Annapurna Sanctuary Trek - 10 days

The first day of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek begins with an early morning bus drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The journey follows the scenic Prithvi Highway that winds through a series of small countryside towns. There’ll be stops like Malekhu, known for its local river fish, Mugling, a major junction connecting various routes, and Dumre, the gateway to the beautiful hill town of Bandipur. You can have lunch in any of the three.

As you continue along the highway, the landscape changes noticeably. You can see the winding Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, lush jungles, terraced fields, and small settlements. When you start catching glimpses of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, you’ll know you’re near Pokhara. You can have some rest in the lakeside city, then a short 1-hour drive takes you to a charming hillside village, Dhampus. You can climb to the hilltop to enjoy an excellent first glimpse of the towering Fishtail (Machhapuchhare), Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri peaks. You can experience traditional Gurung culture at your overnight stay here.

After having a delicious breakfast in Dhampus, you move towards Landruk. The trek first starts without any complications to reach Pothana. The orchid and rhododendron forests will keep you company along this trail. After reaching Pothana, you must climb steep hills that display clear and distant views of Machhapuchhare. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at the breathtaking hill station of Deurali (3,200m). Catch your breath first, then enjoy the views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), and the entire Modi Khola Valley below.

From Deurali, we must descend considerably through green shrubs, herbs, and orchids. You will also see many common birds like the Himalayan Bulbul and the Yellow-Naped Woodpecker, which make your trek more enjoyable. As you continue downwards for a few hours, you’ll come across Modi Khola Canyon, and shortly after, you’ll arrive at Landruk (1,565m). Here, you can relax in a local teahouse, enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains, and prepare for the next leg of the trek.

Today, you begin with a short descent from Landruk down towards the Modi Khola river. Then, after crossing the suspension bridge, you have to climb relentlessly up a long and steep stone staircase. As you climb, you gain over 800m, but the expansive views of the surrounding mountains make up for it. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Jhinu Danda, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, walk 20 minutes further to reach its famous natural hot springs. You can relax before continuing on your trek.

After that, you’ll follow a trail that ascends until you reach today’s overnight stop in Chhomrong. You need to climb steadily through lush forests. You’ll see more scenic views of the valley and mountains, and then reach a small hill station. The village is a key stop on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking route. It rises to 2,170 m, so you can witness breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare from here. If you get tired or get caught up, you can rest at Sinuwa as a backup.

On the fourth day, you continue to gain elevation as your next destination is the Himalayas (2,890m). It is one of the longer and more challenging days on the Annapurna Sanctuary trail. You will first descend from Chhomrong to reach Sinuwa, following similar stone steps and forested trails. The ascent will begin from Sinuwa. This section is easier to trek through as the path is well-maintained and more gradual compared to previous climbs. Vibrant rhododendron forests make the path more lively in spring. You may spot Himalayan Bulbuls, red-billed choughs, and even langurs leaping through the trees.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hillary Step Treks (@hillarysteptreks)

A few hours later from Sinuwa, you reach Khuldighar, where you start descending briefly. Then the route again continues upward towards the village of Bamboo. This village is nestled in the woods, rhododendrons, and bamboo forests. You can rest a bit here before the final climb of the day leads to the Himalaya. Peaks, including Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, dominate the skyline. Here, you prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp tomorrow.

Today is the highlight and hardest day of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek as you finally reach the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). From the Himalaya village, the trekking trail includes a steady ascent through alpine meadows. There’ll be patches of rhododendron and juniper shrubs along the way as you pass some steep mountain curves until we reach Deurali. It is situated at the top of Modi Khola, serving as a rest stop and a viewpoint to enjoy expansive views of the surrounding peaks.

Then, you trek towards Machhapucchre Base Camp on a steeper and more rugged terrain. You may see rocky ledges and switchbacks occasionally. This section is somewhat tricky, but the view makes everything worth it. At the camp, you get a full view of the Machhapucchre, Gangapurna, Ghandarvachuli, Annapurna III, and Annapurna I.

