Annapurna Sanctuary (20 Days)
Annapurna Sanctuary (20 Days)
A superb trek that quickly gets you into the mountains via Bamboo camp and rhododendron forests before finally reaching Annapurna Base Camp to take in the stunning scenery.
Fitness grading: Trekking/Int
Climate: See Climate for likely weather conditions
Duration: 20 Days
Price 1-7 people: £1750
Price 8 or more : £1550
Deposit: £300
Dates: Please contact us for dates
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Additional Information
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a superb adventure holiday that gets you into the mountains quickly, so that in no time you're surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas.
The trip starts with a day in Kathmandu, followed by a bus journey to Pokhara, the second capital of Nepal. From here you trek to Ulleri and then on to Ghorepani and Poon Hill (3,153 metres), where you will have superb views of some of the most significant peaks in this region, such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchare and Manaslu.
From here we visit Bamboo camp, where the rhododendron forests are spectacular, especially in the Spring.
One of the highlights of this route is the visit to Machhapuchare Base Camp, followed by Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,000 metres. The trek is challenging, and the views are stunning and well worth the effort.
After approximately two weeks you return to Pokhara and then travel back to Kathmandu by road. The area has many lodges along the route, so it is not necessary to camp unless it is your preference to do so. Either can be arranged.
In common with all of our Treks in Nepal, previous experience of the mountains is not essential, however a good level of fitness will assist you at altitude and add to your enjoyment of the holiday. For those who are not keen to travel by bus, it is possible to arrange a flight to Pokhara, although this will incur an extra charge.
What’s included:
Kathmandu hotel and breakfast
Accommodation and food on the trek
Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Internal transfers
Sherpa Guides, Porters and local helpers
Trekking Permit
National Park fee
What’s not included:
International flights
Visa fees
Airport tax
Insurance
Other meals in Kathmandu
Alcoholic drinks
Additional visits
Flight to Pokhara
Optional Sherpa and Porter bonuses
Click to see Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Depart UK
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal
You will be met at the airport then drive for about 30 minutes to the Norbu Linka Hotel. The day can then be spent relaxing, seeing the sights of Kathmandu and getting to know the rest of the group.
Day 3: Kathmandu
Check equipment / sightseeing. As part of today we will check everyone has the necessary kit for the trek ahead. There is time to hire/buy anything needed from the numerous climbing shops within 5 minutes walk of the hotel.
Day 4: Pokhara
Half day drive to Pokhara the second capital of Nepal. The drive will show you some wonderful scenery as we travel through Nepal and Pokhara itself is very pretty situated beside a huge lake with cafes restaurants and a number of new lodges.
Day 5: Pokhara – Nayapul – Birethanti (1025m)
After a short drive out of Pokhara the trek begins from Nayapul and reaching Birethanti after a couple of hours walking.
Day 6: Ghandruk (1940m)
The trek will take you steadily up to Ghandruk, the pace will be slow to allow for acclimatisation and there will be a stop for lunch at a lodge on the way.
Day 7: Chhomrong (2170m)
Continuing along the route we are gradually gaining height. The scenery starts to become more and more impressive as we get further into the mountains and from Chhomrong there are wonderful views of Annapurna South.
Day 8: Bamboo (2310m)
Trekking on to Bamboo will take you across a river bridge and then through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. There are a number of small villages along the trail.
Day 9: Deurali (3200m)
We will reach Deurali today, gaining quite a lot of height however making the following day easier.
Day 10: Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m)
This is a fairly steep walk up to reach Hinku Cave, a fire-blackened overhang of rock. Machhapuchhre Base Camp is a level and grassy moraine platform taking about 3-4 hours of walking to reach today.
Day 11: Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
We ascend gently through the quiet grassy terrain to get to Annapurna Base Camp. The view is spectacular as we are surrounded by the giant Himalayan peaks. After having trekked for 2 hours, we reach base camp where there are fantastic views of the south face of Annapurna I.
Day 12: Annapurna Base Camp Rest Day
Today will be a day to enjoy the stunning scenery, take some short walks to see the Annapurna glacier and to relax.
Day 13: Bamboo
As you begin to trek slowly down it will feel easier as the air becomes richer and there is time to enjoy the villages along the way.
Day 14: Chhomrong
Day 15: Tadapani (2630m)
The trek down will take a different route stopping at the village of Tadapani on the way. This route will allow you to see Poon Hill on the way back.
Day 16: Ghorepani (2860m)
Today the trek takes you a little higher to the village of Ghorepani.
Day 17: Poon Hill (3193m) - Pokhara
You will start early in the morning to see the sun rise at Poon Hill. This is well worth the effort and is a sight many trek to see because of the wonderful view from here of the Annapurna range. This is the last day of the trek. After Poon Hill the group will trek to Nayapul to meet the bus and take a short drive into Pokhara. There is then time to relax, shower and go out for a celebratory meal and drink.
Day 18: Pokhara
Rest day. Pokhara has plenty of cafes and bars as well as shops for buying gifts. To sit outside enjoying the sun and taking in the atmosphere is a wonderful way to relax after the trek.
Day 19: Kathmandu
Half day drive from Pokhara back to the city of Kathmandu. Arriving back into the midst of a bustling city may feel a little strange after the peace and slower pace of the rural mountains of Nepal.
Day 20: Depart Kathmandu
Today is a rest day to relax, sight see, shop and whatever else you wish to do before your return journey.