Annapurna Sanctuary

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

This is the most popular trek in Nepal. Among other things, it is distinguished by the diversity of people, rich culture, beautiful landscapes and nature. The path takes you northwest from Pokhara lake, along the ancient road to Tibet, passing glaciers, canyons and turbulent waterfalls. Along the road following a cold glacier river is Tatopani, a hot spring with water that has a temperature of 40 degrees! Swimming in the pools with a view of the Himalayan peaks is spectacular. From the Annapurna base camp, you can enjoy a close up view of the peaks of Annapurna I and Annapurna Machapuchare. Our final goal is the Sanctuary located at 4200m, which is also the maximum height we will reach on this trip.

Local residents appreciated the Annapurna Sanctuary as a spiritual refuge long before trekkers “discovered” it. The natural amphitheater that is surrounded by Annapurna South (7219m) and Annapurna I (8091m), Varashikar (7847m), Gangapurna (7485m) and Machapuchare (6993m), serves as a base camp for expeditions, and is also a favorite destination for mountain lovers. Starting from Pokhara, you will climb to Naudande (1463m) and make a gradual increase in altitude from there to the Annapurna base camp. The Gurung people live in this region, and they will show us their rich cultural heritage through song and dance. As you walk through the authentic villages you will meet wonderful people, get to know their culture and religion (Buddhism) and, at the same time, will be fascinated by the rich vegetation that reaches up to 4000m.

Itinerary

Day 1

KATHMANDU

Meeting in Kathmandu. Sightseeing tour with your guide. Swayambhunath Stupa and Buddhist Monkey Temple. The temple is located on the hill with a beautiful view on Kathmandu Valley landscape. Lunch at the hotel. Trip to Thamel, a modest town which represents an interesting center of the touristic region. Dinner.

Day 2

KATHMANDU - POKHARA

Breakfast. Transfer to the Kathmandu airport. We are going to Pokhara lake by plane. The lake is located at the bottom of the holy Machapuchare peak (the name means “fishtail” – and indeed, it seems like that). A large number of Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan refugee camps are located near.

Arrival in Pokhara, a small town near the lake with the same name. Transfer to hotel & accommodation. City tour in the evening: a walk by the lake, relaxation in an oasis of tranquility, shopping in the authentic ethnic stores… Dinner. The admirers of good music can enjoy the sounds that come from many clubs throughout the city.

Day 3

POKHARA - JHINU DANDA

After breakfast, the bus takes us to Nayapul, where we transfer into 4×4 jeeps, and for the next hour, we drive along the Modi Khola River. In order to not spend our whole day driving, we’ll hike for three hours to Jhinu Danda village (1700m). Accommodation in a lodge. In the afternoon, anyone can swim in the thermal hot springs. Dinner. Overnight stay. Total hiking around three hours.

Day 4

JHINU DANDA - CHOMRONG

After breakfast, hike to Jhinu Danda (1700m) – Chomrong (2170m). After passing through the forests of bamboo and rhododendron, a view of the sacred peak of Machpuchara (6993m) will leave you breathless. Lunch. Afternoon break. Dinner. Overnight stay. Total walking around three to four hours.

Day 5

CHOMRONG – DOBHAN

After breakfast, departure for hiking Chomrong (2170m) – Dobhan (2600m). We descend to a mini hydroelectric power plant and cross the suspension bridge and then start our ascent to the village of Sinuva. After that, the road takes us through dense forests through the village of Bamboo to our lodge in the village of Dobhan. Lunch. Afternoon break. Dinner. Overnight. Total walk about 5 hours.

Day 6

DOBHAN - DEURALI

Breakfast. Hiking trail Dobhan (2600m) – Deurali (3230m). Walking along the Modi Khola River and passing the Hinku Cave. Accommodation in a lodge. Lunch. Dinner. Overnight stay. Total hiking around three hours.

Day 7

DEURALI - ANNAPURNA BC

Breakfast. Departure to Annapurna Base Camp (4200m). Arriving at ABC. Lunch. After lunch tour of Annapurna South Glacier. Dinner. Overnight stay. Total walking around four hours.

Day 8

ANNAPURNA BC - DOBHAN

Breakfast. A tour of the Buddhist sanctuary at the Anapurna Base Camp. A tour of the chortens erected in honor of the injured climbers. Return to Dobhan. Dinner. Overnight stay. Total walking around five hours.

Day 9

DOBHAN - CHOMRONG

After breakfast we’ll start our hike, Dobhan (2600m) – Chomrong (2180m). Descending to Chomrong village, the path we have already walked. Accommodation in a hotel. Lunch. In the evening, the opportunity to participate in a unique ethnic program with the locals. Dinner. Overnight stay. Total walking around four hours.

