16 Days/ 15 nights

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a hidden pocket of alpine meadows, glacial moraines and ice ringed by magnificent sheer-walled peaks. This trek remains at relatively low-altitude treks, ideal when you have limited time or when higher trails are snowed over. The shortest way up into the high Himalayan peaks.

Trekking Itinerary Day Location Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival Day 2 Kathmandu – Pokhara Day 3 Pokhara – Dhampus Day 4 Dhampus – Landruk Day 5 Landruk – Jhinu Danda Day 6 Jhinu Danda – Chhomrung Day 7 Chhomrung – Doban Day 8 Doban – Deorali Day 9 Deorali – Machhapuchhare B.C. Day 10 MBC – Annapurna Base Camp Day 11 ABC – Himalayan Hotel Day 12 Himalayan Hotel – Chhomrung Day 13 Chhomrung – Ghandruk Day 14 Ghandruk – Pokhara Day 15 Pokhara – Kathmandu Day 16 End of Trip

Highlights: 11 days trekking, tent camping or lodges 02 nights hotel in Kathmandu 02 nights hotel in Pokhara Trek through idyllic lowland villages, then climb through forests into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a valley surrounded by high Himalayan peaks.   Trekking Profile (click to enlarge)

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

This relatively short trekking tour with starting- and end point at Pokhara leads into the impressive Annapurna Sanctuary below the Annapurna South Face. North of the Kali Gandaki trek the route leads westward via Dhampus into the Modi Khola valley. Following the valley upwards to the north crossing the villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrung the Annapurna Base Camp is reached. From there the south face of Annapurna was first climbed in 1970.

Trip Profile:
16 Day Trip
02 Nights in Kathmandu
02 Night in Pokhara
11 Days of Annapurna Trekking

Graded: moderately strenuous


ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1200m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and brought to your downtown hotel. We will be collecting your passport & photos (two pp sized copy each) in order to get the Annapurna Conservation Permit needed for the trek. The passport would be returned to you in the evening at the time of pre-trek briefing by the trekking staff manager. A traditional Nepali welcome dinner will follow shortly after the trip meeting. Overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day-02: Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus driving for 7hrs. Lunch will be provided at a restaurant along the way. Overnight at Pokhara hotel.

Day-03: Pokhara to Dhampus

After having breakfast in the morning, drive up to Phedi about half and hour. Trek uphill from Phedi to Dhampus along the stone paved lanes through the small forest of oak, cherry-boom etc looking like a manicured park from its use as pasture. The area is inhabited by Brahmans, Chhetris and a few Gurungs. Reaching at Dhampus village, one can enjoy the panoramic view of western Himalayas such as Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Holy mount Machhapuchhare (69920m) Annapurna range and Lamjung Himal. The views improve as you ascend along the ridge.

Day-04: Dhampus to Landruk (1646m) 5 hours walk

After breakfast in the morning around 7:30 AM., the trail goes a climb to Pothana at 1900m. through rhododendron and orchid hung forest. The view of Mt. Machhapuchhare is excellent from Pothana – from this angle the mountain looks more like the Matterhorn than a fish tail. After Pothana about two hours ascent will bring you to a small pass at 2150m where there are views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. After the pass, a steep decent starts and follows through forests alive with birds, ferns and orchid and brings you into a huge side canyon of the Modi khola, where a small village called Beri Kharka is situated. Descend to the head of the canyon and cross a stream at 1790m. Finally, we will arrive at Landruk at 1646m which lies on the east canyon wall above the Modi river. From the picturesque village of Landruk, the views of Machhapuchhare (6920m), Annapurna south (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m) are magnificent.

Day-05: Landruk to Jhinu Danda (1951m) 4½ hours walk

Trek along the village passing alongside rice terraces, then through forests, and gradually descend to Kimru river, crossing the Kimru river bridge and then continued to ascend to Jhinu Danda village through a sparse forest.

