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Are you planning to spend your vacation in Nepal? Do you want to explore the amazing Annapurna sanctuary during your Nepal tour? Are you curious to know every detail about Annapurna Sanctuary trekking? If yes, you are at the right place. Read this article Annapurna sanctuary and learn about the trek difficulty, major highlights of the trek along with the equipment you need to carry during trekking.
Located in Annapurna Conservation Area, Annapurna Sanctuary is a challenging and rewarding trek in Nepal. This trek offers you an amazing opportunity to witness the stunning views of the peaks located in the Annapurna Mountain range. You also get to explore and experience the amazing blend of natural and cultural beauty along with diverse landscapes and varied flora and fauna of the region.
Known for its wonderful beauty and pristine nature, Annapurna Sanctuary is indeed a nature lovers’ dream destination. The amazing Annapurna trekking trail is adorned with ancient jungles, lush meadows, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Trekking to Annapurna Sanctuary is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines adventure, nature, and culture, making it a must-do trek for the nature lovers.
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Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking Highlights
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Annapurna Sanctuary is a hidden gem of the Himalayas. The spectacular trekking trip to the Annapurna Mountain greets you with many enchanting villages of Gurung and Magar people, allowing you to experience their fascinating lifestyle firsthand. Here are some amazing highlights of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek:
Stunning views of the Annapurna Range: The trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range, including peaks like Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Diverse landscapes and ecosystems: The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, from lush subtropical forests to alpine meadows and high-altitude deserts.
Rich cultural experiences: Along the way, you will pass through several traditional villages and meet people from different ethnic groups, including Gurung, Magar, and Thakali.
Hot springs: After a long day of trekking, you can relax in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda and Tatopani.
Annapurna Base Camp: The highlight of the trek is reaching the Annapurna Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
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Annapurna Sanctuary Sample Trek Itinerary
The trekking itinerary to Annapurna Sanctuary depends upon how many days you want to spend on the Annapurna region. However, a sample 12-day Annapurna Sanctuary trekking itinerary can be:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
On the first day, you will arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Your trekking operator’s representative than pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara-Drive to Nayapul-Trek to Tikhedhunga
The second day is going to be your busy day. Not only you are taking a flight to Pokhara but also driving to Naya Pul and then hiking for 3-4 hours until you reach Thikhedhunga.
Day 3: Trek to Ghorepani
Your Annapurna sanctuary trekking journey has already begun. On your third day you are hiking for around 6-7 hours to reach your destination for the day, Ghorepani. You walk across rhododendron forests, small suspension bridges, and beautiful waterfalls enjoying the view of the beautiful Machhapuchre. Your destination at an altitude of 2780 meters welcomes you with mesmerizing views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Day 4: Ghorepani to Poonhill-Trek to Tadapani
Poonhill, one of the best viewpoints of Nepal is known for its amazing sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Thus you begin your 1-and-a-half hour-steep hike early in the morning and then after enjoying the views at Poonhill. You will hike back down to Gorepani for breakfast. After a fulfilling meal, your trek to Tadapani begins. Enjoying the awe-inspiring beauty of Nilgiri, Machapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna, lush green forests and small streams you reach Tadapani which is located at an elevation of 2590 meters.
Day 5: Trek to Chhomrong
The trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong is a beautiful and scenic route that takes you through dense rhododendron forests, charming mountain villages, and steep stone steps. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna range and get a glimpse into the local way of life. The trek is relatively short, but it can be challenging, especially on the descent to Chhomrong, which involves steep and rocky steps.
Day 6: Trek To Bamboo
On your 6th day, you descend down to Chromrong Khola and then ascend up passing through rhododendron and bamboo forests. The Bamboo village is located at an altitude of 2540 meters.
Day 7: Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp
You are now very close to your dream destination Annapurna Sanctury and the journey is going to be more joyful. After 7-8 hours of the strenuous hike walking past the heights of Heuinchuli and Machhapuchre, you now reach Machhapuchre base camp. The final stop before reaching Annapurna Sanctuary, where you can enjoy breathtaking glimpses of Mount Machhapunchre and surrounding peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
Day 8: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp, Descend to the Himalayas
The final challenging and rewarding 8-9 hours hike takes you to the Annapurna Base Camp from Machhapuchre base camp.
Day 9: Trek back to Chhmorong
On the 9th day of your Annapurna sanctuary trek, you will descend all the way back to Chhmorong.
