Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Highlights of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The trail will take you to foothills to the south face of Annapurna exploring the wilderness being in the wild. The highest point of the trek will be ABC(Annapurna Base Camp 4210m). On your way you will meet some of the most hospitable people of Nepal and one the major ethnic groups called Magars and Gurungs which dominates most of the villages in these regions. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek starts from Landruk all the way to ABC going through some wonderful villages such as Chhomrong, Bamboo and Deurali. This trail is for those who likes the moderate trails.

Overview of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a marvelous journey to the foothills of Annapurana I or you can call it ABC(Annapurna Base Camp). The sanctuary lies on a high glacial basin approximately 40 KM north of Pokhara Sub Metropolitan City. The average altitude of an oval shaped plateau is 4000m and is surrounded by chains of mountains most of which are above 7000m. The only way to get there is a narrow pass between tow gigantic mountains Hiunchuli and Machhepuchhre, other way known as Fish Tail Mountain because of its top which in some way resembles the tail of the fish.

Annapurna Sanctuary is also home to numerous glaciers which eventually run down and ends up in Madi river. The natural combination of heights and depths make this place so incredible. Even at such a harsh condition you can encounter wide varieties of eco system and you will be pretty amazed to learn that life prevails in this part of nature. To the south of the sanctuary there is dense tropical forest of Rhododendrons and bamboo where you will find sub tropical climate and in the north side close to the Tibetan plateau the weather is cold and dry throughout the year. Ecologically Annapurna is the most diverse in nature which can possibly open a new frontier in biological science.

Annapurna Sanctuary not just has a great scientific significance but equally in historical and cultural perspective. This place is sacred for the people especially to one of the ethnic people of Nepal the Gurungs. The legend says that Annapurna Sanctuary have been a home to several Hindus and Buddhists Dieties. It is also believed that Nag Devta(Snake God) has buried a vast amount of treasure somewhere in the Sanctuary.

This trek is categorized in moderate one and will change your life in one way and another

that is for sure. You will come face to face with some of the natural wonders and will be completely lost in its mysticism, beauty, dilemma, and astounding history related with it. The mountains that stand tall as skyscrapers in the urban cities, wide varieties of flora and fauna, the ecological diversity, the richness in culture; religion; and ethnicity, the people with broad smile; smiling at you at their doorstep and friendly and helpful crew member will definitely blow your mind and make you feel ecstatic and immense pleasure.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a hike through spectacular and diverse landscapes and cultures. It is situated 25 miles of Pokhara to the South Face of Annapurna-1 . You can view the majestic views of Mountains like Machhapuchhr (Fishtail), Annapurna -1, Himchuli and Dhaulagiri. You will reach the base camp to the world’s 10th highest mountain, Annapurna (8091m). You will witness the ethnic culture of Gurung and Thakalai community along the way. Their hospitality is renowned in the world. The red blossom of rhododendron and panoramic landscape of mountains, terrace farming and forest along the way adds the appeal to the eye. This trek lies in the bosom of ACAP ( Annapurna Conservation Camp), the largest conservation area in Nepal with unique and diverse flora and fauna. You will be amazed to see the blending interaction of the ethnic people with the nature. Their co-existence is peaceful and harmonious. You will pass through the famous trekking hotspots ,Ghandruk, Ghorepani and Poonhill in the trek.

Trip Facts
Itinerary
Include / Excludes

Total duration of trek: 12 days where 2 would be accounted for arrival and departure
Trek Category: Moderate
The highest altitude: ABC (Annapurna Base camp 4130m)
The lowest altitude: Nayapool (1093m).
The best time to visit: Between October and December or between March and May
Major Attraction: Native flora and fauna, Diversified cultures and religions, Natural hot springs, life styles of indigenous Gurung and Magar people etc.
Mountains: Mt. Annapurna 1-4 Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nigiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt.Gangapurna

Day 01 Arrival in kathmandu

Our staff member will pick you up from the airport in a private transfer and will drop you off in the hotel. You can spend the evening at your will.

Day 02 Drive from Kathmandu to landruk(1620m)

Today you will leave very early in the morning. You will be going to landruk via Pokhara which will take you probably 7-8 hours to reach there. Your guide will arrange a lodge for you to spend the night.

Day 03 trek from Landruk to Chhomrong(2117m)

Finally your trek starts today, the trail first starts with a descent through paddy fields and thick forest at the end of descent. And then we hike uphill towards Chhomrong, on your way you can see many beautiful waterfalls. Overnight at lodge.

Day 04 Chhomrong to Bamboo(2340m)

On day four you will hike up through the stone steps until you reach Chhomrong river. You will cross the river via suspension bridge and continue your trek to bamboo. It will take you like 5-6 hours to reach there. Your guide will arrange a lodge for you to stay for the night.

Day 05 Bamboo to Deurali(3290m)

This place did not get the name Bamboo for nothing in fact you can see a lots of Bamboo trees in the vicinity of Bamboo village. So for first few hours your trail will go through damp and cold bamboo forest. It will be a steep uphill trek before reaching Hinku cave from there onwards your trail will descend all the way to Deurali. On your trail today, you can see breathtaking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. You will be arranged a lodge by your guide.

Day 06 Deurali to ABC(Annapurna Base Camp(4130m)

You will follow some rocky steep trail for quite some time before you reach Machhapuchhre base camp(3700m) but any kind expeditions for Machhapuchhre are banned by Nepal government. From here you will get a 360 degree panorama of Mt. Huinculi, Annapurna South and Annapurna III and many more. After spending some time in Machhapuchhre base camp, you will then go further high to ABC where you will be booked a lodge to spend the night.

Day 07 ABC(Annapurna Base Camp) to Bamboo

Today there is some serious descend on your way back to Bamboo and pretty longer than usual day because you will be covering the two trail in a single day. Apparently today most of the trail will be downhill as you walk by past Machhepuchhre base camp. It would take you about 7-8 hours to reach Bamboo. You might be exhausted by your long day walk and probably want to get into bed in a lodge.

Day 08 Bamboo to Deurali

You will be taking the same trail you that took on day five which is going through damp and cold bamboo forest for quite some time. It will take you 4-5 hours before you reach Deurali.

Day 09 Deurali To Tatotapni(1189m)

Today will be a rapid descend to Tatopani. You will be descending almost 2100m on your way to Tatopani. It would take you 6-7 hours to be there.

Day 10 Relaxation day at Tatopani

On your 10th day there will be nothing much to do but relax all day. You might probably want to take natural hot spring bath. Overnight at lodge.

Day 11 tatopani to Ghandruk(1970m)

You are almost to the end of the trek as you walk uphill and downhill through the lush green forest to reach a beautiful downtown of Annapurna region i.e. Ghandruk. Overnight at lodge.

Day 12 Ghandruk to Nayapool and drive to Pokhara(950m)

Today for the very last time you will trek from Ghandruk to Nayapool for about 3-4 hours. As soon as you reach Nayapool there will be a private vehicle waiting for you to drop you off in the hotel in Pokhara. You will stay in Pokhara on your 10th night.

Day 13 Fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After your breakfast there will be private transfer to drop you off in the airport 1 hour before your scheduled departure. As you land in Kathmandu there will be another private vechile to pick you up from domestic terminal and drop you off to the hotel.