Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – 14 Days

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is an adventurous trip offering you a complete trekking experience of the Annapurna region. Regarded as one of the classic walks of the Himalayas in Nepal as well as the planet. This trek is a wonder in itself. Nestled on a high glacial basin. The oval-shaped plateau sits at an altitude of over 4130 meters surrounded by rings of mountains. The region regarded as the “Abode of Gods” home to several deities, of Hinduism and Buddhism and older animistic gods.

Overview: 

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek takes you on a fairytale journey. Along the way encounter cascading waterfalls, beautiful villages, terraced farmlands, lush forests, high alpine lands, and amazing mountain vistas. Apart from the natural wonder learn about the myths, legends, culture, and traditions of various ethnic groups. Getting a true insight into the lives of the people.

Starting of our Tour

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek starts after a detailed tour of the Kathmandu valley. From Kathmandu catch a flight to Pokhara, upon reaching Pokhara head towards Nayapul. Nayapul is the starting point of various treks of the region. Traversing across lush woodlands head towards the village of Ulleri. Next, proceed towards Ghorepani, an ancient stop along this route for the caravan of horses and mules. Next head towards Poon Hill, the renowned vantage point of the Annapurna region. From Poon Hill witness incredible views up to Mustang, Pokhara, and specular views. After witnessing the grand views head towards the settlement of Tadapani.

After that, traversing through the deep wilderness of wet rhododendron forests, hemlock, fir, and blue pine reach the settlement of Chhomrong. A village perched right below the mountain peaks of Annapurna south, Hiuchuli, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal on the backdrop of lush green hills. From here proceed towards Bamboo, along the trail soak in the views of the Machhapuchhre peering down through the dense canopy and the ridge section of the Mardi trek high above the other side of the river. From Bamboo, head to Deurali, from here witness a wide view of the river networks, high sheer rocky cliffs, and waterfalls getting a different perspective of the region. Following the trail, through riverbeds on rugged mountain country, you will eventually reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp.  

Machhapuchhre Base Camp

From Machhapuchhre Base Camp witnessing striking views of the majestic Mt. Machhapuchhre. Along with adjacent snow-capped peaks and head towards Annapurna Base Camp. This section of the trail is filled with wonders of nature. Traversing along high alpine pasture lands following the stream reach the Annapurna Base Camp. At the base camp, you will be surrounded by rings of mountains. Dhaulagiri to Annapurna to Machhapuchhre: Dhaulagiri I ( 8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Tarke  Kang (7193m).

Also witness a series of glaciers, icefalls, and moraines. Explore the base camp and catch splendid views at dusk and also head out for stargazing. The following day after experiencing the mountain sunrise retrace your steps back to Bamboo and next day to Jhinu Danda. At Jhinu visit the Himalayan hot spring of the region and soak in the healing waters. Eventually head towards Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu.

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is an ideal destination for first-time trekkers as well as experienced ones. Be a part of this fairytale journey with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Entry and Permits:

The following permits are required for trekking to Annapurna Sanctuary Trek:

• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR

TIMS Permit:

• NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency 
• NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter) 

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. Local inhabitants run several tea-houses scattered along the trail. These tea-houses offer a range of facilities, from basic and minimal to luxurious. Here, you’ll have the chance to savor various cuisines, a treat you’ll miss on most other trekking trails in Nepal.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail which are untreated. So direct use of the water is not recommended, refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of teahouses. 

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodation to luxury and grandeur ones. The trail itself caters to various budgets by offering a mix of luxurious hotels and cozy teahouses. These accommodations provide everything you need for a comfortable stay, including plush beds with pillows, electric blankets for chilly nights, hot and cold showers to refresh you after a day of exploration, and free Wi-Fi to keep you connected. You’re sure to find the perfect option to suit your needs and budget!

Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets. 

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.  

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring.  

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions. 

Autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking. As the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing. 

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region. The end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.    

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers. 

In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason. 

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by insurance plan will be given. We highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Important Note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to change the itinerary, when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.