Annapurna Sanctuary

from $2,795

This high glacial basin is ringed by ten of the most impressive peaks in Nepal – magical sunrises and starry nights are waiting for you on arrival!

  • Price
    $2,795
  • Duration
    17 Days Door to Door
  • Activity Level Moderate
    3/8
  • Elevation
    4130m | 13,550 ft.
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Overview:

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is often used as an introduction trek at altitude. Reaching a high of 4130m and offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna Sanctuary, this 17-day trip will take you on a journey through remote villages, terraced fields, rhododendron forests and into the heart of the mountainous amphitheatre that is home to Annapurna Base Camp.

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin lying 40 km directly north of Pokhara. This oval-shaped plateau sits at an altitude of over 4000 metres, and is surrounded by a ring of mountains, the Annapurna range, most of which are over 7000 metres.

Skill Level

This is a fairly moderate trek that is even suitable for unseasoned trekkers. That being said, a certain amount of training before the trip is important so that you do not find the steep parts of the trip unpleasant. Remember that we take a “slow and steady” approach – so factor in some long walks at home to prepare your body, as well as frequent trips up and down flights of stairs.

The adventure package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included?Items that are included in the cost of package price.
  • Conservation/National Park fees and all Government taxes
  • All trekking permits
  • Three nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis (twin beds sharing)
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Half-day world heritage sites tour with a guide and private transport
  • All airport/hotel/airport transfers
  • Domestic airfares (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu) and domestic airport taxes
  • Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Pokhara on a bed-and-breakfast basis (twin beds sharing)
  • All accommodation and meals whilst on the trek
  • Hot drinks with meals
  • Western leader/facilitator
  • Nepali Head Guide and assistant guides
  • Porters as required
  • Insurance for all Nepalese staff
  • General first aid kit
  • Celebration Meal after the trek
What is not included?Items that are not included in the cost of package price.
  • International airfare and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Items of a personal nature – personal gear, telephone calls, laundry etc.
  • Staff/ guide gratuities
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara, other than those mentioned above
  • Alcohol, soft drinks, mineral water and boiled water
  • Personal medical expenses, medical and evacuation insurance
  • Any costs arising from flight cancellation/ delays, political disturbance or natural disasters.
  1. Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu

    You’ll be met at Kathmandu’s Tribubhan Airport by an Adventures Global representative and transferred to our charming hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. After a short briefing you can explore this mystical city with its multitude of trekking and souvenir shops, internet cafes, hotels, restaurants and bars, bakeries, moneychangers, vegetable and spice markets, temples and stupas. Wander through the maze of narrow, cobbled streets filled with vendors, touts, eccentrically clad backpackers and ubiquitous rickshaws with their persistent drivers offering you their services.

    Overnight: Hotel

  2. Day 2 Kathmandu

    This morning we will enjoy a half-day tour of Kathmandu, visiting some wonderful cultural sights in the company of a knowledgeable local guide.

    Climb the many steps to Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), with its commanding views of Kathmandu (at 1420 m), its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism.

    We then move on to the striking Buddha eyes of Boudhanath Stupa that attracts pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm. In the midst of traditional gompas, and hung with long strings of multi-colored prayer flags, Boudhanath attracts Sherpas, Tibetans and tourists alike for daily circumambulations of the stupa.

    We then visit the Hindu Pashupatinath and its sacred temple complex on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here, monkeys run up and down the steps of the burning ghats, and trident-bearing saddhus draped in burnt-orange and saffron sit serenely meditating – when they’re not posing for photos-for-rupees.

    In the afternoon, we will do a gear check to ensure that you have all the necessary items for the trek. You will have the opportunity to do some last minute shopping in Thamel should you need to replace or augment any gear.

    Overnight: Hotel

  3. Day 3 Kathmandu to Tikedungha (1480m)

    Early morning transfer to the airport and a 30-minute flight to Pokhara (200km WNW of KTM). Transfer by private bus (about 1 hour) to the trailhead at Nayapul. Cross the Modi Khola to Birethanti (1065m), a large and prosperous town with a winding street paved with large stones. Now follow the Bhurungdi Khola as the trail climbs steadily passing through Hille before reaching Tikedungha (1480m).

