Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m)

Our representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. He or She will brief you on the immediate arrangements and escort you to your hotel. The trip leader will hold a short briefing in the hotel regarding trek arrangements and general orientation to Kathmandu.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Today, we visit the most historical and Spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed in world heritage sites. We visit Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey temple), Bouddhanath, which is one of the largest Stupa in the world and the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath.

Day 3: Fly to Pokhara (823m / 30 min)

After breakfast, we transfer you to airport to board flight for Pokhara. It is 30 minutes very exiting flight. During the flight you will get opportunity to see many mountains. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport our guide will pick up you and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon our guide will take you around Lakeside and other popular places of Pokhara.

Day 4: Drive to Nayapul (1070m / 42 km / 1 hr), trek to Tikhedunga (1540m / 9.39 km / 3 hrs)

The road passes Pokhara town, Tibetan camp and continues to Hyangja. There is a good view up the valley to Machhapuchhre. The road goes on to Dhampus Phedi then switchbacks up to Naudanda on the top of the ridge. The road zigzags up to a few tea shops on the ridge at Kande and then winds down past at British Agricultural project at Lumle where they recorded highest amounts of rainfall in the world. The road drops down into the Modi khola valley reaching Nayapul, a small collection of road side hotels. Now it is becoming main market.

We walk through small market of Nayapul and cross small stream by suspension bridge then along the rough road to Birethanti. There are many hotels and shops along the way. It is very easy 20-25 min walk. Birethanti is a large and prosperous town with many well stocked shops, hotels, a bank, Medical shop and ACAP check post. We walk along the rough road, this road ends before Hille. There are not many vehicles, just 2 or 3 a day. The road stays on the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. Beyond a pasture area, we reach at Sudami then climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille (1520m). The road ends just few minutes before Hille. There are several hotels alongside the wide stone trail and camping ground in Hille. It is 15 minutes easy walk to Tikhedunga. There are several good hotels in Tikhedunga. All hotels don’t have attached bathroom.

Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani (2860m / 11.18 km / 6-7 hrs)

The trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge near the camp site at Tikhedunga, and then drops little down and cross the Bhurungdi Khola on a large suspension bridge. The trail climbs very steeply on stone staircases to Ulleri. As we climb the tops of Annapurna south (7273m) and Hiunchuli (6441m) begin to emerge from behind the hills. The climb continues steeply to the large Magar village of Ulleri (2065m). There are many hotels in the centre of the village. After Ulleri, the trail gently climbs to Banthanti, a settlement of hotels in a forest clearing at 2265m. It takes 2 and half 3 hrs. From Banthanti, we walk through Oak and Rhododendron forest. The trail crosses 2 small streams a small ridge and another stream before making a short final climb to Nangethanti, this is in a forest clearing at 2522m. From here, we walk along the Rhododendron forest and gently ascend to Ghorepani. Main Ghorepani village is on the top of the ridge. So all tourists pass this village and walk 10-15 minutes further to Deurali. This place is also known as Ghorepani, here are many hotels, shops, camping places and a police check post. All hotels are good standard with attached bathroom. We have fantastic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukche peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Glacier Dome.

Day 6: Early excursion to Poon hill (3190m / 1.38 km), trek to Tadapani (2722m / 9.37 km / 5-6 hrs)

We climb up to the Poon Hill early in the morning to see Sun rise view in the Himalaya. It is very steep climb about 1 hr through nice Rhododendron and Pine forest. Poon Hill offers really nice panorama views of whole Dhaulagiri range, Tukche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, south, Hiunchuli, Fishtail and Manaslu. The Kali Gandaki valley and many green rolling hills are also impressive. Some local people take tea and coffee from Ghorepani but expensive. Descend down to Ghorepani is 40 minutes.

After breakfast, we start walk. Leaving Ghorepani, we walk by side of the school and climb up through dense forest of Rhododendron to the ridge line then continue along the ridge line. The scenery is very nice and wonderful views of Dhaulagiri and other mountains. About 2 hrs walk from Ghorepani we arrive in good rest place, where is a small tea shop. From here the path gently ascends along the ridge line for a while and then descends down to Deurali through beautiful forest of Rhododendron and bamboo groves. Deurali is situated on the top of hill crest at elevation of 3120m. Here are 2 hotels with rooms. The path descends down through small valley and passes few hotels then drop down to small stream. It continues along the river side to Banthanti. Banthanti is in deep place surrounded by hills, here are hotels and shops (2718m / 6.55 km / 3 hrs from Ghorepani). In the end of Banthanti we cross this stream and gently ascend through big Rhododendron forest, pass one hotel and arrive at small top, where is also a small hotel. From here, the path steeply drops to a small river. Now there is a new small hydro power house. Crossing this river by Cement Bridge, the trail is very steep climb up to Tadapani. Tadapani is situated on top of the hill crest. This place is surrounded by big rhododendron forest. Here are 6-7 hotels and several camping grounds.

