Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is also considered one of the world’s great treks This popular trekking route is also known as Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This beautiful treks that we have combined easy walking through the diverse ethnic groups. We have included Ghorepani in this trek which is considered the best point for sunrise view over the stunning mountain from Poon Hill.The walk-in to the Sanctuary provides an experience of the great variety of landscape which serve to make Nepal such a special trekking destination.
| Trip Duration | 17 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) |
| Trekking destination | Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) |
| Trip Grade | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Activities | Trekking & cultural sightseeing tours in Kathmandu |
| Altitude | Minimum 1350 m (Kathmandu) & Maximum 5545m (Kala Pattar) |
| Best Seasons | Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring (March to May) |
| Accommodations | 3 nights at Kathmandu, 1 night Pokhara & 12 nights in lodge/teahouse during trek |
| Meals | 16 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches & 13 Dinners |
| Transportation | Tourist Bus/Private vehicle / domestic flights |
Arrive Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our representative. Please look for signage of Natraj Trekking with your name once you come out of Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your luggage. You will be escorted by our representative to the hotel
Welcome to Kathmandu, capital of the ancient Mountain Kingdom of Nepal, has the air of a medieval city with a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces.
Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel.In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with the Nepali fine meal.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Dinner
After breakfast and a trek briefing, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of the city. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Interesting things for visitors to see are Taleju temple, gigantic figure of Kalbhairav (the god of destruction), Basantapur Durbar, and Temple of Kumari (living goddess)
This afternoon we will then have an opportunity to visit a local hire shop to pick up any last minute equipment still needed.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be driven in a private vehicle to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for flight to Pokhara (25 minutes flight). During the flight, we get to savor the most mesmerizing views of the magnificent 8000 meter Mount Manaslu and the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range. Soon after touchdown in Pokhara, you will be met by our trekking crew and we take a leisurely approx 1 hour drive to Phedi (1130m) along the graceful Modi Khola Valley. On reaching our destination, we begin our highly panoramic Annapurna trek. The route skirts through lush forest and countryside to the hill top village of Dhampus. The mountains we see from Dhampus include Annapurna South, the Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli and Lamjung. We spend our first night in Dhampus
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Dhampus to Landruk -About 6 hrs walking
Beyond Dhampus we get our first clear views of the mountains ahead, as we ascend through forest on a trail which is often made up of stone steps on the steeper sections. Passing through Pothana, we reach a clearing on a pass, at a place called Deurali (pass). At this point we are high up on the east side of the Modi Khola, the river which flows out of the Annapurna Sanctuary. From Deurali we descend steeply down through forest then contour around through villages and terraced fields to camp in the picturesque Gurung settlement of Landruk, which affords spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Landruk to Chhomrong-About 6 hrs walking)
We descend all the way down to the river, to cross at New Bridge. Our route now climbs quite steeply, high above the river, through bamboo forest and isolated farmsteads. Lunch is served at the tea-houses at Jhinu Danda. Those who are energetic can take the path 20 mins down to bath in the hot springs here next to the river after lunch. From Jhinu Danda it’s a hot climb to reach the crest of the ridge and then around to Chhomrong, our camping place for tonight. Chhomrong is built on the steep hillside and has a few shops and several tea-houses, wooden lodges and the whole village has stunning, prominent views towards Macchappuchare (Fish-Tail Peak).
Dinner and overnight at the lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Chhomrong to ‘Bamboo-About 5 hrs walking
After dropping steeply down to the Chhomrong Khola on steep stone steps, the trail climbs again through terraced fields and then through forest of bamboo and rhododendron to the ridge at Sediwa for more views of the Annapurnas and Macchapuchare. Contouring around the forest (with chance of seeing a troop of monkeys) we reach the abandoned ACAP check post at Kuldi. Descending through more forest leads to the collection of lodges known as Bamboo, where we camp.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (About 5 hrs walking)
From Bamboo we continue upwards through yet more attractive forest, past the lodges of Dobhan and Himalayan Lodge. Climbing steeply we reach a fire-blackened overhang of Hinko Cave. From here we can see the lodges of Deurali; where we overnight there.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Deurali to Macchappuchare Base Camp -About 3 hrs walking
Leaving Deurali the valley narrows even more as we enter the gateway to the Sanctuary. We cross the young Modi Khola to the east side for a while before returning to the west to climb up to the area which is called Macchappuchare Base camp, a level and grassy moraine platform with several lodges. In the afternoon we can go up to the ridge behind camp to look down onto the glacier and absorb the distant view of Annapurna 1, 11, Gangapurna and by straining your neck upwards…the now nearby Fishtail.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp, Sanctuary (About 3 hrs walking)
Another short day today, as it is a fairly gentle ascent from our camp to Annapurna South Base Camp, and a distance of only about 4 kilometers. Increasingly impressive views reward us for our efforts as we climb the last steep section before reaching the basecamp area. The afternoon is free to relax and admire one of the most stunning mountain amphitheatres in the Himalaya. Optionally, if conditions and route permit there’s a chance to walk out towards the Annapurna Base Camp. (4130m).
