Trip Facts:
Trek Name : Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Trek Code: BATE NEP 004
Grade : Moderate
Max Elevation : 4130m/13546ft
Accommodation : Hotel / Guest House
Meal : Bed & Breakfast in the city & Accommodation only during the trek
Transport : Flight / Private Vehicle
Trek Days : 09 Days
Total Days : 14 Days
Trip Summary:
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – more popularly known as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek – is considered to be one of the most scenic treks in Nepal. Among the many good things, the trek offers the added opportunity to make it to the sacred Mt. Machhapuchchhre (Fish Tail) Base Camp which falls upon the same route as the Annapurna Base Camp. Trekking along rivers and over rocky Himalayan terrain you will find yourself greeted by friendly villagers. You can revel in the mind-blowing views of the Himalayan range.
Before embarking on the trek we begin with a warm welcome in Kathmandu with a quick safety briefing followed by a comprehensive trip briefing the next day where our guide will also be introduced and any last minute questions entertained.
What is included in the tour
Kathmandu Portion:
- 3 nights in Hotel on BB basis as per the itinerary in Kathmandu
- Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
- 1 professional English-speaking guide
- Private transportation during sightseeing
Pokhara Portion:
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a twin sharing room with bed and breakfast in a hotel
Transportation:
- Private vehicle to and from the trek initiation point.
- Kathmandu – Pokhara by private vehicle.
- All the necessary airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Air fare: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Trek Portion:
- Twin sharing accommodation as per the itinerary in lodge en-route
- ACAP National park fee
- TIMS Card
- Professional licensed holder Trekking guide
- Assistant Guides as per number of clients
- Necessary Porters (weight max. 12 kg per clients)
- Insurance for Nepali staffs
- Necessary equipment for trekking staff
- Guide and porter daily allowance
- Emergency medical kit box
- Trekking kit bag
What is NOT included in the tour
- Nepal Visa fee
- Any meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea/Coffee) during trek
- Travel insurance (must cover expenses of rescue service including helicopter)
- Personal Gears: (all trekking gears are easily available on rent and to buy in Kathmandu)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Liquor beverages (soft and hard drinks)
- Expenses of personal nature e.g. laundry, phone call etc.
- Gratuity for staff
- Expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances
- Services not mentioned herein
- Guided sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath in Kathmandu
- Scenic bus journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhare Base Camp
- View of the Himalayan Panorama (Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri etc.) during trek
- Explore traditional Sherpa villages & experience their culture, traditions & hospitality
- Possibility to see wildlife such as Himalayan Munal or Damphe ( national bird), Langgur, wild boar etc.
Days |
Itinerary |
Overnight |
01: |
Arrival in Kathmandu |
Hotel (BB) |
02: |
Half Days sightseeing tour of Baudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath |
Hotel (BB) |
03: |
Drive to Pokhara |
Hotel (BB) |
04: |
Drive to Phedi and Trek to Dhampus. (1650m/5412ft), 3hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
05: |
Trek to Langdruk (3210m/10531ft), 5 – 6 hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
06: |
Trek to Chomrong (3210m/10531ft), 5 – 6 hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
07: |
Trek to Bamboo (2340m/7677ft), 5 – 6 hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
08: |
Trek to Deurali (2600m/8528ft), 5 – 6 hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
09: |
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp. (4130m/13546ft), 5 – 6 hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
10: |
Trek to Bamboo (2340m/7677ft), 5 – 6 hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
11: |
Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780m/5840ft), 5 – 6 hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
12: |
Trek to Birethanti, drive to Pokhara |
Hotel (BB) |
13: |
Fly back to Kathmandu |
Hotel (BB) |
14: |
Final Departure |
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel:
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area. Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)
Day 02: Sightseeing of World Heritage sites:
After breakfast the trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara: (820m/2690ft), 7 hrs:
In the morning guide will pick us up and transfer us to the tourist bus station and drive about seven hours along a beautiful river & beautiful views of the Nepalese countryside. Once we reach Pokhara we transfer to the hotel and for the remaining hours we can freely tour around Pokhara lakeside or rest for the day. O/N at Hotel in Pokhara (BB)
Day 04: Drive to Phedi and Trek to Dhampus (1650m/5412ft), 3hrs:
After breakfast we will drive to Phedi (trek initiation point). We will trek for 3 hours today. On reaching Dhampus we will stay at a lodge and have some free time. Later in the evening our guide will brief you about tomorrow’s trek. O/N at Lodge in Dhampus (EP)
Day 05: Trek to Langdruk (3210m/10531ft), 3hrs:
Today the trail goes along the ridge to Deurali. We descend through forest again for some time to the small villages of Tolka and Bheri Kharka. The trail then descends further through scattered forests and villages to reach Langdruk. O/N Lodge in Langdruk (EP)