    Trekking Time: 4 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  4. Day 4 Tikedungha to Deorali (2834m)

    Cross the Bhurungdi Khola on a large bridge at 1410m. The trail climbs very steeply on a stone staircase to the large Magar village of Ulleri at 2070m. The trail then climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields,which give way to deep forests as the trail climbs to Banthanti, at 2250m.

    We then pass through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests before making a short climb to Nangathanti at 2460m. We pass through Ghorapani (1hr from Nangathanti) and continue onto Deorali (another 15min away) at 2834m. Deorali (which means “pass”) is a collection of lodges, shops, camping sites and a requisite police checkpost.

    Trekking Time: 6 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  5. Day 5 Deorali – Poon Hill to Tadapani (2590m)

    An early-morning excursion to Poon Hill (3210m), about a 45min climb, affords us the opportunity of witnessing sunrise and an unobstructed view of the high Himalaya. Enjoy the spectacular views of Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, Tukuchi, Nilgiri and the Annapurnas, before heading back to Deorali for breakfast.

    After breakfast we head east, climbing a nearby ridge before dropping into the valley below, enjoying views of Annapurna South and the Manaslu range. A steep ascent brings us to Tadapani at 2590m.

    Trekking Time: 6 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  6. Day 6 Tadapani to Chhomrong (2040m)

    Dropping down from Tadapani the route offers good views of the upper Modi valley. The path then starts a long ascent high above the west bank of the Modi Khola before arriving at Chhomrong. This is the highest permanent settlement in the valley.

    Trekking Time: 6 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  7. Day 7 Chhomrong to Bamboo Lodge (2340m)

    The trail descends on a stone staircase, crosses the Chhomrong Khola, climbs out of the side valley and passes through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak reaching Sinuwa at 2350m. Climb in rhododendron forests to Kuldi (2520m). Descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests, then follow a muddy trail for a short distance to Bamboo Lodge (2340m).

    Trekking Time: 5 hours

    Overnight: Bamboo Lodge

  8. Day 8 Bamboo Lodge to Himalyan Hotel (2900m)

    The trail climbs steeply and up the side of the canyon, occasionally dropping to cross tributary streams, but ascends continuously overall. Traverse several avalanche chutes before reaching Doban at 2630m. Beyond Doban the trail is muddy and passes high above the river. Cross a landslide and another avalanche track to reach the Himalayan Hotel at 2900m.

    Trekking Time: 5 hours

    Overnight: Himalayan Hotel

     

  9. Day 9 Himalayan Hotel to Macchapuchhare Base Camp

    About an hour’s walk, initially on a rocky trail through forests, then up a steep ravine, brings us to Hinko at 3160m. Cross a ravine and a major avalanche track and climb through large boulders to Deorali at 3230m. Above Deorali the valley widens and becomes less steep and we see the “gates” to the sanctuary. A narrow trail huddles up against the cliffs before descending to meet the Modi Khola. Follow the river to Bagar, a meadow and some abandoned hotels at 3310m. Climb across more avalanche paths, cross a moraine and a stream, before reaching an area known as Machhapuchhare Base Camp at an altitude of 3720m.

    The mountain views are breathtaking; the panorama includes Hiunchuli, Annapurna 1 (8091m), Annapurna 111 (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchhare.

    Trekking Time: 4 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  10. Day 10 Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4095m)

    The route passes through some roofless shepherd’s huts alongside a moraine, then climbs to the Base Camp, a collection of a few lodges on a knoll at 4095m. There are magnificent views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna that towers above the sanctuary to the north-west.

    Trekking Time: 2 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  11. Day 11 Annapurna Base Camp to Deorali (3230m)

    It is much easier going down! We should comfortably reach Deorali in a single day from Annapurna Base Camp.

