Annapurna Sanctuary

15 Days - from $1706

One of the very best alpine treks to Annapurna Base Camp, the 'Sanctuary of the Gods'

The Annapurna Himal is a vast massif with several peaks above 7000m. Part of the range forms a natural amphitheatre known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by such giants as Annapurna 1, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and Machhapuchhare. We trek through forested hillsides to Ghorepani where we ascend Poon Hill for a magnificent panoramic sunrise of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri. Entering a narrow valley we pass directly below Machhapuchhare before reaching the Sanctuary, a veritable home of the Gods. We have a day to explore this magnificent place before returning to Pokhara via a different route. This is a fairly strenuous alpine trek offering close-up mountain views equal to any in the Himalaya.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Kathmandu. 2 Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. 3 Drive to Pokhara and on to Birethanthi. 4-5 Ascend through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani. 6 Sunrise ascent of Poon Hill for views of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare and Dhaulagiri. 7-9 Approach the Sanctuary along the valley of the Modi Khola. 10 Explore the high alpine wilderness of the Sanctuary. 11-13 Return to Pokhara, following the Modi Khola 14 Take the spectacular flight to Kathmandu. 15 End Kathmandu.

Mode of travel: 10 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4095m, average 2440m.
Group size: Min. 5, max. 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 3 nights hotels, 11 nights lodges.
Food: Breakfast included in Kathmandu.
Trip Reference: TNS
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.