Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (16 Days)AttractionsOverviewWhy we love itItineraryDates & PricesWhat’s includedImportant notesAttractionsIt takes you to the ethnic Gurung Magar village, forest filled with different flora and fauna.Panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.Best trekking option to explore the mid hills of Nepal.Pleasant trek, passing through the valley, villages, different tropical forest, high lands and the breathtaking view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.OVERVIEWThe Classic RouteStarting in the lowlands and ascending to the height of Annapurna base camp the trail passes villages and tropical forest. At every point of the journey there are breathtaking views. You trek from Pokhara to Poon Hill (3210m). Here you will be treated to magnificent and clear views of Himalayas. The trail then moves onwards toward the Annapurna region and yet more exciting adventures. This sanctuary trek is popular for its green forest and rhododendron thickets of Jhinu Dada. There are natural hot springs where you may take a dip?This 16 days itinerary is developed for the trekkers with good health and normal trekking experience. This is a classic trek for those who are eager, adventurous and also keen to explore the mountainous region of Annapurna. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us. Why we love it ?Guest HouseMountain viewCampingHikingDiningItinerary Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 4,264 ft (1,300 m)Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Apoorva tours. We will take you to your hotel and guide you through the check-in procedure so you can rest and relax at the hotel. After a short rest, we take you on a brief tour of the Thamel District which is the most popular area for tourists in Kathmandu. Here you can find all the services you require including restaurants, supermarkets ATM machines and money exchange facilities. In addition if you have forgotten anything you may need during your stay, now is the time to buy it!Once back at your overnight hotel we will give you a briefing about your forthcoming adventure. In the event that you arrive late at Kathmandu we will carry out the briefing on the following morning. You will be meeting your team on the same day.ACCOMMODATION 3 starLUNCH NoHOURS 3SIGNAL Yes ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 02: The Sights of Kathmandu. 4 hours walking.Visting the places around Kathamndu like Religious Pashupatinath, Bouddha, SwayambhunathAfter breakfast you will be given a fascinating sightseeing tour where you will see many sites of interest, for example:The Boudhanath Stupa – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the holiest Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside Tibet. It is over 328ft (100m) diameter and wall-to-wall length is about the size of football pitch. Boudhanath is among the largest Stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. The Stupa has 4 eyes which represent the all-seeing ability of the Buddha; they face four prime directions constantly looking out for virtuous behaviour and human success. The Stupa’s nose symbolizes Nirvana.The Pashupatinath Temple – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an Elegant and highly decorative Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple sits on the banks of Bagmati River and is noteworthy for its pagoda style of architecture and its gilded roof. The rafters feature members of Shiva’s family and its silver plated entrance doors are bordered by statues of deities. Entrance is restricted to Hindus but its exterior is remarkable and well worth the visit. Outside you will see many holy men (Sadhus), and the river banks are a popular place for Hindu cremations. It is one of the most important Temples for Hindu devotees worldwide. During February or March, the day of Maha Shivaratri (an annual festival dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva) is celebrated here.The Swayambhunath – is an ancient religious site; it is an important Temple for Buddhists and Hindus and is home to many shrines. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises and may date back to 460 A.D. It is often simply referred to as the Monkey Temple as it is home to colonies of monkeys, and also perhaps because Swayambhunath is difficult to pronounce?Overnight stay in your HotelACCOMMODATION 3 starLUNCH NoHOURS 5SIGNAL YesOvernight stay in your Hotel ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 03: Drive/Fly to Pokhara 2,690 ft (900m) then Nayapool and Tikhedhunga 9,380ft (2,860m).Flight Duration: 30 minutes. Driving Duration: 1.5 hours. Walking Duration: 3 hours.After breakfast we will drive to the airport for our flight to the resort town of. From Pokhara we will drive for about 1/12 hrs to Nayapul where we will meet our porters who will look after our packs during the trekWe now commence our trek as we follow the trail which follows the glacier fed Modi Khola river. The scenery is magnificent as we make our way to Tikhedhunga for our overnight at a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 04: Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani - 9,430ft (2874m). 