Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Trek begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal (KTM). A Mountain Gurus representative will transfer you to our hotel in the bustling tourist district of Thamel. Our trek begins here, in Nepal’s vibrant capital city, surrounded by shops selling Nepali handicrafts, restaurants and ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples. In the late afternoon we gather for a trek orientation and welcome dinner.

Accommodations: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner (D)

We transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for our morning flight to Pokhara. The views from the airplane are nothing less than remarkable, providing amazing scenes of the terraced Nepalese hillside as well as the Annapurna and Dhalagiri mountain ranges. Once in Pokhara we drive to the village of Nayapool and trek steep stairs to the village of Ulleri. (B, L, D)

The trek continues through Rhododendron forest, passing numerous villages along the way to Ghorepani meaning “Horse Water“. (B, L, D)

Today we rise early to climb Poon Hill, this outlook is considered one of the best viewpoints in all of Nepal. We’ll watch the magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal. After brunch we cross Deurali Pass (10,137 ft) and trek through tropical forest to Tadapani meaning “Far Water“. (B, L, D)

Today we descend through a jungle-like forest where the tree branches are draped with hanging mosses and the air is filled with the scent of flowering trees. Eventually we emerge past a woodcutter’s saw-station and onto terraced fields on the side of a deep valley. From here we follow the valley down past cowsheds and small houses, stopping to watch local farmers working on the terraces. At the river we cross a bridge, before climbing up to the other side of the valley. Here we round the shoulder of the hill and join the much larger Modi Khola Valley. It’s only a short distance along the valley before we get to Chhomrong. The village of Chhomrong is relatively large and spread out along a steep stone staircase down the side of the valley. Chhomrong is the last major inhabited settlement we encounter before returning from basecamp. (B, L, D)

Following a well-worn trail, we rejoin the Modi Khola Valley. The route travels through rhododendron forest gently climbing uphill and past bamboo forests populated with monkeys. We eventually reach a divide in the trail and bear right to the lodges of Bamboo near the river and take a much welcomed break. Leaving the river, we again walk though wet rhododendron forest and begin climbing to the lodges at Dobhan. After some more steep sections of trail we arrive at the Himalaya Hotel. (B, L, D)

Much of the day is spent enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds us. The huge south face of Annapurna I (8,091m) provides an impressive backdrop, while the closeness of 10 peaks over 6,000m, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre, is simply awe inspiring. Sunrise is particularly special as the rising sun slowly illuminates the snow-capped Peaks. Walking through the sanctuary, the views are spectacular as you feel almost completely surrounded by the nearby mountains. The silence is crushing and only occasionally broken by the distant roar of avalanches. (B, L, D)

Leaving the towering peaks behind, we make our descent back down the valley and through the rhododendron and bamboo forests again reaching Himalaya. We soon reach Dobhan where we stay the night. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we continue back along the Modi Khola Valley, leaving the bamboo and rhododendron jungle towards Chhomrong. From here it’s a short walk to Jhinnudanda, and descent towards Landruk. (B, L, D)

This morning we trek to the roadside village of Phedi and return to Pokhara. After lunch we can explore the local shops and bazaars, visit the lakeshore of the Phewa Tal and gaze towards the remarkable peaks of the Annapurna Range. (B, L)

Today is an extra contingency day if needed for acclimatization, weather or delay.
If we arrive early in Pokhara, we can enjoy the day exploring the city. (B)

After saying farewell to our staff we depart to Kathmandu on an early morning flight. The rest of the day remains flexible depending on the desires of the group. There are many opportunities to tour Kathmandu’s world heritage sites. Pashupatinath Temple one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal and the Buddhist temples of Boudhanath are recommended. Some in the group may simply want to relax and shop in Thamel. (B)

Transport to Tribhuvan International Airport for flights home. (B)

Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Price

$3,995

Tent Peak Climb: $1,995

Rates are quoted based on double/twin sharing hotel accommodations while in Kathmandu, Pokhara and lodges during the trek. Single room fees apply. An American co-guide is based on 4 or more trekkers.

Deposit and Payments

• $700.00 deposit includes a $500.00 non-refundable registration fee, due with application.
• Balance due 120 days prior to start date.
• The balance can be paid by check, wire transfer, or by credit card with a surcharge of 3.0%

Price Includes

• Round-trip flight to Pokhara
• Annapurna NP fees
• Scheduled land transportation in Nepal
• Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Lodges during the trek
• Scheduled meals during the trek
• Professional mountain guide in addition to a local trekking guide
• Scheduled porter service based on the itinerary
• Luggage transport (limited to 15kg / 33lbs)
• All group equipment for the trek (including emergency oxygen)

Program Location:
Begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal

Visa/Entry Information:
Passport must have six months or more validity remaining at the time of entry. American citizens may obtain a visa prior to travel or upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. 30 day multiple-entry visa ($40), or 90 day multiple-entry visa ($100)

Health & Immunizations:
Immunizations are not required for entry into Nepal

Flight Travel Information:
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Nepal

International Departures:
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in the countries destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.

Meals and Food:
All meals are provided as per meal schedule. See itinerary.

Gear:
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your program will be sent to you in the pre-departure packet upon reservation. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.