--- title: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek url: https://creativeadventurenepal.com/trek/annapurna-sanctuary-trek updated: 2026-11-02T06:50:12.653Z --- # Annapurna Sanctuary Trek - Type: Trekking - Region: Annapurna Sanctuary & Circuit, Nepal - Duration: 11 days / 11 nights - Price: From USD 1,160 per person · 1 people: USD 1,380 per person · 2–3 people: USD 1,290 per person · 4–9 people: USD 1,210 per person · 10–50 people: USD 1,160 per person - Maximum altitude: 4,130 m - Difficulty: Moderate - Best months: March, April, May, September, October, November - Group size: 2–15 people - Starts: Kathmandu · Ends: Kathmandu - Accommodation: Tea house and lodge - Meals: Included - Dates: private trip on your own dates — ask for group departures - Book online: https://creativeadventurenepal.com/book/annapurna-sanctuary-trek The Annapurna Sanctuary lies 40 kilometers north of Pokhara in a high glacial basin. This oval-shaped plateau stands at an elevation of approximately 4000 m. The Annapurna range mountain surrounds this beautiful plateau, most of which are above 7000 m. Outsiders did not enter the Sanctuary until 1956 because the sole entry was a tiny valley between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare, where run-off from glaciers drains into the Modi Khola River. The unusual mix of heights and depths on the 5-7 day trip into the Annapurna Sanctuary creates an incredible range of habitats. The south-facing slopes are "covered in lush tropical forests of rhododendron and bamboo." In contrast, the rain-shadowed north-facing slopes have "a drier cooler climate comparable to that of the nearby Tibetan Plateau." Our trek follows the valley of the Marshyangdi river through lush paddy fields, countless little streams, waterfalls, and gorgeous towns until entering the high desert area at Manang, 130 kilometers west of Kathmandu, where we will spend the night (3597 m.). Although the trek gradually gains height, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, we spend a day acclimating before crossing the Thorang-La pass (5416 m.). Before heading down to Muktinath, one of Nepal's holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhist and Hindu people, we ascend early from a high lodge camp to cross the Thorang-La (tremendous high mountain feelings). Trip Duration: 14 Days Trip Grading: Strenuous Max Altitude: 5416 meters Best Time: Mid Feb to May and Oct to mid-Dec. Trip Mode: Lodge & Camping trek. Group Size: Min. 2 / Max.12 + Above ## Highlights - Trekking: 80 km - Stay: 10 nights in tea houses and lodges - Mountains visible: Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli - Altitude gain: 1,760–3,700 m (5,774–12,139 ft) - Destinations: Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, Annapurna Base Camp - Activities: Tea house stays, Sherpa and Himalayan village visits, Sunrise viewpoints, Prayer flags, stupas and monasteries ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu After arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. ### Day 2: Fly to Pokhara (827 m), Trek to Ghandruk (1940 m) 1,940 m We fly early in the morning to Pokhara, a lovely lake city, and have fantastic views of the Himalayas from the right side of the aircraft. When we arrive in Pokhara, we drive to Naya Pul to begin the hike. We trek from Birethanti to Ghandruk, a picturesque hamlet mostly populated by the Gurung ethnic group. ### Day 3: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170 m) 2,170 m We hike for almost an hour to reach Kimrungdanda. Great views of Ganggapurna, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain, and Annapurna South are available. We make a rapid descent to reach the Kimrong Khola. We trek to Chhomrong after a brief descent, following another incline from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda. ### Day 4: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310 m) 2,310 m We cross the bridge over Chhomrong Khola after descending the 2500 stone stairs. It is an uphill journey to Sinuwa from here. Then, after walking downhill to Bamboo, we travel through a lovely forest on the way to Kuldihar. ### Day 5: Bamboo to Deurali (3230 m) 3,230 m We rise slowly after passing through a wet and chilly bamboo jungle. Amazing views of the glacial river will be available to us. Before reaching Hinku Cave, there is a difficult ascent through a forest. The route descends from here toward the river before re-climbing to Deurali. Since there is less greenery, it is possible to see the valley and the river below. ### Day 6: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m) 3,700 m We ascend gradually through a riverbed before ascending steeply to the hill. It's a challenging walk from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. We get spectacular views of the beautiful Machhapuchhre as well as Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, and Gangapurna from Machhapuchhre base camp. On our route to base camp, the foliage fades, and the trail expands as we approach the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get breathtaking views of Annapurna's south face, which is almost vertical and towers above us. We can take magnificent views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and other peaks from the base camp. ### Day 7: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo We go back the way we came from the Annapurna base camp to Bamboo. The route is downhill. ### Day 8: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda : 5 – 6 hours 1,760 m It is an uphill climb from Bamboo to Kuldighar and then a downward stroll to Chhomrong Khola. We then ascend Chhomrong's stone steps. The route then declines to Jhinu Danda, our overnight stop. ### Day 9: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara: 6 hours trek, 1-hour drive From Jhinu Danda, we go to Naya Pul while taking in the distinctive western Nepali landscape. Our 6-hour journey on foot comes to an end in Naya Pul, where we board our car for Pokhara. The trip to Pokhara takes an hour ### Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu We fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will drop you at your hotel. ### Day 11: Final Departure Our representative will drop you off at the airport. ## Cost includes - Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle - Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Licensed trekking guide and porters - Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek - Tea house and lodge accommodation on the trail - Trekking permits and national park fees - Domestic flights or transfers as listed in the itinerary - First-aid kit and 24/7 support from our office ## Cost excludes - Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Extra nights in the city because of early return or flight delays - Hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trail - International flights and visa fees - Travel and rescue insurance - Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and phone calls - Tips for guides, drivers and staff - Meals not mentioned in the program - Any costs caused by weather, strikes or other events beyond our control ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need previous trekking experience? Not for most treks. Good general fitness is enough for routes like Ghorepani Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. Each trip page shows its difficulty and maximum altitude; our team will tell you honestly which trips suit you. ### Which permits do I need, and do you arrange them? Most treks need a national park or conservation area permit, and some regions need a restricted area permit. We arrange the permits listed in each trip’s “Cost includes”. ### What is the best time to trek in Nepal? Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) have the clearest mountain views. Each trip page lists its best months. ### Is travel insurance required? Yes. Your insurance must cover trekking at the trip’s maximum altitude, including helicopter evacuation. ### Can I change the itinerary or book a private trip? Yes. Every trip can be run privately or adjusted to your dates, pace and budget — ask for a quote.