Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

With over 17 years of experience in the Annapurna region, our licensed guides from the Annapurna region offer unmatched local expertise. We ensure that you have proper safety, an itinerary, tea house facilities, and small group sizes for a personalised experience throughout the trip. Our dedicated team provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring you can reach out to us at any time. Over 2,300+ five-star reviews on TripAdvisor alone demonstrate our commitment to safely escorting you to Annapurna Base Camp.

We typically run the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek with a group size of 6–7 trekkers. This creates the right balance between a friendly group atmosphere and personalised guidance from our team. However, if you prefer a private trek, there is no group size limitation. Whether you are trekking solo, with a partner, or with a larger group of family or friends, we can fully customise your trip according to your preferences. Every confirmed departure is guaranteed to run as scheduled, except in rare cases of natural disasters or political unrest that impact safety.

Solo trekkers are welcome to join any of our Annapurna Base Camp group departures. If you enter a group departure as a single participant, the rate for one person applies, and all services provided are included.

Yes, we organise private Annapurna Sanctuary Treks with flexible group size, comfortable pacing, customizable itineraries, and personalised guide experience. However, if you are a solo traveller and choose private, then you need to pay an extra fee.

Both Annapurna itineraries follow identical trekking routes to Annapurna Base Camp. The 11-day Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a shorter, flight-based option compared to the 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Overnights in Chommrong, Dovan, and Jhinu Danda are skipped in the relatively fast-paced Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

Currently, 12 countries and refugees with valid travel documents require a visa before arrival. The countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan and Syria.

To apply for the arrival visa, you must complete the online form on the official website of the Immigration Department of Nepal within 15 days and bring the submission receipt with you.

Payment can be made at Tribhuvan International Airport via cash or card. Your passport should be valid for at least six months with one blank page available for a visa stamp. For more details, visit our Nepal Visa Information Page.

Yes, we provide both airport pickup and drop-off for all Annapurna Sanctuary Trek bookings. Our team representative will be waiting with a “Nepal Hiking Team” placard at the airport. After your trip ends, we’ll safely transport you to TIA three hours before your flight. If you arrive earlier or extend your trip, we’ll adjust the schedule accordingly.

Our package includes 3-star hotels in Thamel (2 nights), such as Woodapple Hotel & Spa. Yes, we can upgrade your accommodation in Kathmandu upon your request. The upgrade will incur an extra cost depending on your preferred hotel.

The cost is USD 45 (single) or USD 50 (twin/double) per night, including breakfast and taxes. Our team will arrange your reservation if you arrive early or extend your stay after the trek.

During the pre-trek briefing, we introduce your guide, collect a copy of your passport and travel insurance, and finalise any remaining balance of your trek. We also provide essential gear, including a down jacket, sleeping bag, cap, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek map, and a duffel bag.

To book, complete your trip information with traveller details. Flight and insurance details can be provided later. Secure your trek with a 20% deposit, after which your trip will be confirmed. The balance payment is made in Kathmandu.

You can pay the balance by card or cash in Kathmandu upon arrival.

Your 20% deposit is non-refundable in case of cancellation. However, Nepal Hiking Team offers full credit (with no expiry) for any future trips, not limited to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Learn more about our risk-free booking policies.

The flight between Pokhara and Kathmandu takes about 30 minutes and is generally smooth. However, weather conditions such as fog, rain, or low visibility may cause delays, particularly during the monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February). In peak trekking seasons, delays are rare due to clear skies.

The trek begins in Pokhara. After a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, you’ll reach Birethanti, where the trek officially starts. From there, you head to Ulleri on the same day.

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. The maximum elevation is 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp, so your policy must cover up to 4,500m, including emergency air evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation or delay coverage, and compensation for lost or damaged gear. Based on feedback from past trekkers, we recommend trusted travel insurance providers.

Our government-licensed local guides are trained in high-altitude safety. They carry a first-aid kit and an oximeter to measure oxygen levels daily, allowing quick response to any altitude sickness symptoms.

