Those who love pretty scenery, snow-capped mountains, warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and wilderness will love the Annapurna Sanctuary trek 10 days.
Annapurna Sanctuary trek is an adventurous 10 days trip to the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna. This trek is famously known as the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is one of the most loved trekking programs in Nepal and done by hundreds of trekkers every year.
Unlike the Everest Base Camp trek, you will travel west of Kathmandu to the beautiful city of Pokhara and take a short drive from here to the lovely Ghandruk village to start the journey in the mountains. The trail goes through picturesque Nepali villages and terraced fields, followed by rhododendron forests and lush cliffsides.
The trail gradually ascends along the Modi Khola. It takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Himalayas, where giant mountains like the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tukuche Peak, and many others reside.
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek route is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to many Nepali indigenous communities, a huge range of vegetation, and diverse species of animals and birds. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin that is located over 4,000 meters within the conservation area.
You will enter the sanctuary on the fifth day of the trek while walking from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp. The entrance to the sanctuary involves a narrow valley between Mt. Fishtail and Mt. Hiunchuli. The Annapurna Sanctuary is surrounded by the Annapurna range; therefore, it receives only seven hours of daylight hours.
The south slopes of the sanctuary are covered with dense forests of rhododendrons and bamboo, and the north-facing slopes are a rain shadow area, so the climate is cold and dry, like the Tibetan plateau. This diversity allows you to discover a wide variety of vegetation, climatic zones, and landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,330 m] Transfer to the Hotel.
Our team will be at the airport as per your landing schedule to welcome you to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You can spot them with your name card and our company's banner. They will escort you to the hotel and help you with your luggage.The remaining day is free. Get rest and explore the lively streets of Thamel. You will leave for Pokhara early in the morning tomorrow, so make sure you are packed.
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara [970 m]. "B". (06-07 hrs). Flight an option.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in your hotel and meet your guide in the lobby. He will be taking care of your needs during the trip. The ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara will be quite comfortable, and the views will keep you entertained.In Pokhara, you will have the evening free. Explore the serenity of Phewa Lake and the bustle of Lakeside Market. If you need to purchase any trekking essentials, this is your last chance.
Day 3: Drive to Ghandruk [1,945 m] (02-03 hrs), Trek to Chhomrong [2,170 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Today, you will drive to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village. The trek starts from here. The road is smooth in the first few hours, then gradually, the off-road starts as you climb the hills to reach the village.Have some snacks in Ghandruk and follow an uphill forested route to Chhomrong village. The trail offers beautiful views of Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South mountains.
Day 4: Trek from Chhomrong to Deurali via Upper Sinuwa (2,350 m/7,710 ft) and Bamboo (2,310 m/7,578 ft) (Trek 07-08 Hrs).
The next stop after Chhomrong is Bamboo. You will walk down to Chhomrong Khola and cross it using a bridge. From here, trek through forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and oak.Soon, you will reach Upper Sinuwa and follow rugged tracks to Khuldigar.The views of Annapurna and Fishtail are fantastic on the way. It is a downhill walk from Khuldigar to Bamboo.Bamboo onwards, you will descend through a forest and pass by Dovan and Himalaya settlements. From here, you will climb a steep track to Deurali.
Day 5: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp [4,130 m] via Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3,700 m]. (Trek 04-05 Hrs).
As you walk onward, Deurali, the trail gradually gets steeper, narrow, and rocky. You will enter Annapurna Sanctuary. Enjoy the greenery of the sanctuary until the treeline fades away, and you can see barren hills, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains surrounding you.Before reaching Annapurna Base Camp, you will walk past Machhapuchhre Base Camp. There are a few lodges a few hundred meters below the glacier, where you will spend the night.
Day 6: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo [2,310 m] or Sinuwa. "B,L,D". (Trek 07-08 Hrs).
From today onwards, your downhill walk starts. Start the day with a warm cup of tea and a delicious breakfast at the base camp. After that, you will follow the same route back to Bamboo. Pass by Deurali, Himalaya, and Dovan settlements on the way.
Day 7: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda [1,760 m]. "Hot Spring". "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
After breakfast we begin our trek towards Khuldighar. We ascend up to Khuldigar followed by descend towards Chhomrong Khola from where ascent to Chhomrong village, we trek further downhill to Jhinu Danda where we can find natural hot water springs which heals the aching body. We can spend some time in the hot water spring. Once you reach Jhinu Danda, you will have some time to rest. Then you can go to the natural hot springs and spend some time enjoying them. It will cost a few bucks. Make sure to carry a comfortable swimsuit.
Day 8: Drive to Pokhara "B,L". 01 Hour Trek and 3-4 hours drive
From Jhinu Danda we start our trekking to Samrong about half an hour, crossing a long suspension bridge. From where we take a drive to Pokhara alongside the Modi Khola River. Lunch will be on the way to Pokhara (In Biryethati or Kande). Check in to the Hotel. Rest of the day is leisure.
Day 9: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. (Flight an Option).
With more relief, wake up in a cool environment when the sun kisses you in the morning. Observe dramatic scenery along with a filling breakfast before heading back to Kathmandu on the Prithvi highway. Check into the hotel to unwind and refresh yourself outdoors.
Day 10: Trip ends! Fly back home with pocket-filled of memories to cherish forever
Our team will drop you off at the international airport according to your flight departure time. They will bid you our last goodbyes and best wishes.