Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Arrival Kathmandu (1,400 m) & Transfer to hotel

Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Sanctuary Trek journey starts today. After you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will meet you outside the arrival gate. You will then take a short drive to your hotel in Kathmandu. The drive takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

After reaching the hotel, you can rest and refresh. You are free in the evening to walk around Thamel, buy last-minute trekking gear, or try some Nepali food.

Accomodation: Hotel in Kathmandu Duration: 20-30 minutes drive from airport to hotel Distance: Approx. 5-7 km drive

Pre-Trip Meeting & Sightseeing Around Kathmandu Valley (1,400 m)

In the morning, you will attend a pre-trip meeting with your trekking guide. During this briefing, your guide will check your trekking gear, explain the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek route, and review important details like permits, safety, altitude, and daily walking schedule for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

After the meeting, you will start a guided sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley. You will visit some of the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) , and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you return to your hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Pokhara.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 3-4 hours sightseeing + short briefing Meal: Breakfast Distance: Approx. 15 km total city drive during sightseeing

Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Pokhara (820 m)

Today, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the beautiful city of lakes and the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. After breakfast, you will catch a tourist bus and follow the scenic Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River. The drive offers views of terraced fields, green hills, local villages, and distant mountain peaks.

Pokhara welcomes you with stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range. In the evening, you can relax around Phewa Lake, explore Lakeside, or prepare for the next day’s trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 7-8 hours drive by tourist bus Meal: Breakfast Ascent: Approx. 250 m Descent: Approx. 550 m Distance: Approx. 200 km by road

Drive from Pokhara (820 m) to Nayapul & Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,130 m)

Your trekking adventure officially begins today. After an early breakfast in Pokhara, you will drive to Nayapul, the starting point of the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The drive offers beautiful views of rural farmland, rivers, and mountain scenery.

From Nayapul, you begin a gentle trek following the Modi Khola river. You will pass through charming villages like Birethanti and Hille, walking on stone-paved trails, suspension bridges, and terraced fields. The trail is easy to moderate today, making it a perfect warm-up day before the bigger ascents ahead.

Tikhedhunga (1,130 m) is a peaceful small village, ideal for resting overnight before the famous uphill climb to Ulleri the next morning.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 1.5 hours drive & 3-4 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 300 m Descent: Approx. 80 m Distance: Approx. 42 km drive & 7 km trek

Trek from trek from Tikhedhunga (1,130 m) to Ghorepani (2,840m)

Today is one of the most challenging but rewarding days of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. After breakfast, you begin a steep ascent toward Ulleri, climbing more than 3,000 stone steps. This section is tough but offers beautiful views of terraced farmland and the surrounding hills.

After Ulleri (2,050 m), the trail becomes more gradual. You will walk through dense rhododendron and oak forests, home to various birds and peaceful natural surroundings. During spring, the whole forest glows with blooming rhododendrons—one of the highlights of this trek.

As you approach Ghorepani, the weather cools and the mountain views open up. Ghorepani (2,840 m) is a beautiful Magar village famous for its panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You will rest here for the night and prepare for the early morning hike to Poon Hill the next day (if included).

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 1,300 m Descent: Approx. 80 m Distance: Approx. 12 km

Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for Sunrise & Trek to Tadapani (2,630 m)

Your day begins early, around 4:30-5:00 AM, with a 1-hour uphill hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of the most famous viewpoints of the Annapurna region. From the top, you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. This is one of the major highlights of both the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

After enjoying the panoramic views and taking photos, you walk back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then, the trek continues through dense rhododendron forests, scenic ridges, and peaceful woodland until reaching Deurali Pass. From here the trail descends through lush forests and small streams before reaching Tadapani (2,630 m), a beautiful place surrounded by forests and offering close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna ranges.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 1 hour hike to Poon Hill + 5-6 hours trek to Tadapani Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 500 m (to Poon Hill) Descent: Approx. 900 m Distance: Approx. 10 km

Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,340 m)

This day’s trek begins with a steep descent from Chhomrong (2,170 m) via long stone steps down to the Chhomrong River. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail climbs steadily through dense forests of bamboo, oak, and rhododendron, passing small settlements and teahouses along the way.

The path gradually ascends toward Sinuwa, offering beautiful views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range. From Upper Sinuwa, the trail enters thick forest and continues with gentle ups and downs until reaching Bamboo (2,340 m), a peaceful stop surrounded by bamboo forests and a cooler atmosphere.

