Annapurna Sanctuary

Our trek begins at the trail-head at Nayapul; we soon ascend through oak-rhododendron forests to Ghorepani. An early morning climb up Poon Hill is rewarded by a dawn panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal ranges and a spectacular view of the elevated country we are venturing into. We continue through a marvelous expanse of oak-rhododendron forests to visit the charming Gurung village of Ghandruk before proceeding up the Modi Khola gorge to the “gates” of the Sanctuary.

Standing at the foot of the Annapurna Himal, the massive 6km / 4mi long wall of Annapurna I rises 4,000m / 13,000′ into the skies, a dominating presence anywhere within the bowl of the Sanctuary. On our return, we retrace our steps down the gorge before taking a detour to enjoy the hot springs at Jhinu. Descending to cross the Modi Khola, we climb to the Gurung settlement of Landruk and finish our trek with beautiful parting vistas of the lofty mountains we have just visited.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1  Arrival and orientation.
Day 2  Morning drive to Pokhara. Afternoon at leisure.
Days 3-4  Drive Pokhara (884m / 2,900′) to Nayapul (900m / 2,950′). Trek to Ghorepani (2,870m / 9,414′; 6 hrs).
Days 5-6  Early morning climb Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,530′) for a dawn panorama of the Central Nepal Himalaya. Trek to Tadapani (2,710m / 8,890′) and Ghandruk (2,150m / 7,050′).
Day 7  Trek to Chhomrong (2,210m / 7,250′).
Days 8-10  Trek up the Modi Khola gorge to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m / 12,140′) with stops at Dobhan (2,500m / 8,200′) and Deurali (3,140m / 10,300′).
Days 11-12  Excursion to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,550′). Retrace steps to Bamboo (2,310m / 7,580′) and continue to Jhinu (1,750m / 5,740′).
Days 13-14  Trek across the Modi Khola gorge to Pothana (1,990m / 6,530′). Finish trek at Phedi (1,130m / 3,710′) and drive to Pokhara.
Day 15  Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 16  Depart for onward destination.