21 Day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna range situated in central Nepal has one of the most dominating Himalayan panorama. Placed just north of Pokhara the range from west to east consists of Annapurna south face 7219m, Fang 7647m, Annapurna I 8091m, Rocnoir 7485m, Glacier 7193m, Dome 7069m, Gangapurna 7455m, Annapurna III 7555m, Annapurna IV 7525 and Annapurna II 7925m. The Annapurna south face base camp is known as Annapurna Sanctuary, and in this trek we shall follow the route into the ‘heart’ of the Annapurna range. The trek is not so difficult and is ideal for those wishing a closeup view of the mountains and having a limited a timetable to contend with. Further, the worry of tackling extreme altitudes is not a factor. The trek is best suited for early autumn or late spring as the chance of the route getting snow-bound during the winter months is high.

Day 01: Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu
Free for individual excursions.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu-Pokhara
Surface transfer to Pokhara. A distance of 200 km. Check in at hotel.
Overnight at Mt. Annapurna.

Day 04 : Pokhara-Chandrakot
Drive to Khare by jeep. From Khara we start ascend slightly up a mountain path and down to Dhoti river and further down the mountainside passing through cultivated fields to arrive at Lumrei. We travel along the wide path to finally arrive at Chandrakot (1600m) after about 4 hours. Overnight at camp.

Day 05: Chandrokot-Ghandrung
We travel along the mountain path with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare (6997m) in sight and soon descend down to Patlikhet. After crossing the suspension bridge, we enter a forested ridge and begin to descend a steep slope to the Modi river. After crossing the Modi river bridge, we began our long ascend to Ghandrung. Along the way we pass through cultivated land, villages and cross a stream or two. We finally arrive at the Gurung settlement of Ghandrung (2012m) after about 6 hours. Ghandrung offer a superb view of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare. Overnight at Camp.

Day 06: Ghandrung-Chomrung
Descending a gentle slope we arrive at a stream that needs crossing. Hereafter we begin our ascend for Kimron pass (2220m). After we descend through steep forested ridge to Kyamrong river and onto Kyamrong village. We cut across the cultivated fields and climb a mountain path to arrive at Tarun. We continue along the ridge path offering excellent view of the Annapurna range. We then descend to the Modi river and continue along a leveled path. At the final stretch we descend a stoned path to arrive at Chomrung after 5 hours of walk. Overnight at camp.

Day 07: Chomrung-Himalayan Hotel
We descend through fields to arrive and cross the Chomrung river. We then ascend through a forested slope to Kurdi. After Kurdi we descend steeply to the Modi river. We travel along a rocky path and on through dense bamboo forest to reach Doban and onto the Himalayan Hotel (2873m).A total of about 6 hours walk. Overnight at camp.

Day 08: Himalayan Hotel-Machhapuchhare Basecamp
A short steep ascend sees us at Hinko, with its overhead rock protrusion giving a cave-like impression. We cross a stream to descend to the Modi river bed. We then climb gradually to finally arrive at the ablation valley where the Machhapuchhare basecamp (3703m) is located. Walking time is about 4 hours, but due to the sharp increase in elevation, we will go no further. From here Centre-fold’ views of Machhapuchhare, Annapurna III, Fang and Annapurna South is quite spectacular.Overnight at camp.

Day 09: Exursion to Annapurna Basecamp
Ascending a path along a stream and onto the Centre of a lateral moraine finally reveals Annapurna I. From here we pass along to the: grass - covered area of Annapurna Base Camp (3960m). It is a journey of about one hour.After spending the rest of the morning in the camp, we return to Macchapuchhare.Base camp for the night.

Day 10: Machhapuchhare Base Camp-Chomrung
Descend rapidly to Chomrung. Due to continuous descend, we are able to cover a longer distance, hence our night stop will be at Chomrung. Total walking time will be about 7 hours.Overnight at camp.

Day 11: Chomrung-Tadapani
Proceed to Ghandrung and onto Tadapani. From Ghandrung we head upward and westward towards Tadapani (2725m) which is covered in two hours. This stretch passes through streams, forests and follows a trail hugging the mountainside that offers superb view of both Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal.Total walking time today will be about 7 hours. Overnight at camp.

Day 12: Tadapani-Ghorepani
A series of descends and ascends through forests sees us passing Banthanti and Deorali(pass). From here we travel along a ridge to arrive at a pass at 3078m, whose views are as good as if not better than that offered by Poon Hill. We continue along the ridge path at a slight slope to arrive at Ghorepani (2775m). Total walking time is about 6 hours. Overnight at camp.

Day 13: Ghorepani-Birethanti
Follow the trail as it winds its way down to the Modi river valley. The first part of the journey is through rhododendron forests and past several small sleepy settlements. Very soon the forest gives way to cultivated fields and pastures. We pass the village of Ulleri (2070m) and continue the steep descent to arrive at the Bhurungdi river. From here the walk is on a more gentle slope and very soon we pass by the villages of Tirkhedunga and Hile. We continue to follow the trail along the Bhurungdi river, past cliffs, waterfall and bamboo forest, to finally arrive at Birethanti. At the end of the day we will have worked for about 7 hours.Overnight at camp.

Day 14: Birethanti-Bhaudre
We walk along the banks of the Modi river for about an hour before crossing the Modi river bridge. We start ascending. After lunch the walk is more gentle. Bhaudre is about 5 hours walk from Birethanti. Overnight at camp.

Day 15: Bhaudre-Pokhara
In the morning we descend to Pangma. After lunch we shall proceed for Pokhara to night camp by Phewa Lake. It takes us about 5 hours to reachPokhara from Bhaudre. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Pokhara-Raft
Pick up from Pokhara and drive to Mugling town.Raft down the Trisuli river. Overnight at camp.

Day 17: Raft-Chitwan
Morning-rafting and transfer to Chitwan.Jungle activities in the evening.Overnight at Lodge.

Day 18: Chitwan
Full day of jungle activities.Overnight at Lodge in Chitwan.

Day 19: Chitwan-Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 20: Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 21: Departure