Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Trek Map, Itinerary and Distance

Private Trip

Destination

Nepal

Accomodation

Hotel, Lodge and Tea house

Walking Distance

115 km

Duration

9 Nights 10 Days

Max. Elevation

4130m

Meals Included

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Best Season

March-May August-November

Grade

Decent

Overview

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is an extension of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with the inclusion of places like Ghorepani, Poonhill and Ulleri, among others. This trek traverses through spectacular forests, terraced fields, and quiet villages.

The beautiful scenic view of the Himalayas like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and other various peaks makes it even more alluring for the trekkers. If you’re looking for a trek that encompasses lovely villages, beautiful waterfalls, lush vegetation, magnificent farmlands, and splendid mountain views, then the Annapurna Sanctuary trek is the one for you.

Trekkers Information for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna region is famous all over the world as one of the best trekking routes. Scenic beauty coupled with the friendliness of the local people of the villages on the way, this trek is bound to be in your memories forever. Further, with a maximum elevation of 4120 meters at the base camp, it is not a challenging trek. The average Annapurna Sanctuary Trek distance is just 115 km which can be easily covered in 12 days.

As you hike on this route, you’ll go through rhododendron forests, cultural villages, lush green hills, and rocky slopes and ridges. So, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek has everything for you to enjoy. However, we will not pass through Thorong La Pass during this trek.

A Little Bit of Everything

The Sanctuary Trek starts from Nayapul Ridge which is about 41 km from Pokhara. Our trek is in the protected site of the Annapurna Conservation Area which is also the largest protected site in Nepal. Moreover, we begin our trekking from the beautiful city of Pokhara. We follow a path of dense forest, terraced land, and traditional Gurung villages.

Annapurna Sanctuary trek ensures that you have fun, satisfaction and a new-found and outstanding perception of our culture. It is certainly one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal.

You’ll enjoy some easy-paced hiking along with sundry landscapes that will fulfil your every adventure thirst. You’ll encounter a variety of forests, vegetation, and wildlife. Relish in the warmth of nature as you explore some ancient cultures and traverse through rhododendron forests. You’ll forget your worries and feel a sense of tranquillity.

Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill are the major attractions of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. The Base Camp allows you to be face to face with the majestic mountains, while Poon Hill provides you with some fantastic views of the mountains along with splendid sunrise and sunset. The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Itinerary will provide you with more details about the places. A healthy reminder, you need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project ) permit to probe this place.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Trek Map, Itinerary and Distance Photo

Trekkers heading towards Ghorepani village through the ulleri village. Mt. Hiunchuli 6441 meters is seen on the background.

Scene seen from Poonhill before the sunrise time.

The early morning Pokhara to Jomsom flight passing near from the Poonhill view point 3210 meters

Trekkers spending their beautiful time in the South Annapurna Base Camp. Snow capped Annapurna-I 8091 meters is seen on the background.

Thai trekkers smile after the submit of Annapurna Base Camp 4130 meters.

North Nepal Trekking guide with guest and local women on the stairs during taking a rest.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Itinerary

day 1
Arrival at Kathmandu
Highest Altitude 1324 m| 4344 ft

When you arrive at Kathmandu's airport, one of our team members will be there take you to your hotel. You can either start exploring Kathmandu or take some time to rest and get over any tiredness from your flight to Nepal. In the evening, we'll have a meeting to give you all the information you need for the trek ahead.
- Overnight stay at 3 star Hotel at Kathmandu
day 2
Drive/Flight to Pokhara
Highest Altitude 1324 m| 4344 ft

Catching a 25 min flight to Pokhara after breakfast in the hotel falls in the morning schedule however you can also take a tourist bus which takes about 7- 8 hrs.Pokhara is also one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. Exploring and enjoying the lakeside town at the base of the Annapurna Himalayas is the best thing you can do in Pokhara.
- Overnight stay at 3 star Hotel at Kathmandu
day 3
Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri (2080m)
Highest Altitude 2080m

Trek Duration 90 minutes drive + 3-4 hours trek

Enjoying breakfast in the early morning, your trip to the Annapurna sanctuary trek begins. A Jeep drive for 90 Minutes through some villages Naudada, Kande & Lumle brings you to Nayapul.