Day 06: Trek to Chomrong: (3210m/10531ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
A short day today before we start the steep climb into the Sanctuary. From Langdruk we cross the bridge to the north with the view of the twin 'fishes tail' peaks of Machapuchare gradually unfolding as we move forward. Crossing the Khyumnu Khola, we ascend towards the hillside opposite us, and then continue out to the ridge over the Modi Khola (River). Just around the corner we come to the comfortable lodges of Chomrong the last Gurung village on the route. It’s a long walk but it’s worth getting there for lunch. We have a relaxing afternoon in this splendid location with the peak of Annapurna south now directly in front of us. O/N at Lodge in Chomrong (EP)
Day 07: Trek to Bamboo (2340m/7677ft), 6hrs:
The trail out of Chhomrong descends via 2500 stone steps and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge. It is an uphill climb to Sinuwa. We continue to climb a little more gradually to reach our lunch spot at Kuldi Ghari (2377 m). In the afternoon we ascend through bamboo forest and then we pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar followed by an easy downhill walk to Bamboo. O/N at Lodge in Bamboo (EP)
Day 08: Trek to Deurali (2095m/6873ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
In the morning, we will have a nice view of Annapurna south if the weather is good. After breakfast we will trek from Bamboo to Deurali. The trail is mostly uphill and you will also have to walk through forests. It takes 6-7 hours to finish the journey. Deurali is located at 3200m. O/N at Lodge in Deurali (EP)
Day 09: Trek to ABC: (4130m/13550ft), 5 – 6 hrs:
It’s only a few hours up a gradual slopes to our final lodge stop at Annapurna Base Camp (4130m), and the extent of the mountains surrounding us are continually revealed as we make our way up. Though this trek stays at a relatively low altitude compared to others it can still be fairly tuff when breathing. This is a new altitude level that we are still adapting to and there is absolutely no hurry. We deliberately walk slowly, controlling our eagerness to get there. It takes a long time to take it all in, stop and rest regularly. From just beyond the lodges, the ridgeline of the peaks is uninterrupted. From the snowy slopes up to behind Hiunchuli, to the extravagant Annapurna South, to Annapurna lll, Gandhara Chuli and finally the gorgeous north face pyramid of Machapuchare. In the afternoon we can take the option to ascend to the gentle northern slopes of Hiunchuli which are straight up from the base camp, the views just keep on get better. Soon the whole ridge line becomes visible we can then see multiple magnificent mountains such as Annapurna 11 and Annapurna . In the foreground the majestic peak terrain drops down to the glacier. Our lodge alongside seems dwarfed in this vast arena. There is no scenic view quite like this. Our guide will organize a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flag) for good health and happiness for all the members. O/N at Lodge in ACB (EP)
Note: Offer Lungta or prayer flags (printed prayer on flags for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flags in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.
Day 10: Trek to Bamboo: (2340m/7677ft), 7 – 8 hrs:
As there is still time, if you are tough enough you may be tempted by a pre-dawn excursion up the hillside to catch the magical moment of the sunrise at its best; be sure to take every item of warm clothing with you. The descent to Machapuchare Base Camp takes less than 50% of the time it takes to get back up and then we continue down to Hotel Himalaya (2870m) for lunch. We should be very careful, however, as the descent can be slippery. Take it slowly. We carry on down as far as Bamboo. O/N at Lodge in Bamboo. (EP)
Day 11: Trek to Jhinu Danda: (1780m/5840ft), 5 hrs:
The descent is nicely split over these two days and soon we would be back to enjoy the splendid comforts of Chomrong for lunch. From here we depart from our previous route to take the most direct return to Pokhara. Just beyond Chomrong the path drops steeply down the ridgeline arriving shortly at the Brahmin (high caste Hindu) village of Chinu. There is not far to go this afternoon so we could choose to detour to a wonderful hot spring just north of the village, where a good soak can ease away any trail weariness. Back on the trail we continue along and down to a river popularly known as New Bridge (1540m) our night stop. This will be the last night with our trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s customary), an impromptus little ceremony and a little party time with their gorgeous smiles. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware it may not be to your liking the taste is very strong. O/N at Lodge in Jhinu Danda (EP)
Day 12: Trek to Birethanti then drive to Pokhara: (820m/2690ft), 5 – 6 hrs:
Alongside the river the trail is good and we usually cover the distance to Birethanti in a long morning's walk. After some lunch we cross the river to the road and take a short drive back to lakeside Pokhara. You will be able to enjoy many comforts all available at your Hotel. O/N in Hotel at Pokhara (EP)
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu:
We take the short but thrilling internal flight past Manaslu and Ganesh Himal to Kathmandu. We are met and brought back to a warm welcome and the comforts of our Hotel. There will be time in the afternoon for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation in the bars of Thamel. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)
Day 14: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer you to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes