Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Itinerary:

Show more for all days

• Day 1 Namaste and welcome to vibrant Kathmandu where our Nepal trekking adventure begins.

  Our trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs, we are met by our staff and transferred to a lovely private guesthouse outside the city. Chhahari retreat is a new boutique property north of the city on the border of the national park, with terraced gardens, expansive views, mouth-watering cuisine, massage services and more. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy before our evening welcome and trip orientation. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Explore the Kathmandu Valley's most fascinating sites, from Swayambunath to Patan and Kathmandu's Durbar Square.

  Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the ancient cities and UNESCO world heritage highlights of the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal is a country rich in religious diversity and today we visit numerous Buddhist and Hindu shrines and temples such as Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple) and the ancient city of Patan on the holy Bagmati river. Returning to Kathmandu, we visit Durbar Square, showcasing centuries of artistry and craftsmanship, a wide variety of traditional architectural styles, impressive palaces and more. The rest of the day will be on your own to prepare for tomorrow's departure. Breakfast and dinner included, lunch is on your own.

• Day 3 Fly to Pokhara where our Annapurna trek begins as we travel to Phedi in the Annapurna foothills to begin our hike to Dhampus.

  This morning we take a flight to Pokhara, west of Kathmandu, where our trek begins. The Pokhara Valley offers a spectacular panorama of Nepal's central Himalayas with Annapurna South and Machapuchare dominating the skyline. A short drive to Phedi in the Annapurna foothills leads us to our rendezvous with our terrific support crew, where our porters load up our supplies. Our trek starts out with a steady uphill climb and a series of stone stairways passing through villages and ultimately arriving at Dhampus. Enjoy big views of Machapuchare, 'The Fish Tail' (22,885'/6,975m), from our first night's camp. All meals are included during our trek, from breakfast on Day 3 through lunch on Day 12, and our cooking crew will strive to surprise you with their creative menus assembled from locally farmed produce, grains, meats and more.
  
  Trekking: 3+ hours, 2 miles with an elevation gain of 1,706'/520m from Phedi (3,707'/1,130m) to Dhampus (5,413'/1,650m).

• Day 4 Hike from Dhampus through chestnut forests and small farming communities to arrive at the Gurung village of Landrung for the night.

  After an early breakfast, we begin trekking from Dhampus to Landrung. Today we climb steadily out of chestnut forests to the small village of Potana and on to Deurali before descending to Bainshikharka and Tolka. In these small villages, many ethnic Gurung and Magar people make their homes. Predominantly Buddhist, the Gurung people are descendents of the Tibetans with a unique language (Gurung) and a rich musical and cultural tradition. The Magar people, while also descended from the Tibetans, are predominantly Hindu with 3 distinct languages and a complex history you may enjoy learning more about. Local people absorb themselves in the demands of agriculture and you'll find most people here to be very genuine, friendly and fond of humor. Our day ends in Landrung, a Gurung village where we spend the night.
  
  Trekking: 6 hours, 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,476'/450m from Dhampus (5,413'/1,650m) to Deurali (6,500'/1,980m), followed by a 1,312'/400m descent to Tolka, and ending with a bit of up and down hiking that ultimately descends another 443'/135m to Landrung (5,134'/1,565m) for a total of 1,476'/450m of gain and 1,755'/535m of loss.

• Day 5 Cross the Modi Khola river on a suspension bridge and continue on to the gateway of the Annapurna Sanctuary at Chumrung.

  As we depart Landrung village, the trail leads down hill, crossing the Modi Khola on a suspension bridge (New Bridge). The trail ascends to a ridge top, passing through rhododendron forests and terraced fields. We reach Jinwa Danda (hot springs) in about three and a half hours before continuing another two hours to the Gurung village of Chumrung. This village is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary and, weather permitting, we are treated to fantastic mountain views including impressive Annapurna South (23,684'/7,220m).
  