The trek starts from here, dropping at first on a staircase and then traversing high above the river on a wide stone-paved trail to a large and prosperous town Birethanti (1000m). The trekking trail today follows winding bamboo forests and waterfalls with plunge pools inviting you for a refreshing swim.

Beyond a pasture used by pony caravans, the trail reaches a small village Sudame, climbs steadily up the side of the valley to reach Hille (1510m) and after a short walk, you will arrive at Tikhedunga. The trail crosses the Tikhedunga River on a suspension bridge.

The trail ascends on a stone staircase that is said to have more than 3300 steps. The unrelenting staircase continues to the large Magar village of Ulleri (2080m). Overnight at Ulleri
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 4
Ulleri to Ghorepani (2775m)
Highest Altitude 2775m

Trek Duration 4-5 hours

From Ulleri the trail gently climbs through pastures and cultivated fields. You walk up beside the cascading river through refreshingly cool oak and Rhododendron forest.

The trail crosses two sparkling clear streams, a small ridge and another stream before making a short climb to Nangathanti (2460m). We have a little rest with lunch here at Nangathanti.

In winter the trail can be covered with snow. The day destination Ghorepani (2750m) is reached after about an hour past Nangathanti. Overnight at Ghorepani.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 5
Ghorepani Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2540m)
Highest Altitude 2540m

Trek Duration 5-6 hours

Wake up before dawn the following day to make the early-morning excursion to Poon Hill (3210m), one of the best Himalaya viewpoints in Nepal, which offers a great view of sunrise over the high Himalayas.

The spectacular panorama stretches from Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and Tukuche (6920m) to Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiuchhuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). Gangapurna (7454m), Lamjung Himal (6986m) and Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre 6997m) make your breath and eyes caught.

Watching the beautiful sunrise is a defining moment with lots of pleasure and tranquillity. After breakfast, our trek to Tadapani starts. A short early morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

The trail descends steeply through the dense moss-covered forest with rich bird life to Tadapani which also provides a close-up sunset view. Overnight at Tadapani.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 6
Tadapani to Chhomrong
Highest Altitude 2040m

Trek Duration 5-6 hours

Very almighty rhododendron forests and first-class terraces went passed via our trail to the Chhomrong village. Above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South with the Mt. Fishtail, dealing with it across the valley.

Chhomrong is a beautiful village with lots of hotels serving good facilities. It is a gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary trek and is inhabited by Gurung, one of the major ethnic groups of Nepal. Overnight at Chhomrong.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 7
Chhomrong to Dovan
Highest Altitude 2540m

Trek Duration 6-7 hours

From Chhomrong, the trail descends via a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola. Then climb out of the side valley passing thru deep forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak.

The portion of the day’s trek follows another ascent to Kuldi (2470m). Descend a long steep, slippery stone staircase right into a deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Dovan. Overnight at Dovan.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 8
Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m)
Highest Altitude 3700m

Trek Duration 6-7 hours

A trek of the slender Modi Khola valley brings you nearly to the bottom of M.B.C. There’s technically no such aspect as ‘Machhapuchhare Base Camp since ascents of the mountains are prohibited.

The mountain views are stupendous; the landscape includes Hiuchhuli, Annapurna degrees and Machhapuchhare. This area is known as Annapurna sanctuary because it’s fully surrounded by mountains.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 9
Machhapuchhare Base Camp Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
Trek Duration 2 hours

A couple of hours' walk to ABC from MBC. As you reach Annapurna Base Camp, witness exquisite picturesque landscapes, majestic panoramic views of snow-capped mountainous peaks and varied Himalayan cultural settings tucked below the southern slopes of the Annapurna massive.

Exquisite Annapurna range stops your heartbeat for a while; complete the day without relaxation and chill out around to discover ABC.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 10
Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2340m)
Trek Duration 6-7 hours

Early in the morning, we will have a super glimpse of sunrise over Mt. Annapurna and its surrounding mountains. We will follow the same trail down today towards Bamboo.

The trail drops by 1,700 meters to the banks of the Modi Khola. Bamboo is situated at an altitude of 2,345 meters, where there are a few teahouses/lodges available to stay at. Overnight at Bamboo.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 11
Bamboo to Jhinu Dada hotspring (1780m)
Trek Duration 5 hours

Today, we will follow the same trail until Chhomrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar, we will find that there is an experimental sheep farm here. The trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields until Chhomrong.

