Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Tea House Lodge Trek
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Tourist Bus
  • Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel + Tea House Lodge
  • Group Size: 1
  • Max Elevation: 4130m

Highlights

  • 360-degree views of mountain ranges: Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna
  • Massive Annapurna Glacier
  • Traverse through Annapurna Conservation Area
  • Blend of nature and culture
  • Diverse landscape and ecosystem
  • Encompasses Must visit spots: Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Poonhill, Ghandruk, Jhinu Dada, Pokhara
  • Trails accompanied by woods of rhododendron(Nepal’s national flower), red sandal,

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is miraculously beautiful due to the natural beauty spread by the Himalayas and hills combined with typical Gurung culture and hospitality. The trails of Annapurna Sanctuary lead you through remote villages, terraced farmlands, forests of bamboo, and rhododendron trees to the lap of Annapurna ranges. Along the way, you are treated to impressive mountain views, ridges, rushing rivers, tiny houses, and a glimpse of the lifestyle of local villagers.

The ultimate destination of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is the Annapurna Base Camp supplying a close and wide 360-degree view of high snowy peaks dipped in solitude and tranquility. You must not miss the sunset and sunrise through these Himalayas as they spread a different range of colors and experiences. The place is a high glacial basin lying directly north of Pokhara. The oval-shaped plateau sits at an elevation of 4130m /13,550 ft, enclosed by mountains above 6000m/ 19,685 ft.

Trekkers can explore the narrow pass between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre from where Modi Khola River run-off glaciers drain. The area was accessible to outsiders only after 1956. The unique combination of heights and depths in the Annapurna Sanctuary gives rise to an astonishing diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. The trails used to be the Trading route for Tibetan traders in history.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Summary

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu and drives to the city of Lake, Pokhara. After an evening around Lakeside, Pokhara, the next early morning you head towards the north and begin your trek from Nayapul and stay at Ulleri. Without missing the paradise of photographers, Poonhill viewpoint, you continue your trek to Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Base Camp. The shimmering and colorful sunrise view from Poonhill will energize you to trek higher to base camp and cherish the dreamy closeup view of Annapurna Ranges, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. Instead of Ulleri, you will end up in your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek at Kande village.

Tale of Annapurna Sanctuary

The entire Annapurna Sanctuary is considered holy to the Gurung people, the main residents of the area. They believed it was the storage area of gold and a variety of resources left by the Nagas, the serpent god. The sanctuary was believed to be the home of several deities, from Hinduism and Buddhism as well as the older animistic gods. The peak of Machhapuchhre at the doorway was said to be the home of the god Shiva. Thus, the local Gurung people forbade anyone from bringing eggs or meat into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Besides, nobody is allowed to climb Mt. Machhapuchhre.

Poon Hill, Ghorepani on Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Poonhill is at Ghorepani village and is an extremely popular and loved trek of the Annapurna Trekking area. Any trekkers with or without experience can pull Poon Hill Trek and end up with a panoramic Himalayan view, and stunning sunrise accompanied by local ethnic group culture and tradition. You can see the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from the Poonhill viewpoint.

During March- April, the entire trail is decorated by pinkish Rhododendron (the national flower of Nepal) which blooms your heart along with them. The warmth of the local community and genuine lifestyle uplift your trekking experience and make it valuable. Poonhill Trek is for trekkers with or without experience as Poonhill Trek is mild and requires 7-10 days to complete. (See More Poonhill Trek 10 Days)

However, experienced trekkers make sure to incorporate Poonhill into their trail by choosing Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

Ghandruk village on Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Ghandruk village is rich in its culture and hospitality complimented by its location, surroundings, and the picturesque view seen from Ghandruk. It showcases the lifestyle in the hilly region of Nepal accompanied by delightful close-up mountain views: Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli.

Ghandruk welcomes trekkers with traditional tea houses lodges and homestays, a hilltop temple, a tea garden, horseback riding, and cultural experiences which provide a peek into the lifestyle and customs of the Gurung communities who reside at Ghandruk.

Ghandruk is the must-stop destination for trekkers in the Annapurna Trekking Region. (Read more)

Best Season for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The best time to Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is from September to November and from March to May. The weather is clear, sunny, and warm with breathtaking views. Rain and snow occur occasionally at this time. The trail is not wet but be crowded by trekkers as this is the peak season.

