Annapurna Sanctuary, 11 days trek/4 nights at Kathmandu total 15 days

Level :Moderate (max. altitude 4,050 m)

Best season : March-April and Oct-Nov

For spectacular, almost touching-the-mountain views of some Himalayan giants, this is the shortest trek, and the one with the least altitude sickness concerns. The trip takes you through the heart of Gurung country, where villages are high up the mountains along the trail, the women wear distinctive jewellery with gold discs and beads, and the men were some of the bravest soldiers in World War II. As you enter the amphitheatre that is the 'sanctuary' to reach Annapurna Base Camp (South Face), the scale and icy beauty of the mountains seems to engulf you.

Tentative Program

Day 01     Welcome by our representative from airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02      Free day in Kathmandu, night at hotel.

Day 03     On the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara.Option by flight.Night at hotel.

Day 04      From Pokhara to Suikhet/ Phedi by bus. A set of steps marks the start of the trail that takes you up through and on staircases, stone-paved trails, fields and forests alive with rhododendron, ferns, birds and the occasional orchid, the villages of Dhampus and Tolka, and the steep descent down to the valley of the Modi Khola (river), before arriving at the first Gurung village of Landrung (1,646 m).

Day 05     Again stone staircases lead you to a bridge or up the Modi Valley depending on the state of the trail. Emerald green rice fields, forests, steep ascents and a tantalising glimpse of hot springs bring you to Chomrong (2,050 m). The outline of the famed fish-tail mountain, Macchapucchare, starts to gain definition.

Day 06     This day brings you more of the hallmark of trails in Gurung country - stone staircases, rhododendron, oak, hemlock and lush, wet bamboo forests also replete with mosses, stinging nettles (be careful!), and over 100 varieties of orchid. You will follow this valley, of the Modi Khola (river), for the nest two days. Beyond Dovan (2,604 m), where you will spend the night, animal products such as meat and eggs are traditionally not allowed.

Day 07    Look across the valley to the many plunging waterfalls as you walk through the forest to reach a clearing, Himalaya Hotel, beyond which there is yet another ravine, and more signs of the avalanches that can come crashing down from Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Finally you see the 'gate' to the sanctuary, the gorge between Hiunchuli and Macchapucchare mountains. Cross a log bridge and another stone staircase to reach the area called Macchapucchare Base Camp (3,703 m), though no expeditions are allowed on this sacred mountain. The panoramic view is stupendous, with Macchapucchare, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna all seemingly very close to you.

Day 08     Climb up past streams, huts, and shepherds' dwellings to the crest of the moraine on which is Annapurna Base Camp (4,050 m), from where the view is even more spectacular and all-encompasssing. Again, spend the night at Macchapucchare Base Camp.

Day 09     Descend to the Himalaya Hotel (2,873 m).

Day 10       Descend further to Chomrong (2,050 m).

Day 11     Today we walk down the opposite side of the valley looking down on Landrung. The trail switchbacks down through wheat and potato fields, up through the forest, down through large boulders to reach Ghandrung (1,951 m).

Day 12     Walk down stone staircases, flagstoned trails, along a ridge, and past birch forests and rice terraces to reach Birethanti, where you catch the bus to Pokhara to spend the night by the lake.

Day 13     On the bus to Kathmandu.Option by flight.Night at hotel.

Day 14 .  Free day in Kathmandu for shopping.night at hotel .

Day 15.    Airport transfer or back to home.

Cost on your request

Cost quoted in itineraries includes:

ü        Airport-hotel transfer at arrival and departure

ü        Domestic land and air transport as described in itinerary

ü        Four nights 2 stars accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast Hotel UTSE or similar.

ü        All trekking and conservation area and national park permit fees,

For Camping or Tented Trek

ü        All meals, camping gear (except sleeping bags) such as tents, kitchen equipment etc, salaries and insurance for guides, sherpas, cooks, porters (who will carry 15 kilos of personal belongings  per person) etc during tented treks.

For Tea House or lodge Trek

ü        All lodge accommodation, breakfast, salaries and insurance for guides, sherpas, sardars, porters (who will carry 12 kilos personal belongings  per person) etc during lodge treks. Please note that lunch and dinner are not included in lodge trek costs.

ü        Re-confirmation of flight

Cost quoted does not include:

ü        Your international flight into and out of Nepal

ü        Travel insurance

ü        Domestic and international airport taxes

ü        Lunch, dinner, drinks in Kathmandu (US$6-15 per day)

ü        Lunch, dinner, drinks in lodges on teahouse treks (US$6-15per day)

ü        Tips, souvenirs or other shopping