Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge Trek - 16 Days

Quick Facts:

Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking offers you opportunities to see the extraordinary view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range; the trek passes through beautifully terraced fields and villages where you can see the traditional Nepalese way of life. Magar and Gurung people are the main inhabitants of the region. In the lower foothills and along the Pokhara to Mustang trade route, we will meet diverse ethnic groups who greet you with a smile. 

Annapurna and Machhapuchhare Base Camp area often referred as the natural amphitheater is surrounded by Annapurna 1, Gangapurna, Tharpu Chuli, Machhapupuchhare, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli; Annapurna base camp is within the sanctuary and is the highest elevation we trek. The sanctuary requires trekking up via Chhomrong Village and returning the same way. It is strenuous, and winds through the scenic bamboo forest along the Modi River. The rest of the trek is highlighted by spectacular scenery and the incredible culture and traditional way of life in Nepal.

Moreover, this trek goes through rhododendron forests interspersed with various other species and contain some of the best-preserved forests in Nepal. There are over 30 species of rhododendrons found in Nepal. The Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal and found in several colors, red, white, purple, and pink, when in blossom in the spring. If you love to see the spectacular rhododendron flower covered forest scenery with snowcapped peaks in the background, you should consider trekking in the spring season from March to April. Other species of floras found along the trail are Silver Fir, Acacia, Chestnut, Walnut, Birch, Rosewood, Silky Cotton trees, Oak, Hemlock, Alder, Maples and Blue Pines to mention a few. In addition to the spectacular views of the snowcapped mountains towering above the lush green hills and deep valleys, you will likely see Langur monkeys, and various birds as you trek through the forest trail. October to December and February to May are the best times to trek this region for spectacular views.

Poon Hill viewpoint at 10,529ft above sea level in the foothills of the Annapurnas is another highlight of this trek as we catch the magical moments of sunrise over the majestic peaks such as Annapurna I (8,167m), Annapurna-II-IV, Machhapupuchhare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,091m), Tukuche Peak, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu Himalayan range.

Please Note: Sherpa Travel does not operate trips to Annapurna Sanctuary from December to February to avoid avalanche danger. Trips scheduled to Annapurna Base Camp or sanctuary will be diverted elsewhere when there is fresh snow in the area.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu (4,400ft)

Meet and transfer to hotel, check in and free to relax. 

Evening-trip briefing and welcome dinner. Overnight at hotel / 2 nights.

Day 2 Kathmandu World Heritage Site Tour

Breakfast at hotel and depart to visit various Cultural World Heritage Sites to see ancient Nepalese arts and architect. This is an easy day which allows you to overcome your jetlag after a long flight. Afternoon return to hotel and remainder of the day free.

Day 3 Flight to Pokhara and trek to Dhampus
We will take a morning flight to Pokhara (3,149ft), meet our trekking crew, drive to Phedil, and trek to Dhampus (5,248ft). Lunch served en-route at a local inn and then continue trek to our evening stop. 

Day 4 trek to Landruk (5,379ft)
Breakfast and trek on a scenic trail that goes through semi-forested area, farmlands and villages. Uphill trail in the morning for about one hour and half, then a small downhill and the rest is straight. We will enjoy great views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. 

Day 5 trek to Chhomrong (7,249ft)
Breakfast and trek along the Modhi River gorge with scenic views of the towering peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare. Our morning part of the trail is easy down and straight and then uphill in the afternoon for about two hours. Then a alh hour down will take us to our evening halt. Overnight at lodge.

Day 6 trek to Himalaya (9,578ft)
Breakfast at lodge and trek through the extreme lower slope of Annapurna South along the Modhi Khola river. We will leave the village and farming area behind and enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. We will trek through easy to moderate trail passing through deciduous and bamboo forest rest of the day. Overnight at Himalaya, a campsite with lodges situated close to the river and surrounded by bamboo forest.

Day 7 trek to Machhapuchhre base camp (12,923ft)
Breakfast and then we’ll trek uphill along the river gorge and in the extreme lower slope of Hiunchuli peak. As we reach at Deurali area, we can enjoy beautiful view of the peaks surrounding the sanctuary and the background view down valley. We will enjoy lunch at Deurali and then continue hike to Machhapuchhare base camp. 

Day 8 trek to Annapurna base camp (13,546ft)
Breakfast and then hike early morning to Annapurna Base Camp for scenic views and lunch. Afternoon, hike back and Machhaphhare base camp.

Day 9-10 trek to Chhomrong
We will hike down river valley for the next two days the same trail we hiked up. We will lunch en-route where convenient and hike to our evening stops where comfort and good food serve us.

Day 11 trek to Tadapani (8,758ft)
We will trek through sparsely settled area to Kimrong Khola. Then the trail climbs up and goes through Rhodorendron forests until we reach our evening stop at Tadapani. Today, we have the chance to see various birds and langur monkeys as we walk through the forest trail. Also, mountain views and scenic vistas en-route are excellent.

Day 12 trek to Ghorepani (9,184ft)
We will trek through the Rhododendron and mixed deciduous forests. The trail passes through small streams, valleys and slopes with scenic attractions including the giant snowcapped peak in the latter part of the day. Possibility of seeing birds, Langur Monkeys and deer is good today.

Day 13 trek to Poon Hill viewpoint (10,529ft) and Hile
Today, we’ll get up at 4:00AM and at 4.30AM trek uphill to Poon Hill Viewpoint to enjoy spectacular Himalayan views at sunrise. You can see The Annapurna Himalayan range and Dhaulagiri range. This is one of the best Himalayan views one can enjoy on a Nepal trek. Then return trek, breakfast, pack up and trek downhill rest of the day.

We will trek through rhododendron and mixed deciduous forest until we reach at the top of Ulleri Village. Then it is a straight downhill walk until we reach Thikhedunga and then an easy walk to our evening stop.

Day 14 trek to Nayapul and transfer to Phokara
We will trek an easy downhill and some straight trails to our waiting vehicle and transfer to Pokhara. Arrive at our hotel for check in and then explore the Phewa Lakeside on foot and by wooden canoe. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 Explore Pokhara and flight to Kathmandu
Early morning, view a spectacular Sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya. 

Breakfast at hotel, hike or drive to Peace Pagoda.

Visit international Mountaineering Museum or Matepani Gumba, Buddhist Monastery. 

Lunch in Pokhara, and afternoon flight to Kathmandu.

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Evening-farewell dinner at your hotel or at another restaurant. 

Overnight at Nepali Ghar Hotel or Hotel Thamel House.

Day 16 Departure from Kathmadnu
Breakfast served at hotel and then our complimentary transfer will take you to Kathmandu Airport for your connecting flight. Our service ends after we transfer you to the airport.