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Annapurna Sanctuary / Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary/Base camp trek is a hike into the dazzling natural amphitheatre formed by the staggeringly beautiful peaks of the giants Annapurna 1, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and the fishtail peak of Machapuchare. Although there is only one entrance to the sanctuary itself, we follow lesser-used approach and exit routes.

The vast amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary is encircled by the famous Himalayan peaks – the 'fishtail' spire of Machapuchare (6997m), Gangapurna (7454m) Annapurna 1 (8091m), unclimbed Fang (7647m) and Annapurna South (7273m). The only approach follows the Modi Khola Valley through forests of Oak, Rhododendron and Bamboo, passing through and beyond Gurung villages to a world of soaring peaks.

The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes us pass 3 8000m giants . We start our trek ) with a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. We walk to a village by the Modi River, Birethanti(1000m). Walking through oak forest we cross several side valleys, which run into the Modi Khola, and climb a stone 'staircase' to the Gurung village of Chomrong (2060m). Trekking past Hinku cave, we reach what is known as the 'gate' into the Sanctuary – a pass between the spectacular peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare.

Sunrise Over Mount Fishtail, Machhapuchhere Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The glaciated and snow covered peaks of the Sanctuary form a spectacular barrier. Dazzling views confront us as we trek up through the last permanent settlements to the Machapuchare Base Camp (3729m) where we are rewarded with superb views of 'Fishtail' mountain. While here we will also visit the Annapurna South Base camp.

 

Day to Day Itinerary (16 days)

Day 1: KATHMANDU Arrive and transfer to hotel. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your Trek Leader and the other members of the tour.
Day 2: KATHMANDU Morning walking tour of the market area of Ason, Durbar Square and Swayambunath Temple.
Day 3: BIRETHANTI (1,000m) Fly from Kathmandu and drive from Pokhara to the starting point of Nayapul. A short walk pleasant riverside village of Birethanti, at the edge of the Annapurna trekking region.
Day 4: BANTHANTI (2,300m) Our first day on the trail, we trek through oak and rhododendron forests and follow the Bhurungdi Khola (river) to Banthanti.
Day 5: GHOREPANI (2,850m) We continue along the Bhurungdi Khola and ascend Ulleri Hill, eventually arriving at Ghorepani where there are perfect views of the Annapurna range.
Day 6: POON HILL - TADAPANI Rise early to climb up Poon Hill to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Himalaya. From west to east you can see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurnas and Machapuchare - breathtaking! We then continue to Tadapani, trekking through open grassland and deep forests. On the way there are excellent views of Annapurna South and the Manaslu range.
Day 7: CHOMRONG (2,000m) Today, we have a steep descent through rhododendron forest to the valley bottom, with fabulous mountain views. Later the path climbs steeply again before we arrive at the lively trekking hub of Chomrong.
Day 8: DOBAN (2,500m) Our trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chomrong Khola before climbing through deep rhododendron and bamboo forests to Doban.
Day 9: MACHAPUCHARE BASE CAMP (3,600m) The goal today is to pass through the gates of the sanctuary. We trek up the muddy surface of the Modi Khola, then along a rocky trail to Hinku cave.
From here we climb towards the base camp of Machapuchare. There are stupendous views of the Hiunchuli, Annapurna I & III, Gangapurna and Machapuchare, the 'fish tail' mountain peak.
Day 10: ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4,100m) We continue our exploration of the sanctuary and ascend to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 11: BAMBOO (2,500m) Retracing our steps we return along the only route to Bamboo.
Day 12: JHINU (1,750m) Descend to Chomrong, continue to Jhinu hot spring where we can enjoy a hot spring bath and soothe our trekking muscles!
Day 13: POTANA (1,600m) Our last full day trekking, we follow the route to the village of Pothana.
Day 14: PHEDI - POKHARA A short morning trek to pick up our vehicle for the journey to Pokhara.
Rest of the day at leisure in this beautiful lakeside city.
Day 15: KATHMANDU Fly to Kathmandu.
Day 16: KATHMANDU Tour ends. International Departure

Fact Finder

Duration: 16 days
Trip Details:
  • Experienced Nepalese guides & Leader
  • Free welcome dinner with cultural show
  • Porters to carry personal gear
  • Safe trekking due to low altitude
  • 3 nights in Kathmandu
  • Safe food handling and hygiene on trek
Activities: Cultural, Touring, Walking, Trekking
Grade: Trip Grade: Moderate
Mode of Travel: Aeroplanes& Private coach
Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver
Accommodation: 4 nights boutique hotels, 11 nights teahouse lodges during trek
Trip Dates:
  • 20th September – 05 October 2008
  • 4th October - 19th October 2008
  • 18th October - 2nd November 2008
  • 1st November - 16th November 2008
  • 15th November - 30th November 2008
  • 29th November - 14th December 2008
  • 13th December - 28th December 2008
  • 20th December - 4th January 2009
  • 14th February – 1st March 2009
  • 28 th February - 15th March 2009
  • 14th March - 29th March 2009
  • 28th March - 12th April 2009
  • 11th April - 26th April 2009
  • 25 th April – 9 th May 2009
  • 19th September – 04th October 2009
  • 3rd October - 18th October 2009
  • 17th October – 1st November 2009
  • 31st October - 15th November 2009
  • 14th November - 29th November 2009
  • 28th November - 13th December 2009
  • 12th December - 27th December 2009
  • 19th December – 3rd January 2010
 
Land Costs:
Local Payment
USD $500
USD $280
(Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients )

Inclusions

Included:
Arrival Transfer Airport transfer to hotel day 1. 3 Star Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara. Fully Escorted By Responsible Adventures trek leader, services of porters, food for porters & crew members,insurance for crew and porters that includes helicopter evacuation when necessary and medical treatment, local representatives & guides Transport by flight to and from Pokhara bus to and from trek start and end points, domestic airport tax. Entrance Fees Parks fees and trekking permit included. Other entrance fees included. Allow US$280 LOCAL PAYMENT (compulsory) payable to your tour leader on arrival.

Not Included:
Insurance, all meals except welcome dinner, expenses of personal nature e.g. alcohol, laundry, crew tips, International airport tax.

Booking Conditions Risk Assumption Form Online Booking

Trip Name

Duration Grade

Annapurna Circuit Trek

23 Days Trip Grade: Challenging

Annapurna Sanctuary/Base Camp Trek

16 Days Trip Grade: Moderate

Annapurna Trek

16 Days Trip Grade: Moderate

Best of Nepal(Annapurna & Everest Combination)

26 Days Trip Grade: Moderate

Everest Base Camp Trek

17 Days Trip Grade: Challenging

Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek

23 Days Trip Grade: Challenging

Special Everest Trek

15 Days Trip Grade: Moderate

Langtang Valley Trek

15 Days Trip Grade: Challenging

Taste of Nepal (Tour of Nepal)

15 Days Trip Grade: Easy