Leaving this stunning mountain vista behind, you’ll ascend toward Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). This final stretch covers 3km (1.8 miles) and takes 2 hours along the moraine-strewn trails and glacial streams. Upon arrival at ABC, you see 360-degree views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and the sanctuary below. As there are many teahouses and the altitude isn’t that extreme, you’ll spend the night here at the camp, the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

The sixth day of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek begins with a beautiful sunrise in the Basecamp. Wake up early and watch the early light illuminate Annapurna I, Machhapucchre, and Gangapurna up close. After having a light breakfast, you will now start retracing your steps. There’ll be a significant altitude drop (1,820 to 1,830m) as you skip Himalaya and head towards Bamboo. It is still easier than the ascent. However, you should be careful while walking on rocky and sometimes slippery paths.

The Himalaya to Bamboo section is filled with rhododendron forests and remnants of landslide-prone sections from the upper trail. You may spot Himalayan monal pheasants, langurs, and seasonal wildflowers. In Bamboo, you spend the night at a teahouse surrounded by forests. You can interact with local Gurung and Magar communities, who maintain the teahouses and lodges here.

Your return trek begins today, retracing the path through pine, orchid, and rhododendron forests. The forest floor is dotted with seasonal wildflowers, and you may spot Himalayan monals or gray langurs along the way. Then, the trail alternates between moderate descents and short uphill stretches, with glimpses of Machapuchare and Annapurna South. After some hours of walking, you’ll reach Chhomrong. There’ll be better lodging options, bakeries, and more reliable internet access in Chhomrong down the Modi Khola river valley. If you want a longer trek, then you can trek further to Jhinu Danda for an overnight stay. Enjoy its natural hot springs, where you can rejuvenate your body. The village gives you a less commercial feel and a more rustic, quiet mountain village experience.

You will have breakfast in Chhomrong, then start descending the Modi River Valley. The trail follows the same river as it winds through the lush forests. You will travel through terraced fields and vibrant rhododendron forests, where you might spot local wildlife such as Himalayan tahr or langurs. You’ll descend through Jhinu Danda. After a while, you come across green grasslands where many cattle are grazing.

From here, you trek for another 5 hours to reach Ghandruk (1,960m). The path eventually climbs slightly along traditional Gurung houses, stone-paved streets. You can get incredible views of Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Annapurna South and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Gurung community. Explore places like the Old Gurung Museum and the village itself to learn about the way of life.

Today is the final day of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. You begin on a 3-4 hour trek from Ghandruk to Syauli Bazar. The trail is mostly downhill. You’ll go through local settlements where you can observe daily village life and interact with friendly locals. Embrace the last views of the surrounding hills and the mighty Machapuchare (Fishtail). You’ll have lunch in Syauli Bazaar, then hop on a jeep or taxi to return to Pokhara. The journey is mesmerizing as we pass through woods, jungles, and small villages along the way, and we will also stop whenever you can to click some more photos.

After about 2-3 hours of jeep or taxi ride, we will reach Pokhara. If it’s early and you are up for it, you can stroll along the lakeside area for wonderful sunset views. There are plenty of shopping places for souvenirs and handicrafts, and different types of eateries, so keep your wallet with you. You can also let out your inner child and enjoy yourself at the Pokhara Disneyland. There is a good range of carnival fun, like the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and the “Columbus” swinging boat. The atmosphere is lively with bright lights everywhere.

Today is the last day of your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. You will have breakfast in Pokhara and prepare for our return to Kathmandu via bus. The bus rides alongside the Marshyangdi River for a brief time and then merges with the Trishuli River. You’ll pass through rolling hills, terraced fields, and small villages, with the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range still visible on the horizon.

Congratulations, you’ve completed your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. After reaching Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, marking the end of this adventure. We hope to welcome you back again someday!