Highlights of Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
- Short sightseeing tour around the Historical UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu.
- Beautiful lodge to lodge trek to the Annapurna region.
- Experience of both Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
- Adventure hike across the Typical Gurung and Magar valley.
- Enjoying the hot bath and spare time at Jhinu Danda.
- Breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and other un-named surrounding peaks.
- Spectacular glacier views as well as other mountain views from Annapurna base camp.
Reason to enjoy Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
There are many reasons to enjoy and trek the Annapurna Sanctuary trekking but here we will discuss the major reason why should you do this trek:
Annapurna Base Camp
The long hour of the hike is truly worth every second of the trek. The main region to trek Annapurna Sanctuary trek is the Annapurna base camp which attacks many visitors yearly by its beauty. Annapurna Base Camp, the base camp of one of the highest snowy peaks Mt Annapurna it is at the elevation of 4130 meters it creates a unique trekking route in the lap of the highest mountains. The trekking route to the base camp is combined with picturesque of Himalayans as well as the green Nature of Nepal. Base Camp during the Annapurna Sanctuary trek offers the 360-degree views of the many snowy peaks including Himchuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Manaslu, Mt Tilicho and many other surrounding peaks. Experiencing the local culture in so close lifetime wonders. The beautiful farmland and the mountain vistas are an unforgettable memory of the trek.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Mt Machhapuchhre is the neighboring mountain of Mt Annapurna which is at the elevation of 6993 meters. Mt Machhapuchhre is famous for the unique shape of the peak which is the shape like the tail of the fish due to this Mt Machaapuchre is also known as Mt Fishtail. The base camp f this beautiful snowy peak is also one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal which offer the gorgeous views of Mt Annapurna I, Annapurna II and many others, offer you the beautiful opportunity to experience local village, their culture, tradition, lifestyle, hospitality and many more. The Annapurna Sanctuary trek goes through the Machhapuchre base camp so during the trek you will also experience the Machhapuchre base camp and gives you the experience of two base camp which adds an advantage of the trek.
Ghorepani (Poon Hill)
Ghorepani Poon Hill is also one of the major attractions of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Ghorepani is one of the beautiful villages that lie in the Magdi district of the Dhaulagiri zone of Northern-center Nepal. it lies around 17 kilometers far from the Beni which is at an elevation of around 2874. This village lies in the Annapurna Conservation area. This village offers a number of guesthouses that provide lodges and meals to the mountain. here you can enjoy the warm hospitality of the local's people. You can also spend a night to enjoy the morning sunrise views over the snow-mountains from Poon Hill. Poon Hill is the vantage point or the attractive viewpoint of the trek which provides the majestic views of the highest mountains with sunrise views is the major attraction to trek Annapurna Sanctuary trek.
Jhinu Danda
Relaxing in the series of the hot spring pool deep in the Modi Khola on your way back from Annapurna Sanctuary trek. The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is not complete if you don't stop at the Jhinu danda. This place offers a beautiful time to enjoy and blow all the tiredness of the trek. Here you will see many lodges, you can also enjoy a hot bath and spa to heal all your tiredness, laziness and pain of Annapurna Sanctuary trek. A just 15 to 20-minute hike down to the bottom of the Modi Kholi river canyon from the villages and teahouse of the Jhinu Danda. Here you can enjoy the completely fulfill of your trek by purchasing beer and many snacks you missed.
Pokhara
Pokhara is also one of the beautiful rest spots of the trek and also one of the beautiful destination n Nepal. Pokhara valley is also known as the "Lake City". You can enjoy the surrounding views of the highest mountains in Pokhara. The beautiful David Falls, Sarangkot Danda, Fewa Lake, International museum and other many places which attracts man more visitor towards this city. You can also experience some adventure experiences like boating, paragliding, and a few others.
Outline Itinerary of Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: City tour or spare Day
Day 03:Drive to Pokhara
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedunga
Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 06: hike up to poon Hill, trek to Tadapani
Day 07: Trek to Chhomrong
Day 08: Trek to Dovan
Day 09: Trek to Deurali
Day 10: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Day 11: Sunrise view and Trek to bamboo
Day 12: Trek to Jhinu Danda
Day 13: Trek to Naya pul, drive to Pokhara
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu, Farewell dinner
Day 15: Departure
Detailed itinerary of Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
On the first day of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, you will arrive at the Tribhuvan international airport. Nepal Hiking Trek representative will give you a warm greeting and transport to your hotel. You can blow your tiredness of the long flight, enjoy a hot/cold shower, and you can also spend your spare time exploring around Thamel.