  Trekking: 5-6 hours, 4 miles with an elevation loss of 540'/165m from Landrung (5,134'/1,565m) to the Modi Khola River and a subsequent gain of 2,525'/770m to Chumrung (7,120'/2,170m).

• Day 6 Hike through bamboo forests with spectacular mountain views to the village of Dovan inside the Annapurna Sanctuary.

  Today the trail descends steeply to the banks of the river Chumrung Khola. We cross over the river on a suspension bridge, then climb steeply through bamboo thickets leading to the small village of Sinuwa Danda. Here, the trail levels off and follows a ridge traveling through rhododendron and bamboo forests, always in view of the mountains. After descending through Khudi and Bamboo village, we hike for about 1.5 additional hours before arriving at Dovan for the evening.
  
  Trekking: 6 hours, 4 miles total. From Chumrung (7,120'/2,170m) to the river Chumrung Khola we quickly lose 820'/250m before climbing a steep 1,475'/450m section of trail to Sinuwa Danda. From Sinuwa Danda, we ascend 655'/200m in 1.5 miles to Khuldhigar, then descend 665'/203m in 1.5 miles to Bamboo Village before climbing a final 560'/170m in 1 mile to end our day in Dovan (8,220'/2,505m). The day's total elevation loss is 1,485'/453m and total gain is 2,690'/820m.

• Day 7 Ascend to Machapuchhare Base Camp for amazing views of the sacred peak along with Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and more.

  From Dovan the trail climbs steadily crossing glaciers and small streams. As the vegetation changes from forest to shrubs, we emerge into the opens spaces above tree line and the views only become better. After trekking for about six hours the trail reaches Machapuchare Base Camp, where we establish camp for the night. The splendid panoramic views include Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I and Machapuchare. Sacred to the local people and considered to be of great importance to the Hindu god Shiva, climbing Machapuchare has been declared off-limits by the government of Nepal and the summit of Machapuchare has never been reached.
  
  Trekking: 6 hours. 5.5 miles over which we steadily gain 3,920'/1,195m in elevation from Dovan (8,220'/2,505m) to Machapuchare Base Camp (12,140'/3,700m).

• Day 8 Hike to Annapurna Base Camp at over 13,400 feet, the highest point on our trek, with 360 degree views of the soaring peaks around us.

  This morning we ascend roughly two hours to Annapurna Base Camp leaving us with plenty of time this afternoon to soak in and explore the astounding beauty of this valley. Situated on a knoll, our camp offers 360° views of soaring peaks including the South Face of the Annapurna I, III, IV, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Singa Chuli, Tent Peak and Hiunchuli. Standing at Annapurna Base Camp, fans of mountaineering lore may expect to gain a new appreciation for these beautiful but unforgiving giants. Annapurna I was the first 8,000 meter peak ever climbed, opening the door to a new chapter in climbing history in 1950, but since that time, only about 150 people have ever successfully summited the peak, while nearly 60 have lost their lives in the attempt, making Annapurna's mortality rate among climbers the highest by far of any mountain on Earth. Far from the menacing route above, at Base Camp we soak in the full awe of the Annapurnas and enjoy learning more about its fascinating climbing history and remarkable spiritual significance to the local people who revere the mountain as the Goddess of the Harvest.
  
  Trekking: 2 hours, 2 miles with 1,410'/430m of elevation gain from Machapuchare Base Camp (12,140'/3,700m) to Annapurna Base Camp (13,550'/4,130m).

• Day 9 After sunrise over Annapurna South, we descend from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo Village.

  If there was ever a morning warranting an early wake up – this is that morning, as the sunrise over Annapurna South is well worth any missed minutes of extra sleep. Enjoy the show with a hot drink, then settle in for a hearty breakfast, snap a few last-minute photographs, then prepare for our return descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo village. Breathing gets noticeably easier today as the air becomes more oxygen rich and the ice-clad walls of the sanctuary give way to green vegetation and hillsides once again dotted with small villages.
  
  Trekking: 6 to 7 hours, 7 miles with 5,890'/1,795m elevation loss from Annapurna Base Camp (13,550'/4,130m) to Bamboo village (7,660'/2,335m).

• Day 10 Descend to Chumrung village, retracing our steps from earlier in the trek as the air becomes more and more easy to breathe.

  From Bamboo village we retrace our steps along the trail to Sinuwa Danda, then descend the steep stone staircase leading down to the river Chumrung Khola and back up to Chumrung village on the opposite bank, where we spend the night.
  
  Trekking: 5 hours, 4 miles. From Bamboo Village the terrain climbs 665'/203m in 1.5 miles to Khuldhigar, then descends 655'/200m in 1.5 miles to Sinuwa Danda. In the final mile, we descend a steep staircase 1,475'/450m to Chumrong Khola before climbing the remaining 820'/250m to reach Chumrung village (7,120'/2,170m). Total elevation gain today is 1485'/453m, while total loss is 2,130'/650m.

• Day 11 Hike along the contour of the Annapurna foothills through small Gurung villages as we descend to the village of Gandruk for the night where we celebrate our trek.

  Today we deviate from the route we ascended to enjoy new sights, beginning our hike on a relatively easy contour trail for 1.5 hours, passing through small Gurung villages. After a steady uphill, we descend toward the river of Kimrong Khola. Here we cross a wooden bridge over to the next ridge. From the ridge, another steady 1.5 hour climb leads us to the top of Komrong Danda where we'll break for lunch and enjoy spectacular views of Machapuchare. From here we can see the village of Ghandruk where we'll camp tonight after another 1.5 hours of further hiking downhill to reach our destination. Ghandruk is a truly picturesque traditional Gurung settlement and is considered a model village within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the first and largest conservation area established by the National Trust for Nature Conservation in Nepal. Tonight is the last evening that our outstanding staff will prepare dinner for us so we'll look forward to a memorable farewell celebration with music, dancing, great food, local drinks and more.
  
  Trekking: 5 hours, 6 miles, featuring alternating climbs and descents as we first ascend steadily from Chumrung about 985'/300m before descending 2,263'/690m to Kimrong. After lunch, we'll ascend again about 2,034'/620m to just over 7,874'/2400m in elevation before making our final 1,510'/460m descent on foot into Ghandruk (6,365'/1,940m).

• Day 12 Continue descending through rhododendron forests through the village of Nayapool then transfer to our Pokhara hotel.

  From Ghandruk the trail mostly descends along contours and through a lovely section of birch forest to Birethanti, situated on the banks of Modi River with bright mountain views through the rhododendrons. From here, we continue trekking another 40 minutes toward the town of Nayapool where we'll enjoy a final picnic lunch on the banks of the jade-colored river, Modi Khola, before hiking on another 20 minutes to our vehicle which is waiting to transfer us back to Pokhara by this evening. We say goodbye to our trekking staff, check into our hotel and have the rest of the day to explore. The peaceful Phewa Lake and the majesty of Machapuchare peak rising just in front of it create an ambiance of tranquility. Enjoy a hot shower, a cold beer and celebrate the end of an exceptional trek. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
  
  Trekking: 4.5 hours, 5.5 miles from Ghandruk (6,365'/1,940m) to Nayapool (3,510'/1070m) hiking mostly downhill, losing 2,855'/870m in elevation. From Ghandruk, the first 1.5 hours of our hike is scenic villagers' trail that intermittently transects gravel jeep roads. We continue descending through terraced rice fields another hour to pass through Syauli Bazaar, where we'll walk a gravel jeep road (very few vehicles) about 2 more hours to reach Nayapool where we'll enjoy lunch, then finish our walk to the vehicle for the transfer back to Pokhara.

• Day 13 Fly to Kathmandu and enjoy a final night of in the city before returning home.

  A morning flight returns us to Kathmandu. Our final night's lodging is a standard Kathmandu hotel in the Thamel district, an ideal location for shopping, dining and nightlife located in the heart of Kathmandu. Relax, shop, explore on your own, or request a tour of the ancient city of Bhaktapur, which can be arranged on request for an additional cost. Breakfast included; lunch and dinner on your own.

• Day 14 Our Annapurna Sanctuary trekking adventure ends today in Kathmandu.

  Transfers from our host hotel are provided to the airport for flights home, or extend your stay to explore on your own. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

National Park fees, 2 nights private guesthouse near Kathmandu, 1 night standard hotel in Pokhara, 1 night standard hotel in Kathmandu, meals as outlined in itinerary, professional guides and porters, cooks and commissary crew, tents, foam sleeping pads, kitchen equipment, baggage portage, and airport transfers to and from our host hotel.

Air transportation to/from Nepal, en route hotel costs (if routing to Nepal requires an overnight stay en route), flights within Nepal, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, visas, any necessary emergency evacuation arrangements and/or medical expenses, optional gratuities, airport transfers to any property other than our host hotel, airport taxes, cost of obtaining a passport or medical immunizations, insurance, and items of a personal nature such as liquor or laundry fees.

This trip is rated Vigorous [4]. Trekking in Nepal is for active people in good health who enjoy vigorous hiking. Nepal has an “up and down” topography, there is very little level walking. We expect participants to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Gear and supplies will be carried by porters and/or pack animals, leaving members free to carry only a daypack. No technical climbing or other special abilities are required.  However, each person should be equipped with a "spirit of adventure" and have prior experience with backcountry camping, sleeping in a tent and willingness to undergo the potential hardships of outdoor living and long days on the trail. This trek spends several days at altitudes above 10,000’. The trails themselves are only moderate, but at these altitudes hiking will feel more strenuous. A good physical conditioning program must be undertaken several months in advance to get into shape. 

The spring season, including March and April, is a lovely time for trekking in Nepal. The lowlands are full of blooming rhododendrons and the relatively mild temperatures make for comfortable trekking days (mid-70s) and evenings (colder with each day of elevation gain with near freezing temperatures when in the Sanctuary itself). Trekking in the fall is ideal as the days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures though the evenings are cold. Daytime temperatures will typically average in the low 60s, while nighttime temperatures will drop into the 30s (and below in the highest camps). Late fall treks warrant additional warm clothing as suggested on the provided gear list, since nighttime temperatures will be even lower.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active adventure trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Gear Checklist

Flights to Pokhara have a weight restriction of 35 pounds. Please pack light and adhere to this list.

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots and cycling helmet) and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.  Cameras should also be packed in your carry-on bag.
• Culturally sensitive dressing tips: For women, pants (or Capri length pants) and/or a skirt (mid-calf or longer) is recommended. Skirts are quite comfortable for trekking (mid-calf length is ideal). Tights, hiking shorts, sports tops or tank tops are inappropriate unless worn under other clothing. For men, pants are best. Men may wear hiking shorts, but they should be longer, near the knees. Men should never go shirtless.
• Your duffle bag should be able to accommodate all of your trekking gear and clothing. You may want to consider using an Extra Large duffel so that you have space to carry home all the great gifts and souvenirs you’ll be wanting to get. Most airlines allow for two bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs each and linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches. Additional charges may apply if you exceed these parameters.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• You may find that you will not use every piece of clothing that is on this gear list. However, the list has been created to provide for the full range of weather conditions that MAY be encounter during your trek. Should the weather be unseasonably cold or wet, you will appreciate having this gear.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Travel clothes, extra gear and purchases will be left in a storage room at our Kathmandu hotel. Please bring a small bag, luggage tag and lock for this purpose.
• Clothing or gear that you brought along for the trip makes great gifts.  Please don’t bring extra gifts, as these are a burden to you and the staff while trekking.