Annapurna Sanctuary
Map
Trekking to the Annapurna Sanctuary along local trails, through forests, villages and terraced farmland, you will be treated to unparalleled mountain scenery and a unique opportunity to experience Nepalese life and culture. Three days will be spent in the Sanctuary, exploring around Annapurna and Machhapuchhre Base Camps, surrounded by enormous glaciers and dwarfed by the imposing Annapurna range. All this combined with time in Kathmandu and Pokhara allows you to discover the best of Nepal at a relaxed yet constantly stimulating pace.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the Kathmandu Guest House (KGH). Day free to relax and get over your jet-lag!
1
Free morning to discover the temples, back alleys, shops and people of Kathmandu on your own, followed by a major trek briefing. We can also assist you with the purchase or rental of trekking equipment if required.
2
Up early for flight to Pokhara (3075ft, 935m). Transfer from airport to Thare Khola (3,600ft, 1100m), where we begin the trek.
Trekking to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail ascends through terraced farmland and villages to Bhumdi (5,000ft, 1500m), the first camp. The first few days offer marvellous panoramic views of Machhapuchhare and the Annapurnas to the north, and Manaslu to the east, and great opportunities to experience the many Brahmin and Chetri villages along the trail.
Camps 2 & 3 are at Panchase Bhanjyang (6500ft, 2000m), and Chandrikot (5250ft, 1600m), perched high above the Modi Khola - the river which we will follow up to the Sanctuary. We descend into the river valley the following day, cross the river and ascend through bamboo and rhododendron forests to the Gurung village of Ghandruk (6600ft, 2012m). Ghandruk is home to many Gurkha soldiers, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project headquarters.
Day five we trek to Chomrong (6725ft, 2042m), another prosperous Gurung village at the base of Hiunchuli and the last permanent settlement before entering the Sanctuary. Day six we enter the main Modi Khola valley and begin our two day ascent up to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre loom at the head of the valley. We camp at Dovan (8550ft, 2600m). If there are weather or altitude problems, we can spend an additional day at this camp, or a little further up the valley at Deurali.
By midday of Day seven we are in the ‘Sanctuary’. Another two hours across grassy moraine and we reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (12,150ft, 3940m). The best views are two hours further up at Annapurna Base Camp (13,550ft, 4130m), where we may camp the next evening.
We have three nights in the Sanctuary (assuming time is not lost on the trek up the Modi Khola), ample time to explore and take in the incredible views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre.
We enjoy our last four days of trekking by returning down the Modi Khola to Pokhara, camping at Bamboo (7700ft, 2350m), Himalpani, and Australian Camp (6750ft, 2060m).
Trekking to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail ascends through terraced farmland and villages to Bhumdi (5,000ft, 1500m), the first camp. The first few days offer marvellous panoramic views of Machhapuchhare and the Annapurnas to the north, and Manaslu to the east, and great opportunities to experience the many Brahmin and Chetri villages along the trail.
Camps 2 & 3 are at Panchase Bhanjyang (6500ft, 2000m), and Chandrikot (5250ft, 1600m), perched high above the Modi Khola - the river which we will follow up to the Sanctuary. We descend into the river valley the following day, cross the river and ascend through bamboo and rhododendron forests to the Gurung village of Ghandruk (6600ft, 2012m). Ghandruk is home to many Gurkha soldiers, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project headquarters.
Day five we trek to Chomrong (6725ft, 2042m), another prosperous Gurung village at the base of Hiunchuli and the last permanent settlement before entering the Sanctuary. Day six we enter the main Modi Khola valley and begin our two day ascent up to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre loom at the head of the valley. We camp at Dovan (8550ft, 2600m). If there are weather or altitude problems, we can spend an additional day at this camp, or a little further up the valley at Deurali.
By midday of Day seven we are in the ‘Sanctuary’. Another two hours across grassy moraine and we reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (12,150ft, 3940m). The best views are two hours further up at Annapurna Base Camp (13,550ft, 4130m), where we may camp the next evening.
We have three nights in the Sanctuary (assuming time is not lost on the trek up the Modi Khola), ample time to explore and take in the incredible views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre.
We enjoy our last four days of trekking by returning down the Modi Khola to Pokhara, camping at Bamboo (7700ft, 2350m), Himalpani, and Australian Camp (6750ft, 2060m).
3-14
We finish our trek by walking two hours down to Phedi (3750ft, 1143m) and take a truck back to Pokhara. The rest of the day and evening are free in Pokhara to go swimming, boating, or exploring the town. Overnight in a comfortable Guest House.
15
The day is free to explore Pokhara or to just relax and enjoy the beautiful setting. Overnight in a comfortable Guest House.
16
Today we will drive back to Kathmandu through the lowlands and central foothills. Overnight back at the Kathmandu Guest House. If you are interested in continuing on to the Chitwan Jungle Safari or River Rafting Adventure you can start today!
17
End of the trip. Shuttle to the airport if needed or extend your trip and continue on to other adventures in Nepal, Tibet, or India.
18
PLEASE NOTE: On adventure trips of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Synopsis
Trip Grading:
Length: 18 days total, 13-day trek
Max. Altitude: 13,500ft / 4200m
Begins/Ends in Kathmandu
Land Cost: $2395 Full-service tented trek (includes everything). Standard "Tea-house" trek is 40% less.
International Airfare: Apx. $1800 to Kathmandu (from North America)
Oct 04 - Oct 21, '20
Nov 01 - Nov 18, '20
Feb 07 -Feb 24, '21
Mar 28 - Apr 14, '21
Apr 11 - Apr 28, '21
May 02 - May 19, '21
May 09 - May 26, '21
Oct 03 - Oct 20, '21
Oct 31 - Nov 17, '21
Dec 05 - Dec 22, '21
Single Supplement: $235
Note: (In planning international flights typically takes two days earlier and end one day later from North America).
Included in the cost of your trip: 13 days trekking including all meals and major equipment; 5 nights accommodation in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara; flight from Pokhara, internal transportation to and from trek starting and ending points; airport transfers for all group flights; services of an experienced trip leader, cook, porters, and local guides. (Meals are not included in Kathmandu and Pokhara only).
'TEA HOUSE' versus 'CAMPING' trek: THIS IS A FULL-SERVICE CAMPING TREK, WITH PRIVATE KITCHEN, FOOD, AND STAFF, COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT OF "TEA HOUSES". IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS SAME TREK STAYING AND EATING IN "TEA-HOUSES", THE COST IS ABOUT 40% LESS THAN FULL-SERVICE, BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 4 PARTICIPANTS DEPARTING ON ANY DATE YOU WISH. PLEASE INQUIRE.
You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.
Synopsis
Trip Grading:
Length: 18 days total, 13-day trek
Max. Altitude: 13,500ft / 4200m
Begins/Ends in Kathmandu
Land Cost: $2395 Full-service tented trek (includes everything). Standard "Tea-house" trek is 40% less.
International Airfare: Apx. $1800 to Kathmandu (from North America)
Oct 04 - Oct 21, '20
Nov 01 - Nov 18, '20
Feb 07 -Feb 24, '21
Mar 28 - Apr 14, '21
Apr 11 - Apr 28, '21
May 02 - May 19, '21
May 09 - May 26, '21
Oct 03 - Oct 20, '21
Oct 31 - Nov 17, '21
Dec 05 - Dec 22, '21
Single Supplement: $235
Note: (In planning international flights typically takes two days earlier and end one day later from North America).
Included in the cost of your trip: 13 days trekking including all meals and major equipment; 5 nights accommodation in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara; flight from Pokhara, internal transportation to and from trek starting and ending points; airport transfers for all group flights; services of an experienced trip leader, cook, porters, and local guides. (Meals are not included in Kathmandu and Pokhara only).
'TEA HOUSE' versus 'CAMPING' trek: THIS IS A FULL-SERVICE CAMPING TREK, WITH PRIVATE KITCHEN, FOOD, AND STAFF, COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT OF "TEA HOUSES". IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS SAME TREK STAYING AND EATING IN "TEA-HOUSES", THE COST IS ABOUT 40% LESS THAN FULL-SERVICE, BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 4 PARTICIPANTS DEPARTING ON ANY DATE YOU WISH. PLEASE INQUIRE.
You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.
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