The Annapurna Sanctuary

Degree of difficulty

• Considered a moderately difficult trek, a good basic level of fitness is required in order to complete 7-8 hours of hiking each day. 
• Participants should be experienced in hiking for several hours a day, for consecutive days.
• Whilst never reaching dizzying heights, the difficulty of hiking at moderate elevation is magnified compared with low level hiking.

Eating and drinking

• Meals are not included in the cost of the challenge, Lodges along the route offer a wide choice of menus, from traditional Dhal Bhat to more sophisticated and western orientated choices. 
• Budget around £20 to £25 per day for meals and drinks. 

Himalayan accommodation

• Accommodation is taken in tea houses and lodges along the route. These offer hostel style accommodation, with running water, indoor toilets and electricity commonly available.
• Where available, internet access and hot showers are available at an extra cost. 
• The more remote accommodation offers a more rustic style of accommodation, with showers not always available. Personal sleeping kit will be needed in the more remote areas. 
• Comfortable hotel accommodation is provided in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Tribhuvan International Airport
Ring Rd
काठमाडौँ
Kathmandu
44600
Nepal

Getting to Kathmandu

• Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. a number of airlines fly to Kathmandu from the UK, with connections in the Middle East, including Qatar, Gulf Air and Emirates. 
• Layovers in the Middle East can be lengthy, Qatar Airlines usually offer the best options in terms of these connections. 
• It's also possible to make a connection through New Delhi, with BA, Air India and Jet Airways offering flights, where connecting flights to Kathmandu are offered by Air India, IndiGo and Vistara.

The Annapurna Sanctuary Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu

  Fly to Kathmandu, to take a private transfer to the hotel. Pre trek briefing in the evening.

• Day 2 | Kathmandu to Tikhedhunga

  Take a morning flight to Pokhara, before taking a road transfer to Nayapul. Start trekking through sub-tropical forests crossing the Modi Khola over a high suspension bridge. Continue the ascent to reach the Tikhedhunga to overnight.

• Day 3 | Trek to Ghorepani

  Start the day crossing the gorge over a suspension bridge, before climbing up a steep path which leads to Ulleri. The trail leads into vast rhododendron forests, passing beautiful waterfalls as it ascends. Enjoy great views of Machhapuchhre as the trail leads to the village of Ghorepani.

• Day 4 | Poon Hill

  Leaving very early in the morning, follow a steep trail leading to Poon Hill, one of the best viewpoints in all of Nepal. Arrive in time to see the dawn of a new day, with the majestic peaks of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and the Annapurna range dominating the skyline. Trek through rhododendron forests on the descent to Tadapani.

• Day 5 | Trek to Chomrong

  Continue the descent through the village of Chuile, arriving at Lower Chomrong, before starting the climb of the thousand stony steps to arrive at Upper Chomrong.

• Day 6 | Trek to Bamboo

  Follow trails that lead to a crossing of the Chomrong Khola, before climbing out of the valley through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests. Arrive at the village of Bamboo in a clearing in the forest. 

• Day 7 | Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp

  A strenuous hike to the base camp for Machhapuchhre. The hard work yields rewards in the form of supreme views of Machhapuchhre itself, the distinctive fish tail mountain. Overnight in Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

• Day 8 | Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

  Leaving the forests and vegetation, the trail leads through glacial moraine offering incredible views of the south face of Annapurna. Arriving at Base Camp, prepare to be greeted by astounding 360 degree views of the mountain scenery. After taking time to enjoy the views, descend to the village of Himalaya to overnight.

• Day 9 | Trek to Chomrong

  Continue the descent through the villages of Bamboo and Sinuwa to Chomrong.

• Day 10 | Trek to Nayapul

  The final day of trekking follows a trail which continues down to Nayapul. Upon arrival, take a transfer to the lakeside town of Pokhara.

• Day 11 | Pokhara to Kathmandu

  Take a morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, leaving the afternoon free to explore the city.

• Day 12 | Departure

  Take a transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

Included

• Hotel stay for the nights before and after the trek
• All airport transfers
• Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• Conservation Area entry and TIMS fees
• A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
• Breakfast in Kathmandu
• All drinking water on the trek
• Teahouse accommodation on a room only basis
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit

Not Included

• International flights
• Visas
• Tips for guides and porters
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (must be insured specifically for treks up to 4500m)
• Personal trekking gear
• Personal medicines or prescriptions
• Meals and drinks on the trek
• Meals and drinks in Kathmandu (breakfast is included)
• Additional hotel nights before or after your trek

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

Our experience on Annapurna sanctuary trek was perfect. Flexibility, professionalism, nothing that could be done better. The main highlight -the guides were the best ones by far from what we have seen during the trek with other groups. | Radu