Annapurna Sanctuary trek, Nepal
| country: | Nepal |
| location: | Annapurna, Annapurna Sanctuary |
| trip type: | High altitude, moderate trekking holidays |
| departures: | Tailormade departures from late August to May |
| price: | From £497 (14 days) excluding flights, for a group of 2 travellers. Price includes all meals & accommodation, permit fee, guide charge, domestic flights, transportation & airport transfers |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
The Annapurna region in Central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking with over 3,000 visitors.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) with the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation have declared this region an area of conservation and sustainable development.
Stretched over 2600 sq. km., the area boasts a huge variety of cultures, tribes and castes including Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and the Tibetans.
This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus and the towering Annapurna Mountains. This area has the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, lying some 6900 metres/22,563 ft. below some of the world's largest and most beautiful mountains as the Annapurna I (world's 8th highest) & Fishtail (one of the most beautiful). Animals and birds are in abundance in this region. 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, langur and the elusive snow leopard live in this area.
This trek takes you to the Annapurna base camp area (4200m) walking along all the beautiful mountain villages on the Annapurna trail.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) with the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation have declared this region an area of conservation and sustainable development.
Stretched over 2600 sq. km., the area boasts a huge variety of cultures, tribes and castes including Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and the Tibetans.
This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus and the towering Annapurna Mountains. This area has the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, lying some 6900 metres/22,563 ft. below some of the world's largest and most beautiful mountains as the Annapurna I (world's 8th highest) & Fishtail (one of the most beautiful). Animals and birds are in abundance in this region. 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, langur and the elusive snow leopard live in this area.
This trek takes you to the Annapurna base camp area (4200m) walking along all the beautiful mountain villages on the Annapurna trail.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrival in Kathmandu. |
| Day 2: | Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. |
| Day 3: | Early morning flight to Pokhara. Drive Pokhara - Nayapul. Trek Nayapul - Ghandrung. Ghandrung is the largest Gurung village in Nepal where the male members of the local community have sacrificed their lives to serve for the Gurkha Armies and security forces around the world. The afternoon is free for rest or optional activities such as a visit to the Annapurna Conservation Museum and a tea break at the home of a renowned Gurkha soldier who may show you his Victoria Cross won during the first or second world war. In the evening the local Gurung women will join the campers for a village get together to show their talents in singing and dancing. Guests are welcome to join in. A contribution to the dancing group may be necessary. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Ghandrung. |
| Day 4: | Trek to Chhomrong (1,950m), the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The magnificent views of the Annapurna Range are closest from here than anywhere on this trail. The route takes us via hot springs, where guests are at liberty to take a much desired hot bath, in their quest for good health! Dinner and overnight at the Lodge in Chomrong. |
| Day 5: | Trek to Himalayan Hotel (2,873m). |
| Day 6: | Trek to Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Base Camp (3700 m). If it has snowed recently, part of the route will be quite difficult, though the use of crampons is not necessary & a stick should suffice. |
| Day 7: | Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4200 m). To enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the Sanctuary one has to go to the Annapurna Base Camp which is only two hours away. |
| Day 8: | Backtrack to Himalaya Hotel. 6 hrs. |
| Day 9: | Back track to Chhomrrong (2170m). 5 hrs. |
| Day 10: | Trek to Ghandrung (1920m). This area is offers some of the finest trekking in Nepal. The Anapurna range and Machapuchhere dominate the mountain views through glimpses further East to Lamjung Himal and Manaslu Range are also possible. |
| Day 11: | Trek to Pokhara. 4 hours trek + 1 hour drive. Overnight hotel. |
| Day 12: | Free day in Pokhara. Overnight hotel. |
| Day 13: | Morning flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight . |
| Day 14: | Kathmandu. Free till departure to airport |
travellers' tales
Trekking up the hills of the Annupurna region was the most memorable part. (more)
travelling with a local operator
This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. They will be able to tailor make your holiday to suit your requirements not only concerning the dates of travel but also typically the standard of accommodation, and thus price. It is rare for local operators to be able to help with the booking of your flights.how this holiday makes a difference
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Travel in remote areas of Nepal provides direct employment and economic returns to guides, porters, small family run lodges and small enterprises. Priority is given to local level community based initiatives. A focus on ensuring spread of income amongst the different players means that the company never integrates vertically. It instead develops partnerships with the stakeholders leading to mutually rewarding relationships.
A zero litter policy in travel is encouraged, increasingly diminishing the amount of waste in the fragile environment. All trips also focus on conservation of the rich cultural heritage of the region. Being a local company means that most of the tourism dollar also goes into the country where the money is needed the most. 10% of our profits support development projects in rural areas and 10% goes towards employee welfare. The company follows a value based decision making system tuning all business actions towards values related to respect, continued excellence in delivery, importance of conservation, corporate social responsibility etc. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |