Annapurna Santuary, also known as Annapurna Base Camp trek is arguably the most renowned and true classic trek in Nepal. It sits amidst some of the highest and most spectacular terrains in the world with a 360 degrees view of mountains and glaciers. Many of the peaks are over 7000m, such as Annapurna I and III, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, and the famous twin-peaked Machhapuchare. The high grassy valley of the Annapurna Base Camp is not difficult to get to.
Annapurna base camp was first discovered by the British explorer in 1956 and with the mesmerizing beauty he entitled Annapurna Base Camp as ‘Sanctuary of Gods’. It is known as Annapurna Sanctuary thereafter. Our trek begins in the rice-terraced foothills close to Pokhara. The lower part of the trek is rich with Gurung and Magar culture. The Ghorepani-Chumrung-Dhampus Ridge gives us picture-perfect panoramic views of the mountains as we pass through local farming communities. As we ascend, the views become more and more impressive.
The itinerary prepared by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition to Annapurna Sanctuary is a moderate level trek. The trek traverses a variety of terrain, from lowland villages and rice terraces to glaciers. Though it contains some steep climbs, anyone of moderate fitness can enjoy this short and spectacular trek. It is suitable for families with children.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1337m)
Day 03: Kathmandu-Pokhara (820m) by bus 6-7hours /air 35munutes
Day 04: Pokhara – Tikhedhunga (1540 m) 4-5hours
Day 05: Tikhedhunga-Ghorepani (2860m) 4-5 hours
Day 06: Ghorepani (2860m) (Poon Hill) –Tadapani (2630m) 3-4 hours
Day 07: Tadapani- Chomrong (2170 m) 5-6 hours
Day 08: Chomrong – Dovan (2600 m) 4-5 hours
Day 09: Dovan – Deurali (3230 m) 4-5 hours
Day 10: Deurali- Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m) 2-3 hours
Day 11: Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) Annapurna Base Camp (4330m) -Dovan (2600m,) 7-8 hours
Day 12: Dovan –Jhinudada (1565 m) 6-7 hours
Day 13: Jhinudada – Pokhara (1565 m) 4-5 hours
Day 14: Sightseeing in Pokhara(827m)
Day 15: Pokhara –Kathmandu (1337) 6-7 hours travel by tourist bus
Day 16: Shopping /Rest in Kathmandu Sightseeing in Bhaktapur 3-4 hours.
Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern while traveling with Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. The trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is necessary due to unfavorable circumstances. Unfavorable weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, or an unexpected natural disaster can force changes to the itinerary. However, every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary. The lead guide will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to an accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy of our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and ensure your current policy provides sufficient coverage
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1337m)
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: Kathmandu-Pokhara (820m) by bus 6-7hours /air 35munutes
This day we travel for 6-7 hours if we are going the bus. But if we are going by air it will take just 35min to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Immediately after you left Kathmandu you climb to the pass over the mountain ridge that surrounds Kathmandu valley. If it is a clear day, you can enjoy the phenomenal view of Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna on the way. The road descends to about 400 meters and runs along the Trishuli River. Sometimes we can see a group of people in rafts in the Trisuli River. The bus stops for lunch on the way. Finally, we reach Pokhara the most beautiful city of Nepal by the afternoon. From today onwards, after the dinner or before we go to bed, the Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide will take a report and give a briefing in every evening about the trek that we are going to make next day.
Day 04: Pokhara – Tikhedhunga (1540 m) 4-5hours
We set off early in the morning by bus or a taxi to go to the starting point of the trek. The road winds sometimes hairpins up to a point where the villages called Naudanda, Khare and Lumle lie. Breathtaking view of Annapurna range can be seen clearly. The driving takes about an hour. After that, we have descended steps to walk to the new bridge over the Modi Khola. Then begins our fast walk. First, we follow the path to the big village called Birethati. The path runs through the rice fields slowly up to the few houses of Tikhedhungha. The Total trekking duration is 4-5 hours.
Day 05: Tikhedhunga-Ghorepani (2860m) 4-5 hours
After the 400m. uphill climb over the well-known stairs Ulleri begins. The steps are uneven and that makes us quite tiring. The path winds up through several steps. Above Ulleri there is thin habitation of people. Hence, it is quiet and calm. We can see very few people working to in cultivation. Often there are ancient tattered huts as shelters. We walk through oak and rhododendron forest, growing along the river that leaps down in waterfalls. Especially in the spring, it is a fairy tale with the beautiful flowers wealth of rhododendrons. Ghorepani literally means “horse water”. It lies atop a pass and traditionally the horses which are the caravans to Mustang are drenched here. It is in the altitude of 900 meters. The duration of trekking is about 4 ½ hours.
Day 06: Ghorepani (2860m) (Poon Hill) –Tadapani (2630m) 3-4 hours
We have to wake up before the dawn to watch the sunrise. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide will lead us to the viewpoint. It takes about 45 minutes to climb the hill. Before the breakfast we can enjoy the most beautiful views of the central Himalayas from Poon Hill. We reach at the altitude of 3193m at Poon Hill from where we can see the splendid view of mountains.in the form of a panorama. We back to Ghorepani and after breakfast, we slowly climb heading to Tadapani. The sunlight keeps on changing the color of snowy peaks dark grey to light grey. We can see the last foothills of the Dhaulagiri-chain including Churen Himal, the right of the dark deep crevice of the Kali Gandaki valley, the peaks of Annapurna, the Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Macchapucchare (the “fishtail mountain”) and then further to the right the peaks of Manaslu. After we enjoy the breathtaking views we descend to the lodge for breakfast. At a gentle pace, we go down through an incredible rainforest with many rhododendrons. After having been a few hours in nature we find a few lodges in the wasteland. This is Tadapani (“far away from water”).
