Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek ( Via Gorepani )-17 Days 17 Days

USD $1200/Person

Trip Code : KAT/ANA04

Accomodation : Lodge and Guest house

Duration : 17 Days

Grading : Moderate

Max Altitude : 4130 M

Activity : Natural wonders

Starts at : Kathmandu

End at : Kathmandu

Overview

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a one of mostly choiced one part of Annapurna region's trip. It is a spectacular journey on foot to the south face of Annapurna 1 with high basin lying north of Pokhara. Our Itenerary is designed for relaxed manner.After 6 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and another 1.5 hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul ,our trek starts to move ahead. Breathtaking Himalayan views during the trek and experience the sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from Poon Hill makes your trip absolutely amazing.After enjoyed wonderful view of wide himalayan range trip moves towards Annapurna Basecamp to explore the Mountain in very near distance follwing thick jungle walk with exploring varieties vegetation and sounds of birds makes trip obviously unforgetable.

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

various cultures and traditions of gurung community
City tour of Kathmandu and Pokhara
Annapurna basecamp ( Where lodges are very close to mountains)
Various types of himalayan flora and fauna
Poon hill, from where beautiful scenery of Annapurna himalayan range
Flight From Pokhara with beautiful scenery

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (1400 Mtr/4592 Ft)

Upon your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airort, Our airport representative will be there with name board and drop us in hotel. After check in we may roaming out in Thamel,tourist hub in Kathmandu for some shoping of clothes or gears. . There will be a full trek briefing this evening .After that We will host the welcome dinner in excellent nepali restaurant.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparation for trek

After the breakfast our city tour guide with luxury vehicle will come to pick you up for the city sightseeing of some UNESCO world heritage sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of PashupatiNath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world for half day.After that your free time for leisure and gear preparation for the trek.( Exchanging the money,shopping, gear check etc)

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara to nayapul , and Trek to Ulleri( 1960 Mtr/6400 Ft)

Duration: 8 hours Drive and 3.5 hours Trek
Walking Dis: 4 KM
Elevation Gain: 1160 Mtr
Our Journey begins today to western side of Nepal by drive in luxury vehicle to Pokhara, It takes about 6-7 hours.After get to Pokhara we head to northward via Vehicle for 2 more hour till place called Nayapool. Our treks begins from Nayapool towards ulleri. We start our trek by following the Burungdi Khola upstream. After crossing Tirkhedunga we start the long steep climb up a stone staircase through the neatly terraced hillsides to the top of Ulleri. Where we stop for the night stay.

Day 4: Trek to Gorepani (2855 Mtr/9364 Ft)

Duration: 4.5 Hours
Walking Dis: 8.5 KM
Elevation Gain: 895 Mtr
The trail starts with entering rhododendron forest, passing many stone staircases, the mountain started to appear. We continue up through Gorepani where we arriving on lunch time.

Day 5: Hike to Poon Hill before sunrise(3210 Mt/10529 Ft)Trek to Banthati(2651 Mtr/8695 Ft)

Duration:   5 Hours trek
Walking Dis: 9 KM
Elevation Loss: 204 Mtr
  Early in the morning quick hike up to Poonhill view point, which takes 40 minutes walks from Gorepani. Spend there for moments to explore the views and take photos. As the sun emerges from behind the mountains the sky glows red and pink in the first rays of the sun and the panorama is surely one of the world's great mountain vistas. After get down to Gorepani again , we take step towards Banthanti, Very quite place to stay. The trails goes steep climb about one hour in forest, then steep down all the way down to Banthati.

Day 6: Trek to Chuile (2050 Mtr/6724 Ft)

Duration: 2 Hours trek
Walking Dis: 4 KM
Elevation Loss: -144 Mtr
Today easy walk, we start to steep Descending further to a small stream about 20 minutes , we cross a bridge and climb back up to 2,690m at Tadapani, then after tadapani our trail goes all way down entering in forest. We are arriving in place called chuile which is best place to stay in peaceful environment and beautiful viewed place with lovely garden.

Day 7: Trek to Chomrong (2030 Mtr/6658 Ft)

Duration: 2 Hours trek
Walking Dis: 4 KM
Elevation Loss: -20 Mtr
We starting our day with steep descent through the forest to the bridge to cross the river then steep climb brings us to Chomrong, one of the big Gurung village and final permanent settlement in the valley, which is located in the downhill from where we have a good view of Mount Annapurna south and Mount Machhapuchre .

Day 8: Trek to Bamboo(2310Mtr/7577 Ft)

Duration: 5.5 Hours trek
Walking Dis: 7 KM
Elevation Gain: 280 Mtr
After the breakfast our day starts with steep descent for the first two hours in long stone staircase. we cross the bridge over Chomrong khola then steep climb up to Sinuwa. Again descending down from Sinuwa and entering in thick forest of Bamboo with gradual up brings us in place named Bamboo where we spend the night.

Day 9: Trek to Deurali(3230 Mtr/10595 Ft)

Duration: 5 Hours trek
Walking Dis: 8 KM
Elevation Gain: 920 Mtr
The trail continues up through the forest, passing the lodges at place named Himalaya Hotel. From here the trail gets steeper and rockier crossing a ravine, the trail continues to climb steeply among boulders, leaving the trees behind us , Going to be bit tougher days ahead because of the altitude. The trail continuely goes through some forest with steeper then we will reach in Deurali where we spent the night.

Day 10: Trek to Annapurna Basecamp(4130Mtr/13546 Ft)

Duration: 4.5 hours Trek
Walking Dis: 8.2 KM
Elevation Gain: 900 Mtr
From Deurali there are two trails. We use the trails with seeing condition of the trails. Both trails finally meet In Machapuchre basecamp. After one hour trail goes on flat lands along the river until we have steep climb up to Machapuchere basecamp.We turn to the north west from MBC, Start in early morning to climb gradual i pastureland towards Annapurna Basecamp, surrounded by the snow capped peaks of some of the highest mountains in the world. Spend whole day in this place to watch the sunset and overnight stay in Annapurna Basecamp.

Day 11: Trek to Dovan(2500Mtr/8200 Ft)

Duration: 6 hours trek
Walking Dis: 7.5 KM
Elevation Loss: 1630 Mtr
We wake up quite early in the morning to take a picture of sunrise of panoramic views of Mount Annapurna, Gangapurna, Machapuchre, Ten peak and so one. The main attraction of the Annapurna basecamp trek is to explore the views of mountain very closely. After exploration and taking photos we have breakfast then we retrace our steps towards down valley , Entering the forest, we descend slowly and carefully on a rocky trail through Himalaya and Dobhan where we spend the night.

Day 12: Trek to Lower Sinuwa(2340 Mtr/7675 Ft)

Duration: 3hours trek
Walking Dis: 5 KM
Elevation Loss: 160 Mtr
Our walks begins with lots of up and down, climb up to Sinuwa then steep descent down until lower Sinuwa, where we spend the night with the view of lower valley.

Day 13: Trek to Jhinu Danda(1450Mtr/4756 Ft)

Duration: 3 hours trek
Walking Dis: 4.5 KM
Elevation Loss: 890 Mtr
Start the day with descend walk from Sinuwa all the the way to Chomrong river to cross the suspension bridge, then again steep climb of stone staircase all the way to top of chomrong village. Chomrong village is the big gurung village which is located in downhill. From Chomrong we again descent down to Jhinu danda where we spend the night. There is natural hot spring just below the Jhinu which is 15 minutes far down. We go there for some hot bath.

Day 14: Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

Duration: 2 hours trek to matque and 1 hours drive to Nayapul and another 2 hours drice to Pokhara
Walking Dis: 3 KM
Elevation Loss: 650 Mtr
Our final day of trek, We just descent down from jhinu Danda about 30 minutes then gradually down. We follow the valley down to the road head at Sinwai. It depends on condition of road, if road is fine,our vehicle will pick up from here, otherwise we should walk all the way down to Nayapool to catch up the vehicle to drive to Pokhara.

Day 15: Rest and Sightseeing in Pokhara

Pokhara is one of the beautiful city of nepal , having lots of beautiful natural features as well as many kinds of adventure activities such as ultra light flying,boating, paragliding, bunjee jumping, Zip flying and so on. We can roam out for these varieties of activities in pokhara. We have sightseeing rest and sightseeing day in pokhara for various places as World peace pagoda, International mountaineering museum, Davis falls etc. You can do activities above as your interest.

Day 16: Flight to Kathmandu

After the breakfast, we will be again transfer to airport for the flight to Kathmandu. Trip is over now, you can take your own time for shoppinp,sightseeing and relaxing in Kathmandu.Thamel area is full of shops and restaurants and coffee shops for those who want a more relaxing day.We will have the farewell dinner in typical Nepali restaurant with nepali cultural music and dances to celebrate the successful completion of our journey.

Day 17: Final Departure

You will be transfer to airport for final departure to homeland.

What's included

All airport/hotel pick ups and drops within Nepal
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
All trekking permits , TIMS card,Government and local taxes for the trek
All Meals (Breakfast , Lunch and DInner ) During the trek
3 Star hotel accomodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
All ground transportation on a comfortable vehicle as per the itenerary
An experienced English speaking and government licensed trekking guide
Porter Services(2 Trekkers : 1 Porter)
Medical kit incase of Emergency
Insurance for Nepali Staffs
Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket for the trek
Welcome and farewell dinner
Staffs Cost including their Salary, food , accomodation and equipments

What's not included

Nepal Visa Fee
Personal Trekking gears
International Flight fare
Lunch and Dinner in the city , extra night accomodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival or late departure and early return from the trek due to any reason than the scheduled itenerary
Any rescue cost
Tips for Guide and Staffs
Personal Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses as phone calls, laundry , Bar, Battery charge, extra porter, shower and bottled or boiled water
Helicopter charter flight
Excess baggage charges ( can be carried only 15 Kg including in Airfare)

Good to Know

1) Physical Fitness
One should be physically fit before to do the any trekking and mountaineering. It is long hike so without any training the first two/three days will tough for you. So some basic physical fitness like squat, Mountain climbers ( which can be done in home),running,biking , stair climbing,and swiming will help lot to do trekking in the mountains, so it is highly recommanded 2/3 months prior to your departure for the trekking or mountaineering.

(2)Foods and Drinks
While in the mountain, it is highly recommanded you to drink plenty of fluids like water,soups, teas as well as foods. We will provide the sufficient and hygiene food as per your choice in whole trek.However some private snacks as chocolates bars, cookies are also highly recommanded which you can take from kathmandu or you can buy on the way in lodges or in shops.

(3)Drinking water
One should drink at least 3-4 litres of water every day in order to get hydrated the body which helps lot to be away from altitude sickness.Although bottled waters are not highly recommanded as well as we are environmentally sensitive. But   in Annapurna region the bottled mineral water is not in. We highly recommend you to carry the reusable water bottle and buy boiled water in lodges/teahouse which also makes your sleeping bag very warm while going to bed, to use sterpin or take chlorine or iodine tablets to purify the drinking water and there is facility of filtered water on the way for Rs 50 Per litre( equivalent to 50 Cents).

(4)Best time to Travel
Spring ( Mar-May)and Autumn ( Sep- Nov) are known as best months to trek in Nepal becuase of the stable clear dry skies which permits to enjoy the spectacular mountain views but mostly lodges, hotels and trails are busy and crowded. Spring season is pleasant and suitable with warm tempreture for trekking and climbing the big mountains as well. At this time in every mountain there will be groups to climbing and conquering the summits. Untill end of october, the tempreture will be mild cold. Weather will be stable with clear blue sky, dry at the same time you will get the chance to experience the many hidus festivals like dashain and Tihar. In spring the rhododendron forest covering the whole area in Annapurna basecamp and Gorepani area.Winter and summer are also good if you would prefer less crowdy, and ready to face the some challanges like snow, cold, and rain.Even in winter weather will always be clear but the these three months are coldest month of the year and sometimes snow falls. In Summer, It is very good to do trekking, tempreture will be warm, those who are keen to botanist, summer is the best but the due to unstable weather the views of mountains are very rare.

5) Altitude Sickness
Trekking in Annapurna basecamp is one of the popular   trekking in world.In high altitude , the mass of oxygen will be less, so everyone feels difficult to breath as well as mild headache, dizziness etc.This is one of the biggest challanges in mountain.In the altitude, there are many rules to make our body adaptable to the altitude. Acclimatization is one of the important factor to adjust our body get used to the altitude. All our itineries are designed with proper acclimatization.The most important rules that we have to follow in altitude is walk slowly, keep drinking plenty of fluids as water , soups etc to make our body hydrated, and keep our body warm. Our staffs and guide will always do their best as they can, eventhough incase of any sickness,injury one should avoid their rest trip and should come down.

(6)Travel Insurance
It is compulsory to buy the proper travel insurance policy with genuine insurance company, it should cover the emergency helicopter evacuation as well as medical treatment incase of severe injury or sickness and Policy should include coverage at the altitudes up to 5000 Mtr if you are doing just trekking and if you are doing mountaineering should be 6500 Mtr.

(7)Bag pack and duffel bag
Our duffel bag should be maximum 15kg including hand bag. Only the neccesary things should be packed and the stuffs which are not neccesary on trek will be stored in hotel in Kathmandu.One porter will carry max 30 Kg,among two clients one porter will be provided.

(8)Internet Connectivity and cell phone Signal
As per your arrival in Kathmandu airport, there you can buy nepalese Sim card ncell or you can buy anywhere around city. In Annapurna region Ncell signal works for phone call as well as internet connectivity in some part of places.But there is well facility of internet wifi in every teahouses or lodges so You can enjoy with social media or connects with your family, friends or loved one.

(9)Flight/ Road to Pokhara
Pokhara is entry gateway to trekking to Annapurna basecamp region.There is regular fligt to Pokhara from Kathmandu daily which is much more comfortable and easy . It takes only 35 minutes to get to Pokhara.In other way there is highway connected between kathmandu and pokhara, it is pleasant but takes min 6-7 hours to get to pokhara from kathmandu.

(10)Sanitation
In mostly places toilet are common and need to use the same toilet using by everyone else. Mostly place there may not be available of hand washing water, so highly recommend to take hand sanitizer by yourself and most importantly toilet papers or wet tissue paper should always be in your day bag.

(11)TIMS and Conservation Area permit
To enter in Annapurna region you have to buy Annapurna conservation Area project (ACAP) entry permit and TIMS permit,the cost will be included in trip cost.Your guide will manage everything. For that you have to provide 2 passport sized photos.

(12)Guiding and staffing
In Annapurna region average walk per day is 6-7 hours. Leisurely and pleasant guiding will definitely take you to destination. More you gaining altitude more hard to walk. Your experieced guide and porter will always be there to help you in every moment.Guide is the key factor for the every challanging in mountain so one should follow the instruction of guide pleasantly.Every day after dinner your guide will do brief about the next days trip.

(13) Budgeting
Budegeting depends upon many factors specially in Kathmandu where there are too many choices.Hotels in Kathmandu include in trip cost on basis of BB plan. So average expenses per day in Kathmandu will be Rs 2000 for lunch and Dinner, if you prefer some other activities as drinks, to do massage, or to go in bar/pub Rs 5000 ( equivalent to USD 50 ) is enough. On the trek, all the meals and hot drinks will be provided by company, Extra expeses as Hot shower, battery charging, wifi, boiled water for bottle, extra snacks bars, Soft drinks and hard drinks should borne by oneself,In average Rs 2000(eqivalent to 20 USD) is enough on the trek. Finally few tipping is highly recomended and compulsory in the last day to your guide and porter as per your budgeting.

14) Clothings and gears

Head

    Warm Hat
    Cap
    Face Mask / Muffler

Upper Body:

    Wind stopper/Waterproof Jacket
    Down Jacket
    Fleece Jacket/ trousers
    Thermol
    T-shirts
    Woolen gloves/Water/wind proof gloves

Lower Body

    Trekking Trousers(light weight long Paint)
    Underwear
    wind stopper/waterproof Paint
    Fleece or woolen pants

Feet

    Thin Lightwear/heavy poly or wool Socks
    Sandals
    Trekking Boot
    Gaiters
    Spare Shoes

Accessories

    Medium Rucksack (50-70 Ltr)
    Small Day Pack
    Personal Medical Kit
    Chapstick/Sunscreen
    Water bottle
    Large Duffel bag
    Trekking Pole
    Spare batteries for Camera and Flash Light
    Hand Towel
    Head lamp with extra Batteries
    Sun Glasses with UV protection
    Suitcase (For stored in Kathmandu hotel for not needed   items for trek)

FAQ

1)Why to go trekking in Annapurna Sanctuary trek ?: Annapurna region in nepal is popular destination of trekkers and climbers from all over the world. Every year thousands of trekkers and climbers come to Annapurna region to explore the beautiful himalayan range as well as wonder natural beauties. Altitude wise it is not that high,thie highest point of this trek is only 4130 Mtr, from where you can view the giant Annapurna mountain from very near. Normal people can do easily this trek.
2)What is the best seasons to trekking in Annapurna Sanctuary ?: In Nepal, there are four different seasons such as Spring, Summer, Autumn and winter. Spring and Autumn are most popular for trekking in Nepal.But the best season of your travel might be differ as per your purpose and your suitable time for travelling in Nepal. You can read more about the most favorable seasons in our link below http://www.khumbualpinetravel.com/nepal-travel-guide.html
3)What permit do I need for the Annapurna sanctuary trek?: To enter in Annapurna area, we have to take several permits as follows.
1) Annapurna conservation area project permit
2) Trekking information and Management services (TIMS)
4)How safe is Annapurna Sacntuary trek?: Safety is our first concern. As we provide the experienced guides and leaders for the particular trip who are well trained about the high altitude sickness, first aid ,friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and important instructions. All our itineraries are designed with proper acclimatization days in order to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. In every group we provide the first aid kit bag incase of any injury and emergency.We make the proper decision according the regular updated weather report, if there is any chances of big snow falls or stroms, we decide and do the action as per the situation.
5)How is the lodging and fooding facilities in Annapurna sanctuary?: Along the trail to Annapurna basecamp and Gorepani , there are well facilited lodges are available with various types of foods. We provide you three meals a day with your own choice. We always provide the seasonal fruits as well. We always book in lodges with well management and facilities. if you buy single supplementory package you will get single room. But in high season, especially in Annapurna basecamp side, above chomrong, number of lodges are limited, single rooms are very hard to get, sometimes we should share with another person/group.
6)Is there any internet wifi and phone call facility on the way?: After your arrival in Kathmandu airport, we recommand to buy One ncell sim card. In Annapurna region, Ncell works in some parts, but internet services is available in every lodges.
7)Can I use the forieng currency and Credit cards on the way in any shop or Lodge?: You can pay by oriegn currency as well, but the exchange rate will not be same as Kathmandu, so we recommand you to exchage the money in kathmandu and take a nepalese Rupees. In annapurna region credit cards are accepted only in some place.
8)What is the normal tempreture in spring and Autumn season?: Spring season starts from March, but until third week of march tempreture will still be cold even in day time. But actually tempreture depends on weather, if weatheris mild tempreture ranges from 10-15 Degree Centigrate.If the weather is clear, days will be warm.After the April it will be warm with sunny weather. Especially in Morning and Evening time will be little cold.
Autumn season starts from September, September will still be warm even the weather is not good. From october normally in morning and everning will be cold.