Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Often referred to as the “Annapurna Sanctuary”, a name that derived from its spiritual significance to both Hindus and Buddhists as the home of several deities, the Annapurna Base Camp lies within a plateau encircled by a ring of 7000 meter peaks including Annapurna South, I and III, Gangapurna, and the famous fishtail shaped Machhapuchare. […]

Trip Overview

  • Destination
    Nepal, Annapurna Region,
  • Duration
    21 Days
  • Altitude
    4130m

Often referred to as the “Annapurna Sanctuary”, a name that derived from its spiritual significance to both Hindus and Buddhists as the home of several deities, the Annapurna Base Camp lies within a plateau encircled by a ring of 7000 meter peaks including Annapurna South, I and III, Gangapurna, and the famous fishtail shaped Machhapuchare. This natural amphitheater is where the base camp was established for the world’s first successful Annapurna summit accomplished by Maurice Herzog in 1950. Beginning north of Pokhara in an idyllic rural landscape, we ascend along the Modi Khola gorge, emerging into an alpine wonderland of stunning beauty. Ascending to Machhapuchare base camp through forests of bamboo, we’ll enjoy stellar views of Annapurna I, III, and Machhapuchare. This trek will take us deep into the heart of the Himalayas, culminating with the utterly surreal atmosphere of the glacial basin within the Sanctuary’s ring of giant peaks.

Itinerary

You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Mystic Nepal and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
We’ll depart Kathmandu this morning by private van or bus for Pokhara. The scenic drive will take us through scenic countryside to the famous lakeside city where we can relax for the evening and savor the spectacular mountain views over Fewa Lake.
A short drive from Pokhara will take us to the trailhead at Nayapul, from where we ascend gradually along the banks of the Modhi Khola, through subtropical forest and farmlands to Ulleri.
Continuing our ascent along the Modhi Khola, lush scenery surrounds us as we pass several hillside villages, stopping to rest in Ghorepani.
An early morning wake up and vigorous climb to the top of Poon Hill awaits, accompanied by some of the most spectacular scenery in the Annapurnas. From Poon Hill we’ll watch the sun rise over a maze of peaks spanning from Annapurna to Dhaulagiri. After enjoying the amazing view, we’ll cross over a nearby ridge, descending passed a series of waterfalls to Tadapani.
Several ups and downs through dense forest will bring us to the west bank of the Modhi Khola. Climbing steeply to Chhomrong, we’ll come to rest beneath the massive faces of Machhapuchare and Annapurna south.
The terrain takes on a more remote feel as we ascend further into the foothills. A river crossing over suspension bridge will take us through thick forests to Sinuwa Danda, Khuldighar, and finally to Dovan.
The river is far below us now as we continue up the side of the lush valley. Crossing several streams, we pass through a serene expanse of oak and rhododendron. Our gradual climb brings us to our overnight stop in Deurali.
The walk to Machhapuchare Base Camp will be a challenge today, navigating a boulder-strewn riverbed followed by a steep climb. The unfolding views of Machhapuchare are spectacular, as well as the snowy peaks that emerge to surround us on all sides.
The terrain is starkly different from the verdant green hillsides now as we approach the sanctuary, encountering our first views of glacial moraine. Annapurna south towers before us as we approach the sanctuary, arriving eventually at a remarkable viewpoint where a 360 degree panorama can be had including the peaks of Machhapuchare, Annapurna south, Huichuli, and a host of others.
After a spectacular sunrise, we’ll begin our descent out of the sanctuary, which will feel much easier than the previous days due to the decrease in altitude. Passing back through Deurali, Dovan, and Bamboo, we’ll return into the lush world of the Annapurna foothills, descending into a valley flanked by two tremendous waterfalls beneath a skyline dominated by Huichuli and Machhapuchare.
Descending via Sinuwa to lower Chomrong, we’ll climb a challenging stretch of stone steps to upper Chomrong. The trail continues on to Jhinu Danda, where welcome relief can be found at the hot springs just a short walk from the village.
Leaving the towering peaks behind us, we continue the descent past Kyumi village and Sayali Bazaar. We’ll reach Nayapul via Birethanti to board our bus to Pokhara. After the short drive to Pokhara, we’ll arrive in time to enjoy an evening meal and relax around the shores of beautiful Fewa Lake.
After breakfast, we’ll board our bus bound for Kathmandu, arriving in the evening in time to relax in Thamel and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with us Farewell and Namaste.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
  • Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
  • All required equipment for trekking crew, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent
  • Accommodations in hotels, tea-houses, or camps during trekking
  • Three daily meals while trekking
  • All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)

Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
  • Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
  • Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
  • Visa fee for entry into Nepal
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)

Trip Notes

This trekking route has been chosen with attention to preventing AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) through adequate time for acclimatization via a gradual ascent. The journey to Annapurna Sanctuary is considered a challenging hike, involving an average 6 – 8 hours daily of walking on varying terrain. Autumn (Sep – Nov) and Spring (Mar – May) are the best seasons to trek in the Annapurnas, with warm sunny days and crisp cold nights. Winter (Dec – Feb) can offer great visibility during the days, but may be too cold for some and there is a chance some routes may be impassible due to snow. The summer monsoon (Jun – Jul) can be an interesting time to trek, providing for lush vegetation and balmy weather, though you’ll undoubtedly experience copious amounts of rainfall.

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