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The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is the real deal for everyone looking forward to their first Himalayan trek. It is a moderate level trek that takes you through Nepal’s diverse villages, landscapes, and dense forests.
Known for its splendor and miraculously beautiful trails, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek attracts many trekkers worldwide with its views of the mighty Machhapuchhare peak, Annapurna III and Annapurna IV. Not to forget, the gorgeous sunrise view over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from Poon Hill.
The trek will elevate your way to the natural amphitheater of the Annapurna Base Camp, where you will get a chance to stay the night. You will wake up the next day to another magnificent sunrise that illuminates the Annapurna I, an image that will indeed remain in your memories forever.
While returning, you can soothe your muscles at the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda.
Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal
Our team will wait for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. We will drop you off at your hotel. We will have a group gathering where you will meet your lead guide and other fellow trekkers who will be part of the journey.
You can then experience the life of Kathmandu. Additionally, you can get a guided city tour of Kathmandu here.
Our agents will drop you at Kathmandu’s domestic airport, from where you will take a flight to Pokhara.
The flight to Pokhara will show you amazing views of the Himalayan ranges. Upon landing at Pokhara, our trekking crew will be waiting with a private vehicle to pick you up. They will brief you about the trek.
Then, we will drive to Nayapul. The drive will take you through quaint villages. After we reach Nayapul, we will start our trek to Ulleri. We will walk an uphill terrain to Hillie and traverse some suspension bridges.
We will pass by Tikhedhunga and other villages and continue climbing the stone steps. We will start seeing the first views of the Annapurna South Peak on our way.
We will reach Ulleri by evening and stay the night.
After an overnight at Ulleri, we will have breakfast and leave for Ghorepani.
Ghorepani’s trail is a bit challenging due to its ups and downs and its uneven stone stairs. You will walk through a forest full of rhododendron and bamboo plants. After crossing the villages of Banthanti and Nagathanti, we will reach Ghorepani.
Ghorepani will welcome you with beautiful views of the Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountains. You can rest or explore the village or shop for local products to take home with you. Then, we will have dinner at sleep.
We will wake you up early as we will be hiking up to Poonhill to see the sunrise.
Poon Hill is a famous viewpoint with magnificent panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and more mountain ranges. We will hike for 45 minutes to reach Poon Hill.
The best thing about watching the sunrise from this viewpoint is how the mountain ranges turn golden and sparkle before our eyes. It is truly a sight to be witnessed.
We will return to Ghorepani for breakfast and start our trek to Tadapani.
The trail to Tadapani inclines through pine and rhododendron forests till it reaches Deurali. Then, it descends through waterfalls and a dense forest to Banthanti.
Again we trek uphill until we finally reach Tadapani, where we will have dinner and stay the night.
Today is another long day on the trails. After having breakfast at the Tadapani lodge, we will start our 6 hours trek to Chomrong.
We will elevate through quaint villages like Chuile, Kimrong Khola, Ghurjung, and Taulung. You will also learn about the Magar and Gurung people who reside in this region and learn about their culture.
The trail will treat you with stunning views of the Annapurna South, Himchuli, Macchapuchhre, and other ranges. After we reach Chomrong, we will eat dinner and relax.
Day 7 is the longest trekking day as we will be walking for 8 HOURS!
After breakfast, we will descend towards the picturesque villages to cross the Chomrong Khola. After we traverse the river, we will climb north to the Modi Khola valley. We will cross a suspension bridge and start our trek to Sinuwa Danda.
Our trail will pass by a thick forest where we can enjoy the rhododendron trees’ views and hear the birds’ chirps. We will then descend till we reach Bamboo and again start climbing to Dovan.
We will reach the Himalayan after two hours, where we will be staying the night.
We will have an early breakfast at Himalayan and start our trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
We will walk through the Bamboo forest to reach the Hinko cave. The cave used to be a porter’s shelter back in time. Now, it is a shelter for goats and sheepherders. This area is also a high-risk avalanche area.
After crossing a narrow entrance from the Hinko cave, we will walk past a steep gorge to reach the sanctuary’s ‘gates.’ From here, you will see the panoramic vistas of the Fang, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre peaks.
You will stay at the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, but you need to take extreme caution due to the frequent occurrence of avalanches.