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from ABC to Bamboo (About 6 hrs walking)
Get up in the early morning and savor the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas from ABC. After taking breakfast, we start descending from ABC to Bamboo back through MBC, Deurali, Dovan and finally reach Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. You will see the waterfalls that drop down from a high point to the rocks below. We pass through the forests with great views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight in Bamboo
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Bamboo to Chhomrong–About 5 hours walking
Today it’s back into the forests again until Sediwa, were we rejoin the stone steps down to the Chhomrong river and final steeply back up to Chhomrong for overnight .
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Chhomrong to Tadapani-About 6 hrs walking
From Chhomrong we will take an alternative route back to Pokhara, via Ghorepani to the west. This provides us with an interesting and scenically spectacular circuit. We contour around pleasant terraced fields, villages and forest to finally descent to a bridge crossing of the Kymnu Khola. We now climb up though more fields to Chuile, where we lunch, after which we climb steadily through rhododendron forests to Tadapani where we spend our overnight. From Tadapani, it will be an excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Macchapuchare. Tadapani has a Tibetan market and feels very jolly and colourful coming from the Sanctuary.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Leaving Tadapani it’s down to the river, then up and along to Banthanti. From here we climb steadily up through a beautiful rhododendron forest alongside a river in a narrow rocky gorge to another Deurali (3100m.). Deurali has another big market with Tibetan stalls and wears. Leaving Deurali we reach the ridge which is clad in rhododendron and in the springtime forms a pinky sea of flowers down the hillside. With views of Poon Hill tomorrow we descend gradually to Ghorepani. At this point we are on the main Annapurna Circuit route and there are likely to be many travelers passing through this ridge-top village in both directions.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Early morning hike to Poon Hill and descend to Hille (approx 6 hrs walking)
Today is a special day because we conquer Poon Hill- an icon of Annapurna region. Early morning we make the walk up to the celebrated viewpoint of Poon Hill (3195m). It will take approx 1 hr walk climb up there. Dawn is the best time to go – so, your trek guide arranges a wakeup call around 5 a.m. The first light of dawn illuminates Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with a surreal pink glow. You may be able to buy coffee and breakfast from some enterprising Nepali who has carried his wares up to Poon Hill to take advantage of the morning trade. Descending to Ghorepani, we make time for breakfast, which will set us up for a long day’s trekking. The route is always downhill today and mostly on stone steps. The first couple of hours to Ulleri are through dense forest, passing the occasional lodge in a clearing. Then, a steep section, with 3767 steps, leads down to Hille (1524m) for overnight.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Hille to Naya Pul (About 3 hrs walking) & drive to Pokhara (1 ½ hr drive) in a private vehicle
A more level stretch beside the river leads to Birethanti and Naya Pul. Forty minutes beyond this bustling town we arrive at the road, and meet up with our transport for the approx 1 ½ hr ride back to Pokhara. We check in to our hotel close to Phewa Tal and have the afternoon free to wander by the lake – or sit in the garden of one of the excellent lakeside restaurants and admire the view of the Annapurnas.
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Pokhara/Kathmandu by drive
Drive back to Kathmandu (approx 6-7 hrs drive) by Deluxe Tourist Bus including lunch
Leaving Pokhara we take the Prithvi Highway originally constructed by the Chinese in 1975. We drive initially through mostly Brahmin and Chhetri villages, distinguished by their ochre coloured houses. We soon leave the flat Seti Valley behind though and then cross the Madi Khola near Damauli, where there may be good views of the Annapurnas to the north up the valley. We’ll pass the Marsyangdi hydroelectric project and soon afterwards the town of Mugling, at the confluence of the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers. The road starts to climb once we reach Naubise, and reaches a pass on the Kathmandu Valley rim via a series of breathtaking zigzags, from where we complete the journey back to the Nepalese capital.
