Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

5.0/5 from 713 reviews
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is an 11-day journey through diverse landscapes, lush forests, rugged terrain, and peaks such as Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre, culminating at Annapurna Base Camp. This trek delivers striking scenic Himalayan landscapes and authentic cultural immersion.
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    11 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Moderate
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Meals
    Inclusive
  • Max. Elevation
    4130m.
  • Group Size
    Min. 1 Pax
  • BEST TIME
    March - May & Sept - Dec

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Highlights

Here are some key highlights from the 11-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

  • Close-range views of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) from the sanctuary floor
  • Witness sunrise and sunset from Poon Hill, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp over 8,000 m peaks
  • Explore diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests, bamboo groves, alpine meadows, to glacial till
  • Experience the rich tradition, culture, and customs of the Gurung and Magar communities
  • Reach the base camp of Machhapuchhre peak (3,700 m), a sacred and one of the unclimbed peaks in the World
  • Discover unique flora and fauna such as rhododendron, Himalayan Bamboo, Musk Deer, Blood Pheasant, and more
  • Enjoy warm hospitality, well-established trails, and comfortable accommodations with a well-planned itinerary

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Overview

This classic 11-day trek leads you through the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, offering a balanced combination of mountains, culture, and varied landscapes. It is one of the most rewarding treks in the Annapurna region, suited for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is classified as moderate, with well-established paths, stone steps, forest, and river trails that gradually lead up to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) and ABC. The trail starts from the subtropical forests or the lower foothills of the Annapurna region, passing through terraced farmland, rivers, and villages, before reaching a high Himalayan sanctuary.

Likewise, the ideal time for this trek is spring (March to May) and Autumn (Sept to Nov), when the weather is clear and trekking conditions are comfortable. As the trail lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required for legal entry.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Route Overview

The Annapurna Sanctuary Treks start from Kathmandu with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a private vehicle journey to Hile. It is the starting point of the trekking trail.

From Hile, you will trek to Ulleri, your first overnight stop on the road. The trail then leads you to Ghorepani, from where you can go for the Poon Hill hike. At 3,210 m, you will witness a golden sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.

In addition, you will trek from Ghorepani to Chuile and spend the night in a warm, welcoming home. Passing through the lush rhododendron forest, bamboo grove, and riverside trail, you will reach Upper Sinuwa and stay the night.

From Upper Sinuwa, you will pass Pujinim Barah temple and Hinku Cave, two key landmarks, and reach Deurali. The final ascent starts from Deurali, reaches MBC for a sunrise view, and ends at the Annapurna Base Camp for the day. After enjoying a warm morning in ABC, descend to Bamboo village for the night.

Lastly, from Bamboo, walk to Jhinu Danda, rest for a while, and then walk to Samrung. Here, a private vehicle will drive you back to Pokhara from where you will fly back to Kathmandu, completing the 11-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

Alternatives to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna region is one of our agency's most popular trekking destinations. Here are some other alternative trekking packages besides the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 days

This 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you on a complete loop around the Annapurna Massif through diverse landscapes and cultures. The key highlight is crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m and an up-close view of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapucchre. On the way back, you will stop in Manang and Jomsom, then fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, reducing the trekking time.

Learn more about the Annapurna Circuit Trek here.

Annapurna Luxury Trek - 9 days

Our 9-day Annapurna Luxury Trek is an ideal package for trekkers seeking comfort, luxury, convenience, as well as a mix of adventure. The route will take you through Hile (previously Bitethanti), Ghandruk, Landruk, Dhampus, and Phedi, circling around the nearby local villages. The flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back save you time while offering the utmost luxury.

Learn more about the Annapurna Luxury Trek here.

Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek - 9 days

The itinerary includes a helicopter transfer from Annapurna Base Camp, significantly reducing the trekking time. This experience offers a unique aerial view of the mountain, especially for first-timers.

Here is detailed information about the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 9 days

Offering panoramic sunrise and sunset views of Dhaulagiri across the Annapurna range, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an enriching adventure. The highest point of this trek is Poon Hill at 3,293 m, with a well-marked, moderately easy trail suitable for both seasoned and beginner hikers.

