Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
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- Activities
- Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
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- Max Elevation
- 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp
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- Trip Duration
- 18 Days
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- Trip Grade
- Moderate to Adventurous
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- Lodging
- Eco Tea House Trek
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- Meals
- Full board on Trek, BB Plan in City
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- Transportation
- Private vehicles
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- Communication
- Available
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- Group Size
- Minimum 2
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- Best Season
- Autumn and Spring
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- Per Day Walk
- Approx. 4 - 7 hours
Trip Highlights of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek:
- Traverse through the alpine region of the Nepalese Himalayas.
- Get amazing vistas of the mountains, including various ranges of Annapurna like I, II, III, IV, North, and South.
- See other surrounding mountains like Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, or Macchhapuchre, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Himchuli, etc.
- Visit the quaint hamlet of Ghandruk.
- Socialize with the Gurung communities.
- Complete the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as part of the ABC trek.
- Relax in the hot spring at Jhinu Danda.
- Reach the base of Mount Annapurna (8,091m) – the 10th highest peak in the world.
- 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
Trip Introduction
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is also popularly known as the ABC Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It takes you to the mesmerizing lands of the ethereal Annapurna ranges. Not only will you get to see one of the world’s tallest mountains up close, but also traverse through beautiful trails.
During your journey, you will see enthralling vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Macchhapuchre, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Himchuli, Annapurna II, III and South.
Exploring the culture and tradition of the Himalayas is inevitable during this trek. You will come across several hamlets along the trail. Villages of Ghorepani and Ghandruk are some hospitable places you will pass through.
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek proposed by Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition is a 18-day long journey. We will begin our journey from the beautiful city of Pokhara, which is the doorway to the Annapurna region.
After you arrive in Pokhara from Kathmandu, we will leave for Nayapul to start our trek. The trail leads us through the forests of rhododendrons, local villages, paddy fields, and terraces. The region is home to the Gurung community with their unchanged culture and way of life.
The hilltop of Poonhill at 3,210 meters is one of the key highlights of the trek which provides awesome vistas of the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. The Annapurna Sanctuary or the base camp at 4130 meters, is a beautiful lap of the majestic peak of Annapurna. This stunning natural amphitheater, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, offers trekkers breathtaking panoramic views and a serene high-altitude experience.
The 18 day journey will be a challenging yet amazing adventure, all facilitated by Nepal Guide Treks. You might need a local hand to navigate a trek in a foreign land. Our team will be that helping hand for you every step of the way.
- Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu [1345m/4411ft] & transfer to Hotel
Meals: BB Plan + Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Place: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,345 Meters
The first day begins with your arrival in Nepal. We will be at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu to receive you. Our personal vehicle will take you to a suitable hotel via our staff. After the check-in, you can take a rest or visit our office for further info about your journey. We will host a dinner program on the day of your arrival. The team will join you and you can have a fun time with all together.
- Day 02: Sightseeing around the world heritage sites of Kathmandu Meals: BB PlanAccommodation: Hotel/ResortPlace: KathmanduAltitude: 1,345 MetersToday, we have a day to visit tourist sites within the valley. Those are mostly the UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will choose 3 to 4 sites that will fit in the day’s timeframe. The journey will be facilitated with our own vehicle services and guides and begin from your hotel and end with a drop off at your hotel.
- Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: BB Plan
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Place: Pokhara
Altitude: 822 Meters
Travel time: 7-8-hour drive
Our destination for today will be the beautiful Pokhara city. We will follow a winding road alongside Nepal’s hills. You will observe several hills, rivers, and hamlets as you ride via Prithvi Highway. After a long day of driving, the city will welcome you with the beautiful Himalayas. You will find several lakes, including the mesmerizing Phewa Lake in the city’s center. We will be staying in one of the hotels on the lakeside.
Several tourist destination that include cultural and natural heritage sites awaits the city. It houses many lakes, caves, temples, stupas, viewtowers, etc. We will visit a handful of these sites in our spare time.
- Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Tikhedhunga
Altitude: 1577 Meters
Travel time: 2.5 hours drive and 3 to 4 hours trek
Today, we will officially begin with our trek. First, we will take a swift drive from Pokhara to reach Nayapul, the starting point of our trek. From Nayapul, we will begin our trek via the sub-tropical trails alongside Modi Khola.