Day 10: Trek to Nayapul-Drive back to Pokhara
Witnessing the amazing views of the journey, you now travel back to Nayapul from Chhmorong and then drive back to Pokhara. If you have enough days to spare, you can stay at Pokhara and enjoy sightseeing or get involved in other adventurous journeys like bungee jumping, rock climbing, cycling, and more.
Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu
In case you have short of time, you either fly or drive back to Kathmandu. You are then transferred to your hotel room and the rest of the day is yours. You can spend the day sightseeing or resting.
Day 12: Departure
It’s time you fly back to your country or city from Kathmandu airport.
Annapurna Sanctuary-Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Trek is considered a moderate to strenuous trek, depending on your level of fitness and experience. It involves several days of hiking through rugged terrain, including steep ascents and descents, and the altitude can also pose a challenge for some trekkers.
To prepare for this trek, it is recommended that you have a good level of physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance and strength training for your legs. Altitude sickness can also be a concern, so it is important to acclimatize properly and follow the guidance of your guide.
Best Time to Travel Annapurna Sanctuary
It is important to check the weather forecasts before planning to trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The freezing temperatures might not be suitable for everyone and thus you need to be very specific about when to travel.
Among the different trekking seasons in Nepal, autumn (September to November) and spring (March-May) are considered ideal for Annapurna trekking. During these times the sky is almost clear and the trails are covered with beautiful flowers and greenery all around. Even though the trails can be somewhat busy, the weather is mild providing you the clear views of the Himalayas.
Physical Fitness Required to Travel Annapurna Sanctuary
Annapurna Sanctuary trekking requires you to have a moderate level of fitness. The elevation of Annapurna Base Camp takes you to an altitude of 4130 meters. Thus your body should be prepared in a way to withstand the unpredictable weather along with the continuous traveling for days.
If you are a beginner, you should first evaluate your body strength and figure out if this trek is right for you or not. We suggest you concentrate on exercises like squats, deadlifts, crunches, back exercises, and more 3-4 weeks before your journey.
Additionally, practice climbing exercises with the right boots and backpacks with minimal weights. Cardiovascular exercises like cycling, swimming, hiking, etc. are considered great as the trekking to Annapurna sanctuary is full of ascends and descends. On the other hand, regular stretching and yoga are helpful to enhance the flexibility of your body.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Cost
The cost of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in Nepal can vary depending on several factors such as the duration of the trek, the level of service and accommodation required, and the time of year you plan to trek.
On average, the cost of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek can range from USD 800 to USD 1500 per person for a 10 to 14-day trek. This cost generally includes permits, transportation, food, accommodation, and guide and porter fees.
If you choose a more luxurious option, the cost can increase to USD 2000 to USD 2500 per person, and if you decide to go on a budget-friendly trek, the cost can be around USD 500 to USD 700 per person.
It is important to note that these are just approximate figures, and the final cost will depend on several factors, including your personal preferences and the tour operator you choose.
Equipment to Carry During Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
Trekking to higher altitudes requires enough care about your packing list just as much as your physical well-being. You should be aware of the packing list based on the season you are trekking. Similarly, unnecessary packing of gears makes your bags weigh heavy causing trouble during the entire journey. Therefore, you should be very particular about what you should avoid and what you should not miss. Here’s a list of essential packing list for Annapurna trek:
- One great pair of hiking boots is a not-miss gear when you are on the Annapurna trekking journey.
- A comfortable and warm sleeping bag is another mandatory item that you should not forget to pack. Even though you are on teahouses, a good sleeping bag won’t harm you and help you in case of an emergency.
- Waterproof and windproof jackets to protect yourself from the harsh weather.
- Trekking poles to reduce the strain that falls on your leg.
- Sun hats and scarfs
- Suncream/ sunglasses/body wipes
- Winter gloves/socks and extra pair of shoes
- First aid kits/ essential toiletries etc.
FAQs of Annapurna Sanctuary
The difficulty level on Annapurna Sanctuary trek depends upon your fitness level and trek itinerary. However, Annapurna Sanctuary trekking is considered as moderate difficulty level.
Also known as Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Sanctuary is located in the north-central part of Nepal at the foot of mountain Annapurna. This trek is one of the most loved treks in the Annapurna Mountain range and attracts thousands of trekkers across the globe.
Yes, these two terms the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna base camp are often used to denote the same place.
The length of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek depends upon the starting and ending point chosen by the trekkers. However, this trek takes around 10-14 days to complete. The 34-mile-long trek takes you to an elevation of 13549 feet.