Day 10

CHOMRONG - POKHARA

Yup, breakfast. Hike to Jhinu Danda (1700m), then after the break, continue our trek to Siwai village. There we’ll wait for a 4×4 Land Rover to take us to Nayapul. Transfer to Pokhara. Accommodation at the hotel. Free afternoon. Dinner. Overnight stay. Total walking around four hours.

Day 11

POKHARA - KATHMANDU

Breakfast again. After, we’ll pack and take a plane to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Lunch by the Trishuli River. Arrival in Kathmandu and settling in our accommodation. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 12

DEPARTURE DAY

Breakfast. Transfer to Kathmandu Airport to catch your flight home.

Dates & Prices

March 31rd, 2023
Spots available: 1 1680 €, Per Person
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F.A.Q.

What’s included in the price?
To maximize convenience, we include as much as possible, so you can just relax and think about hiking. Here’s what’s included:

  • Transfers by minibus from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport
  • Flight tickets & taxes Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu
  • Pokhara – Nayapul – Pokhara minibus
  • Landrover 4×4 transfer Nayapul – Siwai – Nayapul
  • Accommodation at a 3* hotel in Kathmandu on a BB basis in rooms 1/2.
  • Accommodation in a 3* hotel in Pokhara on a BB basis in rooms 1/2.
  • Lodging in lodges in the Himalayas, full board.
  • UIAA trek guide to the program
  • Porters according to the program
  • TIMS permit
  • Annapurna National Park fee
  • Gala dinner at the end of our tour

What does not included in the price?

  • Airline tickets with all taxes to/from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa / $30
  • Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu & Pokhara / up to $10 per meal
  • International Health Insurance
  • Personal expenses while traveling

You’ll need to book your flights to and from Kathmandu, travel insurance and cover other personal expenses (etc. drinks, souvenirs…).

What’s the hike like?
The hike is moderate. Every day hike is around 5-6 hours, with easy pace. You will walk on mountain trail. It is safe and solid. It can be rainy below 3000m above sea level. Above 3000m snow is possible but during pre-monsoon season is very rear. Temperature is always above 0 degrees Celsius.

What’s the city tour like?

All-day city tour is organized with a our guide and transportation. We will see the most important cultural and historical monuments in Kathmandu.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?

You need moderate level fitness level. The previous hiking experience at altitudes up to 4000 above sea level is not mandatory. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start.

What do I need to bring with me?

  • Backpack (up to 40l)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking trousers
  • Gore-Tex jacket (or anything waterproof)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Socks (thermal + cotton)
  • Cotton shirts
  • Base layer shirt and thermal long underwear pants (active underwear)
  • Woolen cap (or polar)
  • Hat (sun protection)
  • Polar jacket
  • Gloves
  • Towel and toiletries kit
  • Sunglasses
  • Head lamp
  • Water Bottle 1L
  • Medicines and vitamins
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) + lip cream
  • Raincoat
  • Trekking poles

What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and licensed UIAA guide.

What’s the food like?
All food is local and is freshly cooked, hearty mountain meals. These include domestic cheese and other local milk products, dry meat specialties and vegetable. We can organize your meal in the way you like. The drinks are not included.

Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know when you fill in your travel documents.

When can I go on this trip?
Book on to our pre-set dates above. If you are considering alternative dates, the perfect time for this adventure is between March and May  , and also between September and November.

What’s the weather like?
Spring and early autumn are the best periods to visit this region. In spring the average temperature in Kathmandu & Pokhara can be around is 25 degrees, but on the mountain is colder and temperature is between 0 and 15 degrees Celsius. Autumn is slightly chillier but still really pleasant and the colors are stunning. At the Annapurna BC, there can be some snow parts.

Which flights should I book?
You should book flights to Kathmandu airport (Nepal capital).

How do I meet the transfer?
At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before traveling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 15. Please note, if there are not 6 people booked the trip may be rearranged or canceled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Can I customize the trip?
Of course! For private groups of six or more, the trip can run on any days you wish, be extended or changed to suit your needs. Enquire now for a private trip.

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TRAVEL IMPRESSIONS

“I have visited a lot of exciting places around the world and have been to over 30 countries, so my first journey to the Himalayas, Nepal, with the EST team was more of a challenge and a test of my physical abilities, than a tourist visit to new places. That challenge soon turned into an incredible adventure in which in addition to learning about the fantastic culture, I met local people from whom I learned to believe that goodness, virtue and a warm welcome offered to all the people regardless of where they come from are not merely words and forgotten qualities. Was I satisfied? Suffice it to say that in less than 6 months I found myself climbing in the Himalayas again with EST team, and that the second time the journey was even better!”

Ana N.