The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin lying 40 km directly north of Pokhara. This oval-shaped plateau sits at an altitude of over 4000 m, and is surrounded by a ring of mountains, the Annapurna range, most of which are over 7000 m. With the only entrance a narrow valley between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare, where run-off from glaciers drain into Modi Khola River, the Sanctuary was not penetrated by outsiders until 1956.
The unique combination of heights and depths on the 5-7 day trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary give rise to an extraordinary variety of ecosystems. The south-facing slopes are “covered in dense tropical jungles of rhododendron and bamboo”, while the north-facing slopes, in the rain shadow, have “a drier colder climate similar to that of the near-by Tibetan Plateau.”
Commencing with an overland journey to Beshi Sahar, 130 km West of Kathmandu where we stay overnight, our trek follows the gorge of Marshyangdi river through lush fields of paddy, innumerable tiny streams, waterfalls and beautiful villages, eventually emerging into high desert country at Manang (3597 m.). The trek gains in height fairly gently reducing the chances of altitude sickness, although, we do spend a day acclimatising before crossing the Thorang-La (5416 m.). From a high lodge camp we are up early for our crossing of the Thorang- La (tremendous high mountain feelings) before our decent to Muktinath in the lower Mustang region, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhist and Hindu people in Nepal.
After arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel.
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara, the beautiful lake city and catch great views of the Himalayas from the right side of our airplane. After landing in the Pokhara, we drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. From Birethanti, we trek to Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community.
We climb up for around an hour up to Kimrungdanda. On the way, we can enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) and Ganggapurna. A steep descent takes us to the Kimrong Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda, we descend for a while and then it’s a gentle walk to Chhomrong.
We descend 2500 stone steps and cross the bridge above Chhomrong Khola. From here it is an uphill climb to Sinuwa. Then, we pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar followed by an easy downhill walk to Bamboo.
We pass through a bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily. We will be gifted with astounding views of the glacial river. It is a steep climb up through a forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali. The vegetation is sparser, allowing views of the valley and the river below.
We climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountain side. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna. The vegetation disappears on our way to base camp and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. From the base camp we again get to savor mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South , Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks.
From the Annapurna base camp we retrace our steps to Bamboo. The trek is downhill.
From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then, we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night.
On our way to Naya Pul from Jhinu Danda, we get to enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal. Our trek will end at Naya Pul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara.
We fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel.
Our representative will drop you off at the airport.
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