The 12 days Annapurna Sanctuary trek will be a good choice for those trekkers who have limited time but wish to reach Annapurna Sanctuary.
It is obvious that mountains always offer hikers a great opportunity to take on a challenge, test limits, and catch stunning views. Trekking and mountaineering are main segments of Nepal’s tourism. Including Annapurna, there are so many trekking regions and routes in Nepal recognized worldwide. Trip advisor, Lonely Planet and National Geographic often describe Nepal as one of the best destinations to visit during their lifetime.
Annapurna trek is probably the most popular trek program in Nepal. Annapurna Sanctuary trek, also known as Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate trek which is suitable for all kinds of trekkers, and it can be done all seasons. Annapurna is not only popular for magnificent Himalayan scenery but it also offers ethic and indigenous culture, traditional villages, dense forest and bushes. Blossoming of rhododendron during spring helps travellers to catch memorizing shots and relieve their pain. Hot springs, caves and glaciers are other attractions of Annapurna Sanctuary trek for which so many people get admired.
Allow us to organize your next altitude-friendly adventure trip with our competent and determined team in the safest mode.
After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Now you begin your trek from Nayapul (1050m.) to Tirkhedhunga (1577m.) via Birethanti (1065m.) which takes about four and half hours. Stay overnight at lodge.
To begin your trek, you ascend steeply for the early 2 hours and then gently pass through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, both Magar villages. On the way you can view the Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.) and Annapurna (7219m.) south. Stay overnight at lodge.
Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3232 m.) takes about one hour. Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint to see sunrise/sunset and majestic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), and Lamjung Himal (6931m.). After spending sometime in Poon Hill, hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue trekking towards Tadapani (2650 m.). From Tadapani to Ghandruk, it is a very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. This is one of the popular destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. From this village you can see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa (2360m.) via Chhomrong takes approximately 6 hours. At the beginning of the day, you ascend gently for an hour up to Ghandrukkot (2100m.) and descend steeply to the Kimrung Khola (1700m.). Chhomrong is a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major ethnic groups of Nepal. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali (3220m.) takes about six hours. Leaving Sinuwa, where there used to be a checkpost, the trail up to Khumdighar gentle. Afterwards you slowly descend to bamboo and then ascend to Deurali. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m.) takes about five hours. You trek gently ascend through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees up to Macchapuchre Base Camp. It is further 2 hours walk to reach Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp is a vantage point to see the Himalayas at a 360 degree turn. Some of the impressive ones include Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.) etc. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (1960m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) takes about five hours. The trail completely descends through bamboo forests. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m.) takes about five hours. We will descend through Sinuwa and Choomrong. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa. You trek gradually descends to the Chhomrong Khola and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda is famous for hot spring where you can relax. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Jhinudanda (1750m.) to Pothana (1890m.) takes about six hours. You will pass through local villages, farms and terraced fields. Views of Annapurna II and Macchapuchre and sunrise should not be missed along the trail. Pothana is beautifully located surrounded by green forests.
Trek from Pothana to Phedi and then drive to Pokhara. The trek from Pothana to Phedi takes about 3 hours followed by an hour long drive to reach Pokhara. Stay overnight in hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you pass through Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and finally Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. Leaving Kurintar you head towards Thankot via Naubise. Thankot is the entry point to Kathmandu. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek leads you to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), nestled at 4,130 meters in a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. It’s a shorter and less strenuous alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, which circumnavigates the entire Annapurna range.
ABC Trek (Annapurna Sanctuary): Takes about 8–13 days, starts and ends near Pokhara, and leads directly into the heart of the Annapurna massif.
Annapurna Circuit: A longer, higher-altitude trek (up to 5,416 m at Thorong La), usually taking 14–18 days.
The Sanctuary trek offers close-up views of Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and more, with a rich mix of jungles, rhododendron forests, and Himalayan culture.
The trek can take 8 to 13 days, depending on your starting point and pace. A common route begins in Nayapul, Jhinu Danda, or Siwai and follows through Chhomrong, Deurali, and Machapuchare Base Camp to reach Annapurna Base Camp.
This trek is suitable for most levels of trekkers, even beginners, with basic fitness and proper planning.
The best trekking seasons are:
Spring (March to May): Warm temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and great views.
Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, dry weather, and ideal trekking conditions.
Other seasons:
Winter (December to February): Quieter trails and clear skies, but colder, especially at night. Snow may make ABC inaccessible at times.
Monsoon (June to August): Lush greenery and fewer tourists, but frequent rain, slippery trails, and leeches in lower areas.
It’s considered moderate in difficulty. There are no technical climbs, but you'll face:
Daily walks of 4–7 hours
Steep ascents and descents (notably around Chhomrong and Bamboo)
Altitude up to 4130m. at ABC
While altitude sickness is less common than on higher treks like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, acclimatization and a slow pace are still important. This trek is suitable for first-timers with decent fitness.
You’ll need two permits:
ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
You can obtain them from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you're trekking with a guide, the agency usually arranges them.
As of 2023, the Nepal government mandates a licensed guide for all foreign trekkers in the Annapurna region, including the ABC trek. This enhances safety, especially during landslides, poor weather, or illness.
Benefits of hiring a guide:
Navigation and itinerary support
Local knowledge and culture sharing
First aid and emergency assistance
A porter can carry 20–25 kg of your gear, making your trek easier. You can also opt for a guide-porter, a hybrid role to save costs.
Pack for both warm and cold weather, as the climate varies drastically by elevation.
Essentials:
Trekking boots (well broken-in)
Layered clothing (base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof outerwear)
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag (rated -5°C to -10°C)
Water purification (tablets, filters)
First aid kit
Headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses
Power bank and solar charger
Snacks like trail mix or energy bars
Pack light—porters typically carry 20–25 kg, and your daypack should be comfortable.
You’ll stay in teahouses—basic lodges with:
Twin-bed rooms (occasionally dormitory-style)
Common dining area
Shared toilets
Simple menus offering local and Western dishes
Limited power outlets, hot showers (sometimes extra charge)
Facilities are more basic the higher you go. In Annapurna Base Camp, expect cold nights and limited amenities.
Teahouses offer a variety of hot meals:
- Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, vegetables) – high in energy and unlimited refills
- Noodles, pasta, fried rice, soups
- Momos (Nepali dumplings)
- Breakfast: Porridge, pancakes, eggs, chapati, toast
- Hot drinks: Tea, coffee, ginger lemon honey
- Vegetarian options are widely available. Avoid meat at higher altitudes due to hygiene and transportation issues.
Tap or stream water must be purified. Safe options:
Boiled water (available at teahouses, sometimes for a fee)
Water purification tablets
UV filters or filtering bottles (like LifeStraw or Sawyer)
Avoid buying plastic bottles to reduce environmental impact.
Yes, but coverage is patchy:
Wi-Fi is available in many teahouses (often paid)
Mobile signal (NTC or Ncell) is available in lower villages
Internet is unreliable or nonexistent in higher sections like MBC or ABC
If staying connected is important, buy a local SIM card and ask your guide for the best options.
The trek is affordable compared to many international destinations. Here's a rough breakdown:
Permits: $40–50
Guide/porter: $25–50 per day
Accommodation/food: $25–40 per day
Transportation (to/from trailhead): $20–40
Extras (hot showers, snacks, tips, charging): $50–100
Total estimated cost for a 9–12 day trek: $900–$1200, depending on your style (solo vs guided, budget vs mid-range).
Most treks start from Nayapul, Ghandruk, or Siwai, all accessible from Pokhara by jeep or bus (1.5 to 3 hours). The trek typically ends at Jhinu Danda, Pothana, or Phedi, with transport options back to Pokhara.
Many itineraries combine ABC with Poon Hill, which adds 2–3 days and gives great sunrise views of the Himalayas.
Yes, but the risk is lower compared to treks like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. The highest point is 4130m. at Annapurna Base Camp. Symptoms may still occur:
Mild headaches
Fatigue
Nausea
Shortness of breath
To prevent AMS:
Ascend slowly
Stay hydrated
Take rest days if needed (e.g., at Chhomrong or Deurali)
Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills at altitude
In case of worsening symptoms, descend immediately. A guide can help recognize and respond to AMS.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Guillermo D
The experience with the company was the best
Ethan Charles Beswick
This trip was certainly experience. I won't soon forget.
Simon Walmsley, Li Tchian Walmsley, Kathy Sieh, Myah Jade Walmsley, Caitlin Yu, Keoni Grant
We had a great time trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary with 3 adults & 4 children (aged 6, 6, 8, and 8).
Ali + Sarah
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