Included: Breakfast
Day 02: City tour or spare day
On the second day, you can enjoy the short sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu valley is also known as the "City of Temple", here you will see many numerous temples. Today you will explore the cultural heritages of Kathmandu city which is listed in UNESCO world heritage sites. Sightseeing include around the Pashupatinath Temple- the popular pilgrimage site of Nepal, you will also see a holy river flowing by the side of this temple. Pashupatinath temple is the combination of many more small and big temples that give you the unique experience of the local culture and ethnic. You will also visit "Swyombhunath temple- which is also famously known as "The Monkey Temple", Boudhnath. Explore to the city old palace complex including Kathmandu Durbar square, Bhaktapur Durbar square, Patan Durbar square. In the evening after a while resting you can also do some shopping around the Thamel.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara
Early in the morning, Nepal hiking trek guide will pick you up from your Hotel. After having the early breakfast you will drive to Pokhara leaving Kathmandu. A beautiful valley lies on the bank of the Fewa Lake, Pokhara is also known as its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machhapuchher in the north and Dhaulagiri in the west and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east and few other snowy peaks too. This city is smaller and much less crowded than Kathmandu. It is around 5-6 hours drive from Kathmandu. You can enjoy your spare time exploring this city.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedunga
On the fourth day of your trek, after having the early breakfast your team leader will transfer you to the bus station to catch a bus, which is the adventure starting point of this trek, Nayapul. Nayapul is the small villages located northwest side of Pokhara a takes around 2 hours bus drive from Pokhara. crossing Naudanda, Hemja Na Lumle will lead you to this place which is situated near to the Modi Khola. It is very adventures and scenic dive and on a clear day, you can get to enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna ranges on the way too. Once you each at Nayapul you will rest for a while, after which your adventure walk begins with a quick descent to Birethanti. Here your professional guide or team leader will quickly complete the necessary check formalities at the office of ACAP, after which you will start hiking along the Bhurungdi Rivers which will lead you to Tikhedhunga. The trekking trail takes you to Tikhendhunga from Birethanti after passing through some typical mountain villages like Lamdawali, Sudan, Hile, and other many scattered villages, during the walk you will also enjoy the beautiful wheat and rice field with the backdrops views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna. After reaching Tikhedhunga, you can also spend your remaining time exploring the lifestyle and settlement of Tikhedhunga or simply you can take a rest. Overnight in the teahouse/Lodge in Tikhedhunga.
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani
After having the early breakfast in Tikhedhunga, again get ready to experience a long steep ascent to Ulleri (which lies in the top of the hills). However, before start ascending above the 3200 stone steps that lead you to Ulleri, you will first cross the suspension bridge which is near to the Samp site at Tokhedhunga and then you will climb the staircase. The experience you will collect during the walk through the suspension bridge is very unique and beautiful too. It takes around 2 hours to finish the climb. After the walk, you will finally reach a very beautiful and classic settlement of Magar people (Ulleri), where you will get to enjoy the local's settlement, their housing style, their lifestyle, culture, and tradition. From Uleri, you will walk through the green forest of rhododendrons and pine.
Crossing Birethanti and Nangge Thanti it will lead you to another beautiful village and also one of the largest Magar settlement of the region, Ghorepani. Along with the stunning views of the Annapurna and Himchuli, this village offers you a number of lodges, guest houses, and teahouse to their guests throughout the year. After completing some check-in formalities at the lodge you can enjoy the gorgeous views of mountains with a hot cup of coffee or tea you can explore the settlement and lifestyle of the people living in Ghorepani, experience their warm hospitality. Overnight in a Lodge in Ghorepani.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 06: Hike up to poon Hill, trek to Tadapani
On the sixth day of your Annapurna Sanctuary trek, today you will hike to Poon Hill, which is one f the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region as well as in Nepal to enjoy the sunrise view over the beautiful snow-capped mountains. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint of Poon Hill from Ghorepani. Today you will start to hike realizes comparing to the others as it is the target to reach there before the sunrise. Your guide will take you to wake up early in the morning si that you can easily reach the views point of Poon Hill before the sunrise. You will hike to the poon hill and wait for the sun to rise. With the beautiful glimpse the sun slowly rises up in the sky, defeating the darkness, it presents the most beautiful views on the earth.
The panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges standing in front of you. You will also get to enjoy the beautiful views of Machhapuchhre (6993 meters), Himchuli (6441 meters), Annapurna south (7219 meters), Baratha Shikhar (7647 meters), Nilgiri South (6,839 meters), Dhaulagiri (8167 meters), and many other surrounding peaks. Enjoy some time, relaxing, and capturing the beautiful views, you will hike down to Ghorepani for your breakfast. After enjoying the breakfast, without wasting the time, you will again continue you walk east of Ghorepani to reach Tadapani. During the walk to Tadapani you will also cross Daurali pass, Banthant and some other scattered villages, making the way through the dense forest of bamboo and pine-covered with the rhododendrons you will finally reach to Tadapani. Here you will get to see the gorgeous views of Machhapuchhre. Enjoy your spare time exploring his beautiful village. Overnight in a teahouse in Tadapani.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 07: Trek to Chhomrong
On the seventh day of your trek, today you will wake up early to enjoy the beautiful views of Machhapuchhre, after having the early breakfast, we will step forward to Annapurna Sanctuary/ Base Camp. At the Tadapani, the way is divided into to way one takes you to Gandruk and another takes you to Chhomrong. Leaving the trail which leaves to Gandruk behind, you will walk heading following the way to Chhomrong crossing through the dense forest of bamboo, oak, pine-covered with the colorful rhododendrons and crossing the terraced fields, during the walk you will also cross the Kimrong Rivers, enjoying the mindblowing views of the upper Modi valley. You will cross the bridge and gently hike to Taulung. After a quiet walk takes you to the one of the major Gurung villages of this region, Chhomrong. Enjoy the gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains from this village, if you have some extra time you can also explore it and know about their culture, tradition, experience their culture program with their warm hospitality. Overnight at Chhomrong.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Dovan
Today after having the early breakfast in Chhomrong, you will start continuing your trek to reach Dovan leaving this village. On the way, from the Chhomrong, following the stone steps, you will now descend to the suspension bridge across the Chhomrong rivers, you will also cross some small rivers while ascending to Sinuwa. Resting for a while in this village again you will begin your walk through the dense forest of oak and bamboo covered with the colorful rhododendrons will lead you to Kuldhigar, from this place you will hike down to Bamboo. During the walk to bamboo, you will cross many dense bamboo forests, flowers and many first too. Then you will hike to Dovam from bamboo. Exploring the village you will spend a night at Dovan. Overnight ta teahouse of Dovan.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 09: Trek to Deurali
On the ninth day of your Annapurna sanctuary trek, today after having the early breakfast you will continue to walk to derail leaving Dovan. You will enjoy the last walk through the lush forest as it comes to ends around the Hinku Cave. During the walk to Deurali to Hinku cave, you will walk the area either covered with snow or the area with burn out grasses. After a certain walk from Hinku cave, you will reach to your today's destination. Enjoy your free time encountering the village, knowing their lifestyle, culture, and tradition. Experience their warm hospitality along with the breathtaking sunset views over the snowy peaks. Overnight at Deurali.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Today you will reach finally reach your destination, which is the Base camp of Annapurna south/Annapurna Sanctuary. With the full of excited, after having the quick breakfast at Deurali. You will first head to Machhapuchhre base Camp, crossing the avalanche site. The trekking trail will become less steep due to the presence of rocks. While walking soon, the beautiful mountains come into view as you moved near to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Here you will capture and enjoy the snow-capped mountains after a while you will enter the Annapurna Sanctuary, walking a while you will come to see the South Annapurna glacier you will get to enjoy the panorama of mountains from Machhapuchhre base Camp. Enjoying the view, about 2 hours of gentle walk into the sanctuary, you will finally reach to Annapurna base camp. you will be greeted by many snow-capped mountains around you. The breathtaking views of the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna south, Mt Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Singu Chuli, Mt Himchuli and many other closest and most dazzling mountains. After enjoying and capturing the views of the surrounding peaks you will to the comfortable lodge in the Annapurna base camp. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Sunrise view and Trek to bamboo
Today, on the eleventh day of your trek you will enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the mountains in the Annapurna Ranges so you have to wake up early in the morning and hike to the viewpoint. As the first ray, of the sun, falls into the mountains, the snow starts to melts and reflect it on golden-the views of the glorious mountains will melt your hearts and soul. The views will make you busy, as you will go crazy for not to waste each and every second until the sunrise high up in the sky. After enjoying the views you will return back to the lodge for the breakfast, after breakfast, leaving the majestic mountains, landscapes behind and rocks. You will descend down to Machhapuchhre base camp, Deurali, and Dovan. After crossing these you will entre to the forest of oak, bamboo, and rhododendrons to walk down to bamboo. Overnight at bamboo
Meal included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 12: Trek to Jhinu Danda
On the 12 days of your Annapurna sanctuary trek, after having the early breakfast, leaving bamboo you will hike ahead to Kuldighar. From Kuldighar, on the descending trail, you will descend back to Chhomrong River, Sinuwa and Tiliche. After crossing the suspension bridge of Chhomrong river, you will hike up to the beautiful Chhomrong village. From Chhomrong village, walking about 40 minutes, you will walk to Taulung and finally bring you to the Jhinu Danda. The views of the mountains from the hill are majestic. Once you will reach Jhinu, you will take a short rest at the lodge and walk down to the natural hot spring located near the bank of Modi River. Take a dip into the hot spring and relax your tired muscles. After relaxing, you will hike back to the lodge. Overnight in the lodge at Jhinu Danda.