Find out more about the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek here.

Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary with Top-Rated Operators

Choosing the right team matters for a rewarding, comfortable, and safe Annapurna Base Camp Trek. At Nepal Hiking Team, we provide structured itineraries, transparent pricing, and professionally trained guides with a focus on safety.

From arrival to departure, we plan every detail to ensure a smooth trekking experience. Our daily itineraries are carefully planned to ensure proper acclimatization, reliable logistics, and realistic walking hours, making them suitable for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.

Our service standards remain consistent throughout the journey, whether you're part of a group or trekking privately with us. With professional guides, pre-booked teahouses, fair pricing, and prompt emergency rescue services, we deliver a memorable trekking experience to each guest.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01:Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will meet you. We will escort you to your pre-booked hotel room and assist with check-in. After you freshen up, we will introduce your guide and have a brief pre-trek meeting. 

During the briefing, we will explain the routes, possible weather changes, key highlights, and travel route. We will provide essential trekking equipment like a down jacket, a duffel bag, and a sleeping bag. Likewise, we will also provide a detailed Annapurna Base Camp route map, a hat, and a t-shirt

Once the briefing is complete, we will collect the remaining balance for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, a copy of your passport, and your travel insurance for safety records. After the meeting, you can rest or explore the shops around the Thamel area to buy trekking gear if you didn’t bring anything. 

  1. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02:Fly to Pokhara and drive to Hile (1,960 m), trek to Ulleri for overnight stay (1,960 m), Distance: 9 km, Duration: 5 hours

You will fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara for a 30-minute flight and drive in a private vehicle to the local village of Hile (1,960 m). During this time, you will pass through terraced farmland, lush subtropical forests, and scenic local villages. The total travel distance is approx. 9 km, with a total duration of 5 hours.

Hile is the new trailhead for the Annapurna region, as the trekking trail from here is well-established with stones and long stairs from the start. Passing through forest areas, rivers, and pasturelands of Ramgai, you will reach Tikhedhunga and experience the Magar and Gurung communities. 

Leaving Tikhedhunga behind, you will trek towards Ulleri, the first overnight stop of the trek. Travelers climb approximately 3,300 stone steps from Tikhedhunga to reach Ulleri, a local Magar village. 

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 03:Trek to Ghorepani (2,880 m), Distance: 8 km, Duration: 4 - 5 hours

From Ulleri, the total distance to Ghorepani is 8 km, and the trail is lined with rhododendron (in full bloom in spring), with stone-laid paths and authentic Magar villages like Banthanti (2,210 m) and Nangethanti (2,460 m). 

This section of the trail is often crowded with other trekkers, pack animals, and porters. Ghorepani is often considered the base for Poon Hill hikes, with reliable teahouses, a wide range of food options, and rest points.  

Upon arriving in Ghorepani (2,880 m), your guide will visit the local Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office and have your permits scanned for entry. After this, your guide will check you in at the pre-booked lodge or teahouse for the night. 

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 04:Hike to Poonhill for sunrise (3,193 m), Hike down to Ghorepani and trek to Chuile for the night (2,300 m), Distance: 12 to 14 km, Duration: 7 to 8 hours

Nestled at 3,193 m, Poon Hill is known as one of the classic viewpoints of Nepal. You can witness the sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. The trail between these two points passes through forested terrains and is short but steep, well-maintained, and safe, with multiple ascents and descents. 

After enjoying the sunrise, you will hike down to Ghorepani, rest for a while, have some warm breakfast, and then head towards Chuile, where you will stop for the night. On the way, you will walk through terraced farms, diverse terrains, lush rhododendron forests, and get a up-close look at Gurung culture. 

