 1300 m, so be prepared for sore legs by the end of the day. The views of the Annapurna foothills improve with every meter obtained and provide a fitting reward for hard work.
| OVERNIGHT: Ghorepani trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Journey to Tadapani (2630 m)
It’s no surprise that a lot of people come to Poon Hill to see the sunrise, and an early start allows you to watch it from the top. It is one of the best viewpoints in the Himalayas at 3,210 m. Most of the way up there are good views of the Annapurnas and the Dhaulagiri, while at the top you are surrounded by a panoramic view of the mountains. There is an observation platform at the top, with picnic tables along the edge of the hilltop, and typically a local hot drink offering.
The snow-capped peaks are the first to be lit, and while you watch, the mists gently dissipate, and the lines of the hills shake their ridges to welcome the sun. When the sun breasts the hills to the east, the warmth of the sun suddenly takes the chill out of the air. (Take an extra layer of clothes with you, because it can be pretty cold before that).
Next you go down to Ghorepani, and from here you follow a gently forested ridge for a while. There are views from all sides, and the air is always busy with the sound of talking monkeys. The summit of Machhapuchhare is visible, before you descend steep, muddy slopes and a heavily forested narrow gorge. As the gorge widens, you are coming to Banthanti. Continuing on, you descend steeply before climbing through the thick, dark forest to Tadapani (2,630 m). Sunrise and sunset offer particularly good photographs of Annapurna South, the towers above the town and Machhapuchhare, which can be seen across the valley.
| OVERNIGHT: Tadapani trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Trek to Chomrong (2170 m)
Today you descend through a jungle-like forest (notorious for leeches in the monsoon season) where the branches of the tree are lined with hanging mosses and the air is mixed with the fragrance of decay and flowering trees. Eventually, you emerge past the sawmill and onto the terraced fields on the side of the deep valley. From here, you walk down the valley past cowsheds and small houses, stopping to watch local farmers work on the terraces.
You cross a strong bridge at the river, before climbing to the other side of the valley. Here you walk around the shoulder of the hill and enter the much larger Modi Khola Valley. It’s only a short distance along the valley, which leads you directly to the Annapurna Sanctuary before we get to Chhomrong (2.170 m). The village of Chhomrong is relatively wide and spreads out along a steep stone stairway on the side of the valley. Water breaks down cleverly constructed channels, following hundreds of steps down to the bottom.
There is a hydroelectric dam at the base of the hill, which now supplies power to much of the village. It’s the last big populated village you’ll meet before you get back from Base Camp.
| OVERNIGHT: Chhomrong trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Trek to the Himalaya Hotel (2920 m)
Following the well-worn trail, you enter the Modi Khola valley, walking through the Rhododendron trees, climbing gently uphill and passing through the high bamboo forests with monkeys and occasional meadows above. Eventually, you can hit a gap in the trail and bear right down to the lodges of Bamboo by the river, and a welcome break. If you don’t have walking poles with you, this stretch of walking is a good opportunity to pick up a stout bamboo walking stick for the coming climbs to Base Camp (ask your guide what you can do).
You leave the river, walk again through the wet Rhododendron forest, and start climbing up to the lodges at Doban before you push through some steep sections to the grandly called Himalaya Hotel (2.920 m).
| OVERNIGHT: Himalaya Hotel trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Trek to Machapuchare Base Camp (3700 m)
You leave the tree line behind you today as you step up steeply to open areas. Passing past Hinku Cave, a massive overhanging rock that can be used as a temporary shelter in winter when the weather is bad, you cross two daily avalanche streams before you get to Deurali. Then you go up to the narrow entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Machhapuchhare is now clearly visible, rising above you and just across the valley.
Traveling across a barren rocky area, you arrive at the Machhapuchhare Base Camp, which at 3,700 m is perfectly positioned at the gateway to this inner Annapurna panorama.
It’s less than two hours from here to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) and the perfect view of some of the world’s highest mountains. You may struggle to get this far in the winter months, whether there is a lot of snow, recent avalanches, or if the weather looks like it’s going to get worse. Your guide will have the final say, but walking through these peaceful valleys in the snow, with the giant icicles hanging from the Hinku Cave and the rocks above, makes up for not getting straight to the top.
The distance covered is not too long today, but you’re going to notice the altitude now, and you shouldn’t sit any higher than Macchapuchare BC.
