Annapurna Sanctuary trek 9 days
Trip Overview
Overview
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a breathtaking adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. This trek is a popular choice for nature enthusiasts and avid hikers due to its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The journey begins in the charming town of Pokhara, where you will also embark on a scenic drive to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. The trail meanders through lush green valleys, terraced fields, and quaint traditional villages, offering glimpses of local life and culture. You'll pass through bamboo forests and rhododendron-filled woodlands, accompanied by the soothing sound of gushing rivers and cascading waterfalls. As you ascend higher, the panoramic views become more awe-inspiring. Towering peaks, including the majestic Annapurna I (8,091m) and Machapuchare (6,993m), surround you, creating a surreal setting. The trek leads you to the Annapurna Base Camp, nestled at an altitude of 4,130 meters, right at the base of the magnificent peaks. Standing there, you'll also get surroundings of a natural amphitheater of snow-capped mountains, an experience that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Throughout the trek, you'll have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals, known for their warm hospitality. You can also immerse yourself in their vibrant culture, observe traditional farming practices, and savor authentic Nepalese cuisine. The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a moderate to challenging trek, suitable for both seasoned trekkers and those with prior hiking experience. It typically takes around 10 to 14 days to complete, depending on the chosen itinerary and your pace. It's essential to be physically fit and adequately prepared for the changing weather conditions and altitude challenges.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines breathtaking natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a sense of accomplishment. It offers an incredible opportunity to explore the Himalayas, witness stunning vistas, and create lasting memories amidst the splendor of Nepal's Annapurna region.Trip Highlight
- Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
- Relax at hot spring in Jhinu Danda
- Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare peaks
- Get a taste of rural Nepali life
- Machhapuchhare Base Camp (4,000m)
Itinerary
You will start with a scenic drive after early morning breakfast, traveling by tourist bus out of the Kathmandu Valley and along the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Along the way, you get to enjoy majestically flowing rivers, terraced fields, villages, and sights of the snowy mountains, including Ganesh and Manaslu peaks.
We will stop at Pokhara – the tourist capital of Nepal- and head to Dhampus, which is 2 hours away from Pokhara. Dhampus is a picturesque Gurung village that offers fabulous views of mountains such as Annapurna South Peaks, the Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and other peaks. We will stay in Dhampus this day, enjoying the sunset views of the Himalayas.
After breakfast, we set off our day’s hike, and the trail will first take us to Pothana through rhododendron (the national flower of Nepal) and orchid-hung forests. The route is stone-paved on the steeper sections. You can catch the best views of Machhapuchhare from Pothana.
As we continue forward, we reach a clearing on a pass- called Deurali, from where you can get fantastic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. At this point, we are high up on the east side of the Modi Khola, and a descent follows through the forest alive with birds, ferns, and orchids taking us to a grand Modi Khola canyon. Little ahead lies Landruk – our destination for this day. Landruk offers outstanding views of Machhapuchhare (6920m), Annapurna South (7219m), and Hiunchuli (6441m).
From Landruk, we descend to the river and cross it. Then our route climbs quite steeply, high above the river, through bamboo forests and isolated farmsteads. We will be stopping at Jhinu Danda for lunch. If you are enthusiastic, you can walk for 20 minutes to reach the hot springs at Jhinu Danda and take a bath.
After Jhino Danda, the trail ascends to Chomrong Village. Chomrong is built on the steep hillside and has a few shops and several tea houses, wooden lodges, and the whole village faces Macchappuchare (Fish-Tail Peak). In case, we arrive at Chomrong early, we will trek further to Sinuwa to spend the night.
If at Chhomrong, we descend through the spread-out picturesque Chomrong Village to a river crossing before climbing again and heading north of the Modi River Valley. We cross a suspension bridge and then trek to Sinuwa Danda.