Day 7: Trek to Chhomrong (2235mt / 10.24 km / 4-5 hrs)

Leaving Tadapani, the trail steeply drops down to Gurjung Khola (789m descent). It is beautiful walk through dense Rhododendron forest. Some time we can see many Longur monkeys can see many birds with beautiful sounds. About 50-60 minutes later the tree line (jungle) is over and start cultivate fields. We pass some hotels and small village then cross Gurjung Khola by new suspension bridge. After short climb we arrive in Gurjung village. Here are several hotels and one government school. From this village the path is gradually ascends and passes several small villages then little climb through small forest and some field then join with trail junction of Ghandruk - Chhomrong. The trail gently ascends, climbs to a local hotel and then descends down to main path. After then it is very easy flat route to beginning of Chhomrong / Taglung Danda, the main path from Jhinu Danda joins here. The trail climb a bit then rounds a bend and enters to Chhomrong. Along the way we can see many Vultures and nice terraces in the hill slope. Chhomrong is huge village spreading widely. This Gurung village is divided into 2 parts. New Chhomrong is the upper part at an elevation of 2235m with many hotels, bakery shops, Cyber cafe, Helipad and school, old Chhomrong at 2130mt is the main part of the village with shops, offices and some lodges. This is the highest permanent settlement in the valley. The view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, which seems to tower above the village, and there are good views of Machhapuchhre across the valley.

Day 8: Trek to Himalayan Hotel (2843m / 14.28 km / 6 -7 hrs)

Leaving Chhomrong, we steeply descend down on stone staircase to bottom through middle of the village, pass several shops and hotels, cross the Chhomrong Khola by long suspension bridge then climb out of the side valley. The trail passes through the tiny settlement of Tilche in forest of Bamboo, Rhododendron and Oak Climbing further on a stone paved trail and we reach in Sinuwa. On the way we can see many birds, can hear sounds of barking Deer and some flowers including Orchids. Sinuwa is situated on the small top at an elevation of 2325m. There are some hotels at Sinuwa. We can drink tea, looking fantastic view of Machhapuchhre. From here, it starts dense forest of Rhododendron and Oak. The trail is flat route, in some places there are small climbs to Khuldi (2425m). From here we descend down through new stone staircase to Bamboo (2321m), here are 4-5 hotels. It is surrounded by Bamboo groves and forest. The path climbs through stands of Bamboo, then through Rhododendron forest up the side of the canyon. There are several small steep climb and stream on the way. About 1 and half hrs walk from Bamboo we arrive in Dovan (2510m). There are 3-4 hotels at Dovan. It is surrounded by dense forest. The trail gradually ascends and climbs through bamboo and Rhododendron forest to Himalayan hotel (2843m / 1 and half hrs from Dovan). Here are just 2 hotels at Himalayan. It is surrounded by forest and some camping ground is in behind the hotel. Both hotels are simple and not standard as Chhomrong.

Day 9: Trek to Machhapuchhre base camp (3615m / 14.07 km / 5 hrs)

From Himalayan hotel the path gently ascends through dense forest and then steeply climbs up to the Hinko cave. Here is a huge overhanging rock provides some protection against rain and avalanches at Hinko. The trail descends down to a small side stream then climb through some boulders to Deurali (3078m). Leaving Deurali we climb small up, cross the Modi khola by steel bridge, this path avoids dangerous avalanche area. From other side of the bridge, the trail gently climbs through rocky part. It starts alpine vegetation. About 30-40 min later we cross small stream, which is jumpable. Before Bagar we cross Modi khola by small steel bridge and join with main old trail, there is nothing in Bagar. From Bagar the path gradually ascends, climbs through Birch trees, Bamboo grove and Daphne trees high above the river. Before MBC, descend to a small stream and then climb for a while to MBC, here are 4-5 hotels and several camping grounds. All hotels don’t have attached bathroom, just normal rooms. The views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna- I, Annapurna – III, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre are superb.

Day 10: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4100m / 4 km / 2 hrs)

Few minutes later from hotel, it starts climb through moraine and grassy slope. Some parts are steep climb and mostly gentle climb. During the walk we can see beautiful views of snow capped peaks around. There are just 3 hotels in Annapurna base camp. So this place is normally crowded. Here are also just normal rooms in all hotels. Annapurna Base camp is surrounded by Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna Fang (7647m), Annapurna –I (8091m), Tent peak (5695m), Annapurna-III (7555m), Gandharwa chuli (6248m) and Machhapuchhre (6997m). And we can see several huge glaciers and moraine. In the afternoon, we make side trip around.