Day 9 is the day you will be eagerly waiting for, as today is the day we will be trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp.
We will have an early breakfast and start our hike as early as possible to see the views more clearly. Also, there is a low risk of avalanches in the morning.
We will ascend for a few hours till we finally reach the Annapurna Base Camp — our stop for the day.
The Annapurna Base Camp offers splendid panoramic views of the Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and several other Himalayan peaks.
You can explore around, take photos or just relax while taking in the breathtaking views at the base camp as much as you want.
From today on, we will start our descent.
We will wake up early to watch the sunrise over Mount Annapurna I and the Annapurna Fangs. The unopposed scenery of the mountains will leave you in awe.
After breakfast, we start walking downhill to Bamboo while seeing more beautiful mountain sceneries throughout the trails.
Today, we will have dinner and rest at a teahouse at Bamboo.
We have another long day descending back to where we came from.
After having breakfast at Bamboo, we will continue our trail to Ghandruk. We will pass by the Chomrong village one last time and enter the Kimrong Khola valley. From here on, the walk will be more comfortable till we reach Kimrong village.
On reaching the Kimrong village, our trail will have steep switchbacks until we reach the Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Ghandruk rewards you with beautiful views of the Annapurna South, Himchuli, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre, serving as a background to your photo. You can relax or try on Gurung attire and take pictures.
You will get to experience the Gurung culture as the lodge will arrange a traditional singing and dancing show for you. Afterward, you can have dinner and rest.
Today is the last day on the trails of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
We will wake you up early to see the magnificent Himalayan sunrise one last time. Afterward, you can freshen up and eat breakfast at the lodge. Then, we will start descending to Nayapul, passing by the Birethanti village.
A vehicle will be waiting for us at Nayapul. From here on, we will drive to Pokhara.
Upon reaching Pokhara, you will be greeted by the Phewa lake’s tranquility and the vibrancy of the lake city. We will have lunch at the hotel.
After that, you are free to wander wherever you want in Pokhara. You can buy souvenirs or go sightseeing in some of Pokhara’s must-visit areas independently or with the help of our guide.
Pokhara also has a booming nightlife that you don’t want to miss. If you wish to stay longer in Pokhara and enjoy other activities such as bungee jumping, rafting, paragliding, etc and a guided tour you can update us here
It’s not time to head back to our final destination Kathmandu. Instead, we will drive around on a tourist bus. It’s a 200km (125 miles) ride full of amazing views as we go along the Marsyandi and Trishuli rivers.
If you do not wish to travel by bus, you can let us know beforehand to buy flight tickets (you will have to bear the additional cost). Note: Our guides may not accompany you on the flight; however, we will be there to receive you at the airport.
Our trip comes to an end today as you pack your bags with memorable experiences. You will have your breakfast at the hotel.
We will drop you off at the airport three hours before your flight departure.
You need a visa to enter Nepal if you are a traveler from any country besides India.
You can get the visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You will need to present a passport of 6 months validity and a passport-sized photo. The visa fee is USD 50 for 30 days, which needs to be paid in cash.
If you want to extend your stay in Nepal, you can go to the Central Immigration Office and fill out the forms and pay.
You also need to specify the return flight tickets or the list of entries a few days prior and the date of exit a few days after; in case you face any problems en route that would delay your departure.
If you are a citizen of the SAARC countries or China, you will receive a free visa. However, if you are a citizen of Nigeria, Ghana, Cameron, Swaziland, Somalia, Iraq, Palestine, Liberia, and Afghanistan, then you may not receive the visa on arrival to Kathmandu. You need to contact your local Nepalese embassy before flying to Kathmandu.
If you have a child under the age of 10, s/he will get a free visa.
No one is beyond nature, and we must decide when to carry out the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek by looking at the most favorable weather.
The best time for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is during the spring and autumn season, as the sky is clear throughout the day, and there are no signs of rain. This way, you will be able to see the breathtaking views of the mountains and the landscapes.
Even though trekking to the Annapurna Sanctuary can be done throughout the year, the monsoon and winter seasons can be quite challenging. On the brighter side, each season has its advantages and disadvantages.
Read below for detailed information about the weather condition of every season per quarter of the month.
March to May falls in the spring season.