The trail takes you towards Birenthanti which has a checkpoint. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project’s checkpoint is here. Then we continue our trek uphill passing through terraced rice paddy fields towards Tikhedhunga.
Upon arrival, we check into the local tea house or lodge for an overnight stay.
- Day 05: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Ghorepani
Altitude: 2855 Meters
Travel time – 5 to 6 hours trek
We will head to Ghorepani from Tikhedhunga today. The trek consists of a trail that crosses a stream. Then you need to climb some inclined stone staircase that leads to a hamlet called Ulleri at 2070 meters in height, inhabited by the local Magar community.
Then we pass through rhododendrons and oak-filled forests via Nangethanti and then arrive at Ghorepani. Our overnight stay will again be at a local tea house or lodge.
- Day 06: Morning hike to Poonhill [3210m/10528ft] & Trek to Tadapani [2590m/8495ft] [5-6 Hrs Trek]
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Tadapani
Altitude: 2590 Meters (Tadapani) / 3210 meters (Poonhill)
Travel time – 5 to 6 hours trek
Our day today will consist of two major hikes. The first one will be a short sunrise hike towards Poonhill. The early morning hike gives you beautiful views of peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli, etc. Rays of early sunshine hitting these peaks will look ethereal.
The next hike of the day will be continuing our trek to reach Tadapani. The trek will again contain trails with dense rhododendron forests. You will also find several wild animals, birds, waterfalls, and scenic natural entities along the way.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to a local tea house and call it a day.
- Day 07: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong [2340m/7675ft] [5-6 Hrs Trek]
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Chhomrong
Altitude: 2340 Meters
Travel time – 5 to 6 hours trek
Today we will make a downhill hike through the alpine rhododendron and oak filled forest. The trek will be quite easy and we will arrive at our destination of Chhomrong during midday for lunch.
Chhomrong is a hamlet inhabited by the Gurung community. It is one of the highest permanent settlements in the region. You get vast views of mountains like Machhapuchre and Annapurna South from the hamlet.
Our overnight stay will be at a local tea house or lodge in the hamlet.
- Day 08: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Bamboo
Altitude: 2335 Meters
Travel time – 4 to 5 hours trek
Our trek today consists of a lengthy and steep stone staircase that passes through Chhomrung to Kuldi. The trail will again consist of mesmerizing rhododendron forests up to Sinuwa.
From Sinuwa, a short walk will lead us to Bamboo, our point of overnight stay. During our walk today, we will probably get to see Langur monkeys jumping from one tree to another.
- Day 09: Trek from Bamboo to Himalaya Hotel
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Himalayan hotel
Place: Himalayan hotel
Altitude: 2920 meters
Travel time – 5 to 6 hours trek
We are nearing our main destination, ABC, day by day. We will head to the Himalayan hotel, a step ahead of the base camp for today. The trek takes you to a steep downhill route along the riverbank or rocks.
You will then walk through plain trails and again through winding steps through rhododendrons and bamboo forests to the village of Doban. Around 5 to 6 hours of trek will lead us to the Himalayan hotel, our destination for the day.
- Day 10: Trek from Himalaya Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchre Base Camp
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Annapurna Base Camp
Altitude: 4130 Meters
Travel time – hours trek
We will reach our long awaited destination of Annapurna Base Camp today. We will ascend past the river as we leave the Himalayan Hotel. Then we pass through a lateral moraine and pass to the other side down to a glacier.
You will reach up to the bed of the glacier and then finally arrive at Annapurna Base Camp. Our overnight stay will be here today.
- Day 11: Explore a day at Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Annapurna Base Camp
Altitude: 4130 Meters
Today is the day we will extensively explore the ABC area. We rise early to see the breathtaking sunrise vistas. The Himalayan peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III, among others, are seen strikingly under the warm sunrise glow. Undoubtedly, this will be a moment of a lifetime and a blissful feeling. Taking pictures here is a must if you want to preserve the amazing moments from the journey at ABC.
- Day 12: Trek from ABC to Bamboo
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Bamboo
Altitude: 2335 Meters
Travel time – 5 to 6 hours trek
After finishing our exploration at the Annapurna Base Camp, it’s time to begin our descent. We will retrace our steps and head back to Bamboo today. We will pass through the same scenic trail that we used earlier. We will make our way back to Bamboo, taking in the stunning mountain views.
- Day 13: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinudanda (Hot Spring)
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Jhinu Danda
Altitude: 1610 Meters
Travel time – 5 to 6 hours trek
Today we will follow the trails with a mix of ascents and descents. It leads us to Chhomrong, the Gurung hamlet. Then, we will walk through a swift downhill trail to reach the day’s destination at Jhinudanda.
The place is popular for its natural hot spring. People enjoy taking time to immerse themselves in the hot water and get rid of their exhaustion. We will spend quality time at the place and call it a day.
- Day 14: Trek from Jhinudanda to Ghandruk
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge
Place: Ghandruk
Altitude: 1940 Meters
Travel time – 3 to 4 hours trek
We will head towards Ghandruk from Jhinu Danda today. The trail winds through alpine forests. You will reach the destination of the day in 3 to 4 hours.
The Gurung village welcomes you with various tea houses, handicraft centers, a museum, and settlement areas. The village gives beautiful vistas of nearby mountains like the peaks of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, etc.
- Day 15: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
Meals: BB Plan
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Place: Pokhara
Altitude: 820 Meters
Travel time – 3 to 4 hours trek and 1.5-hour drive
Today will be the last day of trekking as we leave Ghandruk and head to Nayapul. It will be a swift, downhill 3 to 4-hour trek to reach Nayapul. Then we drive back to Pokahra to check into our hotel for an overnight stay.
- Day 16: Leisure day at Pokhara
Meals: BB Plan
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Place: Pokhara
Altitude: 822 Meters
Today you get a free day to explore various natural and cultural sites of Pokhara. You will visit places such as Fewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple, Shanti Stupa, Devis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, International Mountain Museum and more. Make great use of the time to explore this beautiful city.
- Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu
Meals: BB Plan + Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Place: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350 Meters
We will depart early from Pokhara after a filling breakfast. We will take the same Prithvi Highway to get back to Kathmandu. This will mark the official end of the trip. In Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and afterward attend a memorable farewell dinner event held by Nepal Guide Treks.
- Day 18: International Departure as per your flight schedule.
Today, you will leave Nepal. We will have our representative drop you off at the Tribhuwan International Airport for your departure. We make sure that you will reach the airport on time. Safe travels!
- Airport Arrival and Departure transfer by private vehicle
- Hotel/Resort Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with BB Plan –as per mentioned in Itinerary
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu including experienced city guide, all entrance fees, and private vehicle
- Teahouse lodges accommodation during trekking
- All meals- B/F, Lunch & Dinner during the trek
- TIMS – Trekkers Information Management System and Annapurna Conservation Area Fee
- All required ground transportation by private vehicle
- Highly experienced trekking guide
- A required number of Porter
- Staffs insurance, salary, and clothing
- General first aid kids
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All applicable tax, Vat, service charge, and paperwork
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Personal nature expenses
- Bar bill and all kind of drinks
- Rescue & Evacuation
- Gratitude (tip) for staff
The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.
Check our assured departure schedules given below:
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Sep, 2026 | 24 Sep, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 13 Sep, 2026 | 30 Sep, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 13 Sep, 2026 | 30 Oct, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 20 Sep, 2026 | 7 Oct, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 29 Sep, 2026 | 16 Oct, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 2 Oct, 2026 | 19 Oct, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 20 Oct, 2026 | 6 Nov, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 29 Oct, 2026 | 15 Nov, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 2 Nov, 2026 | 19 Nov, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 12 Nov, 2026 | 29 Nov, 2026 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 10 Mar, 2027 | 27 Mar, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 17 Mar, 2027 | 3 Apr, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 27 Mar, 2027 | 13 Apr, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 7 Apr, 2027 | 24 Apr, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 12 Apr, 2027 | 29 Apr, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 20 Apr, 2027 | 29 Apr, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 27 Apr, 2027 | 14 May, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 4 May, 2027 | 21 May, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 13 May, 2027 | 30 May, 2027 | USD 1055 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
When is the Best Time for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek?
The seasons of spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November) are the best times to travel in the Nepal Himalayas.
The spring and autumn months offer unobstructed vistas of the nearby mountains. The chances of rainfall and snowfall are also minimized during these seasons. Therefore, the trails become safer. You will be less likely to get into accidents and injuries caused by slippery and icy trails.
