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Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Spectacular mountain amphitheatre of The Sanctuary - Charming Villages - Annapurna & Fishtail Views - Pokhara

All meals on trek included

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Duration

12 Days
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Grade

Moderate / Challenging
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Max Altitude

4300m
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Walking Days

9 Days
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Accommodation

3 Nts Hotels - 9 Nts Trekking Lodges
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Trip Overview

With ever-improving access into the Himalayas, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is entirely possible to undertake in a two-week Nepal trek.

Of all the classic treks in Nepal, most won't fit into a two-week Nepal holiday, but now the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek can. Sometimes this trek is also known as the Annapurna Base Camp trek, or ABC trek. Although there are various approach and exit possibilities from either side of the Modi Khola Valley (from Chhomrong it's one way only), by taking advantage of the jeep road that now extends into the lower Modi Khola Valley, it is now practical to trek down to the 4WD roadhead from Chhomrong, be picked up by a private vehicle, and be back in Pokhara later the same day. This is very handy if you've always dreamed of undertaking a true Himalayan classic trek but have never been able to get more than two weeks off work, like most people! However, if you're one of the few who can take more than a two-week Nepal holiday, then this Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be readily extended, and with a little "magic" from ourselves, we also have an extended version featuring Annapurna Sanctuary & Poon Hill. If you're coming to Nepal "long haul," then an additional "chill out" day in Pokhara before commencing this Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is worth considering, along with acclimatisation and contingency days.

You can also combine this trek with our Khopra Danda and Poon Hill Trek too for an even longer Annapurna experience.

Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

With ever-improving access into the Himalayas, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is entirely possible to undertake in a two-week Nepal trek.

  • Of all the classic treks in Nepal, most won't fit into a two-week Nepal holiday, but now the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek can. Sometimes this trek is also known as the Annapurna Base Camp trek, or ABC trek. Although there are various approach and exit possibilities from either side of the Modi Khola Valley (from Chhomrong it's one way only), by taking advantage of the jeep road that now extends into the lower Modi Khola Valley, it is now practical to trek down to the 4WD roadhead from Chhomrong, be picked up by a private vehicle, and be back in Pokhara later the same day. This is very handy if you've always dreamed of undertaking a true Himalayan classic trek but have never been able to get more than two weeks off work, like most people! However, if you're one of the few who can take more than a two-week Nepal holiday, then this Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be readily extended, and with a little "magic" from ourselves, we also have an extended version featuring Annapurna Sanctuary & Poon Hill. If you're coming to Nepal "long haul," then an additional "chill out" day in Pokhara before commencing this Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is worth considering, along with acclimatisation and contingency days.

    You can also combine this trek with our Khopra Danda and Poon Hill Trek too for an even longer Annapurna experience.

    Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Fly to Pokhara & Drive to Ghandruk
    • Day 3
      Trek to Chhomrong
    • Day 4
      Trek to 'Bamboo'
    • Day 5
      Trek to Deorali
    • Day 6
      Trek to Machhapucchare Base Camp (MBC)
    • Day 7
      Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary
    • Day 8
      Down to Dobhan
    • Day 9
      To Chhomrong again
    • Day 10
      To the roadhead and transfer to Pokhara
    • Day 11
      Fly to Kathmandu
    • Day 12
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Fly to Pokhara & Drive to Ghandruk

    A private transfer back to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara a private vehicle transfer of around 4 hours takes you up to the beautiful village of Ghandruk (2000m).

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Ghandruk

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY 2

    Fly to Pokhara & Drive to Ghandruk

    A private transfer back to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara a private vehicle transfer of around 4 hours takes you up to the beautiful village of Ghandruk (2000m).

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Ghandruk

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY
    3

    Trek to Chhomrong

    A case of down and then up as you descend and contour before climbing to Chhomrong (2210m). Here you'll get some better views of Macchapuchhare (Fishtail). Walking distance is about 9 km, but with 1200m of ascent and 650m of descent, it takes around 6 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek to Chhomrong

    A case of down and then up as you descend and contour before climbing to Chhomrong (2210m). Here you'll get some better views of Macchapuchhare (Fishtail). Walking distance is about 9 km, but with 1200m of ascent and 650m of descent, it takes around 6 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Trek to 'Bamboo'

    The day starts by descending down a stone-stepped trail, and then annoyingly, you have to ascend up through forests and emerge at Sinuwa Hill. Thankfully, there are some great views of the Annapurnas and Fishtail to make it worthwhile. The trail then mostly contours the hillside before dropping down to 'Bamboo' (2315m). Not really a village as such, but a collection of trekking lodges. The walking distance is about 8 km, with 850m of ascent and 785m of descent, and it takes around 5 hours to walk.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Bamboo
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 4

    Trek to 'Bamboo'

    The day starts by descending down a stone-stepped trail, and then annoyingly, you have to ascend up through forests and emerge at Sinuwa Hill. Thankfully, there are some great views of the Annapurnas and Fishtail to make it worthwhile. The trail then mostly contours the hillside before dropping down to 'Bamboo' (2315m). Not really a village as such, but a collection of trekking lodges. The walking distance is about 8 km, with 850m of ascent and 785m of descent, and it takes around 5 hours to walk.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Bamboo
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Trek to Deorali

