Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – 13 Days

Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation. Kathmandu is surrounded by undulating green hills in a deep valley. The city is a combination of old and new, with historic areas going back to medieval times as well as new urban architecture. Our representative will greet you at the airport terminal once you arrive, make your way to the hotel, and check-in. Later in the evening, your trekking guide will give you a pre-hike briefing. Check your gear, and if you've missed anything, you may hire or buy it from any of the Thamel stores. Thamel, a renowned tourist destination, has a variety of outlets that sell and rent out hiking equipment.

Duration: 25 minutes flight, 2:30 hrs drive, 3-4 hours (4 km) trek. After an early breakfast in the morning, you'll catch your flight to Pokhara, take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Annapurna's, Langtang range, and Dhaulagiri. Upon arriving at Pokhara you'll take a private vehicle and go to Hile, passing through lush countryside and traditional farmlands, you'll begin your hike after arriving at Hile. The trail passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is rich in flora and fauna, climbs a series of stone steps from Tikhedhunga, and walks through traditional Gurung and Magar communities. Ulleri is situated at the top of a hill and is among the most difficult periods of your trek, with over 3,000 stairs to climb! When you get in Ulleri, go directly to a teahouse to relax your sore feet.

Walking Distance: 4-5 hours (9 km) trek. Today's hike is simple in comparison to yesterday's strenuous ascent, the route passes through one of the world's largest rhododendron woods, this section of the trail has been described as "a stroll through heaven" by hikers who have completed it in the spring where the route is blanketed with red and pink rhododendron flowers, creating the impression of wandering through a magical realm. As you ascend you'll pass through the arched doorway a check post where your permits will be examined. For trekkers visiting Poon Hill, the village of Ghorepani (literal translation: "Horse Water"), which has a substantial Magar (ethnic group) community, is a popular halt. In the past, the region served as a rest stop for horses and mule packs traveling in caravans on its way to Tibet.

Walking distance: 5-6 hours (9.5 km) trek. Early in the morning, head to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's most iconic viewpoints. The trek to the top of the hill takes around an hour. Tek Bahadur Poon, a former major who served in the British Army, titled this vantage point 'Poon Hill.' Watch the sunrise across the Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri snowy ranges. After that, descend to Ghorepani and make your way to Tadapani, taking an ascending path through dense rhododendron and pine woodland from there descend to Tadapani after passing across Deurali Pass. When you get in the village, relax and take some needed rest.

Walking Distance: 5-6 hours (10 km) trek. Head to Chhomrong, a Gurung village with close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, from Tadapani (Fishtail Peak), the path to Chhomrong passes through a dense rhododendron forest, enjoy views of the Modi Khola Valley's hillside communities and the Annapurna Himal as you descend, after crossing the bridge at Kimrong Khola ascend the Modi Khola Valley, to get to Chhomrong, follow a route carved into the mountainside. After you reach Chhomrong enjoy the view of deep gorges and Himalayan peaks from the settlement. Stop by a teahouse and rest explore the village.

Walking Distance: 5-6 hours (7 km) trek. Your exhilaration is heightened by the near-vertical view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) from Chhomrong here each step brings you closer to the mountains, and before you know it, you'll be standing beneath them. After an early breakfast follows the trail towards Bamboo, a rest station for trekkers and backpackers with a few teahouses, you'll cross the Chhomrong Khola and pursue the Modi Khola's meandering track. The trail passes through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, follow the trail and climb down a stone stairway from Khuldighar to Bamboo.

Walking Distance: 4-5 hours (8.5 km) trek. Hike along the route covered by bamboo groves. Once you reach Himalaya Hotel, the bamboo leaf cover dissipates and you can glimpse the clear sky. You'll acquire altitude as you ascend higher so take frequent rest. As you pass along you'll notice a huge stone structure known as the Hinku Cave, the earliest Annapurna expedition parties used this Cave as an overnight camp and supply store, from here the route descends to the river and then ascends until you reach Deurali. Pass through captivating waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and forests alive with singing birds and colorful butterflies on your way to Deurali. Get some much-needed rest after you reach a teahouse in Deurali, as you will be heading towards Annapurna Base Camp tomorrow.

Walking Distance: 4-5 hours (8 km) trek. Leave Deurali and make your way to a nearby stream, stroll down the stony banks until you come to what appears to be a natural doorway. The route leads into the heart of massive mountains where you'll see the snowy Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre peering down at you, as you entered this beautiful realm Step onto the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which is located at the base of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), the Gurungs' sacred peak, climbing is prohibited on this mountain because the inhabitants consider it to be the home of gods. Take a short break here and keep going until you reach Annapurna Base Camp. As you approach Annapurna Base Camp you'll feel a rush of adrenaline, finding yourself staring at the icy walls of the Himalayan peaks, the Annapurna Sanctuaries glacial basin surrounded by the snowy walls of Annapurna Massif (including Annapurna I, the tenth highest peak in the world), Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. Take pictures and celebrate with your friends and crew. You have finally made it! Enjoy the glorious sunset before heading to the teahouse. Later in the evening stargaze if the sky is clear, the clusters of the Milky Way are visible from ABC.

Walking Distance: 7–8 hours (16.5 km) trek. Get up early in the morning to witness the sun rising over the Annapurna peaks, the color of the white snowy peaks slowing turning into variants of colors is a sight not to miss. Return to the teahouse after spending some time at the ABC, pack your gear, and retrace your trail down to the bamboo. It's a long way down so as you descend the stone stairs, be cautious. When you get to Bamboo, have your well-earned rest.

Walking Distance: 5-6 hours (9 km) trek. Today after the morning meal head towards Jhinu Danda the hot springs in the area are very well known. Hike down to the river after you've arrived in the village which takes around 25 minutes, the hot spring is located just alongside the river. Soak your aching muscles in the Himalayan hot spring water. After a relaxing plunge, make your way to a teahouse and enjoy your last day on the trail.

Walking Distance: 1-2 hours (3 km) trek, 2: 30 hours drive. Head to Matque from Jhinu Danda as you reach Matque your trip comes to an end, Board a vehicle at Matque and head to Pokhara, check into your accommodation and relax. If you're not too fatigued, take a stroll along the lakeside and take a private boat ride on the peaceful Phewa Lake. Look up at the mountains, where you've been hiking for the last week in its shadows.

Duration: 25 minutes flight. Take a flight back to Kathmandu, check into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day as you choose. Later in the evening have an authentic dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, while taking part in a cultural event with our representative and your trekking guide.

Three hours prior to your flight's departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please do let us know if you want to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre-planned itineraries or let us create a journey just for you. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.