Overview
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is also known as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which is designed for those trekkers, who want to visit the Annapurna Base Camp in a short duration. Annapurna
(8091m) is the 10th highest mountain in the world and a trip to its base camp is something that you will cherish forever.
The trek offers you close-up and rewarding views of Mt Fishtail, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gandharvachuli, wonderful mountain atmosphere with magnificent views of surrounding peaks, relaxing hot springs, lush-green forests, rivers, villages, farmlands, and beautiful mountain scenarios, fun-loving Gurung mountain village communities, and many more fantastic extension options if you have more time.
Autumn (Sept to Nov) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trek begins in Birethanti (near Pokhara), goes through Ghandruk, Chomrong, Himalaya, Machhapuchre Base Camp, ABC, Bamboo, Landruk, and ends at Dhampus Phedi. A 30-min drive from there brings you to Pokhara.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, meet and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, you have the option to be escorted stroll around Thamel and the local streets of Kathmandu. Welcome dinner in the evening with a typical Nepali cultural program.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Kathmandu by seeing the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swyambhunath Stupa. The palaces of the medieval Kings who governed the Kathmandu Kingdom may be seen in the Kathmandu Durbar Square region.
Swayambhu means “the self-existent” and is known as the Monkey Temple by foreigners due to the enormous number of monkeys that live in this region. Swayambhunath Stupa is supposed to be almost 2,000 years old and represents wisdom. Buddha’s all-seeing might is symbolized by the painted eyes on all four sides. It is a significant Buddhist site that attracts pilgrims from all around the world. You will have a briefing and discussion about your excursion in the afternoon.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu (208km) via the Prithvi Highway, which takes around 6 hours (there is an additional fee to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara). Along the trip, we will stop at gorgeous areas for lunch and to refresh ourselves; en route, we will view more of Nepal’s landscape, which includes greenery, rivers, local communities, farmlands, and stunning mountain scenery. In the evening, you may take a tour around Phewa Lake and the local market in Pokhara.
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
We will depart Pokhara early in the morning for Syaulibazar, where we will drive all the way down the route and continue trekking to Birethanti, which is located on the Modi River’s bank at a height of 1,025 meters. We will ascend to the Syali market by following the river.
Then we’ll walk alongside the Modi River on a twisting route. After a short rise to another New Bridge named Nayapul, we shall ascend to Jhinu Danda. You could even enjoy a plunge in the hot spring depending on the season. Then we’ll make our way to Chomrong for the night.
Overnight in the teahouse, Chomrong.
We’ll go from Chomrong to Dovan in around 6 hours. Our reward for the excursion will be the breathtaking views of Mount Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Huinchuli.
We’ll climb for a few hours to reach the river, then make another difficult ascent to the edge. We will next arrive in Chomrong, a large Gurung hamlet and the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary, following a nice walk.
We’ll next descend to the bridge before making another vertical ascent to Sinawua Danda, which will reward us with a breathtaking vista of the surrounding landscapes and snow-capped peaks.
We’ll go through a wonderful forest of oaks, rhododendrons, and pines from here. In addition, we’ll visit Bamboo, a little town in the heart of a forest with around five lodges. It is bordered bynrhododendron and bamboo plants and runs beside the Modi River. We’ll arrive at Dovan after a gradual rise in the cool shadow of the trees.
Overnight in hotel.
Today is a key day in the voyage. Today will be a six-hour climb to the 4,095-meter-high Annapurna Base Camp. We will begin with a gradual ascent to Hinko Cave, which will only take a few hours.
We’ll descend a slope after leaving the woodland area until we reach a little bridge. Following that, we will ascend a short way to Deurali. We will next travel down the raging Modi River till we reach Machhapuchhre base camp. It is stunningly located on Mt. Machhapuchhre’s northern flank.
From here, you can see Huinchuli, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I. A set like this is often planned to go all night. However, on this day of our 10-day ABC trek, we’ll continue to go gently till we reach Annapurna Base Camp, which should take around 4 hours.
This provides us with amazing views of the adjacent snow-capped mountains, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and others. Don’t miss out on seeing the enormous Annapurna glacier situated below.
Overnight in the Annapurna Base Camp.
After spending the night at Annapurna Base Camp, we will climb to Sinwadanda, which is located at 2,340 meters. We intend to walk for around six hours and will definitely encounter amazing views. We pass through Bamboo, a woodland area rich in rhododendron and bamboo plants.
We’ll make our way down the Modi River’s slope. From Bamboo, we will ascend to the Khuldi post. Following that, we will travel in a zigzag fashion along the border of lovely woodlands until we arrive in Sinwa Danda, where we will spend the night.
On this day, we will depart Sinwa Danda and travel for approximately six hours to Tolka. Tolka is located at a height of 1700 meters.
Initially, we will travel to Chomrong River. Following that, we will confront a steep rise to the upper Chomrong village, where we may have lunch. Then we’ll keep walking till we reach Chomrong’s top.
We’ll go near Nayapul (New Bridge), then cross the suspension bridge and walk over the agricultural terraces. We must rise a little distance from here to reach Landruk, a large village.
We will arrive at Tolka village after a short distance, which provides amazing views of the Huinchuli and Annapurna South peaks.
Overnight in Tolka.
On this day, we will go to Dhampus Phedi, which is 1050 meters above sea level and located ahead of Tolka. We’ll have a magnificent stroll on the way up, which will take us approximately an hour, till we reach Deurali’s edge. Deurali offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and attractive surroundings.
Then, on our way down to Dhampus, we’ll travel through Pothana, which offers stunning views of the Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayan ranges, as well as the towering and well-known Mt. Machhapuchhre.
Then we’ll go through a cool, forested region to reach the Dhampus settlement. The area also offers breathtaking views of the gorgeous range of snow-capped peak mountains.
We will next descend to Phedi, which is accessible by the Baglung, Beni, and Pokhara highways. After an hour of travelling, we’ll return to Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara.
We’ll return to Kathmandu in the early morning. Then we’ll transport you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You may relax at the hotel or go last-minute shopping.
Overnight in hotel.
We only have a handful of itineraries where sleeping bags are required and these are generally trips that involve camping. When we use homestays, blankets are provided but some travellers feel more comfortable with their own sleeping bag or sleep sheet.
Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Royal Himalaya are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
The trek typically takes 7 to 12 days, depending on the route, pace, and acclimatization schedule. The most common route starts from Pokhara, passing through Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching ABC.
The trek is considered moderate in difficulty. There are no technical climbs, but you’ll walk 5–7 hours per day on uphill and downhill terrain. Altitude, uneven trails, and long walking days can be challenging but manageable with basic fitness.
No, prior trekking experience isn’t necessary. However, being in good physical condition helps. Regular walking, hiking, or cardio training before the trek can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
Accommodation is provided in local teahouses along the route. Rooms are simple, clean, and usually twin-sharing. Shared bathrooms are common, and hot showers are available in most villages for a small fee.
Teahouses offer a wide range of meals such as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, pasta, fried rice, soups, and pancakes. Vegetarian options are widely available. Eating local food like Dal Bhat provides good energy for trekking.
While it’s possible to trek independently, hiring a licensed guide and/or porter is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insight. As per new government regulations, trekking without a guide in many regions (including Annapurna) is restricted.
Yes, altitude sickness can occur, especially above 3,000 meters. However, the risk is lower compared to other high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and gradual ascent are key to avoiding altitude-related problems.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Make sure your policy covers high-altitude trekking (up to 4,500 meters), medical treatment, and helicopter evacuation in case of emergencies.
ESSENTIALS
Ensure you have all the essentials to make your trip safe and enjoyable.
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