Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure
Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure – 16 days
A spectacular trek and cultural journey to the South face of Annapurna I. Hike through ethnically diverse villages, and forests abundant with flora and fauna. The walk upstream along the Modi Khola leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a valley surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks including the breathtaking Fishtail Peak. Highlights of your trek will include:
- Conquer Poon Hill
- Enjoy the magnificent sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- Trek across the gigantic Machhapuchhare glacier and play in the snow
- Take a dip in Jhinu Dada’s soothing hot springs
- Wander through bamboo, evergreen and rhododendron forests
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
This 16-day Annapurna Sanctuary itinerary is designed for trekkers who are in good health with normal physical fitness. Adventure-junkies, who thrill to something more challenging, may want to try conquering the world-famous Thorong La pass on our 21-day Annapurna Circuit Adventure.
Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure – 16 Days
DAY 01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport (KTM), you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Adventures. After completing your customs formalities (visa, etc), collect your luggage and look for our representative with a Himalayan Adventures display board at the arrival gate.
You will then be transferred to the Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar standard. After checking in, you can take a rest, wander around the city or visit our office – whatever you feel like doing. In the evening we will organise a welcome dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural programme as well as a fine meal. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(D)
DAY 02 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast, we begin a guided tour of several of the most historic and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites, including the historic Durbar Square; the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath; the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Boudhanath), which is one of the largest stupas in the world.
In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip briefing where you can meet the trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Adventures will tell you about the trek and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the upcoming adventure. In the evening, you might like to do any last-minute shopping for gear for the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B)
DAY 03 Kathmandu – Pokhara (823m/2,700ft): 6 hrs drive
At around 7am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. En route we will see more of the Nepalese countryside: greenery, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenery. In the afternoon, we reach Pokhara, which offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is a city of lakes – you can visit the most accessible and beautiful, Lake Fewa, during the afternoon, and perhaps go boating. Explore, relax and dine by the tranquil lake. You can even do some shopping during the evening. Overnight in Pokhara.
(B)
DAY 04 Pokhara – Naya Pul – Ulleri (2,050m/6,725ft): 1 hr drive and 6 hrs trek
Today we drive to Naya Pul to start our trek. From Naya Pul we follow the south bank of the river. After several hours we will pass through subtropical forest valleys, sometimes on a trail cut into the side of the cliff. After lunch, we cross the Modi Khola river via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The trail becomes quite steep at times. We reach Ulleri by late afternoon. Overnight at Ulleri.
(B, L, D)
DAY 05 Ulleri – Ghorepani (2,750m/9,020ft): 4–5 hrs trek
We make our ascent to Ghorepani. The name Ghorepani is Nepalese for ‘horse-water’ owing to the village’s role as an important halting point for traders before it became a trekkers’ stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls selling local products and craft. The village has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. Since Ghorepani lies considerably higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather, especially in the evenings. Overnight in Ghorepani. (B, L, D)
DAY 06 Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 5–6 hrs trek
Today is a special day because we conquer Poon Hill – an icon of the Annapurna region. We climb the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,200m). Your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurnas. After taking photos and having some coffee, tea or hot chocolate, we return to Gorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forest, passing spectacular waterfalls along the way to Tadapani. Overnight at Tadapani.
(B, L, D)
DAY 07 Tadapani – Chhomrong (2,170m/7,120ft): 6 hrs trek
From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense, dark forest. The route passes along the west bank of the Modi Khola. Then we descend steeply to the village of Chuile, crossing the Kimrong Khola before a steep climb up to Chhomrong. Towering above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhare) facing it across the valley. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located in the lap of the giant Annapurna massif. Overnight in Chhomrong.
(B, L, D)
DAY 08 Chhomrong – Dovan (2,580m/8,460ft): 6 hrs trek
We head out of Chhomrong along the Modi Khola, leaving the inhabited foothills for the high steppe and wooded slopes of the Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through thick, dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar, then on through deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Dovan. Overnight at Dovan.
(B, L, D)
DAY 09 Dovan – Deurali (3,230m/10,595ft): 4 hrs trek
The day starts with a gentle ascent, following the trail above the river through thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. We cross small bridges over two streams. The trail passes through solitary places and the wildness of nature calms our minds. There is also a possibility of seeing various species of wildlife such as wild pig, deer, snow leopard, etc. Overnight in Deurali.
(B, L, D)
DAY 10 Deurali – Machhapuchre Base Camp (3,700m/12,135ft): 3–4 hrs trek
Today we start our trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). The trail climbs gently along a river bed and then rises steeply up the mountainside. There are avalanche-prone areas at some points on the trail. After about half an hour’s walk from Deurali, we will find ourselves in the middle of a river bed, surrounded by giant snow-covered mountains. When the sun rises, the snow on the mountains glistens and the river valley is flooded with warm sunshine. The hike to MBC is rather strenuous but the unfolding views of the majestic Machhapuchre are certainly a rewarding experience. Overnight in MBC.
(B, L, D)
DAY 11 MBC – Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft): 2–3 hrs trek
On our way to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) from MBC, the vegetation disappears. We’ll see the snow melting and forming small streams. The path widens as we enter the Sanctuary, runs along beside a stream, and then climbs to a few huts alongside a moraine.
There are sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the Sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary boasts an unimpeded 360-degree panorama of the Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli and other peaks. Today marks the climax of our trip. Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft).
(B, L, D)
DAY 12 ABC – Bamboo (2,310m/7,575ft): 6 hrs trek
We wake up at ABC and revel in the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. Today, we start our descent from ABC to MBC, Deurali, Dovan and finally to Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. Waterfalls cascading down the 500-foot granite faces on both sides to the forest below and great views of Fishtail and Hiuchuli are among today’s highlights. Overnight in Bamboo.
