Epic Trek in the High Himalayas

Annapurna Sanctuary

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The mountain-ringed amphitheater aptly named the Annapurna Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular places on earth, with a 360-degree panorama of snow-covered giants including Annapurna I (26,545')—whose name in Nepalese means the Goddess of Abundance—and Machapuchare (22,943'), a sacred peak whose unclimbed twin summit remains forbidden to mountaineers. Our trek into this intensely scenic high-altitude realm brings us the full spectrum of Nepal’s glorious scenery, from dense bamboo jungles, magnificent stands of rhododendrons, and the timeless villages of the Gurung and Tamang clans to the alpine world above treeline, as we enter the sanctuary “gates” to behold this renowned mountain cirque. We have two unforgettable days to explore from our campsite at 13,000 feet in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Kathmandu

Kathmandu has extraordinary Hindu and Buddhist temples, and we explore them as we enjoy this vibrant and ancient city.

Days 3-5
Pokhara / Modi Khola / Ghandrung / Chomro

A scenic flight to Pokhara offers us spectacular panoramas of the Annapurnas. We meet our Sherpa crew and trace a path up the Modi Khola, a river fed by the huge glaciers of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other snowy giants gleam as a surreal, snow-capped backdrop for this brilliantly green landscape. Hiking through bamboo and rhododendron forests at 4,000 feet, we climb gradually to the large, prosperous Gurung village of Ghandrung (6,600'), with its ocher-washed houses and slate-paved courtyards. We climb to a ridgeline on the west bank of the Modi Khola, gaining a spectacular view of the Matterhorn-like spire of Machapuchare. We continue along to Chomro, the last permanent village below the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Days 6-9
Annapurna Sanctuary

Hiking up through lush rhododendron forests festooned with ferns and orchids, we emerge above treeline at the narrowest point in the canyon, Panchenin Barha, the natural “gate” to the Annapurna Sanctuary, with its small trailside shrine. After an overnight at beautiful Machapuchare Base Camp at 12,150 feet, we enter the sanctuary. On Days 7 and 8, we have two full days to hike and feast our eyes upon the full glory of the Annapurna Sanctuary. In this extraordinary mountain cirque ringed by Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna II, Roc Noir, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machapuchare, the views in any direction are indescribably beautiful and ever-changing. The sunset paints the summits pink—and the sight of alpenglow on Machapuchare is amazing. Optional day hikes bring us up onto the lateral moraine of some of the glaciers and towards Advance Base Camp on Annapurna I.

Days 10-13
Modi Khola / Landrung / Pokhara

Beginning our steep descent to the lush forests of the Modi Khola Valley, we take a route that leads us to the village of Landrung (6,380'). Our final campsite has a beautiful view of the entire Annapurna Massif, a fitting conclusion to this classic trek. We overnight on Day 13 in the garden setting of Shangrila Village Resort in Pokhara.

Days 14-16
Kathmandu

A return flight from Pokhara brings us back to Kathmandu. Depart on Day 16.

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Tour Costs $2995 (13-15 members) $3195 (10-12 members) $3495 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $425 **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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