Plan Your trip
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Himalayan journey to the sanctuary of God
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars Based on 7 Reviews

Group Size

Min 1 Max 15

Duration

15 Days

Grade

Moderate

Max. Altitude

4,130m/13,550ft

Activity

Trekking in Nepal

Meals Included

All Meals

Accomodation

Hotel/Lodge

Best Season

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Trip Overview

  • Annapurna base camp and famous hill station (Poonhill)
  • Panoramic views of mountain range
  • An ideal place to Chill-Pokhara
  • Traditional villages and beautiful landscapes

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a moderate-grade trek in the inner Annapurna region of Nepal that takes you to the southern base camp of the world’s 10th highest mountain with a side visit to Annapurna Poonhill. You’d want to do this trip with your loved ones or those closest to you, for sure. Out of this world view of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill, you get to see Machhapuchhre (fish-tail) peak upfront, the ‘centurion’ of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Look through the amazing sunrise on the south face of Annapurna I from Base Camp and marvel at the wonderful and pleasant differences between Nepal’s climate zones, its rich wildlife, and its sublime landscapes. Visit the famous Himalaya viewpoint, Poonhill (3210m), and the south base camp of Mt. Annapurna (4,130m) in a single itinerary

This venture takes us north of sizzling Pokhara, a great trek into Himalayan journeys of a unique kind as you enter into the inner chambers of the legendary Annapurnas. Hereabouts, massive mountains such as 8,000 meters, Annapurna 1, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre, surround the original geographic amphitheater known as the Sanctuary of the Annapurna, a feast for the eyes that beholds nature at its zenith.

The blending of this outing into the sanctuary with a visit to the classic Himalaya viewpoint of Poon Hill is the jackpot of a dream vacation; this hike is a wonderful combo that provides us with a little over two weeks of some quaint walks into the great Himalayas of Nepal, at its best.

We experience sub-tropical forest swarming with interesting wildlife, lovely villages with trimly terraced rice fields, and pleasurable ridge hiking accompanied by stunning Himalayan vistas that leave us panting for breath. Strolling through the ‘gates’ of the Sanctuary, we culminate into a haven of ice and snow that finds us enclosed by huge Himalayan peaks which leave us gaping awestruck.

We then return to the evolution of nature as we hike by the plummeting Modi Khola (river), through a portrait-perfect countryside of overlapping hills dotted with villages of clean colourful houses and flower beds, surrounded by terraced fields. On the way, we meet fellow travellers from around the globe where we stop over for a teeter-totter to share our exciting experiences of a world we never knew existed, till now. And then we head back to the city of lakes – Pokhara – and the ancient valley of Kathmandu and a soft warm bed.

Is this trek for you?

Duration for treks of this grade stretches up to two (2) weeks. Trails generally go above 4000 meters and daily, you can expect to be walking for about 5 – 7 hours. The perfect setting for an introduction to moderate & challenging trekking in Nepal. Activity level/physical rating is slightly harder than leisure and involves occasional difficult days. Expect ups and downs as well for there will be hills to climb as well and the well-known ‘Nepali flat’ – a little bit up and a little bit down.

Important Note::

Your safety is of imperative concern while travelling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather or health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01-

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Day 02-

Fly to Pokhara & explore

After breakfast, we hop a twenty-minute flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu airport. During the flight, the views from your window seat give you mesmerizing views of glorious Manaslu and the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range. We reach our hotel, refresh & get familiar with our surroundings. We can go for a stroll down the Fewa Lake & also do some boating. We could also visit David’s fall and visit the peace stupa. The city of lakes – Pokhara is a wonderful city to explore around.
Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: -532m/1,716ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

827m/2,714ft

Day 03-

Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri

Today we drive to Nayapul to start our trek. From Nayapul we follow the south bank of the river. After several hours we will pass through sub-tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. After lunch, we cross the Modi Khola stream via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. We trek further along the trail quite steep at times. We reach Ulleri by late afternoon for overnight. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 1,223m/4,012ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

6-7

Max Elevation:

2,050m/6,726ft

Day 04-

Trek to Gorepani

We make our ascent to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means a place with a water trough for resting weary horses owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker’s stop, too, for a breather. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and handicrafts. The town has two parts: one in a saddle like shape and the other a few hundred feet lower. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to get the first feelings of the chilly weather down here, especially in the evenings.
Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 700m/2,296ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

5-6 hrs

Max Elevation:

2,750m/9,033ft

Day 05-

Hike up to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani

Today is a special day because we surmount Poon Hill- an icon of the Annapurna region. We climb the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3200mtrs). The efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurnas. After taking photos and having some coffee, tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Gorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forest, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: -50m/164ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

6-7 hrs

Max Elevation:

3,210m/10,532ft

Day 06-

Trek to Chomrong

After breakfast we hike steeply down to the river, crossing via another airy suspension bridge. The next couple of hours see us contour though the landscape before we reach the steep section of steps that bring us to Chomrong where we stop for lunch. From here, the true splendor of the mountains can be seen, with full views of Machhapucchre, Hinchuli and Annapurna South. From Bhanuwa, it is a steep descent, largely on steps, to the valley bottom.
Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: -530m/-1,739ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

5-6 hrs

Max Elevation:

2,170m/7,120ft

Day 07-

Trek to Dovan

We head out of Chhomrong along the Modi Khola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high steppes and wooded slopes of the Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge & then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through thick & dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then the track passes through deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Dovan for our night stop. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 410m/1,345ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

5-6 hrs

Max Elevation:

2,580m/8,465ft

Day 08-

Trek to Macchapuchre Base Camp

Today we start our trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). The day starts with a gentle gradual ascending following the trail above the river through a thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. The trail climbs gently through a river bed and then it rises steeply over the mountain side. There are also avalanche prone areas at some points on the trail. After about half an hour walk from Deurali, we will find ourselves in the middle of a river bed surrounded by giant snow-covered mountains. When the sun rises, the snow on the mountains glitter and the river valley is filled with warm sun rays. The hike to MBC is somewhat strenuous but the unfolding views of the majestic Machhapuchre are certainly a rewarding experience. We stop for our overnight at this quiet lovely base camp.

Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 1,120m/3,674ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

6-7 hrs

Max Elevation:

3,700m/12,140ft

Day 09-

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp and trek back to Deurali

On the way to ABC from MBC, the vegetation disappears. Due to drastic change in weather patterns, we see the snow boulders melting and forming small streams. The path widens as we enter the sanctuary, follows a stream, and then climbs to a few huts alongside a moraine. There are sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the panorama of 360 degrees. The Machhapuchre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli and other peaks brings a wonderful climax of our trip which almost ends today. When this is done, we head down by strolling back to Deurali through a quiet well marked trail.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

6-7 hrs

Max Elevation:

4,130m/13,550ft

Day 10-

Trek to Bamboo hotel

We wake up with the birds at Deurali and savor the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. Today, we start descending from Deurali, heading downhill, mostly negotiating stone steps as we descend to the Chomrong Khola. What goes down must go up again, however and, having crossed this side stream, we continue our steady ascent of the Modi Khola Valley and the ‘hill top’ at Sinuwa village. There are terrific views here of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre and this makes the perfect spot for lunch. After lunch we continue through the forest (with chance of spotting troops of langur monkeys that live here) mostly following the contour and then making a final descent to the collection of lodges known as Bamboo and finally to Bamboo hotel. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. Waterfalls cascading down the 500-foot granite faces on both sides to the forest below and great views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli make up today’s primary attractions.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

4-5 hrs

Max Elevation:

2,310m/7,579ft

Day 11-

Trek to Jhinu Dada

From Bamboo we trek back to Sinuwa and then descend to Lower Chomrong. We then ascend on the thousand stony steps which takes us to Upper Chomrong. From Chomrong we take a different route and instead of going to Ghandruk, we descend to the pretty village of Jhinu Danda. We get an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs that is situated just a 15-min walk away from Jhinu Danda. Taking a dip in these hot springs is pretty good for health.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge

Duration:

5-6 hrs

Max Elevation:

1,760m/5,775ft

Day 12-

Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara

We trek from Jhinu danda to Nayapul. After lunch we trek to Sayali bazaar and then down to Birethanti. From Birethanti, a half-an-hour trek takes us to Naya Pul. The trek ends at Naya Pul. From NayaPul we take a vehicle and reach Pokhara in about an hour. We might enjoy the prospects of visiting some more places around Pokhara until evening or just chill out at some restaurant near the lake.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel

Duration:

4-5 hrs

Max Elevation:

827m/2714ft

Day 13-

Drive back to Kathmandu

In the morning hours we might do some last hour shopping too. After that, we drive to Kathmandu. We grab seats on the left aisle of the vehicle for the best views of the rivers along the highway because it’s our last time we’ll probably see them. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we get transferred to our hotel; and we spend the day at our own leisure, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Day 14-

In Kathmandu

Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard.
Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Meals:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Day 15-

International departure

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

Meals:

Breakfast

Availability

Our trips are available on both group departure and private trip.

If you’re looking to join a group, click the Group Departures tab for details on dates, availability, and pricing. All our group departures are guaranteed to run once signed up.

If you prefer a private trip with your friends, family, or colleagues, please fill out the contact form in the Private Trip tab. We’ll organize a personalized trip for you on your preferred dates, accommodating any special requests you may have.

Have a big group? We’re here to assist! Contact us to discuss availability and group pricing options.

Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.

"*" indicates required fields

Untitled
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Cost Inclusion

  • All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on trek with tea & coffee.
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Dandelion or similar category for 2 nights
  • Internal flight (KTM-PKR)
  • All required permits for trek (TIMS Card & ACAP)
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
  • Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts on private A/C Vehicle
  • All ground transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary on private A/C Vehicle
  • Comprehensive first aid kit
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
  • Staff insurances, allowances and equipment
  • Trek completion certificate (Upon request)
  • Group welcome dinner at typical Nepalese restaurant

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
  • Meals at Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for staff

Essential Information

Reviews

See what our travelers are saying! Our reviews highlight the memorable experiences and exceptional service we offer. Read their stories to find out why our adventures are so highly praised. Write a review.

Breathtaking Views

A thoroughly enjoyable, well planned and balanced trek to Annapurna Sanctuary. Combined with Poonhill, the trek was fantastic and we had an opportunity to explore more of the region. The…

Great First Trip with a Well-Planned Itinerary

This was my first visit to Nepal and thanks to Passang and his team on the ground, it was filled with lifetime memories that I will treasure forever. Well planned…

First Trip to Nepal Was Unforgettable—Highly Recommend!

I had the most wonderful first experience of Nepal through Highland Expeditions. Passang and crews attention and personal care ensured it was a safe and memorable adventure. I highly recommend…

Join us on similar trips in the same region

Similar Trips

View Trip
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
All inclusive cost

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

  • 12 days
  • Moderate
  • 5.0
from USD 1,499
View Trip
View Trip
Annapurna Circuit Trek
All inclusive cost

Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • 15 days
  • Challenging
  • 5.0
from USD 1,880
View Trip
View Trip
Everest Base Camp Trek
All inclusive cost

Everest Base Camp Trek

  • 17 days
  • Challenging
  • 5.0
from USD 1,889
View Trip

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Get the latest news, offers, our travel brochure & travel guide once or twice a month.