Day 11: Explore the hidden valley, Trek to Bamboo (2321m / 24.35 km / 6-7 hrs)

Re trace.

Day 12: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1730m / 10.44 km / 5-6 hrs)

From Bamboo to Taglung Danda, we will retrace (2174m / 9 km / 4-5 hrs). After the trail separation point we steeply descend down to Jhinu Danda. There are lots of stone staircase and some tea shops along the way. We can hear and see beautiful birds around. Jhinu Danda is beautiful place, where there are several good hotels on a ridge. There is a hot spring about 20-25 minutes downhill near by the Modi khola river bank.

Day 13: Trek to Pothana (2006m / 21 Km / 6-7 hrs)

Leaving Jhinu, the trail continues to gently descend down to Kyumrong khola (1583m) and cross the river by Log Bridge. We gently ascend to Samrung, flat route for a while and then descend down to Nayapul (1499m). There are several hotels and camping ground at Nayapul before the bridge. We cross Modi Khola by long old suspension bridge, walk along the river bank then arrive at Himal Pani (1457m), and there is a hotel and very good camping ground. Here is also a long waterfall. The trail continues through Birch and Walnut trees alongside the Modi River then gradually climb up to the Landruk village. We walk through rice terraces. The view of the Modi valley becomes better and can see several villages and nice terraces. We cross small stream by very old swinging bridge in the beginning of Landruk village. Many birds including Vultures can see around here. In the beginning of Landruk the trail joins with main route of Landruk and Ghandruk. We walk through middle of the village, passes several hotels. Here we can see several old typical houses. Landruk (1650m / 12.39 km) is large Gurung village, here are many hotels. Now, this village has been connected with rough motor able road. From top of Landruk village, the path gently ascend, passes school and tea shops and then climb up to the Tolka. We cross small stream and steep climb for a while in Tolka. The scenery along the path is wonderful (beautiful terraces, villages). Here are many hotels and a school. We can see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and several villages from here. The trail is almost flat and gentle ascend to a stream (along the rough road), cross the stream and gently climb to Bheri kharka (1795m), here are some hotels and shop. From here, we leave the road and climb steeply up through forests alive with birds, ferns and orchids to Pitam Deurali. Pitam Deurali is situated on top of the hill (2108m). We have wonderful views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. After Pitam Deurali, the trail gradually ascends for a while and then steeply descends through beautiful forest to Pothana. Here are many hotels, shops and ACAP check post in Pothana. It is surrounded by forest. In March- April we can see lots of Rhododendrons, Giant magnolia and Orchids around here. It offers superb view of Annapurna range.

Day 14: Trek to Dhampus Phedi (1196m / 6.63 km 3 hrs), drive to Pokhara (30 min drive)

Few minutes beyond Pothana the trail separate for Dhampus and Australian camp. We take the lower path and continue descend through Rhododendron and Oak forest to Dhampus. There is a TIMS check post in the beginning of Dhampus village. Dhampus (1750m) is a large Gurung village, spreading widely. This village is connecting with rough motor able road. Here are many good hotels with attached bathroom. From Dhampus, we walk along the rough road to the end of the village, ridge line and then steeply descend down through forest, village and rice terraces. The path is stone staircase and stone paved. Dhampus Phedi (1196m) is our trek ending point. Here are some hotels and local restaurants. The main road of Baglung- Pokhara joins here. From here, we drive back to Pokhara. It is about 30 minutes drive to lake side.

Day 15: Sightseeing around Pokhara

Today we drive to Sarangkot early in the morning to see Sun rise view in the Himalayas. It is about 40-50 minutes drive. This is the best view point to see all Annapurna range, tip of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and can see whole Pokhara valley and Fewa Lake. We come back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we visit World peace Stupa which is situated on hill top above Fewa Lake. It is very nice views of Annapurna range, Manaslu, Pokhara valley and several green rolling hills from here. On the way back we walk through Ranivan forest along the ridge line. It is very nice and enjoyable walk. We can see many birds and flowers in this forest. It will take about 1 hr to come down. We arrive in Dam side and walk down to Davi’s fall, Tibetan refugee camp and Siddha cave. After then we back to lake side for lunch and visit International Museum and lake side area in the afternoon.

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu

We will fly back to Kathmandu airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon we visit Thamel market for shopping and in the evening we will have farewell dinner at traditional Nepali restaurant with pure Nepali cultural program.

Day 17: Departure to your home.

We will transfer you in international airport for your international flight.