If we stayed at Sinuwa Danda the previous night, we will start the trek from Sinuwa. The trail from Sinuwa Danda becomes somewhat wider as it passes through thick and dark rhododendron forests until we reach Khuldighar. From Khuldighar, we descend long and steep stone steps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests to reach Bamboo. After a gentle ascent from Bamboo, we finally reach Himalaya. If we spent the last night at Sinuwa, we will trek to Deurali, otherwise, we will stay at Himalaya for the night
Our path will differ in length based on where we spent the night. If we stayed in Himalaya, we ascend upstream gently along the banks of the Modi Khola and then through the rugged path over to the mountainside to reach Deurali. However, if we stayed at Deurali, the trek progresses from there.
The walk until Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre, Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, and Gangapurna, which is certainly a rewarding experience.
We continue our trek leaving Macchapuchhare Base Camp until we reach Annapurna Base Camp. From the Annapurna Base Camp you will savor the mesmerizing views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and other peaks.
After savoring another sunrise on the Himalayas from our otherworldly Annapurna Base Camp, we will have our breakfast. Then it is time to retrace our path out of Annapurna Sanctuary and Modi River valley. Since we will be descending, the trek is quite easy, and on the way, you can enjoy the views of several waterfalls. We will eventually make it to Bamboo, our destination for the day.
We continue our descent, passing through the same serene rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests, that we pursued during our ascent. Then we ascend slightly to Chomrong village before dropping down to the small, peaceful settlement of Jhinu Danda. This village has nearby riverside hot springs where you can soak your tired muscles.
We have reached our final day on the trekking trails. Today, you will make a pleasant hike along the Modi River as we head down the beautiful Modi River Valley. The descent takes us through the fertile landscape until we reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi. We then say goodbye to the trails and make a return drive through picturesque countryside to Pokhara.
Today is an early start as we depart on a tourist bus and return to Kathmandu. The 200 km route first follows the banks of Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli River offering fabulous natural scenery and farmlands. The bus makes a final climb, and we reach Kathmandu. We hope that your Annapurna Sanctuary trek was extremely enjoyable.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Both way transport – Kathmandu and Pokhara by tourist bus
- Transport from Pokhara to Dhampus (trek start) and Ghandruk Phedi (trek end) to Pokhara.
- A night of accommodation (room with attached bathroom) with breakfast at Hotel Silver Oaks in Pokhara
- Accommodation: Three nights room with attached bathroom at Dhampus, Landruk, and Jhinu Danda. Four nights standard accommodation at Himalaya, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo (twin Sharing rooms). Total seven nights
- All standard meals: breakfast in Pokhara hotel, all standard meals (9 Lunches, 8 Dinners, and 9 Breakfasts) during the trek
- Nepal government licensed and experienced Discovery World Trekking trek leader (guide), an assistant trekking guide for a group of more than 11. A porter for every two trekkers. Per trekker luggage weight limit is 9 kg.
- Coverage of guides and porters meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir – a company’s T-shirt & cap
- Discovery World Trekking trek appreciation certificate
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek
Price Excludes
- International flight airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Excess luggage charges (Limit is 9 kg per person)
- All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the trek
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
- Extra night accommodations and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek
- Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, hot ( tea/coffee), cold and alcoholic drinks, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear.
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude heli-rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances beyond our control such as bad weather conditions, illness, change of government policy, political instability, strike, etc
- All the costs and expenses not listed in “What’s included in my Annapurna Sanctuary Tour Package?” will be counted as excludes
Gears And Equipment
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
- Headlight with extra batteries
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Face/body wipes
Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
- Hiking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hooded rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)
- Polypropylene underwear
- Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
Footwear
- Hiking Boots
- Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential gear
- Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not)
- Thermal bottle
- Water purification
- Trekking pole
- Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in the high altitude trek)
Toiletries
- Medium size drying towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant/floss
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
Extra items
- First aid kit
- Extra passport photos and passport photocopies
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars
Trek Difficulty, Cost, Best Time & Tour info
Guided Sanctuary Trek
The mighty Mt Annapurna massif lies in central Nepal, and its base camp is roughly 50 km from Pokhara. Annapurna Sanctuary is one of the most iconic places to visit. his trek, which makes it up to Annapurna Base Camp, is moderate and relatively easier.