At this time of year, the weather is also lovely and temperate. In addition, autumn ushers in Nepal’s festival seasons, including Dashain and Tihar. According to the Nepali calendar, the New Year falls during spring. Thus, it will be a joyful and enjoyable atmosphere altogether, making a vacation to Nepal ideal. Make sure you align your schedule to make your ABC trek during this joyful time!
How Difficult is the Trek?
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is one of the most popular destinations after the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Its difficulty level is moderate. You need not be an athlete to complete this trek. However, being fit, practicing short hikes, and doing some cardio to build stamina are advisable.
People of all ages can partake in this trek if they’re moderately active in their day-to-day lives. However, the cautions of altitude sickness are to be taken care of. The most challenging part of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek is the change in altitude levels. You have to climb uphill in the Himalayas, and that brings risks of altitude-related sickness. Hence, an itinerary with a well-thought-out acclimatization plan and taking a slower pace is necessary.
Our trek itinerary, which is designed to take you to the base camp via Ghorepani, is an ideal one. It allows you to prepare for higher altitude gains and also adapts you to the Himalayas.
Food and Accommodation During the Trek
During your trek, you will have varied options for food and accommodation. However, these options become more limited as you ascend to more remote areas.
Food options will have wider ranges, including staple Nepali cuisines and Western items as well. Drinks like fresh coffee, tea, alcohol, sodas, etc will also be available.
Accommodation along the trail will be tea houses or lodges. They are quaint and cozy but not as luxurious as the hotels in the city.
Altitude Sickness Possibility
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek takes trekkers to high altitudes, which exposes them to altitude sickness. The highest altitude on the trek is reached when arriving at Annapurna Base Camp, which is 4130 meters above sea level. As you ascend the high mountain areas your body experiences altitude related symptoms which include headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue due to the decreasing oxygen levels.
The danger of altitude sickness can be reduced through proper hydration, adequate breaks for acclimatization and avoiding quick ascents. Most trekkers successfully finish the trek with proper preparation and an effective travel plan.
Essential Travel Insurance for the Trek
You need travel insurance for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek as it provides you protection against unpredictable emergencies that can occur in the isolated Himalayan wilderness. A good insurance policy should cover high altitude trekking, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation since rescue operations in the mountains can cost $5,000–$10,000 or more.
The policy must provide protection against altitude sickness, accidents, trip cancellation and lost or damaged belongings. The proper insurance system provides trekkers with instant access to medical treatment and evacuation services which are essential during the high altitude adventures.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Packing Essentials and Ideas
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek requires trekkers to pack their gear properly because this will help them stay comfortable and safe during the entire trek. The essential items for cold mountain weather protection include warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy trekking boots, gloves, a hat, neck gaiters and thermal wear.
The trekker needs to pack a sleeping bag together with trekking poles, sunglasses, water purification tablets, snacks, lip balm, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, basic first aid supplies and personal toiletries. The important items to carry during the trek are headlamps, additional batteries, emergency charging power banks, and a daypack, which will be used for storage purposes.
During the trek, the hikers have to climb high altitudes, so it is important to carry light items that will provide the maximum level of comfort during the walking period.
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek takes anywhere from 7 to 20 days, depending on the starting point, chosen route, acclimatization stops, pace of trekkers, side trips taken and more. Our package includes a trek of 18 days carefully planned to provide a perfect mix of acclimatization, exploration, and enjoyment of the Himalayan scenery.
Prakash Devkota
Meet with Prakash Chandra Devkota, Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Devkota hails from the beautiful hilly region of Gorkha District. He started his career as a guide in 1997 and quickly became a reputed figure in the Tourism Industry because of his extensive experience. He has gathered impressive experience in all Trekking and Climbing Routes, such as Mera, Island, Lobuche, Ama Dablam etc.
His success also lies in his brilliant mind and hospitable nature. He is fully dedicated to providing excellent services and introducing innovative concepts. With more than 15 years of experience in trekking and expedition operations in Nepal, Tibet, India, and Bhutan, he has earned a reputation as a renowned leader in the field. He understands the importance of personalized service for creating memorable experiences for his clients and constantly seeks innovative company operation methods.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices.
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