Arrive in Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be collected by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Our friendly staff is on hand to provide any advice or assistance you need. Time to explore your surroundings and generally settle in.

Drive to Pokhara, then Naya Pul, trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m)

An early start to get you into Pokhara (approx 5-6 hrs), and then onto the start of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek at Naya Pul in a reasonable time. The road drive to Pokhara will give you a good insight into the life of what is Nepal’s main highway between the two largest cities/towns. Beyond Pokhara, it is a further 90 min drive to Naya Pul. The trek starts here. The first 30 – 40 mins of trekking are on a 4×4 track but once you’re through Birethani, and across the Modi Khola (river), it reduces to a footpath. A couple of hours should see you to your first night stop and life in the hills with Breakfast and Dinner Service.

Trek Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani (2900m)

This is most definitely an uphill day. There is a baptism of fire as you quickly come across the ascent to Ulleri. There are over 3000 stone steps along this twisting path that takes you forever upwards! Once at the top, there are great views of some of the Annapurna giants, such as Annapurna South (7219m). The path continues into the Rhododendron forest and eventually reaches Ghorepani. This is the largest village in the area and where a good number of trekking routes meet. It is also the gateway to Poon Hill. 5 – 6 hrs with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Service.

Ghorepani – Tadapani (2600m)

Today begins with a pre-dawn start to get you up to Poon Hill (3200m) for the sunrise. It takes a steady 45 mins to reach the top. Poon Hill is a fabulous photographic hot spot as both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are in full view. Then it is back down to the tea house for breakfast before heading off for Tadapani. It’s a good 1 hr of ascending out of Ghorepani (great views looking backward over Ghorepani) before then enjoying a long descent through the thick forest. There is a steep gully to negotiate just before Tadapani. 4 – 5 hrs with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Service.

Tadapani – Chomrung (2170m)

You leave Tadapani on a steep descent through the forest to a suspension bridge to cross the Kyumnu river. Once across, it is a general ascent, but not all steep, until you reach the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Whilst the Annapurna Sanctuary itself is cited to be the plateau where the Annapurna Base Camp is located, there is only one way into it. And it begins at Chomrung. At 2170m, Chomrung occupies a commanding position above the Modi Khola, a river that runs right up the gully towards the Annapurna Base Camp. 4 – 5 hrs with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Service.

Chomrung – Bamboo (2310m) – Duerali (3200m) – Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)

When you trek out of Chomrung, you begin what is effectively 3 days of ascending, until you reach the Annapurna Base Camp. There are a number of combinations of villages that you can stay en route to as you ascend up through the gully but ultimately you will end up in the Annapurna Base Camp on the 3rd night of ascent. The gully is long and can be quite demanding at times. It is also quite deep and remains out of the sunshine for much of the day. You will pass Machapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3720m) about 2 hrs prior to reaching ABC. At this point, you will have entered the Annapurna Sanctuary. This huge oval-shaped plateau lies at around 4000m and is surrounded by huge peaks, many of which are over 7000m. It is effectively a massive amphitheater of snow and ice. MBC is a good fallback location should you experience altitude issues at the higher Annapurna Base Camp (4130m). The Sanctuary has much to enjoy as the sunrise at ABC is quite special. ABC is a lovely place to stay and allows you to take in your beautiful surroundings for so much longer. High recommended with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Service.

ABC – Doban – Jinhu

Be sure to get up to see the sunrise hit the mountain tops all around the Sanctuary. It will be cold first thing so wrap up warm, it’ll be worth it. There are numerous places around where you can choose to sit and watch it. Enjoy your breakfast before you begin the descent initially to Doban (overnight) and then all the way down to Chomrung (exiting the Annapurna Sanctuary) and onwards to Jinhu. The descent is so much faster of course and after the higher altitude, it will feel much warmer. There are natural hot springs close to Jinhu, which you can enjoy after a good day’s trekking with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Service.

Jinhu – Pothana

Once you leave Jinhu, it won’t be long before you cross the Modi Khola again, and for the last time. Following the river, with some ascending, you will reach Landruk. From here, there is a fair bit of contouring, before an ascent up onto the ridge line that eventually leads to Pothana. Whilst this is the general target village, there are a number of others that you can use if you need to stop short. 6 hrs with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Service.

Pothana – Phedi, transfer to Pokhara

The final day of this Annapurna Sanctuary trek is mainly descending. The route will take you through Damphus and finally to the small roadside village of Phedi. Your transport will be waiting to transfer you to Pokhara. The transfer will take about 45 mins. It’s time to relax, throw off those trekking clothes, have a good shower in our 4* hotel, and generally unwind, perhaps by the inviting pool. Pokhara is a lovable relaxed town, located on the banks of Lake Phewa. The adventure opportunities here are numerous from paragliders and microlites, to a slow boat on the lake to strolling along the shops. The center of town is just a few minutes away (literally) so you can stroll and eat/drink at leisure within easy walking distance of your home with Breakfast Service.

Pokhara, free day

Breakfast Service.

Pokhara – Kathmandu

After breakfast, we transfer you to the local airport for your domestic flight back to Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free with Breakfast Service.

Depart Nepal