The Annapurna Sanctuary / Base camp trek is a hike into the dazzling natural amphitheater 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.

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		Activities
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 to Pokhara and drive the 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 Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 16	-	KATHMANDU Tour ends. International Departure

Duration	-	16 day
Trip Details:	-	Experienced Nepalese guides & Leader 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
Trip Grade	-	Challenging
Mode of Travel	-	Private coach, Domestic airfare.
Group & Staff	-	Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver.
Accommodation	-	4 nights boutique hotels, 11 nights teahouse lodges during trek
Land Costs	-	US$1600
Trip Dates	-	Trip date for 2009	Trip date for 2010
		21st February - 8th March 2009	20th February - 7th March 2010
		7th March – 22nd March 2009	6th March – 21st March 2010
		21st March – 5th April 2009	20th March – 4th April 2010
		4th April - 19th April 2009	3rd April - 18th April 2010
		18th April – 3rd May 2009	18th April – 2nd May 2010
		2nd May – 17th May 2009	1st May – 16th May 2010
		26th September - 11th October 2009	25th September - 10th October 2010
		10th October - 25th October 2009	9th October - 24th October 2010
		24th October - 8th November 2009	23rd October - 7th November 2010
		7th November – 22nd November 2009	6th November – 21st November 2010
		21st November - 6th December 2009	20th November - 5th December 2010
		5th December - 20th December 2009	4th December - 19th December 2010
		19th December – 3rd January 2010	18th December – 2nd January 2011

Note: -Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients.

Boutique Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara on full board basis,twin sharing, all transfers, Responsible Adventures' Expert Trek leader, Complimentary T-Shirt, Complimentary trek kit bag, guides, porters, good clothing for porters and crew, food for porters & crew members,insurance for crew and porters that includes helicopter evacuation when necessary and medical treatment, all permits, twin sharing room on trek, all meals on trek(best trekking meals in the whole of the Himalaya), domestic airfare.

International airport taxes, visas, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips(suggested amount; US$50 per week for staff only), Leader's tipping up to your discretion and items of a personal nature e.g alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenir etc.

Trip Name	Duration	Trip Grade
Annapurna Circuit Trekking	23 Days	Challenging
Mini Annapurna Circuit Trekking	17 Days	Challenging
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking	16 Days	Challenging
Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking	16 Days	Challenging
Annapurna Trekking	16 Days	Challenging
Best of Nepal Trekking	27 Days	Moderate
Everest Base Camp Trekking	17 Days	Challenging
Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lake Trekking	23 Days	Challenging
Everest Trekking	15 Days	Moderate
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trekking	15 Days	Moderate/ Strenuous
Instant Everest Trek to Namche	08 Days	Moderate
Langtang Valley Trekking	15 Days	Moderate
Upper Dolpo Trekking	25 Days	Challenging