Alternatively you may choose to take optional 30 minutes flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (The cost of flight will be USD 99 per person (this cost includes airfare and transportation in Pokhara and Kathmandu)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or if you prefer you may celebrate dinner together with our trekking guide
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and we expect that you plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal again.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight time, a representative from Natraj Trekking will transfer you to the airport
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport, Entrance Fee, Guide, etc
Accommodations
Domestic Airfare
Kathmandu/ Pokhara including domestic departure tax
Trekking Portion
The above rates are valid till December 31, 2013
Note: The price does not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.
You are recommended to consider the following equipments as essentials while packing for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be done according to your needs, interests, duration of your trip, season of your trip, etc. You can find variety of these gears to hire or buy in Kathmandu.
Please note that at the start of the trek, apart from your day pack, your luggage that will be carried by porters should have weight limitation of approximately 12-15 kg.
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Accessories
Toiletries
Personal Hygiene
Extras/Luxuries
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is graded as Moderate Trek and suitable for all walkers who have the capability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light day pack. Some days, you may even need to walk 7-8 hours. As you know that walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in a good health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can achieve the 17-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip is a good idea to improve your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an advantage but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital that you consult with your doctor before you decide and set up for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform Natraj Trekking before booking the trek.
Our accommodation whilst on trek on twin room sharing basis in a simple locally run lodges, known as teahouses and it’s a great pleasure to support these small local businesses. Rooms are simply furnished with just a bed and occasionally a small table. You will need to bring a sleeping bag. Please note, normally washing and toilet facilities are shared and may be in a separate part of the teahouse or outside. It’s great to enjoy the company of your fellow travellers and share a tale with other trekkers in the evening in the dining area.
If you are a solo traveler, you will share a room with someone else of same sex of your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single rooms on request by paying extra as indicated on cost section. But, you need to understand that in teahouses/lodges of higher elevation area single room is not always possible. We guarantee single room in Kathmandu & Pokhara only. During your trek single room is not possible
On this trek we provide standard breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea or coffee will also be included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water (extra cost to be paid) and treat with water purification pills.
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 kg. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel’s safekeeping. You may also leave your extra things at your hotel which is not required for your trek in your main luggage. Please note that we will provide complimentary kit bag for you before your trek starts so that you can pack all your necessary things.
On tea house trek you will be accompanied by a team of local crew whose aim is to make the trek as comfortable and enjoyable as much possible. The crew consists of a trek guide/leader and a team of porters to carry all your gear. On average, there will be a ratio of one porter to every two trekkers.
The most important thing that makes your Trek successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek guide and the crew members with ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by experienced trek guide. All of our trekking guides/leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.
Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
On this trek breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided during your trek. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a ‘meeting and greeting’ service at the Kathmandu Airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your baggage where you will see our representative /guide standing with a placard that states Natraj Trekking’ with your own name.
Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature. However, please note, there may be snowfall / avalanches during the winter.
Depending on the prevailing situation, itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your trek guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
If you are obtaining Nepal Visa upon arrival (please note that some of nationalities cannot get visa upon arrival), please be noted that Nepal Visa Application Form can be received through us by e-mail. Two passport size photo graphs are required and following visa fee to be paid at the airport as per your stay in Nepal
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Note: Please note that visa fees and rules are subject to change.
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.
It is recommended of joining any of Natraj Trekking trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we do not arrange or sell insurance. Altitude 4130m to be covered by Insurance Company
Natraj Trekking is the one of the leading and oldest trekking agency in Nepal since 1967. We organize Tibet, Bhutan & India tour as well. We excel in this field because we genuinely love what we do and are committed to providing you with the best services as we commit you.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. At Natraj Trekking, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible.
CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFFS
We make sure that all porters and all other staff climbing in high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We also ensure that the porters we hire are insured. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG- www.ippg.net).
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships.
TIPPING
Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ for good service. Tips do not form part of the wages of your guides, porters and trek crew but they are very much appreciated. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. Normally the tips are given at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Most groups will give the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work.