From Kathmandu, you can drive or fly to Pokhara and then reach Ghorepani on local transport. Apart from geographical safety, Friendship World Treks takes the following precautions to make your travel safe.
- Our guides are Intensive Wilderness First Aid trained
- Trek leaders and guides have years of trekking experience
- We use high-quality masks, gloves, and use sanitizers
- Encouragement and motivation will be everyday perks
- We recheck food & accommodation in the trek regions for hygiene
Sanctuary Trek Start
As soon as you land at Tribhuwan International Airport, we will welcome you with a Marigold garland and take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. However, you will have to visit Friendship World Treks for payment clearance and last-minute preparations.
On your trip departure day, we’ll drive to Pokhara on a tourist bus. The ride to Pokhara will last for 6 to 7 hours and starts at around 7 a.m. From Pokhara, we will catch a jeep or taxi to reach Dhampus, our destination for the day.
This trek package includes both-way Kathmandu – Pokhara travel by tourist bus. You can fly or take private transport (Kathmandu – Pokhara- Kathmandu) for an extra cost.
We offer free airport transfer service
We offer a complimentary TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) to hotel pick-up and drop-off. Upon your arrival, you will find our company representative holding a pamphlet with your name on it at the international arrival gate. After welcoming you, they will take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. For departure transfer, a Friendship World Treks representative will come to pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and take you to the airport for your international flight.
Sanctuary Trek Accommodation Information
Sanctuary trek package includes eight nights lodge to lodge stay at the best lodges/tea houses in trek regions and a night in Pokhara hotel.
We provide four nights twin sharing rooms with private attached bathrooms at Dhampus, Landruk, Chhomrong, and Jhino Danda, and three nights twin sharing standard rooms at Himalaya, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo. You will spend a night at a hotel in Pokhara. The room comes with an attached bathroom, TV, 24-hour hot water, power, and laundry facility.
For solo trekkers, we will arrange a single private room with an attached bathroom, wherever available, and a single private room in other places.
Two nights of hotel stays in Kathmandu before and after the trek is required but not included in the package. Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels for all budgets and interests.
Hot showers and Wi-Fi will be available at trek regions and come with extra costs.
Food
Sanctuary trek takes you to high elevations near some of the world’s highest peaks. So you will need nutritious food. We will arrange enough nutritious and tasty food for you, but your choices are limited compared to the cities.
There will be nine breakfasts, eight lunches, and eight dinners during the trek.
Some of the popular menu items are:
Nine breakfasts – Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, Honey Tibetan bread or Chapati, Local Tsampa porridge, Eggs, Pancakes, Muesli Breads, Fruits, and Vegetables, Hot drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)
Eight lunches – Dhal, Bhat, & Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni dishes, Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc
Eight dinners – Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni, Tenduk Spaghetti, Noodles Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Potatoes items, Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks, Steaks, etc
We select the best lodges/restaurants/tea houses that provide fresh, hygienic, tasty, and nutritious food. The menu items include traditional, Asian, and Western cuisine. But as you climb up, the menu list gets shorter.
We highly recommend you take fresh vegetables and liquids -green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup (must) – at high elevations.
Plenty of non-veg items are available at trek regions, but we won’t recommend them because the meat in those regions might not be hygienic. We highly encourage you to avoid dairy and strongly suggest not consuming alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, or hot chocolates at high elevations.
Note:– This package does not include lunch and dinner in Pokhara.
All personal bills (alcoholic, hot (tea/coffee), and cold drinks) in tea houses/ lodges or cafes except standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from the package.
Sanctuary Trek | Best Time | Climate Information
The weather is the crucial factor to take into account when deciding on Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. People trek to Annapurna Base Camp throughout the year. However, there are seasons when the treks are easier, and the views are prettier.
