Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Basanta Adventure will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After completing the check-in process, you can take some time to rest and recover from your journey.

Later on, we will have a short briefing on the hotel amenities, safety, and the neighborhood where you can stroll.

After breakfast, we will have a short briefing about the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. During the meeting, you will meet your trekking guide, who will brief you about the trek route, daily walking schedule, safety guidelines, weather conditions, and necessary preparation tips for the journey.

Then we will head out for Kathmandu sightseeing and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. After sightseeing, you will return to the hotel and meet your trekking team for the final preparations. Your guide will check your trekking equipment, provide important instructions, and make sure everything is ready before entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.

This preparation day helps you begin the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek with confidence while experiencing the cultural beauty of Kathmandu before your Himalayan journey begins.

Your journey toward the Annapurna region officially begins today with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After breakfast, you will leave the capital city and follow the Prithvi Highway, one of Nepal’s most beautiful road journeys.

The approximately 200 km (124 miles) drive takes around 7 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Along the way, you will enjoy views of green hills, terraced farmland, traditional villages, rivers, and glimpses of rural Nepalese life. The route follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys, offering beautiful landscapes throughout the journey.

Pokhara is known as the gateway to the Annapurna region and is one of Nepal’s most relaxing destinations. Surrounded by mountains and famous for the peaceful Phewa Lake, the city provides the perfect atmosphere before starting your trekking adventure.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have time to relax. You can explore the lakeside area, enjoy views of the surrounding hills, or prepare your final trekking gear before heading toward the trailhead.

This comfortable overnight stay in Pokhara helps you recharge before beginning the walking section of your Himalayan trek.

After breakfast, leave Pokhara and drive to Phedi, the starting point of today’s short trek. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes, passing traditional villages, terraced fields, and peaceful mountain surroundings.

From Phedi, your first walking section of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek begins. The trail gradually climbs through stone steps and forested paths toward Dhampus, a beautiful Gurung village located on the foothills of the Annapurna region. Although it is a short trekking day, it provides an excellent introduction to Himalayan walking and allows your body to adjust before reaching higher elevations.

Dhampus is famous for its traditional Gurung culture and spectacular mountain views. From the village, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and surrounding peaks on clear days.

The trail passes through local settlements, farmland, and peaceful countryside, giving you your first opportunity to experience the lifestyle of mountain communities in Nepal. The warm hospitality of local teahouse owners makes the overnight stay even more memorable.

This relaxing first trekking day sets the foundation for the upcoming journey deeper into the Annapurna region toward the base camp.

After breakfast, your Annapurna Base Camp Trek continues through beautiful hillside trails, traditional villages, and peaceful landscapes of the Annapurna region. Today’s route takes you from Dhampus toward Landruk, a charming Gurung settlement located on the southern slopes of the Annapurna mountains.

The trail gradually descends and ascends through forested paths, terraced farmlands, and local villages where you can observe the daily lifestyle of mountain communities. Along the way, you will cross suspension bridges, walk beside rivers, and enjoy changing views of the surrounding hills and Himalayan peaks.

The journey offers a wonderful introduction to the cultural side of trekking in the Annapurna region. The Gurung villages along the route are known for their unique traditions, stone-built houses, and warm hospitality toward trekkers.

As you approach Landruk, the scenery becomes even more impressive, with panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) appearing above the valley. Landruk is a beautiful overnight stop where you can experience authentic village life while enjoying comfortable teahouse accommodation. This section of the trek is not only about reaching the destination but also about enjoying the peaceful mountain environment, local culture, and natural beauty that make the Annapurna region one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the Annapurna region as you continue toward Chhomrong, one of the most important villages on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. Chhomrong is often considered the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary because the trail from here leads directly toward Bamboo, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and finally Annapurna Base Camp.

The day begins with a scenic walk through forests, terraced fields, and traditional settlements. You will cross suspension bridges and follow trails surrounded by lush greenery while enjoying beautiful views of the Annapurna mountain range.

The route includes a mixture of gradual climbs and descents, allowing you to experience the diverse terrain of the Annapurna region. As you gain elevation, the views become more dramatic, with Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli dominating the skyline.

Upon reaching Chhomrong, you will be rewarded with spectacular mountain scenery and the warm hospitality of the local Gurung community. The village offers excellent views and provides essential facilities for trekkers, including comfortable teahouses, restaurants, and small shops.

Chhomrong is an important acclimatization point before entering the higher sections of the ABC Trek. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying the mountain atmosphere, and preparing for the journey toward the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Leaving Chhomrong behind, today’s trail takes you further into the peaceful wilderness of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The journey begins with a steep descent through stone steps toward the Chhomrong Khola before crossing a suspension bridge. From here, the trail climbs gradually through dense forests toward the next section of the route.

The path passes through Lower Sinuwa and Upper Sinuwa before entering the beautiful bamboo and rhododendron forests that are characteristic of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The forested environment provides a refreshing walking experience with the sounds of birds, flowing rivers, and mountain streams surrounding the trail.

Bamboo is a small settlement located beside the Modi Khola valley and serves as an important overnight stop for trekkers heading toward Annapurna Base Camp. The cooler environment and increasing elevation mark the transition from lower mountain landscapes into a more alpine setting.

Today’s trek is moderate, with several uphill and downhill sections requiring steady pacing. Your guide will maintain a comfortable walking speed to support proper acclimatization as you continue gaining altitude.

The evening at Bamboo provides a peaceful mountain experience, surrounded by forest and the natural beauty of the Annapurna region. Rest well as the upcoming days take you closer to the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary.

Today, your journey continues toward higher Himalayan landscapes as you leave Bamboo and head toward Deurali. The trail follows the Modi Khola valley, gradually gaining elevation while passing through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and rugged mountain terrain.

The route climbs through the Himalayas and Hinku Cave before reaching Deurali, the final overnight stop before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary. As you walk higher, the vegetation begins to change, with dense forests gradually giving way to alpine landscapes and impressive mountain surroundings.

One of the highlights of today’s journey is passing through Hinku Cave, a natural rock formation located along the trail. The area provides a dramatic atmosphere with cliffs, rushing rivers, and towering peaks surrounding the valley.

The increasing altitude makes today’s walk more challenging compared to previous days, but the gradual ascent allows trekkers to adjust comfortably. Your guide will monitor your pace and ensure proper rest breaks throughout the journey.

Upon reaching Deurali, you will notice a significant change in the environment. The mountain scenery becomes more open, the air becomes cooler, and the Himalayan peaks appear closer than ever. This peaceful settlement offers incredible views and prepares you for the most exciting section of the trek.

Today is the most exciting and rewarding day of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek as you finally enter the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary. Leaving Deurali behind, the trail gradually climbs through alpine landscapes, rocky terrain, and open mountain valleys toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.

The journey begins with a scenic walk alongside the Modi Khola valley, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with fewer trees and wider views of the snow-covered mountains. After several hours of trekking, you will reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m / 12,139 ft), located beneath the iconic Fishtail Mountain.

From Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the trail continues across alpine meadows and rocky paths toward the ultimate destination—Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,549 ft). Standing inside the natural amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary is an unforgettable experience, surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna.

After reaching base camp, take time to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, capture memorable photographs, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Himalayas. The sunrise and sunset views from Annapurna Base Camp are truly spectacular.

This is the highest point of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and a lifetime highlight for every trekker.

Wake up early at Annapurna Base Camp to enjoy a magnificent Himalayan sunrise before beginning your return journey. After breakfast, you will start descending from the high alpine environment of the Annapurna Sanctuary toward Bamboo.

The return trail follows the same route through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali before continuing downhill through the Modi Khola valley. Although descending is generally easier than climbing, the long distance and steep sections require careful walking, especially on rocky and uneven terrain.

