The Annapurnas rise in the heart of the Himalayas. They may not be the tallest, but they form the central core of the great Himalayan arc, towering in the very middle of the 2550km chain that is the planet’s highest range. Annapurna region is a microcosm of Himalayas, and one that is easily accessible. Unlike many other Himalayan ranges, the 55km range is entirely within Nepal and with a relatively easy trail that goes all around it, called the Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Sanctuary trek we do takes us right in the midst of Annapurna mountains. Apart from Annapurna I (8091m/26,781ft), the world’s tenth highest mountain, the Annapurna Himal, as the range is popularly called, houses five other major peaks – Annapurna II, III, IV, South and Gangapurna, all exceeding 7200m (23,260ft).
With the increase in the standards of lodges on the popular trails in Nepal, it is now possible to offer treks which are much comfortable than camping, certainly if it snows or rains. For those people put off by the idea of camping and not having showers for considerable period of time, this trip opens up a fantastic area of the Himalayas. The tea houses offer clean & comfortable accommodation mostly in twin bedded rooms or in 4 bedded dormitories.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive at KATHMANDU (1375m)
Arrive and transfer to hotel. Later this evening we meet our Trek Leader and the other members of the tour. Aquaterra Group Package services begin with dinner.
Overnight Hotel.
Day 2 – Drive KATHMANDU to
POKHARA and trek to BIRETHANTI (1,000m) 8-9 hrs drive & 30mins trek.
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and continue driving to Nayapul before hiking to the pleasant riverside village of Birethanti, at the edge of the Annapurna trekking
region. Overnight Tea-House
Day 3 – Trek BIRETHANTI to
BANTHANTI (2,300m) 6hrs
Our first day on the trail, we trek through oak and rhododendron forests and follow the Bhurungdi Khola (river) to Banthanti. Overnight Tea-House
Day 4 – Trek BANTHANTI to GHOREPANI (2,850m) 3-4 hrs
We continue along the Bhurungdi Khola and ascend Ulleri Hill, eventually arriving at Ghorepani from where we get perfect views of the Annapurna range. Overnight Tea-House
Day 5– Trek to POON HILL (3220m) and continue to TADAPANI (2700m) 1hr to Poon Hill, 30-45 mins back to Ghorepani and walk 5 hrs to Tadapani.
Rise early to climb up Poon Hill to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Himalaya. From west to east you can see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurnas and
Machapuchare - breathtaking! We then continue to Tadapani, trekking through open grassland and deep forests. On the way there are excellent views of Annapurna South and the Manaslu range.
Overnight Tea-House
Day 6 – Trek TADAPANI to CHOMRONG (2,000m) 5 hrs
Today, we have a steep descent through rhododendron forest to the valley bottom, with fabulous mountain views. Later the path climbs steeply again before we arrive at the
lively trekking hub of Chomrong. Overnight Tea-House
Day 7 – Trek CHOMRONG to DOBAN (2,500m) 6-7 hrs
Our trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chomrong Khola before climbing through deep rhododendron and bamboo forests to Doban.
Overnight Tea-House
Day 8 – Trek DOBAN to MBC,
MACHAPUCHARE BASE CAMP (3,600m) 6-7 hrs
Our aim today is to pass through the gates of the sanctuary. We trek up the muddy surface of the Modi Khola, then along a rocky trail to Hinku cave. From here we climb towards
the base camp of Machapuchare. There are stupendous views of the Hiunchuli, Annapurna I & III, Gangapurna and Machapuchare, the 'fish tail' mountain peak. Overnight Tea-House
Day 9 – Trek MBC to ABC, ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4,100m) 2-3 hrs
We continue our exploration of the sanctuary and ascend to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Overnight Tea-House
Day 10 – Trek ABC to BAMBOO (2,500m) 6-7 hrs
Retracing our steps we return along the only route to Bamboo.
Overnight Tea-House
Day 11 – Trek BAMBOO to JHINU (1,750m) 6 hrs
Descend to Chomrong, continue to Jhinu hot spring where we can enjoy a hot spring bath and soothe our aching muscles! Overnight Tea-House
Day 12 – Trek JHINU to DHAMPUS (1,600m) 7-8 hrs
Our last full day trekking, we follow the route to the village of Pothana and continue till Dhampus.
Overnight Tea-House
Day 13 – Trek DHAMPUS to PHEDI (1130m) and drive to POKHARA (900m) 2 hrs trek and 45mins drive
A short morning trek to pick up our vehicle for the journey to Pokhara. Rest of the day at leisure in this beautiful lakeside city. Overnight Hotel
Day 14 – Fly POKHARA to KATHMANDU; 45mins
Early morning flight back to Kathmandu, spend the rest of the day at leisure or walking around the Kathmandu which has interesting shops, cafes and restaurants, as
well as colourful temples & shrines. Overnight Hotel
Day 15 – DEPART KATHMANDU
Transfer to International Airport. Trek Tour ends after lunch.