Some of the local villages on this trail are Ban Thanti at 3,180 m and Tadapani at 2,630 m. This part of the trail is alive with colorful blooms and birdlife during spring. You can catch gimple of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre before reaching Chuile for the night.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 05:Trek from Chuile to Sinuwa (2,360 m), Distance: 6 - 7 km, Duration: 5 hours

On the trail from Chuile to Sinuwa, with a total distance of 6 - 7 km, you will descend through lush rhododendron and bamboo forests. The route has well-maintained stone staircases and offers a peaceful transition from the busier villages into the deeper Modi Khola valley. 

As you continue, you will cross Chhomrong Khola and ascend towards Upper Sinuwa, your stop for the night. The trail is well-paced and scenic, offering glimpses of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Moving deeper into the Annnapurna Sanctuary, you will find the route rewarding and refreshing. 

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 06:Trek from Upper Sinuwa to Deurali (3,230 m), Distance: 13 to 14 km, Duration: 6 - 7 hours

The trail from Upper Sinuwa to Deurali gradually leads trekkers into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The route features diverse landscapes, including dense bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests, gradually transitioning into alpine plains. The total walking distance for this day is quite long and requires a steady pace.  

Along the trail, you will pass through settlements like Bamboo, Dovan, and stop midway for lunch beside the river. If lucky, you may spot wildlife such as Himalayan birds, langurs, and mountain goats in quieter sections. 

Following your guide’s instructions, you will pass through avalanche-prone areas like Pujinim Barah and Hinku Cave. These gorge areas are at high risk of landslides and avalanches during the monsoon. Shortly after crossing Hinku Cave, you will arrive in Deurali at 3,230 and spend the night at a pre-booked teahouse.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 07:Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via MBC (3,700 m), Distance: 8 km, Duration: 5 - 6 hours

You will start your day with a steady ascent to Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 m. The trail is straight with moraine terrain and thin air, making it quite challenging. From the base camp, you will enjoy up-close views of Macchapucchre and the encircling peaks of the Annapurna Sanctuary. 

After enjoying the sunrise at MBC, you will slowly walk towards the Annapurna Base Camp through glacial terrain, rocky paths, and small streams. Along the way, trekkers are exposed to the sun and cold winds and surrounded by peaks including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.
 
Upon arrival at the ABC, you can witness the panoramic views of the surrounding Annapurna massif. You can witness the golden sunrise and sunset at the base camp during spring and autumn. During this time, the skies are mostly clear, with mild temperatures and stable weather.

 

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 08:Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,310 m), Distance: 18 km, Duration: 5 - 6 hours

The journey from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo is long but rewarding, featuring a mix of glacial paths, river valleys, and forested trails. The route gradually descends through the Annapurna Sanctuary, passing MBC and Deurali, and returns on the same ascent route. 

The trail is moderately steep, requiring a steady pace and careful footing. You can still watch the panoramic mountain views on your descent, though the peaks will appear smaller the more you walk away. 

You will witness the landscape go from alpine meadows to dense rhododendron and oak forests by the time you reach Bamboo. The descent offers a gentler pace for acclimatization and recovery, and a quieter experience of the mountain region. You will stay the night at a teahouse in Bamboo, booked by your guide, and rest for the next day’s descent.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 09:Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m), hike to the pickup point Samrung, drive back to Pokhara, Distance: 12 km, and Duration: 6 hours

The descent from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda goes through dense forests, terraced farms, rivers, local villages, and settlements along the way. The trail is full of green vegetation, oak trees, and rhododendrons. 

You will hike through stone steps and well-marked paths to Jhinu Danda, the official ending point of the trek (walking portion). Upon arrival, you will rest and have a warm lunch at Jhinu Danda before heading to the pickup location at Samrung. 

Note: You can take a short and relaxing break at Jhinu Danda’s natural hot springs. However, this may delay your return to Pokhara.

After reaching Samrung, you will return to Pokhara by private vehicle, the city of lakes. The journey back is scenic, with distant mountains, local villages, and terraced hills. Your guide will check you in at the Lakeside hotel, where you will spend the night relaxing and reminiscing about your journey. 

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 10:Fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Duration: 30 minutes, Flight Distance: 146 - 147 km

After enjoying a night around the lakeside and an early morning breakfast at the hotel, you will fly back to Kathmandu. The flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes just 30 minutes, saving trekkers time to explore the city. 

Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel, where your guide will check you in and leave you to relax. In the evening, you can roam around Thamel or visit the Patan area to witness authentic Newari culture.  

Likewise, you can spend your evening buying souvenirs and gifts, such as postcards, handmade jewelry, prayer flags, singing bowls, or a khukuri knife. Moreover, Nepali tea, coffee, and spices are popular souvenirs. 

Besides this, you will receive a certificate from NHT as proof of completing the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. You will also receive an appreciation.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 11:Breakfast at the Hotel, Dropoff at the TIA for Departure

On your final day of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, you will enjoy a warm and hearty breakfast at the hotel while reminiscing about the journey. 

When you’re ready, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your flight. This allows you to clear the immigration and security check on time. 

The flight back to your home marks the end of your 11-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, full of adventure, scenic beauty, and an epic view of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and the surrounding peaks.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included

Cost Includes

Accommodation

  • Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • One night’s accommodation (during the return) with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
  • Best available accommodation during the trek.

Meals

  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Tea or coffee: Served three times daily
  • Fresh seasonal fruit snacks are served along the trail after dinner

Transportation & Transfers

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers
  • Round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu as per itinerary, including departure taxes
  • Private car transport from Pokhara to Birethanti

Guide and Staff

  • One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide and porter (Two Trekkers: 1 Porter), including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, accidental insurance, etc.
  • First-aid kit, including an oximeter carried by the guide for daily altitude and health monitoring.

Permits & Documentation

  • Required permits for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek: ACAP - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Trekking Gear and Extras

  • Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket, and sleeping bag
  • Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, Annapurna Sanctuary trekking map
  • Annapurna Sanctuary Trek completion certificate

Taxes & Charges

  • Government taxes & office service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa Fees
  • All kinds of cold drinks, including water, coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
  • WI-Fi internet during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips guide and porters.

Book Annapurna Sanctuary Trek with Nepal’s Leading and Top-Rated Trekking Agency

  • Founded in 2009 by brothers Ganga and Balaram, Nepal Hiking Team brings over 25 years of guiding experience.
  • We prioritize safety with first aid kits, oximeters, essential trekking gear, and reliable emergency response plans.
  • We maintain fair and transparent pricing with no hidden costs, giving trekkers confidence in their budget.
  • Every itinerary is flexible and customizable, allowing adjustments for pace, private guides, or special requests.
  • Our professional English-speaking guides and friendly Sherpa porters ensure safety and companionship throughout the Everest trails.
  • With more than 2,300 TripAdvisor reviews and 3,000+ verified 5-star ratings across Google, and TourRadar, we are among Nepal’s most trusted trekking agencies.

Your 11-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek with Nepal Hiking Team means traveling with one of Nepal’s leading and highest-rated trekking companies. With thousands of genuine reviews, transparent pricing with no hidden costs, and trusted safety practices, every detail is handled with care. From expert guides to personalized service, we bring everything together in one all-in-one experience focused entirely on your journey of a lifetime.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Route Map

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Map

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Video

Packing List

Main Trekking Gear1

Items
Duffel Bag
Daypack with Rain Cover
Sleeping Bag
Down Jacket
Trekking Poles
Water Bottle
Headlamp + Spare Batteries
Dry Bags / Ziplocks

Know Before You Go

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek was Once Restricted to Foreigners

Until the 1950s, the Annapurna Sanctuary was restricted to foreigners, as it was believed to be the dwelling place of mountain deities. According to local Gurung tradition, the Hindu goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food, nourishment, and harvests, resides there as a provider of sustenance. Similarly, the unclimbed mountain of Macchapuchhre is revered as the home of Lord Shiva.

The restriction began to change in the early 1950s, as Nepal gradually opened its doors to the outside world and welcomed mountaineering expeditions. You can learn such folklore, its cultural significance, and the history of the sanctuary from our guides and local people. Our professionally trained guides are highly knowledgeable about the region's customs and culture, making your trekking experience both enjoyable and educational.

