The Annapurna Sanctuary - 16 Days
This is highly praised and spectacular trekking route which leads to the
base camp of annapurna south. The route provides an interesting contrast
from lowland to the outstanding high mountains with breathtaking view of
the Annapurna range. Though this trek I not a very difficult one, it
involves several ascents and descents. The fantastic panoramic view of
Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail and other Himalayan range is unmatchable
and unforgettable.
Itineary Details
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,200m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel evening culture program
with dinner and overnight hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Fly or drive to pokhara by tourist bus
driving for 7hrs. Lunch will be provided at a restaurant along the way.
Overnight at Pokhara hotel.
Day 03: Pokhara to Dhampus
After having breakfast in the morning, drive up to Phedi about half and
hour. Trek uphill from Phedi to Dhampus along the stone paved lanes
through the small forest of oak, cherry-boom etc looking like a
manicured park from its use as pasture. The area is inhabited by
Brahmans, Chhetris and a few Gurungs. Reaching at Dhampus village, one
can enjoy the panoramic view of western Himalayas such as Annapurna
south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Holy mount Machhapuchhare (69920m)
Annapurna range and Lamjung Himal. The views improve as you ascend along
the ridge.
Day 04: Dhampus to Landruk (1,646m) 5 hours walk
After breakfast in the morning around 7:30 AM., the trail goes a climb to
Pothana at 1900m. through rhododendron and orchid hung forest. The view
of Mt. Machhapuchhare is excellent from Pothana - from this angle the
mountain looks more like the Matterhorn than a fish tail. After Pothana
about two hours ascent will bring you to a small pass at 2150m where
there are views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. After the pass, a
steep decent starts and follows through forests alive with birds, ferns
and orchid and brings you into a huge side canyon of the Modi khola,
where a small village called Beri Kharka is situated. Descend to the
head of the canyon and cross a stream at 1790m. Finally, we will arrive
at Landruk at 1646m which lies on the east canyon wall above the Modi
river. From the picturesque village of Landruk, the views of
Machhapuchhare (6920m), Annapurna south (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m)
are magnificent.
Da -05: Landruk to Jhinu Danda (1,951m) 4½ hours walk
Trek along the village passing alongside rice terraces, then through
forests, and gradually descend to Kimru river, crossing the Kimru river
bridge and then continued to ascend to Jhinu Danda village through a
sparse forest.
Day-06: Jhinu Danda to Chhomrung (1,951m) 3 hours walk
After having breakfast, the trail goes steep ascent up to Chhomrung
village. The trail joins the main route from Ghandruk so the trail
becomes wider. This Gurung village has evolved in to three distinct
parts: upper, lower and middle spread out over 200m of elevation
difference. Many of the lodges are excellent with slate patios, colorful
flower gardens, private rooms and dining rooms with picture windows
overlooking spectacular closer views of the mountains we have already
become familiar with. Hot solar showers are available.
Day 07: Chhomrung to Doban (2500m) 5 hours walk
From Chhomrung village, descend to Chhomrung River and ascend to Sinuwa
village. Pass through thick forest festooned with orchids and ferns on
the western bank of Modi river to Khuldi. Descend a long, steep,
slippery stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests.
After Bamboo the trail climbs gradually to Doban, overnight. In early
autumn and late spring this part of the trail is crawling with leeches.
Day 08: Doban to Deorali (3,048m) 4 hours walk
After breakfast in the morning, we have a steady ascent of about three
hours from Doban takes us to Deorali. The bushy forest is home to troops
of langur monkeys and it is likely you will have repeated close up views
of these playful primates. Once we reach Deorali, the forest disappears
and the valley opens up and becomes very picturesque. Now we are the
foot of the Modi Himal and Machhapuchhare peak.
Day 09: Deorali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,900m) 3 hrs
After breakfast in the morning, we have gradually ascend to
Machhapuchhare Base Camp crossing avalanche paths. The mountain views
are stupendous; the panorama includes Hiunchuli, Annapurna South,
Annapurna I, Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and
Machhapuchhare. We are now at an elevation where altitude problem can
occur and because it is another 430m ascent to Annapurna base camp, we
will overnight here for acclimatization.
Day 10: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (4,000m) 1½ hours walk
It is a pleasant walk up to ABC, following a stream and past a few huts
alongside a moraine. Shepherds stay here during the warm season and
graze large flocks of sheep on the grassy slopes nearby. There are
tremendous views of the near vertical south face of Annapurna towering
above the sanctuary to the north-west. Mornings are usually clear, but
clouds often obscure the peaks by noon, then clear in the late
afternoon. The morning alpen-glow in this icy cirque is amazing at
sunrise. There are several 'trekking peaks' in this area including
Tent Peak (5663m), Fluted Peak (6501m), and Hiunchuli. They offer
commanding 360 degree views of the sanctuary. All three of these peaks
present significant mountaineering challenges and are available as
separate expeditions to this area.
Day 11: ABC to Himalayan Hotel
Before breakfast go out to see sun rising on the high mountains and for a
few hours explore the area. After breakfast, trek steeply down to
Himalayan Hotel.
Day 12: Himalayan hotel to Chhomrung 5 hours walk
Day 13: Chhomrung to Ghandruk (1,970m) 4½ hours walk
Day 14: Ghandruk to Pokhara
From Ghandrung all the way down hill through idyllic villages and
terraced hillsides to Syauli Bazaar. It takes approximately two hours.
Along the way you can see more good views Annapurna South and
Machhapuchhare. From Syauli Bazaar, the trails follow the Modi River
till Nayapul. Our lunch spot in Birethanti. After lunch you have a short
trek of about 20 minutes to Nayapul, catch our vehicle and drive to
Pokhara. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called "Magic Land" or
Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place like a
boating in Phewa Lake, and exploring David Falls, Mahendra Cave, various
Temples. You are free to shop for souvenirs or rest in the afternoon.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 15: Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist coach (7 hours) arriving by 3:00pm. Transfer to hotel.
Day 16: Process for the depature |