Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary (also known as Annapurna Base Camp Trek or ABC Trek for short) is part of the preserve known as the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Nepal’s first and largest conservation area to date.

Traditionally, the trek up to what is called Annapurna Base Camp within the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is combined with the wildly famous viewpoint known as Poon Hill. For people with more time and ambition, combining the Sanctuary with the Round Annapurna Trek (Annapurna Circuit) offers even more adventure with non-stop, breathtaking landscapes and astonishing cultural and natural diversity and both together take about four weeks.

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek ascends to comparatively lower elevation than other treks (Annapurna Base Camp -- ABC -- is the high point at 4,095 m / 13,430 ft), and although strenuous to reach, it is considered more accessible than other areas. This trek is especially celebrated for its natural beauty. From ABC, you’ll have thrilling views of the south face of Annapurna I (8091 m/26,545 ft). Annapurna I is the first peak above 8.000 m / 26,247 ft to have been climbed. That landmark feat in June, 1950 was led by Frenchman Maurice Herzog. In 1971, the British made a daring climb of the south face, visible from ABC. That expedition was led by celebrated climber Chris Bonington and recounted in the book Annapurna South Face.

The name Annapurna Base Camp is derived from that British expedition which used an area nearby as its base of operations. The journey to the Sanctuary starts in lush farmlands with green terraced fields and trilling birdsong as it climbs through scenic landscape and traditional villages. Deeper into the valley, the trail passes through thickets of rhododendron and bamboo up to highland terrain of base camp encircled by immense peaks. The views of snow-dressed peaks begin from the first day on the trails and continue on the journey up through an astonishing range of biodiversity.

The scenery of the open-sky sanctuary, encircled by the Himalaya soaring into the skies might be the top thrill of your visit to Nepal! Please find more information about this fascinating area in the following article by Secrets of the Himalaya founder, Alonzo Lyons, in Nepal's leading cultural magazine, ECS Nepal: Rebirth of the Annapurna Circuit

The standard 16-day itinerary is the usual timeframe to complete this trek while allowing for extra days to acclimatize and fully enjoy the experience of being in the Annapurna Region. Modifications for people with less time are possible, too. Just let us know your timeframe and flexibility, and we can adjust according to preference and style.

The best season for an Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is considered to be October to late November and March to early June for the clearest weather and views although it can be undertaken during any season. Secrets of the Himalaya has regular departures year-round, and we can customize the journey according to schedule and preferences. (Please find more about Nepal's seasonal variety here, When to Visit Nepal.)

Please contact us anytime for more details, questions or concerns and booking. We truly look forward to hearing from you, and ultimately, we hope to be given the pleasure of guiding you along one of the world’s most famous and scenic treks.

Trekking adventure in the Annapurna Region is calling, and Secrets of the Himalaya is ready to answer that call with you. Give us an opportunity to serve you. We assure you that you will be completely satisfied with our services.

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Day to Day

Day 01Arrival at Kathmandu’s International airport (1350 m / 4450 ft)Welcome to Nepal. You will be greeted at the arrival area of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu's international airport by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Take time to refresh yourself after your international travel. The first evening is open to enjoy as you like, rest and relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings.

Day 02Full Day Tour, Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley After a leisurely breakfast, our skilled guide leads a tour of Kathmandu Valley’s highlights and attractions, including magnificent World Heritage Sites of cultural and historical significance. After the tour, we will hold a pre-departure discussion with our Trek Leader and staff.

Day 03Drive to Pokhara (915 m / 3000 ft), 200 km west of Kathmandu We make a scenic drive following an early breakfast. As we travel outside the valley, picturesque views include farmland, lush jungle, scenic villages and occasional glimpses of snowy peaks. Pokhara is a lakeside tourist destination with many facilities for travelers.

Day 04Drive to Nayapul (1050 m/3442 ft), trek to Tikhedunga (1577 m / 5170 ft) After breakfast we make a pleasant and scenic drive to Nayapul where we begin the first day on the trekking trail. The first day hike passes through jungle and farmland as we travel through traditional villages and rise to Tikhedunga.

Day 05Trek to Ghorepani ( 2675 m / 8770 ft) Today's hike involves a rigorous climb up many stone-built steps and passes through rustic villages as well as dense forests. Along they way, if the weather is clear then we can enjoy views of the peaks of Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli. The climb continues to our destination, Ghorepani.