| OVERNIGHT: Machhapuchhare Base Camp trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) and Sanctuary Day
A lot of this day is spent enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds you. It’s not a long walk to the South Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m), although you’re at an altitude of over 400 m. There are many routes and paths in the sanctuary that allow you to try out various points of view from which to view the peaks.
The vast south face of Annapurna I (8,091 m) provides an impressive backdrop, while the proximity of 10 peaks over 6,000 m, including Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Homunculi and Machhapuchhare, is simply awe-inspiring.
Sunrise is unique as the rising sun steadily illuminates the snow-capped peaks. Walking through the Sanctuary, the view is stunning, as you feel almost absolutely surrounded by the surrounding mountains. Silence is crushing and only occasionally broken by a distant rug of avalanches. If you’re fortunate, you may see some climbing expeditions planning to head up the mountains.
| OVERNIGHT: Annapurna Base Camp trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Trek to Bamboo Lodge (2310 m)
Leaving the towering peaks behind, you retrace your steps past the Hinku Cave and back down the tree line and through the Rhododendron and Bamboo forests. Continue past Himalaya Hotel to Bamboo Lodge (2.310 m).
You’re losing a lot of altitude today, so walking poles or the bamboo stick you picked up earlier would really support your knees.
| OVERNIGHT: Bamboo trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Trek to Jhinnudanda (1780 m)
Continuing back up the Modi Khola Valley, you leave the bamboo behind you as you descend through the Rhododendron jungle to Chhomrong. It’s a short but steep walk down to Jhinnudanda (1,780 m), where you rest overnight.
Just below the town there are hot springs, where you might have time for a welcome shower, revitalizing hard-working muscles and joints.
| OVERNIGHT: Jhinnudanda trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Trek to Pothana (1890 m)
You could finish your trek today and walk straight down the valley from Jhinudanda, pick up a shared jeep or local bus to Birethanti and back to Pokhara. However, we prefer to add a few more days and some more spectacular views to this trek and hike up from New Bridge (1340 m) along the eastern side of the Modi Khola Valley, passing through the village of Landruk (1,620 m) before starting a steady ascent through Tolka to Pothana (1890 m).
| OVERNIGHT: Pothana trekking lodge
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Trek to Phedi (1130 m) and drive to Pokhara
Your trek ends today as you leave the view from Pothana behind you and descend first to Deurali and Dhampus and then to Phedi, where you enter the main road and we drive you back to Pokhara.
Set in a large fertile valley, Pokhara is the gateway to most of Nepal’s rafting and trekking destinations and has plenty to entertain you this afternoon and evening as you celebrate the completion of your trek.
| OVERNIGHT: Pokhara hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 15: Hike to Ramkot
You leave Pokhara behind today and travel to the Newari hilltop village of Bandipur (approx. 3 hours). The beautiful core of Bandipur has been lovingly restored, and most of the city is now a pedestrian area, surrounded by beautiful old buildings. After a stay at your hotel, you can spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the city or hike to the nearby village of Ramkot. Ramkot is a village inhabited by the Magar community with good views and gives you the chance to see another Nepalese community with their traditional round houses.
If you wish, you could miss Bandipur completely and go back to Kathmandu today, shortening the whole tour by one day.
| OVERNIGHT: Bandipur hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 16: Bandipur – Kathmandu
There is more free time this morning to explore Bandipur before driving back to Kathmandu (approx. 4-5 hours, subject to traffic on arrival in Kathmandu). You can start at a time of your choice, depending on whether you want to spend more time in Bandipur or Kathmandu.
One good choice is to spend the morning walking down the forest from Bandipur to Bimalnagar on the main Kathmandu road at the bottom of the hill, stopping at the Siddha Gufa cave on the way. This cave is said to be the largest in Nepal, more than 400 m deep and 50 m high, full of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as hundreds of bats.
Compulsory guides are available if you want to join (approx. NRs200). The cave is unlit, and the torches are available for use. The stone steps down from Bandipur can be slippery.
| OVERNIGHT: Kathmandu hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 17: Tour ends
Your tour will end after breakfast and, if possible, we will move you to the airport for your home flight.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast

Tour operator

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Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

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