The Annapurna Sanctuary

  • 12 Days
  • Age 12+
  • Year-round

 

Enchantment amidst the Snows

Trek through the lush middle hills, full of farms and forests and inhabited by sturdy Gurung and Magar peoples. Your goal is the exquisite Annapurna Sanctuary, a gem-like bowl set in and completely surrounded by the peaks of the Annapurna Massif. You will visit both Machhapucchare and Annapurna Base Camps.

One of our previous guests has written up her experiences on this route and the Annapurna Circuit, which she and her friend did as one trek. You might enjoy her journal

Day 1

Drive out of Pokhara and trek to the village of Dhampus, about 2 hours from the roadhead, then on to Pothana.

Day 2

Head north along the Modi Khola river, through forest and farms. Stay in Landruk, above the river.

Day 3

Farther north today, and gaining altitude, to the town of Chomrong.

Day 4

Cross 10,000 feet today, and overnight at Bamboo.

Day 5

Climb higher today, still close to the river. Stay at the Himalayan campsite.

Day 6

Machhapucchare Base Camp today. Now you are totally enclosed in the great Himalaya.

Day 7

Trek two hours across the Sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp today, and then explore the area.

Day 8

Descend past both base camps and below 13,000 feet. overnight near Bagar.

Day 9

Descend more today, and stay near Doban.

Day 10

Return to Chomrong today.

Day 11

A shorter day to Ghandruk. Time to explore this large and prosperous town, home to many retired British Gurkha soldiers.

Day 12

Trek down to the road, and drive back to Pokhara.

Add on Poon Hill with two extra days (any variation of the itinerary)

Special Combo for this Program

Rafting! 3 Days, there are three awesome days of rafting on the Kali Gandaki River.

"The trek was really memorable, like the magical morning when we hiked through a steep, narrow canyon after a heavy snowfall during the night - rhododendrons in full bloom capped with snow, and the river winding its way through snowy cliffs lit by a bright sun."

Robert Aumann - Friends in High Places guest