Day 06Hike to Poon Hill (3210 m/10525 ft) and trek to Tadapani (2675 m / 8770 ft) Just before dawn we make a trek up to the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill for sunrise drenching the peaks and a breathtaking panorama of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche , Nilgiri, Baraha Shikhar, the Annapurna range and many other peaks. We return to our lodge for breakfast, and eventually hike along a pleasant trail lined with rhododendron and oak to Tadapani, another great setting with marvelous views.

Day 07Trek to Chomrong (2170 m / 7120ft)It is a gentle beginning as we descend through dense forest before a brief and steep ascent that becomes more gradual before we reach Chomrong, village of the Gurung ethnicity with views of the peaks.

Day 08Trek to Dovan (2575 m / 8500 ft) The journey descends from Chomrong to a stream before a short climb as follow the Modi River Valley. We travel by farmland and small villages and through oak, bamboo and rhododendron before reaching wide stone steps to Dovan,

Day 09Trek to Deurali (3233 m / 10,660ft) The hike continues above the Modi River with serene slopes lush with oak, bamboo and rhododendron. Along the way we pass a temple and waterfalls. An rock shelter named Hinko is a rest area for herders and local travelers followed by a brief climb to Deurali.

Day 10Trek to MBC (3700 m / 12,170 ft) and ABC (4130 m / 13,550 ft) The trail passes closer to the river before entering the glorious Annapurna Sanctuary near a collection of lodges known as Machhapuchhare Base Camp. Towering peaks are very close. As we continue to Annapurna Base Camp we have wide open, unforgettable views including a riveting panorama of nearly 360 degrees of surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Day 11ABC to Bamboo (2300 m / 7575ft) At sunrise we can savor the early morning dawn on the Himalaya. After breakfast, we follow a descent to reach Bamboo with a totally different perspective of the valley as we head down it rather than climbing up it.

Day 12Trek to hot springs at Jhinu Dada (1767 m / 5825 ft) From Bamboo we make our way through the serene forest as we return to Chomrong. We then have a brief descent to Jhinu Danda and the wonderful opportunity to relish and rejuvenate in a hot springs, a short hike from the collection of lodges.

Day 13Trek to Pothana (1600 m/5,246 ft) As we follow the Modi River downriver we pass through lush jungle and fields and an ascent to the Gurung village of Landruk. The trail then is pleasant before a steep climb to Deurali and a slight descent through oak forests to Pothana.

Day 14Trek to Dhampus and Phedi and drive to Pokhara (915 m/3000 ft)Our last day on the trail, we have an exhilarating panorama on the way to the ridge top setting of Dhampus and a steep descent to the road at Phedi and a short day to Pokhara. After checking into our hotel, you have the chance to refresh and then discover the lakeside city of Pokhara.

Day 15Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu We take an early morning departure on a tourist bus to Kathmandu passing through scenic fields and villages along the way to the ancient capital of the Himalaya. The rest of the time is available to explore the city on your own, search for souvenirs for friends and loved ones back home, and relax and enjoy yourself after the high elevation trekking. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner together.

Day 16Transfer to the international airport for your final departureOur representative will escort you to the airport for your departure back home. We are sure that you will have enjoyed the experience and our services. As you travel to your own country, hopefully you will remember us and Nepal very fondly. Farewell friend.

Cost Include

Vehicle transportation to and from your trip arrival point, for example, from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel in the city; Pokhara airport or bus station to hotel in Pokhara.
Three-star (or above) accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (breakfast meals are included).
A sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley with professional guide and entrance fees to World Heritage Sites, Palace Squares and temples.
Tea–house lodging during journey.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the journey.
Trained, certified and experienced guide with assistants (we typically have one porter per two clients, weight restrictions apply).
Fees for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card (necessary for all trekking areas).
First Aid Kit and supplies
Farewell Meal following the journey and typically, on the eve of your international departure

Cost Exclude

International travel to and from Nepal.
Major meals other than breakfast while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal Expenses, for example, laundry expenses, extra drinks and extra snacks, telephone calls.
Personal clothing and gear.
Personal toiletries.
Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance with rescue coverage.
Extra fees at tea-houses and trailside lodges, for example, extra fees for hot shower, fees for recharging electronic equipment, alcoholic drinks, laundry and similar personal expenses.
Tips for crew and staff along the journey.
Unforeseen expenses due to cancellation of events and activities because of circumstances beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail changes, political disruptions, illness of a group member and similar events beyond our control

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Please reach us by phone/email:

+1-408-329-3042
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Annapurna Sanctuary Trek - ABC Trek