This section of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is known for lush greenery, waterfalls, and occasional sightings of wildlife like langur monkeys.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 610 m Descent: Approx. 440 m Distance: Approx. 10 km

Trek from Bamboo (2,340 m) to Deurali (3,230 m)

Today’s trek is more challenging as the trail gradually ascends through dense rhododendron and oak forests, passing Sinuwa Village and small streams along the way. The path offers stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri as you climb higher into the Annapurna Sanctuary region.

After a steady climb, you will reach Deurali (3,230 m), which is a beautiful stopover surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine terrain. The area is quiet and serene, giving trekkers a preview of the high Himalayan landscape before reaching the Annapurna Base Camp. This section of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is perfect for photography and enjoying the pristine Himalayan environment.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-5 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 890 m Descent: Approx. 120 m Distance: Approx. 9 km drive

Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,720 m) & Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)

Today is one of the most exciting and rewarding days of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You will start early from Deurali (3,230 m) and ascend steadily towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,720 m), enjoying close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna along the way.

After a short rest at Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the trail continues to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), located in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Here, you are surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks in every direction, creating a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. Spend time exploring, taking photos, and soaking in the incredible scenery.

Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp is in a teahouse or tented lodge, giving you a chance to rest and enjoy the serenity of the high Himalayas.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-5 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 815 m Descent: Approx. 30 m Distance: Approx. 7 km

Morning Sunrise View at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) & Trek Back to Bamboo (2,340 m)

Start your day early with a sunrise view at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). The morning light illuminates the surrounding Himalayan peaks including Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna, creating a spectacular and unforgettable panorama.

After enjoying the sunrise and taking photos, you begin your descent back toward Bamboo (2,340 m). The trail passes through Deurali, Sinuwa, and dense forests, offering scenic views along the way. Today’s trek involves descending through forests and small settlements, providing a relaxing end to the high-altitude experience.

Reach Bamboo in the afternoon, check into your guesthouse, and rest after a long but rewarding trek.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6-7 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 50 m Descent: Approx. 1,705 m Distance: Approx. 15 km

Trek from Bamboo (2,340 m) to Jhinu (1,565 m) for Natural Hot Spring

After breakfast, you begin your descent from Bamboo (2,340 m) toward Jhinu Danda (1,565 m). Today’s trek takes you through lush forests, waterfalls, and terraced farmland, offering a peaceful walk and plenty of photo opportunities.

Jhinu is famous for its natural hot spring, where you can relax your tired muscles in warm water while enjoying the surrounding forest and river. This is one of the highlights of the trek as it combines trekking with rejuvenation.

You will stay overnight in a guesthouse near the hot spring. This day is easier compared to the high-altitude trekking days, allowing your body to recover before the final descent to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 200 m Descent: Approx. 975 m Distance: Approx. 12 km

Trek from Jhinu (1,565 m) to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara (820 m)

On the final trekking day, you will take a 3-4 hour walk from Jhinu to Nayapul, passing through small villages, rivers, and terraced fields. The trail today is mostly downhill, making it a relaxing end to your trek.

From Nayapul, you will take a private vehicle or bus back to Pokhara, the beautiful city by Phewa Lake. On arrival, you can relax at your hotel, stroll around Lakeside, enjoy local cafes, and celebrate the completion of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek / Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

This day allows trekkers to reflect on the incredible Himalayan journey and enjoy the peaceful drive back to the city.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 3-4 hours trek & 1-1.5 hours drive Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: Approx. 100 m Descent: Approx. 1,245 m Distance: Approx. 10 km trek & 40 km drive to Pokhara

Drive from Pokhara (820 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m) by Luxury Tourist Bus

After breakfast, you will board a luxury tourist bus for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes approximately 7-8 hours along the Prithvi Highway, offering stunning views of the Trishuli River, terraced fields, rural villages, and the Himalayan foothills.

This is a comfortable and relaxing day after the trek, giving you time to reflect on your journey through the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay or prepare for departure.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 7-8 hours drive Meal: Breakfast, & Lunch Distance: Approx. 200 km by road

Final Departure - Private Transfer to Airport

On your final day in Nepal, after breakfast, the NHAC team will provide a private vehicle transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. This marks the end of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek journey.

Our team will ensure you reach the airport safely and on time for your flight. Take with you the memories of the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and the Himalayan landscapes you explored during the trek.

We hope to see you again in Nepal for more adventure and trekking experiences.

Duration: 20-30 minutes drive from hotel to airport Meal: Breakfast Distance: Approx. 6 km private vehicle transfer