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13: Trek to Naya pul, drive to Pokhara
On the thirteen days of your Annapurna Sanctuary trek, after enjoying at Jhinu Danda you will hike down to Nayapul, where you can see the final views of the snowy mountains, after resting a while you will drive back to Pokhara, enjoy the hot shower. If you have spare time then you final explore the Pokhara city. overnight at Pokhara.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu, Farewell dinner
After having the early breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu city leaving Pokhara. after 1round 6 hour drive you will reach Kathmandu. Enjoy your leisure time exploring Thamel city, buy some locals goods and gifts for your relatives and friends. In the evening Nepal Hiking Trek will host a small dinner for the beautiful success of your trek. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 15: Departure
Today is your last day, so you can finally explore the Kathmandu city for a short, you can meet and leave your close friends by saying a final goodbye. And Nepal hiking trek representative will help you to reach an International airport. By saying the final goodbye, we will leave. Have a safe journey.
Best season to trek Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
Just like another trek in Nepal, Annapurna Sanctuary trek also has four-season to Trek. They are Spring, Summer, Winter, and Autumn. This all-season fall in different months and also have a unique climatic condition.
The climatic condition of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek depends upon variables like the number of sunshine hours, the maximum and minimum temperatures, wind speeds. Here we will discuss the four-season:
Spring Season
The spring season is one of the peak seasons to trek in Nepal. the weather of the spring season in the Annapurna Sanctuary is quite similar to the autumn season. the temperature during this season is mild and the precipitation is also low and can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains without interruption of the cloud.
The months of March, April, and May fall in this season. the days are clear as it is near to the summer season ao the days are longs and you will encounter many sunny days in this season.
The coldest of the spring season is March where the temperature can be below the -15 degree C on the coldest day but the months of April and May are much warmer.
The wind speeds in the spring months are quite low. Just passing of the winter season there are quite possibilities of snow-falls in march.
The lower parts of the Annapurna region shot during the spring so you should carry the layered clothing so that you can add or remove the clothing according to the temperature.
During this season, the dry forest changes into green and dense, the flower will bloom, you will see the blooms rhododendrons covering the forest. The flora of the Annapurna region comes to life. To see these views many trekkers trekked this region during the summer.
Pros of trekking Annapurna Sanctuary trek in Spring
- The normal temperature ranges from 10-23 degrees which makes the trekking pleasurable experience.
- Offer you clear and clear mountain views.
- As there is no snow, high passes are open
Cons of trekking Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in Spring
- Due to the peak season, you may have to share your rooms with your friends on the route.
- As there is a fair number of travelers, trekking is not peaceful then Summer and winter.
- Early morning of the spring can be cold then you expected.
Summer Season
The Summer season in the Annapurna region falls in the months of June, July, and August. These are the hottest months in the Annapurna region. You might be planned to go to Annapurna Sanctuary trek during these months then you have to be updated with the weather as this season is also known as monsoon or rainy season. during the Summer season Nepal receives a large amount of monsoon rain and also this season begins with the hottest. Most of the time, it rains for certain periods of time after which the skies are clear then you can continue your trekking also it doesn't rain every day during this season. so you don't have to be worried about it.