From the village, the trail then descends very steeply to the Jhinu hot spring, where you can bathe in the natural hot spring. Jhinu is said to have natural properties of healing due to the minerals in the naturally sprouting water. It is said to soothe the nerves and aching muscles. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Jhinu.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
day 12
Trek to Siwai and Drive back to Pokhara (822m)
Trek Duration 2-3 hours walk + 3hours drive

Trek from Jhinu Danda to Siwai. (2~3 Hrs walking) from Siwai, the drive to Pokhara via Nayapul takes 3 Hours to get to Pokhara.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Map and Altitude Graph

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
All meals, during the trek. You can choose dishes from the lodge menu which mostly includes options as follows:
- Breakfast: Cereal, Porridge, rice pudding, egg dish with bread and toast, bread with jam and honey, Pancakes with jam and honey, with tea or coffee.
- Lunch Items: Dal Bhat (mostly recommended), noodles soup, fried noodles, momo, spaghetti chapati, Spring roll, macron, sizzlers, swiss rosti, pizza, veg curry with plain rice, Tibetan Momo, Thukpa, Thenthuk, french fry, fry potato, boil potato and much more.
- Dinner: Mostly same as lunch items but may vary in some hotels.
- Note: The menu also depends on the Teahouse or Hotel, so the food items may vary.
Most ground transportation is on a comfortable vehicle as per the itinerary.
Professional English-speaking, Eco Trained trekking guide his food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation etc.
Sleeping Bag and Trekking sticks (to be returned after trip completion).
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS).
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
All government and local taxes.

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

Nepalese visa fee.
Other transportation except Included in the section.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary).
International flights.
Travel and rescue insurance.
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).
Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s).
Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather conditions, in case of itinerary modification with a view to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment etc.
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in including section.

Note:

You can include porter ( carries upto 20 kg ), with an extra cost of $ 25 per day.

You decide what is best & we’ll take care of the rest

The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. We can readily modify it according to your needs and requirements.
The cost of the trek can also be changed according to your group size, needs, and time boundary.
You can easily add additional activities to the Itinerary. You just have to let us know before confirming the trip.
This trip can also start in the capital city of Kathmandu. You have to let us know if you want to begin there. In that case, the Itinerary will extend by a few days. Consequently, the cost will also increase.
The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).

Trekking equipment for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek combines both Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp, so you need to pack accordingly.
To check the detailed packing list, click here, and as you will be traveling early morning during the PoonHill sunrise, you can take a headlight. Remember to pack accordingly for 10 - 12 days for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

Written by: Mohan Bhandari

Frequently Asked Question

March-May and October-December are the peak seasons to do the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. During March-May, the weathers are usually clear and most of the hills are covered with green vegetation and blooming Rhododendron. Also, snowfall is pretty common in this season. The clearest and mind-boggling view of the Himalayas can be seen from October to December as the skies are very clear with no rainfall and meagre fog. However, the trekking routes are usually more crowded from October to December than in any other season. Trekking is often very difficult during monsoon because the trails are muddy and slippery so, there is a high chance of injury or accident.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is one of the popular treks among trekkers so, tea houses are very common in most places of this region. Several options are available for the food so, the guest can savour the cuisine according to their taste. As for the lodgings, each visitors get a single room but in some cases, they have to share their room. In conclusion, we can say that the facilities for food and lodgings are not the problem on this journey.

This trek is accessible for both older people and children. There is a very low chance of getting altitude sickness so, with minimal care and caution, anyone can easily complete this trek. This trek offers a unique view of Rhododendrons-filled hills as well as an enchanting view of the high Himalayas, which is a perfect spot to fill the thirsty mind of youths.

Yes, you must have an ACAP ( Annapurna Conservation Area Permit ) permit which costs US$ 30 per person. The officials will check your permit and other necessary documents at the entry point. Similarly, this permit lasts until you leave Annapurna Area.

This trek is moderately challenging. Most trekkers can complete this trail with extra caution and attention. This journey is suitable for beginners too.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Trek Map, Itinerary and Distance Company Reviews

2023-01-10

Trek with North Nepal Travels & Treks

I was trekking in March 2020. with North Nepal Travels & Treks. Our trekking route is Poon Hill and ABC. Everything was perfectly organized and my guide Shiva Bhandari was very knowledgeable. He talked a lot about local customs and culture. Next time I will choose them again.

Michał D