(B, L, D)
DAY 13 Bamboo – Jhinu Dada (1,760m/5,770 ft): 6 hrs trek
From Bamboo we trek back to Sinuwa and then descend to Lower Chhomrong, before climbing the thousand stony steps to Upper Chhomrong. From Chhomrong we branch off and
descend to Jhinu Danda instead of going on to Ghandruk. We get the chance to enjoy the hot springs which lie just a 15-minute walk from Jhinu Danda. Overnight in Jhinu Dada.
(B, L, D)
DAY 14 Jhinu Dada – Naya Pul – Pokhara: 6 hrs trek, 1 hr drive
We trek from Jhinu Danda to ‘New Bridge’ and then to the village of Kyumi. After lunch we trek to Syauli Bazaar and then down to Birethanti. From Birethanti, a half-hour trek takes us to Naya Pul. The trek ends at Naya Pul. From Naya Pul it is about an hour’s drive to Pokhara. We might take the opportunity to visit some more places around Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
(B, L)
DAY 15 Fly Pokhara – Kathmandu: 30-minute flight
This morning can be put to good use visiting some important spots around the city of Pokhara. There are places in Pokhara well worth visiting. You might do some last-minute shopping too. In the afternoon, we fly to Kathmandu. The left-hand side of the aeroplane gives the best views of the Himalayas. On arrival in Kathmandu, we get transferred to our hotel and spend the rest of the day in a leisurely manner, perhaps catching up on some last-minute shopping or exploring any sights missed during the first day in Kathmandu. In the evening there is a celebration dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B, D)
DAY 16 Final Departure
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but exchange email addresses with travel companions and organise your photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Himalayan Adventures will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. We say goodbye to you, expecting you will come back to visit this wonderful country again.
(B)
What we’ve included
- All airport/hotel transfers
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (the Hotel Shanker or one of a similar standard) and 2 nights in a 2–3 star hotel in Pokhara (both on a B&B basis)
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- All accommodation and meals during the trek
- A full day’s sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley, including tour guide and entrance fees
- Domestic flights (Pokhara – Kathmandu)
- Kathmandu – Pokhara by tourist bus and other transport in private vehicles
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter). Their wages, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging are included.
- Down jacket, 4 seasons sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map
- All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes
What isn’t included
- Nepal visa fee (bring correct money in US$ and two passport photographs)
- Airport departure tax (Rs. 170 per person)
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of earlier return from the mountains than the scheduled itinerary)
- Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, or earlier return from the mountains (for whatever reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
- Tips for guides and porters
The trekking group
For the Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure, there will be one leader, assistant leaders (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers:1 porter). This arrangement ensures that, should anybody in the group become unwell, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure for groups of any size, but generally we have a maximum of 12 people as we’ve found this to be the optimum number for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than 12 people, we can arrange this too.
Fitness and experience
Our 16-day Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who are able to walk at least 5–6 hours a day with a light day pack. On some days, you might even need to walk for 7 hours. Walking at higher altitudes is physically more demanding than walking at lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health, with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination, you can complete the 16-day Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure successfully.
Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital that you consult your doctor before you commit to the Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Himalayan Adventures before booking the trek.
Accommodation
All accommodation for the Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure is in shared twin rooms and costs are calculated on this basis. Accommodation is chosen on the basis of standards of hygiene, service and food, location, etc. Two styles of accommodation are used during the trek. You will spend three nights in a 4-star hotel (the Hotel Shanker or one of a similar standard) in Kathmandu and two nights in a 2–3 star hotel in Pokhara.
During your trek, you will spend 10 nights in standard teahouse/lodge/hotels, which have unheated rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. En suite rooms are provided wherever possible. However, in some places, teahouses/lodges only have shared washing and toilet facilities.
If you are a solo traveller, you will share a room with someone else of the same sex from your group. If you would prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single rooms on request by paying a single supplement of US$350. We can offer single rooms in Kathmandu and Pokhara and at lower altitudes during the trek, but you need to understand that in some teahouses/lodges at higher altitudes a single room is not always possible, although we will do our best.
Meals
During your Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure, you can enjoy typical Nepalese food and different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) from pizza and chips to apple pie. You can even enjoy hot chocolate, a variety of breads, a range of drinks, and snacks.
Breakfast each day will be provided from the menu of the teahouse/lodge where you spent the night. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and breakfast in the teahouse where you will spend the night. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfasts will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu and breakfast will be provided in Pokhara.
Acclimatisation and AMS
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a medical condition caused by going up to high altitudes too fast – and it can prove fatal. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air. During this trek, for example, at the high pass Thorong La (5,416m/17,769ft) there is 45% less oxygen than at sea level. It is absolutely essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatisation because our bodies need a few days to adapt safely to this lower-oxygen environment.
Himalayan Adventures does it’s best to minimise the risk of AMS through an acclimatisation-focused itinerary. However, it is important to remember that some people can be more vulnerable to AMS than others, so we advise guests with known heart, lung or blood conditions to consult their doctor before travelling.
Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Read more about it in “Altitude Illness” by Dr Jim Duff.
Your guides
The most significant element that makes your Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek leader and the crew members who make your days in the mountain run smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trek leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.
Himalayan Adventures aims to sustain local communities and only employs Nepalese staff who are knowledgeable about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Our trek leaders also receive training in potential medical problems that may arise during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:
- Intensive wilderness first aid
- Trekking guide training
- Eco trekking workshop & adventure meet
- English language
- Conservation and biodiversity
- Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering (for expedition leaders)
What to pack
For trekking over suspension bridges, climbing along mountain ridges and chilling out at thousands of metres high – check out our list of essential gear.
When to go
Autumn (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views, but the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for the Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy the best nature has to offer.