Being the monsoon season there are high chances of being affected with the leeches, bugs and the problems of mosquito bites are also arise. So you need to carry the needed materials and location for it. if this thing doesn't bother you then you can enjoy this trek with very peacefully.
The maximum temperature of Annapurna Sanctuary trek during the summer is 22 degrees C. the lower region of the trek have higher temperature compared to the higher region. the lower region of the trek receives a high amount of rainfall than the high altitude region.
If you want to come for a summer trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary, then you need a flexible schedule. You have to know that some days you might not trek due to rain.
Pros of Annapurna Sanctuary trek in summer
- Due to the heavy rainfalls, the pollution of the places will be at a minimum, the air is clean, fresh and dust-free.
- Bargaining in the food and accommodation during the summer season might bring about a discount on these things.
- During the trek, you will see the quite trekking trail, so you can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains.
Cons of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in summer
- Interruption due to rain in your trek might extend your trek
- Highly disturbance of leech, mosquitoes.
- The trekking trail is very slippered, if you are not careful during the hiking, you might slip.
Autumn Season
The autumn season is also a peak season to trek Annapurna Sanctuary trekking. The months of September, October, and November falls in the autumn season. These are the most popular months for trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary.
You can enjoy the clear views of the snow-capped mountain as the days are very clear, less chance of disturbance by the weather. The days are very sunny and warm however the night can be extremely cold.
the average temperature during the sunny days is 15-24 whereas during the night the temperature can fall below the freezing. You will experience the cold temperature during the morning and night whereas you will experience warm weather during the sunny days.
As long as you have packed well to avoid, cold as well as rain and to keep yourself warm where the temperature falls. Trekking to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in autumn will be perfect. Unlike the summer season, you don't need to worry about the slippery route. Even in the lower region, the temperature is not so high.
You can enjoy the beautiful views of the snowy mountains without any disturbance of weather. So here factor makes the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek extremely popular in the autumn season.
Pros of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in the autumn season
- During the autumn season, the chance of the cloud covering or rains does not exist.
- Majestic views of the snowy-mountains without any disturbance.
- The major festival in Nepal fall in the autumn season which makes your trekking environment pleasurable.
Cons of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in the autumn season
- Being the peak season, many people trek this region so it is very difficult to get good accommodation facilities in the high altitude.
Winter Season
The months of December, January, and February fall in the winter season. the winter in the Annapurna region is very cold. But when you go to the higher altitude places of the mountains, the winter gets a lot more chilling, it means you will experience very cold weather during Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
The precipitation in these months is low and some of the daily temperatures. while trekking Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in the winter season make sure to pack well for the trekking.
The coldest of the winter months is February where the temperature in the Annapurna sanctuary can be below -19 degree C, even in the hottest day the temperature merely raise to 7 degrees C. so while trekking make sure to wear warm clothing, footwear, and headgear without which you can complete your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek during the winter.
Another major factor to consider while trekking to the Annapurna Sanctuary during the winter season is the speed of the wind that blows.
There might also be occasional snow in the mountains during the winter. Due to the high snow-falls in the Annapurna region, the highest passes like the Thorong La Pass are usually closed in the winters. Accommodation during the winter in the Annapurna region is also open, in fact, the tea, houses, lodges are open all year.
In this time in this region, you will see less number of trekkers so you can enjoy every step of your walks with your any disturbance and peacefully. Thus this season is best for the adventure lover who wants to experience both, challenging, difficulties and experienced, beautiful trekking in the Annapurna region.
Pros of Annapurna Sanctuary trek in winter
- Just like trekking in the summer, the winter to the Annapurna sanctuary trek is also peaceful as the number of trekkers is very low compared with the spring and winter season.
- Unlike another season, you don't have to worry about mosquitoes bites and leeches during the walk. Trekking in this season means you can celebrate New year or Christmas in the mountains.
- Skies are clear all moth round, which means you can collect or have excellent photography, as well as videography.
Cons of Annapurna Sanctuary trek in winter
- You have to be well prepared for trekking in the winter season in Annapurna Sanctuary.
- You might not be able to hike to the High passes due to the heavy snow-falls.
Trek in the Annapurna sanctuary is the beautiful decision that one makes to enjoy nature, their unique flora and fauna, surrounding snow-capped mountains and many other things. During the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, each day will be very beautiful and experienced. Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking makes your dream of reaching the Annapurna base will be fulfilled within very short periods of time. So it is must-do trekking in Nepal with Nepal Hiking Trek.