These are some of the best months to travel towards the Annapurna Base Camp as the weather is mild and the chances of rainfall are relatively low. The days are warm and have clear skies.
The trails also have blooming rhododendron trees in front of the majestic Himalayan ranges playing a picturesque background.
The summer season starts in June and ends in August. These months reward every trekker with absolute greenery along with the hottest temperature making it a pleasant time to trek. However, the monsoon season begins in June too, which leads the trail to be wet and slippery.
The temperature ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius during the day and drops to 5 degrees at night.
September to November falls during the autumn season. During this time, the region has moderate temperature, low precipitation, and mild wind, making it an excellent time to trek.
The skies are clear, making it easy to see the lush forests and mountains’ views during the day and the starry skies at night.
The temperature during the night drops to 5 degrees Celsius, which is cold but bearable.
Winter starts from December till February in the Annapurna region. It can be very cold to trek during these months, and you may experience snow along the trails. But again, the thrill is what motivates the adventure seekers.
The temperature drops to -10 degrees Celsius at high altitudes. Daytime is relatively clear and shows the picturesque mountain views.
The 14-days Annapurna Sanctuary Trek consists of 9 nights at the mountain lodges along the trails, one night in Kathmandu, and one night in Pokhara’s hotel. You need not worry as we will choose the best available accommodation for you.
The one night before and after the trek in Kathmandu is not included in the package, so you will have to manage these expenses independently. You can choose from a wide range of hotels according to your preference, or we can help find it for you.
We will be trekking over high elevations to reach the Annapurna Base Camp, so it is no exception to miss out on nutritious food to strengthen your body. Your body will need enough carbohydrates, protein, fats, and fiber.
The package you buy will constitute 11 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12 dinners throughout the trek.
Your breakfast will have oatmeal, cornflakes, muesli, toasts with jam, butter, cheese, and honey, french toasts, Tibetan bread, chapati, hashed browns, boiled eggs, or omelets, pancakes, fruits, vegetables, and hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
Lunch includes Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari with poppadoms, Tibetan bread with soup, steaks, sandwiches, momos, macaroni, thenduk, fried noodles, vegetable curry, potato items, pizza, and dessert items like rice pudding and apple pie.
Dinner constitutes Dal, Bhat and Tarkari, Tibetan bread, soups, stew steaks, sandwiches, Momo, thenduk, spaghetti noodles, pasta, and potato items snacks like poppadoms and prawn crackers, and dessert items like rice pudding and apple pie.
All these food items will be fresh, hygienic, organic, and delicious. The menu list is a combination of traditional local Nepalese food, Asian and western cuisine.
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian items are included; however, we do not recommend eating non-vegetarian items on the trek as some places might not be hygienic. We also encourage avoiding dairy items, alcoholic items, and caffeinated items.
It is essential to drink at least 3 – 4 liters of water a day to keep your body hydrated throughout the trek.
You should carry a hydration bladder and use water purification tablets. You can also use a reusable bottle with a SteriPen or an inbuilt infiltration system.
If you do not have one, then you can buy sealed mineral water. Mineral water bottles are available throughout the trail in local lodges.
Never drink water directly from flowing rivers or streams for your safety.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is graded as a moderate trek with 4 to 7 hours of walking per day.
The trails have a long inclination as well as steep downhills. Most trek hours are in lowlands, while few hours are spent walking in the higher elevation. It is because trekking in high mountains is physically demanding.
You do not need technical skills, but having past hiking experience would be advantageous. As you will be walking through ups and downs for long hours, you also need to be physically fit and prepared to complete this trek.
So start jogging and exercising a couple of weeks before commencing this trek to increase your stamina.
Besides that, you need a good health condition, and most importantly, a lively and determined attitude. If you have a pre-existing health condition like heart, lung, or blood disease, you need to inform the agency or consult your physician before booking the trek.
There is less risk of Altitude sickness / Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Thus, we will not be having any rest days during the trek.
We will walk slowly, take rests in between and drink lots of water during the trek. We will also be carrying Diamox tablets for emergencies.
Besides, our trekking guides are also trained in first-aid processes and are well-experienced in this sector. If you have severe mountain sickness, you will be descended immediately.
Our client’s safety, security, and satisfaction is our number one priority.
