Regd. No: 198664/075/076 · Govt. of Nepal Licensed · TripAdvisor Award Winner
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Nepal with Machapuchare and Himalayan mountain view.
Annapurna Region

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

12 days 4,130 m
Duration12 Days
Max altitude4,130 m
DifficultyModerate 4-6 hours/day
Group size1-10

Overview

Why you’ll love this trek

  • Reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), deep inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail).
  • Pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,820m), the closest most trekkers ever get to the sacred, unclimbed Fishtail peak.
  • Walk the Modi Khola gorge, a dramatic river valley that narrows as it climbs into the heart of the sanctuary.
  • Soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after days of trekking a well-earned reward on the way back down.
  • Experience genuine Gurung village culture in Ghandruk and Chhomrong, with terraced fields, traditional stone houses, and rhododendron forest along the trail.

Annapurna sanctuary trek is practiced towards the south face of the Annapurna I on foot. This trek is practiced or completed in 14 days. Many tourists love this trek in today’s context. In this trek, you will be able to see the world’s 10th highest peak Annapurna(8091), and also the various UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. You will also experience the sunrise of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range from Poon Hill which is the major attraction of this trek. 

This trek is known as the shortest major trek in Nepal from where you can see the scenery of the many biggest mountains. At the beginning of this trek, you will be able to see the bamboo forests and the rhododendron.  Modi Khola Gorge is seen into the mountain which is known as Annapurna Sanctuary. Due to the rhododendron, you can see the whole forest red and the scene of that red forest is eye-catching.  

Throughout this trek, you will be able to see the eye-catching view of the wold’s 10 highest peaks including Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Mt. Machapuchare, etc. If you visited this sanctuary then you will be able to observe the clear mornings and evenings also you can expect the clear panorama of snowy mountains too.

This trek is known as the pleasant 2 weeks trekking in the Annapurna region. This trek helps you to observe the many high mountains also known as Annapurna base camp. This type of climatic condition has helped visitors to see different flora and fauna. You will be able to know various knowledge about that flora and fauna.

This trek will help you to meet different ethnic groups. This trek is also like visiting the live museum. You will find the perfect example of the unity in diversity in this region and the culture of the people living in this area are also interesting. At the beginning of this trek, you will be able to see the terraced field, Mongolia and rhododendron trees, etc.

In the morning when you will reach up to Poon Hill(3230m) then you can see the best panoramic view of the sunrise on the whole amazing Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The combination of tiny thatch-roofed housed and the terrace field with the snowcapped mountains ranges makes this trek much beautiful.

By following the beautiful green Modi Khola valley you can continue the Annapurna sanctuary trek. These valleys are surrounded by different hills, peaks and rocks walls with sparkling waterfalls into the river. Throughout this trek, you will be able to see the various natural resources and make your mind and body relaxed.

Near Phedi, there is a small network of Gurung villages which is the bottom portion of this trek. To reach the village of Chhomrong it takes 2 days from that place.   you can see the most amazing view of the mountains from Chhomrong through which the trail passes up the Modi Khola Gorge into the heart of the sanctuary. This trek is loved by many visitors due to the view seen of mountains ranges throughout the trek. 

Itinerary

1DayDrive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours.Day 1 of 12
In the early morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara for around 7 hours. The distance is approximately 914meter. In the evening we walk at the lakeside for refreshments.
2DayDrive from Pokhara (915 m) to Nayapul (1050m) takes approximately one and a half hours.Day 2 of 12
On this day we wake up early in the morning and start our trek after having breakfast. Then after one and a half hour trek we reached Nayapul. In the evening we did dancing, singing for refreshments.
3DayTrek from Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2675 m.) takes approximately 5 hours.Day 3 of 12
Early in the morning, we wake up and after having breakfast we started our trek from Tirkhedhunga. While wandering we saw different hills and snow ca[ped mountains that we stunning. It took 5 hours for us to reach Ghorepani.
4DayTrek from Ghorepani to Ghandruk (1950m.) takes about 7 and a half hours.Day 4 of 12
Today we wake up early in the morning and start our trek. We saw many mountains and hills. We saw many mountains of Annapurna ranges. We saw many people from different communities and interact with them. We found many Gurung people there.
5DayTrek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa (2360 m.) via Chhomrong takes approximately 6 hours.Day 5 of 12
This day we start the trek from Ghandruk after breakfast. We went there via Chhomrong and this takes around 6hours for us to reach Sinuwa. On this day the scene that we saw of Himalayas of Annapurna range is awesome.
6DayTrek from Sinuwa to Deurali (3220m)) takes about six hours.Day 6 of 12
The next day we head towards Deurali from Sonuwa which takes around 6 hrs. This day we experience the best hiking experience. Many other tourists were also enjoying this trek. The stunning view of the mountain was not letting us remind us about the pain and tiredness.
7DayTrek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) takes about five hours.Day 7 of 12
This day was the best day of this trek. On this day we saw many mountains, cultural villages, sunrise, and sunset, rhododendron, and many rare animals too. You can also say this day is the day of views and stunning scenery.
8DayTrek from Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) to Bamboo via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m) takes about five hours.Day 8 of 12
On this day we wake up early and start our trek after having breakfast towards bamboo. We must pass the Machhapuchhare base camp to reach there. This route let us t6o see Machhapuchhare base camp. We saw Machhapuchhare Himal which is also known as the fishtail in English. We trek around 5 hrs to reach bamboo.
9DayTrek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m.) takes about five hours.Day 9 of 12
The next day also we walked around 5 hrs to reach Jhinu Danda from Bamboo. We started our trek after breakfast and reached there and have lunch. We spend that day there.
10DayTrek from Jhinudanda (1750m.) to Pothana (1890m) takes about six hours.Day 10 of 12
Trek from Jhinudanda (1750m.) to Pothana (1890m) takes about six hours.
11DayTrek from Pothana to Phedi and then drive to Pokhara.Day 11 of 12
This day we trek from Pothana to Phedi by driving. During a drive, we saw golden mountains due to sunrise in the snowcapped mountains. These were awesome views. We did boating and lakeside walk and the feeling was beyond the world.
12DayDrive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about seven hours.Day 12 of 12
The nest morning we were about to finish our trek. We need to return Kathmanduso we drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu and this took nearly 7 hours.

What's included

Included

  • Airport picks up and drops off by the private vehicle.
  • Three-time Meal During trekking(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus/private vehicle
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (10 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits and TIMS.
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes
  • Trekking map
  • Trekking certificate after trek.

Not included

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Private transportation except what is mentioned in the What Is Included section
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason like natural disaster and your own problems) than the scheduled itinerary Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary) International flights
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Trekking equipment
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.) Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

Before you book

The realities of this route, told straight, so nothing surprises you later.

A High-altitude trek

You’ll climb from Sinuwa (2,360m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) in just two trekking days, which is a faster ascent rate than many other Nepal treks reaching similar altitudes. The itinerary’s overnight stops are designed to manage this, but tell your guide immediately about any headache, nausea, or breathlessness don’t assume it will pass on its own given how quickly you’re gaining height in that final stretch.

No flights

Unlike Everest region treks that depend on a mountain airstrip, this entire itinerary runs by road: Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus, then Pokhara to Nayapul and back by vehicle at either end. There’s no flight-cancellation risk to plan around the main scheduling variable here is simply road travel time on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway.

Teahouse comfort drops off noticeably above Chhomrong

Rooms are twin-share with shared bathrooms throughout, and are relatively comfortable through Ghorepani and Ghandruk. Past Chhomrong and into the Sanctuary itself, expect things to get simpler fast hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging become less reliable and more expensive the closer you get to Base Camp, and dining rooms are heated by a single stove.

Insurance needs to cover the trek's real maximum altitude

Make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers trekking and helicopter evacuation up to 4,130m, the altitude at Annapurna Base Camp — not a lower figure. This isn’t included in the trip cost and should be arranged before you arrive.

Pace and fitness both matter

At 12 days total, with several 5-7 hour trekking days back-to-back and a rapid final ascent to ABC, this route rewards a reasonable baseline of trekking fitness more than a purely easy trek would. It’s rated Moderate for good reason steady, unrushed pacing on the trail matters as much as raw fitness here.

Useful Info

A high-altitude trek

FAQ

How difficult is the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek?

It’s rated Moderate, with 4–6 hours of walking most days over 12 days. The trail isn’t technical, but the final push from Sinuwa to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) happens quickly, which adds a real altitude component on top of the daily walking reasonable trekking fitness is recommended.

How long does the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek take?

The standard itinerary runs 12 days, including road travel to and from Pokhara at both ends. It’s considered one of the shortest major treks in Nepal that still reaches a genuine high-altitude base camp with 8,000m mountain views.

What's the highest point on this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp, at 4,130m, is the trek’s highest point, reached on Day 7 after passing through Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,820m) the same day or the day before.

Is altitude sickness a real risk on this trek?

Yes climbing from 2,360m to 4,130m over just two days means AMS is a genuine consideration for every trekker, regardless of fitness level. Report any headache, nausea, or breathlessness to your guide right away rather than pushing through it.

Are flights involved in this trek?

No this itinerary runs entirely by road between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Nayapul. There’s no mountain airstrip or flight-delay risk anywhere in the trip.

Is travel insurance included in the price?

No,  travel and rescue insurance covering trekking and helicopter evacuation up to 4,130m is required but excluded from the trip cost, and needs to be arranged independently before you arrive.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

It’s approachable for reasonably fit beginners, though the fast final ascent to Base Camp makes it a step up from an easy trek like Poon Hill alone. Some prior hiking experience or general cardio fitness will make the trip noticeably more comfortable.

What permits do I need for this trek?

An Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card are both required, and both are arranged for you and included in the trip cost.

From $799 / person
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  • Duration12 days
  • DifficultyModerate 4-6 hours/day walking
  • Max altitude4,130 m
  • Group size1-10
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