If you want to escape from crowds and have full time in the wilderness, you need to skip these months and trek from June to August or December to March. From June to August, it is wet and raining with the flora and vegetation blooming to the fullest. It is the best season for flower lovers and botanists but the mountains’ view may not clear up. From December to March, there is high snowfall and the path is also filled with snow. You may find it too cold else the view and sky will be clear.

Why Choose Annapurna Sanctuary Trek?

Trek lovers are well known for the facts and beauty of the Annapurna Trekking region and its different trekking trails and destinations.

If you are looking for moderate days (13-15 days) of trekking in the Annapurna region with most of the popular spots of the Annapurna Trekking region, you can choose Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek traverses you through the following spots:

Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Poon hill viewpoint, Ghorepani village, Ghandruk village, Jhinu Dada, Landruk village.

Besides, the trail and experiences encountered on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek are different in their way just as other trekking routes. You can also check the detailed itinerary of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

On the other hand, for the shorter days trek, you can choose Annapurna Base Camp, Short Annapurna Base Camp, Poon hill trek, or Annapurna Community Trek.

For longer days and exploring more destinations, trekking packages such as Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Circuit Clockwise Trek are available.

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,400m/4,593ft
  • Day 2Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Day 3Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri, 2070m/6,791 ft
  • Day 4Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani, 2840m/9,318 ft
  • Day 5Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani, 2, 520m/8,268 ft via Poon hill , 3,210 m/10,532 ft
  • Day 6Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk, 2,012m/6,601 ft
  • Day 7Trek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa, 2,340m /7677 ft
  • Day 8Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali, 3,200m/10,499 ft
  • Day 9Trek from Deurali to ABC, 4,130m/13,550 ft via Machhapuchhre Base Camp 3,700m/12,139
  • Day 10Trek from ABC to Bamboo, 2,345m/7,694 ft
  • Day 11Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Dada, 1,780m/5,840 ft
  • Day 12Trek from Jhinu Dada to Tolka, 1790m/ 5,873 ft
  • Day 13Trek from Tolka to Kande, 1700m/5,577 ft and drive to Pokhara
  • Day 14Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Day 15International Departure

What's Included

  • Airport picks up and drops by private jeep/car
  • 3 night’s (3 stars) hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara on BB plan, twin sharing basis
  • Welcome and farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant with cultural program
  • Kathmandu - Pokhara – Kathmandu both ways by deluxe tourist bus
  • Pokhara – Nayapul – and pick up from Kande, both ways by car
  • 10 night’s teahouse Lodge accommodation throughout the trek
  • Full board meals breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea/coffee in the cup during the trek
  • Seasonal fruits and salads on a daily basis
  • ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information management system)
  • An experienced English speaking trekking guide and his expenses, insurance
  • A porter for 2 trekkers and his expenses, insurance
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, and a duffel bag (provided if required but to be returned after)
  • First Aid medical Kitbag
  • Certificate of appreciation after completion of Annapurna sanctuary Trek
  • Nepal Adventure Team (NAT) company T-shirt
  • Government VAT, and Local Taxes
  • Nepal visa fee and international flight
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal expenses
  • Extra accommodation and meals behind schedule
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Gratitude to the staffs

PRICES & DATES

Useful Information

Passport and Visa

All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, need visas to enter Nepal. Getting a visa must be the easiest one though. You just have to go to the Nepalese Embassy/consulate in your country or it can also be obtained upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. To get a visa, you need to bring 2 pp size photos, visa fees, and a valid passport.

Tourist Visa Fees: 3 days transit visa - Free of Cost

15 Days – 30 USD

30 Days – 50 USD

90 Days – 125 USD

For more information, please contact the Department of Immigration.
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu
Tel: 00977-1- 4429660 | 4438862 | 4438868 | 4433934
E-mail: [email protected].
Website: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/

Means of Transport

Tourist bus or private vehicle and walking. All the cost is already included unless otherwise noted.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must when you travel abroad. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because of the reason that they cover all the expenses if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen.

Solo Travellers

We have arranged for a single traveler to pay for a single trip only. He has to share the accommodation with other people of same-sex though while he can also join the other groups.

Foods and Accommodations

All meals are provided during the trek while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Generally, traditional Nepalese(daal, Bhat, curry, and pickle), Tibetan, Continental, Indian and other cuisines are available in the local lodges/teahouses. There will also be a welcome and farewell dinner for guests in Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you'll be staying in the best quality standard hotel, on a twin-sharing basis. On trekking, accommodations are simple yet comfortable on-mountain lodges. Toilets and bathrooms need to be shared in some teahouses.
Note: Single room is always available but only on special requests and spending extra bucks.

