Overview
The mountain-ringed amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary is one of the most dramatic settings in the Himalaya, presenting a 360-degree panorama of snow-covered peaks including Annapurna I (26,545') and the sacred “fishtail” spire of Machapuchare (22,943'). Our stunning trek brings you through a dazzling range of landscapes, from terraced rice fields to the bamboo groves and rhododendron forests of Gurung country and right to Annapurna Base Camp, set in a spectacular glacial world of towering peaks. Once inside this breathtaking sanctuary, a special Exploration Day brings you up to high ridges for ever-expanding views that are simply out of this world. Along the way, you’ll stay at rustic, yet comfortable, mountain lodges situated in picturesque villages that offer amazing panoramas of the mighty Annapurnas. Please note that you will be sharing a room and/or bathroom during some nights on the trek.
The trip was a wonderful adventure and we will remember it forever.
— Jon S., Orlando, FL
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-5
Kathmandu / Pokhara / Annapurna Foothills
Discover Kathmandu’s extraordinary Hindu and Buddhist temples and bustling bazaars, then head to the Pokhara Valley. From here, your trek along picturesque trails and hand-built stone staircases brings you up through the Modi Khola Valley to the handsome Gurung village of Ghandruk, with its ochre-washed houses and slate-paved courtyards. Ghandruk is home to generations of Gurung men who have served in Britain’s legendary Gurkha regiments, and in the lanes of this lovely village you’ll have a chance to meet artisans and learn about their fascinating culture. Continuing higher, you’ll arrive at Chomrong, the last permanent village below the Sanctuary. Throughout your trek, stay in locally-owned lodges that offer insights into this enchanting world.
Days 6-9
Annapurna Sanctuary
Emerging above treeline, enter the Sanctuary through a natural “gate” made by the lower ramparts of Machapuchare and Hiunchuli. From the lodge near Machapuchare Base Camp (12,150'), you’ll have an incredible view of the peak, often bathed in alpenglow long after dusk. Hiking higher into the Sanctuary itself to Annapurna Base Camp (13,760'), you’ll savor an Exploration Day in this extraordinary cirque ringed by some of the world’s highest mountains, including the stupendous South Face of Annapurna I.
Days 10-16
Pokhara / Kathmandu
Enjoy panoramas of the entire Annapurna Massif as you descend to the Pokhara Valley by a different trek route. Celebrate your incredible journey over lunch at the lovely Shangri La Village Resort, and relax in the landscaped gardens or take a dip in the swimming pool. In the afternoon, visit Pokhara's bustling lakeside bazaar or row a boat on the lake. Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning where you have an entire day to explore the city's medieval alleyways, temples, and shrines, and depart on Day 16.
Annapurna Sanctuary Private Journey