As you lose elevation, the scenery gradually changes from exposed alpine landscapes back into green forests and vegetation. You will pass through beautiful sections of rhododendron and bamboo forests while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Annapurna region.

Today’s trek offers another opportunity to appreciate the landscapes you may have missed while focusing on the challenging ascent. The mountain views remain impressive, and the changing environment highlights the incredible diversity of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route.

After several hours of walking, you will reach Bamboo village, a quiet settlement surrounded by forest. This comfortable stop allows you to rest and recover after experiencing the highest section of the trek.

Today, you will continue descending through the beautiful landscapes of the Annapurna region toward Jhinu Danda, a popular resting point famous for its natural hot springs. The trail passes through dense forests, traditional villages, and scenic mountain pathways.

Leaving Bamboo, you will retrace the route through Sinuwa and Chhomrong. The trail includes a combination of downhill sections and stone staircases, offering beautiful views of surrounding hills, terraced fields, and mountain villages. Chhomrong provides another chance to experience Gurung culture and enjoy views of the Annapurna range.

From Chhomrong, the trail continues toward Jhinu Danda. After reaching the village and settling into your teahouse, you can take a short walk downhill to the natural hot springs located beside the Modi Khola River.

Enjoy the hot springs, the main attraction of Jhinu Danda. The warm mineral-rich water provides the perfect way to relax your tired muscles after several days of trekking. Sitting beside the river while surrounded by Himalayan landscapes creates a memorable ending to the trekking portion of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

This will be the last night with our trekking crew except the trekking Guide; this is the best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s customary), an impromptu little ceremony, and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. Try a local drink called “Rakshi”; please be aware: it does not taste good and is very strong.

O/N at Lodge.

Your final trekking day begins with a scenic walk from Jhinu Danda toward Birethanti, marking the completion of your ABC Trek. The trail gradually descends through beautiful villages, terraced farmland, forests, and riverside landscapes.

As you walk through the lower Annapurna region, you can enjoy a final glimpse of the rural lifestyle that makes trekking in Nepal such a unique experience. The route passes through traditional settlements where locals continue their daily farming and mountain activities.

Upon reaching Birethanti, your trekking journey officially comes to an end. From here, you will take a scenic drive back to Pokhara. The road follows beautiful countryside landscapes, allowing you to relax after completing your Himalayan adventure.

Once in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have time to enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere. You can explore Phewa Lake, visit local cafés, or simply relax and reflect on your unforgettable journey to Annapurna Base Camp.

This day marks the transition from the mountain wilderness back to the comfort of the city while carrying memories of one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking experiences.

After breakfast, you will take a short scenic flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. The 25-minute flight offers beautiful aerial views of Nepal’s landscapes, including green hills, valleys, rivers, and distant Himalayan ranges.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, shopping, or exploring the historic streets of the capital city. Many trekkers enjoy visiting Thamel to purchase souvenirs, local handicrafts, or trekking memories from their Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

You may also explore nearby cultural attractions, cafés, and restaurants before your final departure from Nepal. This relaxing day allows you to recover after the trek while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu.

Your journey through the Annapurna region may be complete, but the memories of walking through mountain villages, standing at Annapurna Base Camp, and experiencing Himalayan hospitality will remain unforgettable.

Your incredible 14-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek officially comes to an end today. After breakfast, a representative from Basanta Adventure will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.

As you leave Nepal, you take home unforgettable memories of the Himalayan mountains, traditional villages, breathtaking landscapes, and the rewarding experience of completing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

From the beautiful trails of the Annapurna region to the peaceful sanctuary surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, this journey offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

Basanta Adventure hopes to welcome you again for another Himalayan adventure in Nepal. Whether it is Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, or another hidden destination, we are always ready to help you discover the incredible mountains of Nepal.

Thank you for choosing Basanta Adventure for your trekking experience, and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.