    Trekking Time: 6 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  12. Day 12 Deorali to Doban (2630m)

    We retrace our steps through the Himalayan Hotel to Doban.

    Trekking Time: 5 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  13. Day 13 Doban to Chhomrong (2040m)

    Trek back down to apple pie country.

    Trekking Time: 4 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

     

  14. Day 14 Chhomrong to Ghandruk (1970m)

    We pass above the prosperous-looking houses and potato and wheat fields of Taglung, descend gently through forests after which the trail drops steeply on switchbacks to Khumnu at 1780m. We climb steeply out of the valley reaching Uri, on a pass at 2220m. The trail then descends gently to the big Gurung village of Ghandruk.

    Trekking Time: 4 hours

    Overnight: Local teahouse

  15. Day 15 Ghandruk – Naypul – Pokhara

    The trail makes a long desent to the river valley, passing through Shauli Bazaar, Birethanti and on to Naya Pul. Transport by private bus to Pokhara where we check-in at the Landmark Hotel.

    Pokhara, the second largest city in Nepal, is located on the shores of the Lake Phewa and has a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. There is an abundance of restaurants serving a variety of ethnic foods, including Nepali, Indian, Chinese, Tibetan and Western fare. Browse through the many shops and check out the street vendors wares, including the handicrafts of the Tibetan refugees. Remember bargaining is the order of the day!

    Trekking Time: 3 hours

    Overnight: Hotel

     

  16. Day 16 Pokhara

    Enjoy a day at leisure.

    Rent a brightly-painted, wooden boat and either paddle yourself or hire a boatman to do the work while you sit back and relax.

    Overnight: Hotel

     

  17. Day 17 Pokhara to Kathmandu

    Transfer to the airport and flight back to Kathmandu.

    Transfer to the Shanker Hotel and a Celebration Dinner at Rumdoodles.

    Overnight: Hotel

  18. Day 18 International Departures

    Some final shopping before transfer to the airport and flight back home.

Gear List:

A variety of clothing is necessary for the trip. You will need clothing for around Kathmandu, trekking in the humidity and heat, and to protect you from the cooler temperatures in the mountains. This list is designed to help you choose the right gear for the demands for this trek and is the minimum requirement. These items are mandatory for survival in the mountains, so ensure you have everything on the list.

The emphasis on equipment necessary for mountain travel follows two simple tenets: lightweight and functional. The items you choose to take should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of extreme conditions. The quality of the equipment you choose has a lot to do with how warm, dry, and safe you will remain, so be critical of quality and the proper fit of clothing. Comfort lends itself to a more enjoyable experience!

The layering system outlined below is usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder, bring one extra medium layer (such as a vest), which will be ideal for extra warmth around camp. When making the final decision as to what goes into your pack, remember that it’s a fine art of taking just enough clothes and accessories to do the job, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably will not use.

Cotton clothing must be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that “wick” the sweat and moisture away from your skin to keep you much warmer.

FOOTWEAR:

  • 4 pairs sock liners
  • 4 pairs trekking socks
  • 1 pair hiking boots
  • 1 pair running shoes
  • 1 pair sandals

 

TECHNICAL CLOTHING:

  • 3 T-shirts
  • 2 thermal long-sleeved shirts
  • 1 fleece long-sleeved top
  • 1 long-sleeved hiking shirt
  • 2 women’s sports bras
  • 1 fleece jacket
  • 1 down jacket
  • 1 waterproof jacket with hood
  • 1 pair long thermal underwear
  • 1 pair long hiking pants
  • 1 pair tracksuit pants
  • 2 pairs hiking shorts
  • 1 pair waterproof pants
  • 3 pairs underwear

 

HANDWEAR:

  • 1 pair liner inner gloves
  • 1 pair fleece windstopper gloves
  • 1 pair waterproof shell gloves

 

HEADWEAR:

  • 1 beanie or balaclava
  • 1 sun hat or peaked cap
  • 1 pair 100% UV protection sunglasses with side shields

 

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:

  • Day pack (50 litres)
  • Sleeping bag
  • 1 large duffel bag for gear
  • 1 pair trekking poles (optional)
  • 1 headlamp
  • 2 water bottles (wide-mouth Nalgene) with insulators
  • 1 camp towel
  • 1 medical kit
  • 1 toiletry kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Wet wipes
  • Favourite snack foods (optional)
  • Stuff sacks for food and gear storage – large Ziplock bags are also useful
  • Water purification tablets (optional)
  • Pee bottle (optional)
  • Spare batteries and bulbs

 

PRE & POST TREK:

  • Large waterproof duffel bag x1
  • Locks
  • Shorts and t-shirts
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Books
  • Passport and travel documents
  • Passport photos x4
  • Certified copies of all travel documentation
  • Currency / credit cards
  • Pens and pencils
  • Journal
  • Reading glasses (optional)
  • Camera equipment
  • Battery chargers
  • International adaptors
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Playing cards (optional)
  • Clean clothes for travelling home
Visas and Training.
Visas & Vaccinations:

Visas

Tourist entry visas can be obtained at Tribuvhan International Airport on your arrival in Kathmandu for US$ 25. You need 2 colour photos for your entry visa (bring 5 in total as you will need additional colour photos for trekking permits etc.)

 

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are suggested:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus-Diphtheria- Revaccination recommended every 10 years
Training Guide:

This training information is intended as a guideline and should be used as such. If you are unsure about anything, please chat to us!

Most importantly, before you embark on any exercise program, please consult your doctor or exercise physiologist to make sure that you are ready for the increased workload.

A focused training program should begin 3 – 4 months before the trip, but working on your base fitness before that is important as it lays a good foundation for the harder work that will follow.

 

Physical Conditioning

Climbing big mountains requires cardiovascular endurance (via aerobic training), strength endurance (through strength conditioning) and climbing-specific training (i.e. hiking with a pack).

Being in strong physical shape is one of the most important aspects for a successful trek. You should be planning to progressively increase your aerobic training and speed of weekly training hikes to give you climbing-specific conditioning that cannot be matched by any other sort of training.

 

Cardiovascular Conditioning

Suggested activities include running, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, walking on an inclined treadmill, doing stair stepping or stepmill training, trail running, walking up and down hills, or participating in step aerobic classes.

When first beginning a cardiovascular training program, begin with three workouts (i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday) of 30 minutes of sustained activity at a moderate intensity, and build up to 4-5 aerobic sessions of sustained effort for at least 45 – 60 minutes (taking Wednesday and Sunday as rest days, for example).

Be sure to include a 5-10 minute gentle warm-up before working at your target heart rate for the day. For most workouts, choose a level of exertion that allows you to connect a few words together in a phrase, but leaves you feeling comfortably tired at the end of the workout.

Remember to cool down with 5-10 minutes of appropriate stretching of the muscles you used most in your activity, including lower back, calves, hamstrings, hips and quadriceps.

 

Strength Conditioning

Training with weights, backpacks and gym machines will help you build overall strength, particularly in the lower back, abdominals, upper back, shoulders and legs. Developing strength in your upper back and shoulders will help with carrying a pack and using trekking poles.

The calves, hips, quads, hamstrings and glutes are all involved in ascending and descending steep sections and scree slopes, which will be encountered on our trek.

Before embarking on any weight training, please consult with a qualified gym instructor so that you are well briefed in terms of using the equipment. Most important in strength training is to be sure that you maintain proper form at all times in order to prevent injury or strain.

 

Climbing Conditioning

This involves hiking steep outdoor trails, going up and down stairs or training on an inclined treadmill. In the months leading up to the expedition, it is important to do some long walks in the mountains.

Remember: All of your training is geared towards giving you the strength and endurance to complete the trek and enjoy every moment!

Most guesthouses offer WiFi for a small charge. However, since you will be in the mountains, the WiFi might not be working on any given day for many reasons, so don’t rely on it. That being said, there will definitely be connectivity during the trip – usually on a daily basis.

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