We recommend you trek during the spring and autumn seasons. During this time, skies are crystal clear from dusk to dawn. The Magic of clear azure skies provides the most spectacular vistas. Trek during the winters becomes challenging due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, but it also excites some trekkers.
Although trekking is possible throughout the year, each season has different advantages and attractions. In brief, here is detailed information about the climatic condition at high elevations.
March to May (Spring)
Annapurna Sanctuary treks in Spring (March-May) attract mountain lovers and travel enthusiasts in large numbers. During this season, the climate is mild, the rainfall is low, and the trekking conditions are perfect. The mean daily temperature at the Annapurna Base Camp is between 8°C to 0°C. Lower regions along the trek are warmer, making trekking very enjoyable.
The trekking season begins in March. By April, the trek route throughout the Himalayas will be full of rhododendron blossoms even at elevations over 3,000 meters. The temperature starts rising from mid-March up to mid-May.
June to August (Summer)
The summer season in Nepal falls in June, July, and August months. Summer with the highest temperature provides the most pleasant trekking conditions compared to other months. But the monsoon coincides with the summer, so you have to be more careful as the trekking trails might be wet and slippery.
Monsoon begins around the end of June and continues up to the second week of August. The temperatures during the days usually range from 10 to 23°C, and nights are cooler with temperatures at around 5 to 10°C. Morning skies are usually clear, but clouds build up during the afternoon and disappear at night. Though the rain might cause some problems, various plants bloom during this season, providing green cover to the valleys.
September to November (Autumn)
Autumn (September, October, November), like Spring, is a great trek season that invites travelers around the world to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Moderate temperatures, mild wind, and low precipitation make autumn a wonderful trekking season.
The sun shines brightly, the skies are clear, and you get superb views of the mountains. At night, you will also enjoy the clear views of the stars. The monsoons will be over by early September, and you can enjoy mild to warm days.
Daytime temperatures can reach up to 20°C in high altitudes. Nights are cooler at around 5°C. The greens that grew during the monsoon fade to golden/amber providing a spectacular contrast against the crystal blue skies. You will also come across grains ripening in the enclaves.
The environment is clean, and the lowlands are lush. Moreover, the biggest Nepali festivals – Dashain and Tihar – also fall during this season.
December to February (Winter)
Winter Annapurna region treks are less popular than spring or autumn treks. The trek regions can be cold, but it excites some trekkers. The temperature at Annapurna Base Camp itself can be as low as -10 °C.
The coldest time is from December and lasts until early February. After late February, the climate gradually gets warmer, with temperatures around -5 °C at high altitudes. Daytime is pleasant and warmer. Despite being cold, the winter skies are clear, and the mountains look spectacular. However, some trail parts will be covered with snow. It may not be the best season for beginners, but experienced trekkers will have no problem.
The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable and changes quickly.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trip Grade: Fitness level | Medical & Health Information
Annapurna Sanctuary Trip is a moderate-grade trek that takes you to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) – the highest point of the trip.
Hiking per day ranges from 4 to 7 hrs, with regular breaks to enjoy stunning mountain views. The routes involve long ascents, steep descents, and straightforward paths.
You will be trekking more hours in low land and fewer hours in the high mountain because trekking at a higher altitude is physically demanding. Past hiking experience would be beneficial, but you do not need any technical skills or experience.
Some days require longer waking hours, so you must be reasonably fit and prepared for long trekking days. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable your trek will be. Exercising and jogging regularly for a couple of weeks before the trip to enhance your stamina is a good idea.
Our trekking leaders and guides have extensive first-aid training and are well-experienced. We use oximeters to monitor your oxygen level and to detect health problems such as altitude sickness earlier. Rest assured, your health will be in reliable hands. Your trek leader or guide will also suggest ways to take precautions.
All participants need to be healthy and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination. Trekkers with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Route Map
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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