Travellersโ€˜ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

    We had an amazing experience on our 11-day Annapurna Sanctuary trek (Annapurna Base Camp Trek). Our head guide, Hari Gurung, was exceptional, knowledgeable, patient, and always made sure we felt safe and comfortable. Hari consistently checked in to make sure we were having fun and doing okay at any point. He also made sure to introduce us to Nepalese culture and immerse us in it, which felt extremely special and unique. The guides and porters were equally wonderful, carrying our bags with care and bringing so much positivity and encouragement to the group.

    What really stood out was how the whole team consistently went above and beyond. We always felt supported and genuinely looked after. They made the trek not only beautiful, but also incredibly fun and memorable.

    The scenery during the ABC Trek was breathtaking, but it was the people who made this experience truly special. I would highly recommend Hari and his team to anyone considering trekking in Nepal!

    Maddie G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Maddie G

    10th Nov 2025
  • Annapurna Sacntuary Trek - 8 days

    We had a sensational eight-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Our guide, Bhishma, impressed us with his knowledge and care, and his excellent English made communication easy. He also managed all the details, including accommodation, flights, and ground transport, which ran smoothly throughout.

    The trek itself created lasting memories. We faced wild and wet weather that turned rivers and waterfalls into torrents, navigated a challenging trail with countless stone steps, and enjoyed spectacular mountain views. Along the way, we stayed in interesting guesthouses, met locals, and finally reached the Annapurna Massif for some unforgettable views.

    Ganga, the CEO of Nepal Hiking Team, was great to deal with, responded quickly to our questions, addressed any concerns, and added his personal touch.

    C
    - Excellent

    Ms. Collendina

    20th Sep 2025
  • Super trip Annapurna Base Camp

    Super trip!

    The crew was incredibly friendly and helpful ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผ

    Paban was an outstanding guide—funny, laid-back, and always looking out for us ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผ

    I’m definitely using Nepal Hiking Team for my next trip to Nepal โค๏ธ

    C
    - Excellent

    Ms. Cecillie Sehmidt

    27th Nov 2024
  • Customized trek to Annapurna Base Camp

    We had a fantastic experience trekking with Nepal Hiking Team on our 9-day journey to Annapurna Base Camp. On a trek like this, the difference between a great and average experience often comes down to the guide and porter, and Yubraj and Bissal did an excellent job making sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. The airport pick-up and drop-off made the transfers smooth and hassle-free. Special thanks to Ganga, who was very responsive and helpful in answering all our questions before the trip.

    The guesthouse accommodations were good, and we had the flexibility to choose all our meals from a menu. We also had the option of hot or cold showers, with wifi available throughout most of the trek.

    Travel tips: Keep in mind that in Nepal, services like wifi, hot showers, and phone charging usually come with a cost, as do extra drinks and water, all of which require cash. There is no phone charging available at ABC, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for wet weather and cold conditions. For much of the trek, you’ll need to buy boiled water, which worked fine for us, though we added purification tablets just to be safe.

    - Guided by Yubraj Adhikari

    Gary and Lesley Travel
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gary and Lesley Travel

    8th Oct 2024
  • 10 Day Annapurna Trek

    My husband and I completed the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in June 2024. Our guide, Navaraj Thapa, and porter, Ganesh Thapa, were absolutely FANTASTIC! They were incredibly attentive and always by our side.

    Some sections of the trek were quite challenging, but both Navaraj and Ganesh were there for us whenever things got tough. Their friendly nature made the entire journey even more enjoyable.

    We are so grateful to Nepal Hiking Team for such a wonderful experience, and we will 100% recommend them to anyone planning a trek!

    L
    - Excellent

    Ms. Lorena R

    10th Jun 2024

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek FAQs

Why Nepal Hiking Team
Arrival in Nepal and Visa Process
Booking, Deposit, and Payments
Transportation and Flight
Trekkersโ€™ Well-being and Safety
Trek Preparation and Gear Packing
Accommodation and Connectivity
Meals and Drinking Water
Customisation: Private vs Group

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