Day-06: Jhinu Danda to Chhomrung (1951m) 3 hours walk

After having breakfast, the trail goes steep ascent up to Chhomrung village. The trail joins the main route from Ghandruk so the trail becomes wider. This Gurung village has evolved in to three distinct parts: upper, lower and middle spread out over 200m of elevation difference. Many of the lodges are excellent with slate patios, colorful flower gardens, private rooms and dining rooms with picture windows overlooking spectacular closer views of the mountains we have already become familiar with. Hot solar showers are available.

Day-07: Chhomrung to Doban (2500m) 5 hours walk

From Chhomrung village, descend to Chhomrung River and ascend to Sinuwa village. Pass through thick forest festooned with orchids and ferns on the western bank of Modi river to Khuldi. Descend a long, steep, slippery stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests. After Bamboo the trail climbs gradually to Doban, overnight. In early autumn and late spring this part of the trail is crawling with leeches.

Day-08: Doban to Deorali (3048m) 4 hours walk

After breakfast in the morning, we have a steady ascent of about three hours from Doban takes us to Deorali. The bushy forest is home to troops of langur monkeys and it is likely you will have repeated close up views of these playful primates. Once we reach Deorali, the forest disappears and the valley opens up and becomes very picturesque. Now we are the foot of the Modi Himal and Machhapuchhare peak.

Day-09: Deorali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3900m) 3 hrs.

After breakfast in the morning, we have gradually ascend to Machhapuchhare Base Camp crossing avalanche paths. The mountain views are stupendous; the panorama includes Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchhare. We are now at an elevation where altitude problem can occur and because it is another 430m ascent to Annapurna base camp, we will overnight here for acclimatization.

Day-10: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (4000m) 1½ hours walk

It is a pleasant walk up to ABC, following a stream and past a few huts alongside a moraine. Shepherds stay here during the warm season and graze large flocks of sheep on the grassy slopes nearby. There are tremendous views of the near vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary to the north-west. Mornings are usually clear, but clouds often obscure the peaks by noon, then clear in the late afternoon. The morning alpen-glow in this icy cirque is amazing at sunrise. There are several 'trekking peaks' in this area including Tent Peak (5663m), Fluted Peak (6501m), and Hiunchuli. They offer commanding 360 degree views of the sanctuary. All three of these peaks present significant mountaineering challenges and are available as separate expeditions to this area. See our Mountaineering section.

Day-11: ABC to Himalayan Hotel

Before breakfast go out to see sun rising on the high mountains and for a few hours explore the area. After breakfast, trek steeply down to Himalayan Hotel.

Day-12: Himalayan hotel to Chhomrung 5 hours walk

Day-13: Chhomrung to Ghandruk (1970m) 4½ hours walk

Day-14: Ghandruk to Pokhara

From Ghandrung all the way down hill through idyllic villages and terraced hillsides to Syauli Bazaar. It takes approximately two hours. Along the way you can see more good views Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. From Syauli Bazaar, the trails follow the Modi River till Nayapul. Our lunch spot in Birethanti. After lunch you have a short trek of about 20 minutes to Nayapul, catch our vehicle and drive to Pokhara.You're free in Pokhara Valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Phewa Lake, and exploring David Falls, Mahendra Cave, various Temples. You are free to shop for souvenirs or rest in the afternoon. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day-15: Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist coach (7 hours) arriving by 3:00pm. Transfer to hotel.

Day-16: After breakfast, you are free to continue your travels or wait for a transfer to the International Airport for your flight home. Thank you for travelling with Peak Paldor Trekking & Expeditions.

Cost includes:

Two nights hotel in Kathmandu, two nights in Pokhara, airport arrival/departure transport services all necessary land and air transportation as per trek itinerary, meal three times in a day, guide, porters, entrance permit, insurance for Nepalese staffs, and accommodation in the tents for camping treks and in lodges for Tea House treks.

Cost does not include:

Hard drinks, cold drinks, sleeping bag, tips for guide/ porters, hotel in Kathmandu except two nights offered after upon arrival at international airport and return from the trek, rescue helicopter if used during the trek (travel insurance recommended!), international airfare.

RESERVATIONS

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