Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs, you are met by our Sherpa staff and transferred to the hotel. The afternoon is left open to rest and explore. There will be an evening orientation with the group to review your trip’s itinerary. Meals on your own.

• Day 2

  Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the ancient city of Kathmandu. Nepal is a country rich in religious diversity. Today you visit various Buddhist and Hindu shrines and temples such as Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple). We'll also explore Patan Durbar Square, with an optional drive to the Tibetan Refugee Carpet center in Jawalakel. On the outskirts of town, we visit the medieval villages of Bungamati and Kokhana, ancient homes to the Newaris. The rest of the day is your own to explore and to re-pack your bags for tomorrow's trek departure. Breakfast included.

• Day 3

  This morning we take a scenic flight to Pokhara, west of Kathmandu and the starting point of our trek. The Pokhara Valley offers a spectacular panorama of Nepal’s central Himalayas with Annapurna I and III, Machapuchare and Manaslu dominating the skyline. A short drive to Phedi in the Annapurna foothills brings us to our Sherpa staff, where we allow time to load up supplies. Our trek starts right out with a steady up-hill climb and a series of stone steps passing through villages and ultimately arriving at Dhampus. Enjoy big views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, ‘The Fish Tail’ (22,885'), from our first night’s camp spot. All meals included while trekking, from breakfast on Day 3 through breakfast on Day 13.
  
  Trekking: 3+ hours.

• Day 4

  After an early breakfast, we begin trekking from Dhampus (5,413') to Landrung (5,134'). Today we climb steadily out of chestnut forests to the small villages of Potana and on to Deurali (6,500'), and then we descend down to Bainshikharka and Tolka. Our day ends in Landrung, a Gurung village where we spend the night.
  
  Trekking: 6 hours. Gain of 1,147' and loss of 1,426'.

• Day 5

  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 (7,120'). This village is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary and, weather permitting, we are treated to fantastic mountain views including the impressive Annapurna South (23,684').
  
  Trekking: 5-6 hours. Elevation gain 1,986' from Landrung to Chumrung but going down all the way to river, and climbing up to Chumrung, regardless of the elevation from Landrung to Chumrung.

• Day 6

  Today the trail descends steeply to the banks of Chumrong Khola. We cross over the river on a suspension bridge, and then the trail climbs 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 villages, we hike for about 1.5 hours before arriving at Dovan (8,530') for the evening.
  
  Trekking: 6 hours. Gain of 1410'.

• Day 7

  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-plus hours the trail reaches Machapuchhare Base Camp (12,200'), where we set up camp for the night. The splendid panoramic views include Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Machapuchhare, ‘The Fish Tail'. Machapuchhare is a sacred peak to the local Gurung people, considered the home of a Gurung goddess, and as such has been declared off-limits to climbers by the government.
  
  Trekking: 6 hours. 4,200' elev. gain.

• Day 8

  This morning we ascend roughly two hours to Annapurna Base Camp (13,430') 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-degree breathtaking views of soaring mountain peaks including the South Face of the Annapurna I, III, IV, Annapurna South, Machapuchhare, Singa Chuli, Tent Peak and Hiunchuli.
  
  Trekking: 2 hours. 1,230 elev. gain.

• Day 9

  If there was ever a morning for you to get up early, this is that morning. The sunrise over Annapurna South is well worth any missed minutes of extra sleep.  After breakfast and a few last-minute photographs, we start our return descent from Annapurna Base Camp (13,430') to Bamboo Village (8,000'). Breathing gets noticeably easier today.
  
  Trekking: 6-7 hours. 5,430' elev. loss.

• Day 10

  From Bamboo village we retrace our steps up-and-down to Chumrung village (7,120'), where we spend the night.
  
  Trekking: 5 hours. 1,300' elev. loss.

• Day 11

  Today we hike a relatively easy and contour trail for 1.5 hours, passing through small Gurung villages. After a steady up hill, we descend down towards the river of Kimrong Khola. Here we cross a wooden bridge over to the next ridge. A good steady climb, for about 1.5 hrs, brings us to the top of Komrong Danda. This is our lunch stop for today. From here we can see the village of Gandruk, and the hike is about 1.5 hrs to our camp for tonight. We will sleep in the village of Ghandruk (6364). This is also considered as the first model village of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
  
  Trekking: 5 hours. 756' elev. loss with lots of ups and downs.

• Day 12

  From Ghandruk the trail primarily descends and the walking is easy to Birethanti (3,600'). Birethanti is situated on the banks of Modi River and offers rhododendron forests, mountain views and sunsets that are beautiful. We will continue trekking another 40 minutes towards the town of Nayapool where we will camp beside the Modi River. Tonight is the last evening where our staff will cook for us so we will have a small farewell gathering.
  
  Trekking: 4.5 hours.

• Day 13

  We leave Nayapool and hike about 20 minutes to our vehicle which is waiting to transfer us back to Pokhara by afternoon. We say good-bye 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, cold beer and celebrate the end of a magical trek. Breakfast included; lunch and dinner on own.

• Day 14

  A morning flight returns us to Kathmandu. Our final night's lodging is a guesthouse located in a lovely, remote setting just outside Kathmandu, offering panoramic views of the valley. The lodge is fully solar powered making it the only lodge in Nepal to depend completely on alternative energy for all its operations. Relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on your last day in Nepal.Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 15

  Depart for home / transfer to airport. 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, 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu and 1 night Pokhara, meals as outlined in itinerary, expert local guides and porters, cooks and commissary crew, tents, foam sleeping pads, community cooking gear, baggage portage, and airport transfers.

Air transportation to/from Nepal, Bangkok hotel costs (if routing requires an overnight), flights within Nepal, 2 lunches and 4 dinners, visas, any necessary emergency evacuation arrangements, optional tips to guides and staff, 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 lowland walks are full of forests of blooming rhododendron 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 (October) is ideal as the days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures and the evenings are usually quite cold...frosty, to be exact.  Whereas daytime temperatures will typically average in the low 60s, nighttime departures will definitely drop into the 30s (and cooler for the couple of nights at altitude).

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.

Weather

The spring season, including March and April, is a lovely time for trekking in Nepal. The lowland walks are full of forests of blooming rhododendron 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 (October) is ideal as the days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures and the evenings are usually quite cold...frosty, to be exact.  Whereas daytime temperatures will typically average in the low 60s, nighttime departures will definitely drop into the 30s (and cooler for the couple of nights at altitude).

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.
• This gear list can fit into one large duffel. 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.