Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking is no doubt one of the outstanding trekking, which lies on the hill of Annapurna south. The rout is specially designed for those trekkers who love to enjoy the flora and fauna and panoramic view of the Himalayan range.
Annapurna sanctuary trekking take to you both Annapurna base camp and jomsom at once, offering the most spectacular mountain scenery, charming settlements of Gurungs and their slate-roofed houses, incredible rhododendron forests ablaze with ivory, rose, apricot and crimson bouquets and deep sub-tropical valleys. Below the Annapurna and Dhualagiri Himalaya range, there is the Ghorepani poon hill (3210m) one of the best panoramic view center of Annapurna trekking, Muktinath (3802m) and Annapurna sanctuary (4230m) the main destinations of the Annapurna sanctuary trekking. There is a comfortable way along with it.
It is also called an ideal trekking, as it involves less risk than other areas, moreover and it can be done with easy walk through the heart of the mountains. While having a walk we encounter with gorgeous lowlands to the wonderful high mountains and breathtaking scenes of the Annapurna range. Annapurna sanctuary trekking begins in the terraced foothills close to Pokhara. The Dhampus Ridge is the starting point and it passes through the Gurung villages of Landrung and Chomrong where we spend a night and then we pass through rhododendron and bamboo forests of HinkoCave. Slowly after see an excellent views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare, we climb high above the ModiKholaRiver, through the 'gates' of the Sanctuary. On the other side, we can see the views of mountains Machupuchare Base Camp, (3480m), and Annapurna Base Camp, (3900m).
After that we descent down to Tatopani (natural hot spring) at Ghorepani, where we spend one night and early morning we ascent up of to the Poon Hill, to see the spectacular sunrise over the Himalaya including the Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (7041m), Fishtail (6998m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) , Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Lamjung Himal (6986m),Tukuche peak (6920m) among others. Subsequently we ascend up via Ghasa- Tukuche Marpha village (one of the best apple garden in Nepal) and reach to Muktinath, where you will see and enjoy with Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage trekking tour. After excursion around Muktinath temple, we return to Jomsom then we fly back to Pokhara.
Annapurna sanctuary trekking is considered to be the best ways to explore Annapurna Himalayas from both side as well as perfect destination in Annapurna trekking region. Annapurna sanctuary trek fits for both adventure travelers and nature explores with amazing life time experience with Outfitter Nepal
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 Kilo meter west of Kathmandu).
It takes about six hours by tourist bus. You drive along the Trisuli and MashyangdiRiver; you can see the beautiful river view and the view of Ganesh Himal and Mountain Manaslu as well. Pokhara is tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Day 02: Drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Nayapul (1050m.) by private vehicle, which takes approximately one and half hours. Now, is the time to start your trek from Nayapul (1050m.) to Tirkhedhunga (1577M) Via Birethanti (1065m.) which takes about four hours. The first part of your trekking is easy passing through several small villages and settlements. Afterwards you could ascend gently to the final destination of the day. The majority people here are Gurung and their religion is Buddhist. Most of them are engaged in agricultural activities, some of them are in tourism business and in Gritish and Indian regiments.
Day 03: Trek from Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2675 m.) and it takes about six hours. You ascend steeply for the first 2 hours and then ascend gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti. You could see good view of Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), and Annapurna (7219m) south on the way. Now your trail is quite easier passing through rhododendron and shadowy trees and descends gently up to the final camp. You could see some of the wild life such as monkeis and various species of birds.
Day 04: Hike to Poon Hill (3180m.) and trek to Tadapani (2675m.).
It takes about five and half hours. Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountains.Hike down to Ghorepani after enjoying the sun rise view, have a hot breakfast at guest House/Lodge and trek to Tadapani (2650 m.). most part of the trial you trek through rhododendron forest, The beautiful flower makes the jungle colorful in spring when they bloom.
Day 05: Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Chomrong.
It takes about five hours. It is very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. You could hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way to Kimrung Khola. Immediately, ascend steeply and walk at a level for 45 minites and gently steeps and flat to Chomrong. Chhumrung is a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary (Base Camp) trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major Ethnic group of Nepal.
Day 06: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (2340m.)
it takes about five hours, the trail descends on a stone staircasefor the first one and half hour and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through the forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky you reach at Sinuwa, at 2350m. You trek gently through the forest and descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests.
Day 07: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3230m.).
It takes about five hours. You trek gently ascend through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees. The first town you reach is Dovan (2630m.) where there are few lodges and camp sites. Now you pass through muddy trail. There is debris of avalanches except during winter season. After short trek, you reach at Himalayan Hotel (2900m.). Beyond it, the trail is steeply ascent up to HinkoCave (3160m.), this named as a huge overhanging rock provides some protection against rain and avalanches. It takes approximately twenty five minutes through normally ascent path to reach Deorali (3230m.)
Day 08: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.)
It takes about four hours from Deurali to ABC. The valley widens and becomes less steep and you can see the gates to the sanctuary from here. As the trail continues into the sanctuary, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs. After short trek you will be at Bagar (3310m.), a meadow and some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail appears gently ascent until Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.). Here you find almost 6 to 7 lodges. This is one of the places, where you can enjoy the view of MountHiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path follows through alpine meadow and after some distance your trails go gently up. After a short trek, you begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp (4170m.). You can see the views of several peaks at 360 degree from Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 09: Trekking from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan (2630m.)
It takes about five hours. It's much easier going down. You should have no problem reaching Sinuwa from Annapurna Base Camp in a single day however we have choosen this place as some of trekkers may have problem on going down.
Day 10: Trekking from Dovan to Jhinudanda (1750m.)
It takes about six hours. The path is descent up to Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up an hour and the trail is quite flat until Sinuwa. You trek gradually descend to the Chhumrong Khola and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhumrong. The last part of the trail is steeply down to Jhinudanda. From the town you should walk down for 20 minutes to reach Hot Spring at the bank of the Modi Khola. You can relax at Hot Spring.
Day 11: Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana (1600m.).
It takes about five hours. The first part of the trek is descent and then appears through flat land until Himal Pani. You will find beautiful waterfall here. Beyond this town, the trail ascends gently crossing numerous streams and terraces. After short trek, you reach at Landruk (1640m.), a pretty big village inhabited by mixed community of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin as well. Now the trail gently ascends to Tolka (1850m.) and then ascent and level path to Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply up to Deorali (2100m.) with a view of different mountain peaks. Now the trail gradually descends to Pothana passing through different oak forests. Pothana is a small town resided by Gurung, you can enjoy the wonderful views of various mountains from here.
Day 12: Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi and drive to Pokhara.
It takes about three hours to Phedi. The Trekking trail is gently descent up to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Now you trek through flat land for some distance and steeply descend to Phedi. The trekking is ended now and it is a time to Car/Van to Pokhara.
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
High Lights
- Impressive Sunrise and mountain views from Ghorepani and Poon Hill
-Typical Gurung village along the trekking route.
- Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) Base Camp
- Spectacular mountain and glacier views from Annapurna Base Camp
