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Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (10 Days)

TR#209.

  • Recommended: October to November OR March to April

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Overview

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek brings you to the home of the Mountain Gods. Wander across a typical Nepalese landscape with terraced fields, agricultural villages, and the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance. Allow your guide to accompany you to the breathtaking “Abode of the Gods,” a glacier refuge. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is on the bucket list of trekkers looking for a Himalayan experience.

During the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek you will travel along the banks of pristine rivers flowing from the Himalayas, soak in natural hot springs, and come across mule trains delivering supplies to remote settlements. As the trek grows, you will relax in simple mountain teahouses and interact with friendly locals along the way, giving you an understanding of Nepal’s varied culture and customs.

This sanctuary trek to Mount Annapurna Base Camp is a great start to more difficult Himalayan treks. The paths provide up-close views of the mountains with extremely minimal chances of altitude sickness, making them suited for both beginner and expert hikers. The routes are moderate in difficulty.

The Annapurna sanctuary was regarded as sacred by the Gurung people, one of the many inhabitants of the area. They thought it to be an area where the Nagas, Indian serpent-gods, had stored gold and other valuables. The sanctuary was said to be the residence of a number of gods, including earlier animistic gods as well as deities from Buddhism and Hinduism.

According to legend, the Hindu god Shiva lived on Machhapuchhre’s summit, and the daily snowflakes were considered to represent the smoke from his heavenly incense. Women and untouchables were not allowed in the Annapurna Sanctuary until recently, and the Gurang locals barred anybody from bringing eggs or meat within.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Terrain

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is breathtaking and provides a wonderful introduction to Himalayan trekking. It provides breathtaking views during the journey and ascends to the iconic Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, and Machhapuchare Base Camp.

Annapurna is a 34-mile-long multi-peaked massif with one peak over 8,000 meters, thirteen over 7,000 meters, and sixteen over 6,000 meters. With less than 200 successful summits and a significant fatality rate, it is sometimes described to as the most dangerous on our planet. Fortunately, our journey is far less difficult and far more enjoyable!

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is rated as moderately difficult. It is one of the simpler trek in the Annapurna area, with progressive acclimatization. You will still need a basic level of fitness because you will be trekking for 5-6 hours every day.

There is no “mountaineering” or rock climbing involved, and no technical knowledge or gear is required.The terrain is entirely on pathways, which can be rough at times but are not very difficult. The walk is 115 kilometers long,

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Food and Accommodation

Comfortable hotels managed by local families provide lodging along the path of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Each lodge features a central public space with a huge stove that offers warmth and a welcoming environment. The bedrooms are unheated and typically include two beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. You will need to carry a sleeping bag and a pillow cover.

The food in the lodges is amazing, with a mix of traditional Nepali dishes and western fare. Burgers and fries, as well as dal bhat with rice, are popular meals. Everything is accessible at the lodges and stores, including stir fries, momos, beer, and fresh pastries. There are also several businesses providing a variety of drinks and snacks, as well as candies and chocolate. You may also purchase any equipment that you may have forgotten on the path or in Kathmandu.

Trip Highlights

  • Step into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a holy glacial valley enclosed by Himalayan peaks.

  • Suitable for families or trekkers with less experience.
  • During your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, you will pass mountain villages of Gurung and Magar ethnic cultures.
  • Spectacular sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna mountain range.

  • Great views of mountains from Dhampus on a ridge. Exceptional view of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) from Pothana.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Phedi to Tolka: (5 -6 hr)
Drive from Pokhara to Phedi. The trek begins with a straight climb up from Phedi along stone steps. Great views of mountains from Dhampus on a ridge. Exceptional view of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) from Pothana. Overnight at Tolka (1790m).
Day 2: To Chhomrung (5- 6 hr)
Landruk, a Gurung village is on the way. Further up is Ghandruk and Chhomrung (2210m) with several lodges to choose from.
Day 3: To Bamboo (3- 4 hr)
The trial descends, crosses a river and goes through bamboo, rhododendron and oak forests before reaching Sinuwa. Climb for an hour, then another steep descent and a place called Bamboo (2310m) is reached through another rhododendron and bamboo forest.
Day 4: Bamboo to Himalayan Hotel (2 -3 hr)
Bamboo to Himalayan Hotel (2 -3 hr): Plenty of climbing this day and Doban is reached in 45 minutes. Further climbing leads to Himalayan Hotel (2840m). If time permits, going further on to Deurali makes the next day’s hike easier.
Day 5: Himalayan Hotel to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3 -4 hr)
40 minutes away is the Hinku Cave and further on is Deurali. Being an avalanche prone area, find out about recent avalanches from the lodge owners. A stone staircase and a short climb leads to the four hotels that represent MBC, Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m). Astounding views of the Annapurna range. A night spent here is good for acclimatization.
Day 6: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (1 ½ – 2 hr)
Snow can make it difficult to see the trail but the hike is pleasant. There are four well run lodges here. The south face of Annapurna towers above the base camp. The Sanctuary is close to many trekking peaks.
Day 7: Annapurna Base Camp to Himalayan Hotel (3 ½ – 4 ½ hr)
Hiking down is easy and one can go further on to Doban or Bamboo.
Day 8: Himalayan Hotel to Chhomrong (5 -7hr)
Hike back the same way you came, but the going is slow.
Day 9: Chhomrong to Ghandruk (3 -4 ½ hr)
On the way, the destination can be seen straight across, but first there’s a 470m drop to the valley floor. A steep climb leads to Kumrong Danda after which comes the descent to Ghandruk (1990m).
Day 10: Ghandruk to Birethanti, Naya Pul (3 – 4 ½ hr)
Start downhill on a stone staircase followed by a stone paved trail high above the river and you will arrive at Kimche. Walk on to Birethanti for a night halt or push on to Naya Pul and catch a bus or taxi to Pokhara.

Our Travel Expert

Udaya Gartaula

+9779801026642

info@rolwalingtrek.com

Cancellations & Refunds

At Rolwaling Trek, we just want our clients to have the best possible experiences. That’s why we don’t withhold deposits or have a fixed cancellation policy. We understand that sometimes life puts you in unexpected situations, so if you have to cancel or postpone a trip, there’s no need to worry.

If you need to change plans, please get in touch with us as soon as you can, and we will make the necessary arrangements to amend or cancel your trip. You can contact us at: +977 – 9801026642.

Notes

  • Trekking routes can be customised to suit your personal interests, abilities and time constraints.
  • If an area does not have good quality accommodation options, we can provide very comfortable camping-style accommodation for the duration of your journey.
  • Rolwaling also has a team of cooks who specialise in making Japanese cuisine, using authentic ingredients from Japan.
  • A lot of the fresh produce used in our dishes is sourced locally from growers in the trekking region.

Contact our Travel Expert


We pay special attention to your requirements and craft personalized getaways which showcases unique cultural, adventure and natural experiences of Nepal. We craft bespoke journeys for your expeditions & treks and also ensure you can experience the best that Nepal has to offer even for your shorter trips.

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