We carry all the required gear, equipment, and first aid kits in case of an emergency.
Our team of leaders and guides are skilled professionals who have extensive first aid training. In case a trekker falls sick due to altitude sickness, the trekker needs to tell the trekking guide about what he wants to do, or we will decide accordingly.
If the situation is critical, a rescue helicopter will be sent to bring the trekker back from the higher elevation.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a moderate grade trek, so it has less risk of high altitude sickness and other emergencies. Since you will be trekking at such a high altitude, unforeseen events, whether natural calamities or accidents, may occur.
Even though we put your safety as the number one priority, you need to ensure yourself with a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for all the costs of injuries or emergencies you may face during the trek. The travel insurance policy must include the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization, incase of an emergency.
We make travel insurance policy an integral part of our booking process. All of the trek members will need to provide a copy of their insurance policy certificate to the agency.
Failing to present an insurance policy or even an improper insurance policy will lead to the cancelation of your trip.
The agency will be using your insurance policy information to arrange a quick and effective rescue operation in case of need.
Internet service is available at the lodges with some extra service charge.
You can also use data from your mobile phones by buying local sim cards at the airport. Otherwise, we can provide you with one.
However, the signal starts getting weaker with the increase in altitude but do not worry; we will contact you through the phone and update you at least once a day to ensure you have everything you need and are safe.
You will not have to worry about anything as you will be connected to Kathmandu’s travel agent for any assistance during the trek.
Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupees (NPR/Rs) as their local currency.
1 USD = NRS 118.45
You can exchange your foreign currency at the local banks or the legitimate money exchange companies in Kathmandu and Thamel.
As much as Traveler’s Cheque is a secure way of transactions, the banks prefer cash exchange as it has a quick process.
You can also withdraw cash (in NRS) from many ATMs in Kathmandu and Thamel. When you use a foreign card, the ATM will charge NRS 500 as a processing fee, for which you can withdraw a maximum of NRS 35,000.
If you want to exchange the money at banks and financial institutions, the service charge will be imposed about 4% or more depending on the amount of withdrawal and the bank’s policies.
There are no banks or money exchanges on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek trail. You need to exchange your money in Kathmandu depending on how much money you require for personal expenses.
Most of the major expenses during the trek are covered by the package that you will buy. These expenses include transportation, accommodation, food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour, and permit charges.
The expenses of meals and accommodations on the first and last day in Kathmandu are to be paid by the clients themselves. The hotels/lodges can be booked online, or you can ask the agency to do it for you.
You will have to separate some cash for personal expenses to cover meals in Kathmandu, Visa process fees, travel insurance premium fees, snacks/drinks/beverages during the trek, souvenirs, and tips for the trekking crew members.
We suggest you bring cash (dollars) and convert them into Nepalese rupees while you are in Kathmandu because you need to have the local currency to purchase goods and services on the Annapurna Base Camp trail.
Carry a minimum of USD 700 as an emergency fund.
Note that the people in the Annapurna region accept Nepalese currency only.
Electricity for the camera and mobile battery recharge is available at an extra cost throughout all the lodges at the Annapurna Sanctuary trail.
Most of the lodges have hydroelectricity or solar power. We suggest you bring a portable power bank, just in case.
A trekker can carry luggage of a maximum of 9kgs.
We will assign a porter to carry your luggage. If you are traveling in a group, then he will be carrying another person’s luggage too. So the combined weight of the bags would be 18 kgs. We would not permit the porter to carry more weight than that for safety reasons.
You should carry your valuables in your backpack and bring only what is necessary. You can leave your excess baggage at the hotel or our office store for free.
It is vital to protect our environment and not disturb any natural aspects on the trail, be it plants or animals.
Our motive is to support eco-friendly trips and leave only footprints, not garbage, on the area we visit. We also believe in limiting the use of plastic consumption as well as supporting local communities
In Nepal, tipping is an action that shows a person that you honor their work and are thankful for their assistance.
The tips should be offered at the end of the trek. There is no specific amount of how much to tip. It can depend on the service quality, length of the trip, budget, and overall appearance of the agency’s work.
We make sure that all of the Get Lost Forever team are paid well and are treated equally. Tipping them makes them feel inspired to give you all an excellent service and offer an enriching journey.