5 hours walking.At first we make a steep climb to the village of Ulleri (6,627ft/ 2020m). We will now be better able to appreciate the wonderful views of Annapurna South with its snow-capped beauty. This area is notable as a major recruiting area for the famous Gorkha Regiment.This part of the trek is noteworthy for its paved rock stepsAfter lunch the trail passes through rhododendron forests as it continues uphill to Ghorepani where we will be staying tonight. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 05: Ghorepani to Poon hill and trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani 2,710m/8,891ft, 5-6hrsToday we will make an early start and set of before breakfast for a sunrise view from Poon Hill which is one of the most stunning views in the Himalayas. From here you can see more than 30 mountains of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges including 3 mountains above 26247ft (8,000m). The route to the summit passes through some Gurung and Magar villages and Rhododendron forests. From our mountain top vantage point we will be in a wonderful position to view the beautiful sunriseOnce we have taken full advantage of our mountain top experience we will head off back to the Lodge for breakfast. We will then set off on our trek to Tadapani. Initially we have a steep climb before we descend through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali. The trail now continues downwards along a narrow path to Banthanti.The next section meanders gently uphill through a forest before descending to cross a river. From the opposite bank we have a climb up to our destination today which is Tadapani.We will stay overnight here in a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 06: Tadapani – Chhomrong 2,340m/ 7,700ft. 5 hours walking.We set of along a steep downhill track past rhododendron forests and villages.The route crosses over the river on a characteristic suspension bridge and continues on a slight incline to the village of Gurjung (2060m /6758ft) located to the north of the Kimrong Khola River. From here we take an undemanding gradual climb to the village of Chhomrong.Overnight in a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 07: Chhomrong – Dovan 8,202ft (2,500m). 5 hours walking.The trail today starts off down a long stone staircase through the village. After a long descent we reach a suspension bridge at 1,900m/ 6,233 ft and cross the Chomrong Khola. Then the inevitable climb on the opposite side up to Khuldighar (2, 380 m / 7,808 ft). On our route we will pass through jungles of hemlock, oak and rhododendron and often meet porters carrying a wide selection n of goods to the various villages. Now we head for the Modi Khola Valley along a rocky path through bamboo forests to the appropriately named village of Bamboo, then on to the small village of Dovan which is a regular calling point on the way Annapurna Base Camp.Overnight at a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 08: Dovan – Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700m/ 12,140 feetToday we have a long trek to Machhapuchchhre Base Camp. The first section is from Dovan to Deurali, at (3,230m/ 10,597 feet) where we will take our lunch. We continue climbing through forests of bamboo and rhododendron then head for the most part up hill all the way through the amazing Annapurna Valley up to Machhapuchhre Base CampOvernight in a local lodge ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 9: Machhapuchhre Base Camp – Annapurna Base Camp -13,549ft (4,130 m).Today we will be making an early start in order to gain the best possible experience for what will be one of the major highlights of the trek. As Annapurna Base Camp is the highest point on our trail we need to maintain an unhurried pace in order to stay free of altitude sickness.The trek into Annapurna Base Camp is spectacular; it heads parallel to glacial waters from Annapurna and the route is adorned with towering mountains and beautiful flowers as we head upwards to the tranquil location that is Annapurna Base Camp. Because we should arrive early we will have plenty of time to explore the area and fully appreciate its magnificence.Overnight at a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp – Bamboo -7,545ft (2300 m). 6 hours walking.First thing in the morning we will take a short climb to witness the remarkable vision of sunrise over the Himalayan Mountains. Here amongst prayer flags and memorial Stupas we will take time to contemplate the awe inspiring views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Glacier Dome, Tent Peak, Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre. We return the lodge for breakfast before we follow the trail as it drops sharply to the bank of Modi Khola and on to BambooOvernight stay in a lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 11: Bamboo – Jhinu Danda 1,700 m/ 5,580 ft4 hours walking.After breakfast at Bamboo we continue on the trail downhill to Chhomrong and then on to Jhinu Danda for our overnight stay. After we have checked into our lodge and had a short break we will head down to the famous natural hot spring located by the riverside. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 12: Jhinu – Nayapul – Pokhara.6 hours walking and a 1.5 hour drive.Today we make an undemanding descent to Nayapul traversing the right bank of the Modi Khola. The trail is dotted with as beautiful waterfalls, small villages, interesting flora and fauna. At some point you may even encounter beehives suspended from a cliff edge. When we arrive at Nayapul our trekking days will be complete for this visit and we will be driven to the lakeside resort of Pokhara for a pleasant evening and an overnight stay in a hotel. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 13:Explore Pokhara. Tour Duration 4 hours.Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. It is situated on the banks of the Phewa Lake which is the second largest lake of Nepal and the ideal place to take a peaceful boating trip. The reflection of Mount Macchapucchre (Fishtail) can be seen on this lake. Beyond the World Peace Stupa in Pokhara you will find the Davis falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave which at 9,678 ft/2950 meters long is one of the longest in Nepal. The main cave comprises two chambers which house several shrines, the largest of which is dedicated to Shiva. In your free time you can explore or just relax before spending a pleasant evening and an overnight stay in your hotel. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 14: Pokhara – Kathmandu. 7 hours drive.After having breakfast in the hotel, we will drive back to Kathmandu along the spectacular Prithvi Highway which winds through Nepal’s Middle Hills and past some of Nepal’s finer attractions.On arrival at Kathmandu you will check into your hotel. After you have had time to relax you will be free to investigate the streets, restaurants, shops and sights of Thamel. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 15: Kathmandu heritage TourToday’s walking tour of Kathmandu will uncover some of the many historical, spiritual and cultural riches of Kathmandu which boasts no less than seven UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites. Here the buildings and monuments display a significant variety of historic and artistic accomplishment. We will visit the world famous Durbar Square which encompasses the royal palace (Hanuman Dhoka), numerous temples, courtyards, sculptures, the Great Bell, the Kala (black Bhairab) and Seto (white Bhairab). These are faces of the Lord Shiva. We can visit the temple of the Kumari also known as the Kumari Devi or Living Goddess who is seen as a manifestation of the divine female energy or Devi in Hindu and Buddhist religions.We will see artistic heritage, traditional crafts and centuries-old monuments and also explore many points of interest.We can then walk back to the hotel or for a small sum hire a cycle rickshaw for a crazy ride.Back at the hotel, you can relax and prepare for tomorrow’s departure. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 16: DepartureToday is sadly the end of your stay in beautiful Nepal so we will drive you to the airport in sufficient time (3 hours) to ensure you catch flight home. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNALOur PriceAt Apoorva tours we recognise that not all of our visitors require a set and rigid experience, and there are many options based on the potential tours we have identified. We hope that these have whetted your appetite. Also we realise cost is a prime factor in choosing a tour so we wish to give you the best overall package to suit your needs.Please contact us with your requirements and we will tailor a package for you. No need to hesitate, it costs you nothing and you can always say no.Our overriding aim is to give you the best, and your satisfaction is our rewardWhat’s includedThings to see & doBe amazed as you look in every direction especially up towards the heavens.At Jhinu Dada you can bathe in the natural hot springs.Take a dipIn the evenings it is worth spending time exploring the area where you are staying.Explore locallyThe trek follows the steps of those who completed the first ascent over 8,000m.Walk in the steps of the PioneersVisit one of Kathmandu’s many restaurants serving international cuisine.Treat yourselfVisit Kathmandu’s many fun bars for culture or Karaoke whichever you prefer, or maybe both?Great nights outHaggle with the street vendors or store owners in this popular tourist area of Kathmandu.Shopping in ThamelImportant notesIf your vacation involves any degree of risk or is subject to weather conditions our guides and tour leaders are instructed to make any Safety related changes to the itinerary. Your well-being is important to us and we want your tour to be memorable for all the right reasons. However we will always make every effort to ensure that you are happy and that your hopes and expectations are realized.Experience The BestTop Reasons to VisitExplore the mid hills of nepal This is the best trekking option if you wish to explore the mid hills of Nepal and is an especially pleasant trek, passing through the valley, villages, different tropical forest and high lands as well as the breathtaking mountain views.Unsurpassed sceneryThe Annapurna Sanctuary trek takes you to the ethnic Gurung & Magar village, forest with abundant and varied flora and fauna and amazingly rich biodiversity. Its rhododendron forests are bursting with life and birds of many hues in the spring.Adventures all the wayFrom the lowlands to the height of Annapurna base camp the trail passes villages and tropical forest. At every step there are breathtaking views of the Himalayas, not least at at Poon Hill (3210m. Then your adventure treks onwards toward the Annapurna region.