    You continue to trek up the Modi Khola Valley, and about 90 minutes beyond Dovan, the trail can sometimes vary as this bit is prone to avalanches, so the detours required are always uncertain. Passing the Hinko Cave, it's then a continual climb to walk to Deorali (3170m). The walking distance is almost 12.5 km, with a stiff 1000m of ascent and 190 m of descent, taking around 5–6 hours to walk.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Deorali
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Trek to Deorali

    You continue to trek up the Modi Khola Valley, and about 90 minutes beyond Dovan, the trail can sometimes vary as this bit is prone to avalanches, so the detours required are always uncertain. Passing the Hinko Cave, it's then a continual climb to walk to Deorali (3170m). The walking distance is almost 12.5 km, with a stiff 1000m of ascent and 190 m of descent, taking around 5–6 hours to walk.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Deorali
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Trek to Machhapucchare Base Camp (MBC)

    There's no hurry today, and after the past few days, a later start may be welcomed as, in comparison to previous days, the walk today is much shorter. You're also heading above 3000 m, and it is usually around this mark that the effects of altitude can be felt. So, go slowly as you ascend up and up and pass through the narrow 'gateway' into the Sanctuary. From here, things open up scenery-wise. It takes around 3 hours of walking and 3.5 km of distance to reach the collection of lodges that form MBC (3700m), and after a 620m ascent and minimal descent, you'll be glad that the remainder of the day can be spent at rest.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, MBC
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 6

    Trek to Machhapucchare Base Camp (MBC)

    There's no hurry today, and after the past few days, a later start may be welcomed as, in comparison to previous days, the walk today is much shorter. You're also heading above 3000 m, and it is usually around this mark that the effects of altitude can be felt. So, go slowly as you ascend up and up and pass through the narrow 'gateway' into the Sanctuary. From here, things open up scenery-wise. It takes around 3 hours of walking and 3.5 km of distance to reach the collection of lodges that form MBC (3700m), and after a 620m ascent and minimal descent, you'll be glad that the remainder of the day can be spent at rest.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, MBC
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary

    The 'prize' for your efforts as you now head up and up, sometimes quite steeply, There's always the possibility of having to walk through snow. One final steep section, and 'bingo!', the mountain amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary is your reward for today's struggles. The distance is just 3.5km and involves about 550m of ascent and just over 100 m of descent. It takes around 3–4 hours to walk. Overnight at 4130 m

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Annapurna Sanctuary
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 7

    Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary

    The 'prize' for your efforts as you now head up and up, sometimes quite steeply, There's always the possibility of having to walk through snow. One final steep section, and 'bingo!', the mountain amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary is your reward for today's struggles. The distance is just 3.5km and involves about 550m of ascent and just over 100 m of descent. It takes around 3–4 hours to walk. Overnight at 4130 m

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Annapurna Sanctuary
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Down to Dobhan

    Virtually downhill all day today. Your legs will certainly know all about it as you descend steeply for much of the way to Dobhan (2540 m), and they'll likely also start to feel warm once more. Walking distance is 13.5km with 1710m descent and just over 100m ascent. Around 5–6 hours walking.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Dobhan
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 8

    Down to Dobhan

    Virtually downhill all day today. Your legs will certainly know all about it as you descend steeply for much of the way to Dobhan (2540 m), and they'll likely also start to feel warm once more. Walking distance is 13.5km with 1710m descent and just over 100m ascent. Around 5–6 hours walking.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Dobhan
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    9

    To Chhomrong again

    Into the forest once more, past Bamboo and Sinuwa Hill Top, and then a descent to the Chhomrong Khola. A sting in the tail as you then have to ascend to Chhomrong itself. The walking distance is almost 14.5 km, with 430 m of ascent and 710 m of descent over 5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 9

    To Chhomrong again

    Into the forest once more, past Bamboo and Sinuwa Hill Top, and then a descent to the Chhomrong Khola. A sting in the tail as you then have to ascend to Chhomrong itself. The walking distance is almost 14.5 km, with 430 m of ascent and 710 m of descent over 5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    10

    To the roadhead and transfer to Pokhara

    “Down and Out”. It’s an initial short ascent from Chommrong before descending sharply to Jhinu. The walking then becomes mostly downhill with the odd short bit of uphill as you walk past villages and cultivated terraces to reach a 4WD track in the lower Modi Khola at Syauli Bhatti. Here you’ll transfer to Pokhara (approx. 2–3 hours) by private vehicle, perhaps arriving late in the afternoon. Walking time is around 5 hours, with around 300 m of ascent and 1260 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 10

    To the roadhead and transfer to Pokhara

    “Down and Out”. It’s an initial short ascent from Chommrong before descending sharply to Jhinu. The walking then becomes mostly downhill with the odd short bit of uphill as you walk past villages and cultivated terraces to reach a 4WD track in the lower Modi Khola at Syauli Bhatti. Here you’ll transfer to Pokhara (approx. 2–3 hours) by private vehicle, perhaps arriving late in the afternoon. Walking time is around 5 hours, with around 300 m of ascent and 1260 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY
    11

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trek, whether it be for any delays/cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 11

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trek, whether it be for any delays/cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    12

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    DAY 12

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1260

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, internal flights as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits and fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licensed.

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all our trips.

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