Day 07: Tadapani- Chomrong (2170 m) 5-6 hours
Today we follow the outlines of the foothills of Annapurna South. The route is a bit up and down and the area is surrounded by two river valleys, including the Kimrong Khola. Our path runs in the large drapes of nature. The route to Chomrong is sometimes blocked by landslides or washed away a bridge. In such case, we will have to walk, through Ghandrung, a beautiful Gurung village. Chomrong itself is a charming village on the slopes of Annapurna South. It has a few nice lodges and the views are again overwhelming.
Day 08: Chomrong – Dovan (2600 m) 4-5 hours
From Chomrong, the first path drops to the river where we cross a suspension bridge. Then it goes back steeply to a higher wallop in the valley. From here you look back into the depths of the valley of the Modi Khola. This is also the point where the valley is closer to the Annapurna Sanctuary. A very nice spot for lunch. Then the path is narrower and sometimes runs along the steep ridges. It is not hard or terrifying but must be careful while walking. This small valley is covered with lots of bamboo forests. There are several lodges in this area. Then it’s another hour to go through Dovan, where 2 rivers meet. It is in the altitude of 2600 meters.
Day 09: Dovan – Deurali (3230 m) 4-5 hours
A heavy but interesting day. The valley narrows further, the route runs down to the bottom of the gap between Hiunchuli and Macchapucchare. The walls are so steep that we cannot see the tops from here. The land contains shrubs that include cane –bamboo. In the shrubs, we can see some animals like monkies. When climbing up, the view becomes clearer and open. To the right, the Fish Tail Mountain can be seen clearly. When the sun disappears here then it is soon cold and sometimes foggy too. So the warm clothes must be stand by. Furthermore, now we also can notice that we are at a much higher altitude than before. As we are in moderate altitude walking is not so easy but not difficult to climb up. We stay overnight in Deurali
Day 10: Deurali- Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m) 2-3 hours
Today is the most adventurous and interesting day. It is a thick 400 meters up we have to walk and there we are in the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. On the way, we can find small shrubs. It contains small vertical streams and water rivulets.As we reach in Machhapuchhre Base Camp within 2 to 3 hours, we take some time to have rest there. After taking rest, we do hiking to over the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. We can see mountain views and glaciers. We can see the 10 peaks including South Annapurna, Gandrava Chuli (6248m) and Fish Tail (6997m)here surrounded by the snowy mountain giants; however, our journey is not yet over. We still have to climb. There are several lodges so we can sit quietly. All the lodge owners try to lure us with a delicious meal. We can stay here in one of the lodges. We stay overnight at Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Day 11: Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) Annapurna Base Camp (4330m) -Dovan (2600m,) 7-8 hours
We have to wake up before the sunrise to enjoy the beautiful view in the morning. On this day, we do hiking to Annapurna Base Camp. We can see 10 peaks of 6000m to 8000 m including Annapurna 1 (8091 m). We can see glaciers and avalanche. The route contains the small shrubs. Then after, we return back to Dovan . We stay overnight at Dovan.
Day 12: Dovan –Jhinudada (1565 m) 6-7 hours
We go on the way and we can rest there down to Chomrong from Dovan where there is an ACAP office , Kerosene Depot Gurung village.. Chomrong is a beautiful Gurung village. We walk through Chemrong to Jhinudada.On the way, there are forests and plants with different catagories.In Jhinudada, there is a Hot Spring andModi rivers. From Jhinudada , we need to walk about 25 minutes to see Hot Spring,.. We stay overnight at Jhinudada.
Day 13: Jhinudada – Pokhara (1565 m) 4-5 hours
Just after Jhinudada, we walk 3 to 4 hours and we reach to Kimche. The way runs through the bank Modi river and green natural forest. It contains some small villages which mesmorise the typical Gurung Culture There are tea houses and coffee shops. From Kimche we drive to Pokhara through Nayapool. It takes around 3 hours to reach Pokhara. From Kimche to Nayapool , there is a offroad and from Nayapool to Pokhara, we drive in pitch road..
Day 14: Sightseeing in Pokhara(827m)
Time to relax in Pokhara. The ambiance is pleasant, the weather mild. In Lakeside, we can enjoy boating, cafes, shops, and the restaurants along the Lake with their tasty international cuisines. For the more energetic, we can visit the famous Peace Stupa, the Tibetan Settlement.
Day 15: Pokhara –Kathmandu (1337) 6-7 hours travel by tourist bus
We take the pleasant and comfortable Tourist Bus back to Kathmandu. Arriving about 4pm, a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff member will meet us and drive us to our hotel. The rest of the day is unscheduled and you are free to spend it as you like.
Day 16: Shopping /Rest in Kathmandu Sightseeing in Bhaktapur 3-4 hours
This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged. The tour lasts 4 hours, and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
A Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Max Altitude: 4130 meters
Best Season: Sep – Nov and Mar–April
Difficulty Level: Moderate
December, January, and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So, trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So, a tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit.
March, April, and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programs during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.
June, July, and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September, October, and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of the nature of Nepal in this season.
Equipment & Packing List
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items