The Annapurna Sanctuary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m).

Arrival in Kathmandu, depending on your flight times. Welcome by your local guide at the airport exit with a sign of the agency and transfer to your hotel.

Briefing and presentation of the course of the stay. In case of arrival in the morning, day of rest or possibility of visiting the tourist district of Thamel, for those who wish, your hotel is in the heart of the tourist city.

Day 2: Kathmandu (1350 m) to Pokhara (820 m)

Early wake-up call then departure for Pokhara by the main road following the Trisuli River, or along which local life is lively. On the way stop for a lunch break then arrival at the end of the day in the second largest city in Nepal. Installation at the hotel, then visit around the pleasant and green Fewa Lake, and its shops.

Day 3: Pokhara (820 m) to Hille (1430 m) to Tikhedhunga (1540 m) to Ulleri (1960 m)

Short transfer to Hille (55km) during which you enjoy the view of the Annapurna range. The trek starts for the first day of easy walking in the middle of rice fields and the first Nepalese villages crossed.

Crossing a suspension bridge then gradually climbing stairs to the pretty village of Ulleri in 1960m, where we enjoy a superb view of the Mount Annapurna South and Mount Machhapuchre. We are in the heart of the Gurung and Magar villages who live in two-storey houses, covered with a layer of red clay and with a thatched roof. Overnight stay in Ulleri.

Day 4: Ulleri (1960 m) to Ghorepani (2860 m)

Gradual climb by stone stairs through a Rhododendron Forest to Ghorepani (2860m). Lunch break at Banthanti and then in the afternoon, walk towards Nayathanti and discover a magnificent Rhododendron Forest (in bloom in March-April) before arriving at Ghorepani, a tourist crossroads where we stop for a night.

Day 5: Ghorepani (2860 m) to Poon Hill (3210 m) to Tadapani (2630 m)

Get up at dawn and leave for the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3193m to admire the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs as well as the Kali Gandaki, Mustang and Dolpo valleys. A perfect place to take a nice selfie and souvenir photos then return to the lodge for a good breakfast. Departure for a new day of trekking, gradual climb to Gurung Hill then to the Deurali Pass at 3090m. After the pass, long descent to Banthati for lunch break before arriving at the lodge in Tadapani.

Day 6: Tadapani (2630 m) to Chomrong (2170 m)

Descent through a forest of giant rhododendrons to the village of Kimrong. Lunch then gentle climb for about 1 hour to reach the village of Chomrong, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Machhapuchre, Mt. Annapurna South and Mt. Hiunchuli. The village of Chomrong is mainly inhabited by the Gurung ethnic group, from which the Gurkhas, famous Nepalese soldiers, come.

Day 7: Chomrong (2170 m) to Dovan (2600 m)

The day begins with a long descent on stone stairs for about an hour, then after crossing the river, climb to the village of Sinuwa 2,360 m. In the afternoon, the walk continues to the mountain side in the jungle, with the possibility of observing langur (breed of monkey). The path crosses a forest of Rhododendrons (National flower of Nepal) and bamboos then takes us to Dovan, in the National Park where we stop for the night.

Day 8: Dovan (2600 m) to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700 m)

Gradual climb to Himalaya Lodge 2920m, Hinko 3170m then Deurali 3230m where we take a break for lunch. From this area, the vegetation changes, the trees become rarer, we begin to feel the altitude a little because we are at more than 3000m, the mountains at more than 8000m rise and reveal themselves in front of you. On your right the sacred mountain Machhapuchre (shaped like a fishtail), certainly one of the most beautiful in the world. This day can be cooler, because we walk in the shade between the mountains.
 

Be careful during this stage, there are several places with avalanche risks, always stay close to your guide.

Day 9: Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700 m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m)

Your goal for the day will be to reach the Annapurna Base Camp located at 4,130 m from where climbers start their ascent to the Annapurna peaks and Mount Hiunchuli. After the start, easy and gradual climb to reach the upper valley (at 3,700 m) where a stream winds, there are no more trees, just alpine lawns, the environment is breathtaking. The South face of “Mt. Annapurna I” rises in front of you and the glaciers sparkle. The last steps to reach the lodge provide access to an exceptional environment. Arrival at the base camp for lunch break, installation and short walk in the afternoon depending on the physical condition of the group or enjoying a good tea in front of the 8,000 m giants.

Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) to Dovan (2600 m)

Early morning wake-up in the heart of the Annapurna, at the highest point of our trek. Around us stand the most beautiful and highest peaks on the planet, the 360° panoramic view is unmissable. After a few photos and videos to engrave this memorable memory, long descent to the Himalaya Lodge for lunch break. In the afternoon descent to Dovan to the lodge.

Note, the descent is long and can be tiring when there is a little snow or rain, descend gently, the day is yours.

Day 11: Dovan (2600 m) to Jhinu Danda (1780 m)

Departure from Dovan in the morning for the village of Sinuwa 2360m, taking the same path. Lunch break at Sinuwa then descent to the Chumrung river and long climb by stone stairs to the village Chomrong at 2170m altitude, then long descent to Jhinu danda, where we stop for the night. If the weather permits, there is the possibility of enjoying a bath in the natural hot springs I.e. 30 minutes’ walk from the village.

Day 12: Jhinu Danda (1780 m) to Pokhara (820 m)

Last day of walking. We leave the mountain, its villages and its populations to reach the city of Pokhara. Gentle descent to the village of new bridge then continuation of the walk along the Modi Khola River to the foot of the village of Ghandruk.

After a short break for lunch at Birethanti (1025m), you continue the walk to Nayapul end point of the trek, you can finally take off your shoes. Then about 1h30 drive to Pokhara. Arrival and installation at the hotel.

Day 13: Pokhara (820 m) to Kathmandu (1350 m)

After breakfast, departure by road to Kathmandu. The journey allows you to enjoy one last time the rice fields and fields of crops as well as the Trisuli River. Break for lunch, then continuation of the journey. Arrival around 3/4 p.m. and installation at the hotel. It is possible to take advantage of the Thamel district to make souvenir purchases.

Day 14: Departure for Home

As per schedule, return flight to your destination. Your guide will take you to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure.

Additional information about the circuit:

• The walking time is given as an indication, it is an estimated average. Good physical condition is essential for this trekking. Depending on the weather conditions and the physical condition of the group, the guide may have to modify the program, if necessary,
• Physical level and preparation of your trip: This Annapurna base camp trek is of moderate level, takes place on average then gradually in altitude and accessible to all good walkers, 10 consecutive days of walking with a maximum altitude of 4130m, the Annapurna base camp. Positive elevation gain of + 1480m and negative elevation gain of - 1730m. Approximately 2h30 to 7 hours of walking per day on suitable trails. You start your trek at 1430m altitude with many climbs and descents in steps, sometimes steep but acclimatization to the altitude remains very gradual. To carry out this trek in the best conditions, we recommend that you practice a sporting activity at least 1 to 2 times a week 1 to 2 months before your departure,
• The accommodation listed is subject to availability.