Health and Fitness Required

No previous experience is required since it's a moderate trek. But you being a healthy person, physically and mentally is very important. It is better if we prepare ourselves a few days/weeks prior to the start of the trek by jogging and running regularly since will be walking a lot of ups and downs in the hills, ridges, villages, and mountains. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions should inform us beforehand.

First Aid Kit/High Altitude Sickness

Nepal Adventure Team strongly suggests that you have your own personal first aid or medical kit. This trip takes you to some high altitudes though not much but the slow walks and regular stops between the walks will help you acclimatize to high altitude saving you from the high altitude sickness called AMS (acute mountain sickness). Gaining altitude without proper consideration of AMS is fatal.

Your Guide and Porter

Since mountain trekking takes you to remote places over high altitudes, the leader should have a piece of significant knowledge in the field so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you there clearing any obstacles on the way. We, Nepal Adventure Team can proudly say that our guides are highly qualified for the role. They are fully trained, experienced, and licensed. They have undergone a whole lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and to make your journey a smooth and pleasant one.
Our porters are always fully equipped with the gears they need and as per the company policy, they are always insured and completely looked after. They are our backbone. We allow a maximum weight of 25kg to be carried by one porter. We make sure that they are well paid and well treated.

Best Time to Travel

The best time for trekking to the Annapurna sanctuary trek is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) because the weather is warm and moderate while the view and visibility are the best. The winter is also somehow fine but the monsoon is the less frequented time because of the occasional heavy rain and when the roads might be troublesome.

Equipment and Packing Lists

After booking with Nepal Adventure Team, please pack necessary items as listed:

  1. Travel documents: passport, visa(if you have), travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, passport photo (x 2)
  2. Bank card or credit cards, travelers' cheque, etc
  3. Comfortable boots and runners/sports shoes.
  4. 6-8 pairs of socks woolen/cotton.
  5. Fleece jacket, Down / Duvet Jacket, and Rain / windproof jacket.
  6. Gloves- 2 pairs.
  7. T-shirts 4-6 pcs, shirts(woolen/cotton).
  8. A cap for the day and a woolen hat or Balaclava for evening/morning wear.
  9. Trousers.
  10. Short and tracksuits.
  11. Sleeping bag (4 seasons) with inner liner.
  12. Large and small towels.
  13. Toiletries.
  14. Water bottle.
  15. Sun /snow glass.
  16. Ski / walking poles(optional but useful).
  17. First Aid/medical kit.
  18. Rucksack/backpack.
  19. Duffel Bags(carried by porters or animals).
  20. Torch / Flashlights with spare batteries.
  21. Pen knife/ Swiss knife.
  22. Scarf/mask (for dust and wind).
  23. Personal hygiene stuff.
  24. Any other extras you feel are necessary like binocular, cameras, books, journals, and more.

Precautionary Note:

Trekking has been long established in Nepal, so the itineraries are modified and moderated in such a way that you can take it easy and slow. DO NOT RUSH AND ENJOY. There is plenty of time and the guide will keep track of you all the time. It might be a bit harder or a bit colder but you will get used to it.

Additional Money

Every traveler is different and they spend their own way. Some spend on food and drinks while others on souvenirs. Either way, consider your own spending habits and also tipping, emergency fund ($200), etc before you pack up and leave.

Trip Specific Safety

Your guide is always there for your safety concerns and looking after your valuables. But you have to be equally careful. Carry some sort of wallet or belt for your important documents and money. The hotels have a safety deposit box where the lock is recommended before passing the luggage.

A Couple of Rules

Possession or use of any illegal drugs is totally intolerable. It is because of the law that respects the local people and their culture. The group will be expelled in such a case.

Responsible Tourism

Nepal Adventure Team strongly believes that we all are equally responsible to act in favor of the local people and the surrounding environment. Our clients too have an important role to

  • Respect the local laws, custom, and their beliefs
  • Always ask for permission before doing something in the local or consult to the leader
  • Keep the area the same as you found it as, wherever you go and dispose of rubbish
  • Support local skills to encourage positive sides of tourism.

Feedback and Reviews

This is very very important for us. After your travel, we want your feedback whether it is good or bad since thats the way we can thrive further. To motivate you to finish the review or feedback online, we are going to give you an 8% discount on your next trip with us. Outstanding, ain't it!

Additional Information

For all the additional information, go to contact us by message, and call Mr. Jeevan Thapa Magar +977 9851234322 (Viber/WhatsApp)