With 25+ years of expertise, we’ve designed an acclimatisation-friendly itinerary to minimise risks. If needed, guides can organise immediate helicopter evacuation. We also ensure hygienic and reliable teahouses throughout the route.

The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and breathtaking Himalayan views. However, trails can be crowded during this period.

Yes, the trek is open year-round. Monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February) are quieter, but trekkers face challenges such as slippery trails, unpredictable weather, flight delays, and limited Himalayan views.

Vaccines are not mandatory for entry into Nepal or this trek. However, some travellers choose rabies vaccination due to stray dogs in villages. We strongly recommend consulting your doctor before travelling.

Although the elevation is moderate, precautions are essential. Stay hydrated (3–4 litres daily), maintain a steady pace, eat well, and avoid alcohol or excess caffeine. Diamox medication may help if needed. Our guides monitor trekkers daily to ensure safe acclimatisation.

No previous trekking experience is required. The trail includes steady climbs and descents but no technical sections. Prior hiking experience is an advantage, but beginners with preparation can complete the trek successfully.

Physical training makes a huge difference. Combine cardio (running, cycling, stair climbing) with strength exercises for your legs and core. Mentally, watch trek videos or read experiences to visualise the route, challenges, and scenery. Preparing both physically and mentally ensures confidence and stamina on the trail.

The trek requires a reasonable fitness level. Expect to walk 5–7 hours daily with frequent ascents and descents. Beginners should train with cardio and strength routines. Proper acclimatisation, pacing, and hydration help prevent fatigue and altitude issues.

The most challenging section is the climb from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp. The altitude, thinner air, and changing weather make it strenuous, but the views of the Annapurna massif make the effort worthwhile.

The trek involves long walking days (5–7 hours) for about 8 days, with frequent uphill and downhill climbs. With proper pacing, guidance, and acclimatisation, trekkers describe it as demanding yet highly rewarding. More details can be found in our Annapurna trek difficulty guide.

Wi-Fi is available in lower villages like Chhomrong and Bamboo, while higher-altitude lodges offer basic connections. Many trekkers prefer buying a local SIM card. NTC has better coverage than Ncell, though the signal weakens beyond Sinuwa.

Up to Chhomrong, lodges usually offer twin rooms. Beyond that, dormitory-style rooms for 3–4 trekkers are standard. Bathrooms are outside, with squat and Western toilets available. During peak season, even private trekkers may need to share rooms due to limited space. Learn more about accommodation on the Annapurna trek.

Yes, charging is widely available at teahouses, sometimes free or for a fee. During busy seasons, facilities may be limited. Carrying a backup power bank ensures reliability.

Meals are freshly prepared in teahouses. Options include dal bhat, roti, vegetables, noodles, and fried rice. Meat is banned beyond Sinuwa for cultural and health reasons. Dal bhat is highly recommended for its energy and nutrition.

Plastic bottles are banned from Ghorepani area to Annapurna Base Camp. Trekkers must carry reusable bottles. Tap and stream water is available but requires purification with tablets, filters, or drips. Teahouses sell hot water at NPR 50–150 per litre in lower villages and NPR 200–500 at higher elevations.

Yes, we can customise the trek based on your preferences. You may add sightseeing days in Pokhara, adjust trekking pace, upgrade transportation, or select higher-standard accommodation. Our team is flexible and committed to tailoring the journey to your needs.

While your package includes meals, accommodation, permits, and guides, personal expenses are not covered. These may include:

• Wi-Fi and charging fees at teahouses
• Drinking water (boiled or filtered)
• Hot showers along the route
• Snacks and soft drinks
• Personal toiletries and hygiene products

On average, trekkers should budget NPR 20,000–30,000 (USD 150–225) for the trek, excluding tips. The final amount depends on your spending habits.

No, there are no reliable ATMs after leaving Pokhara. Machines in remote areas often fail due to technical issues. The best option is to withdraw cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek. If carrying foreign currency, exchange it into Nepalese Rupees (NPR) at authorised outlets in Thamel or Pokhara for fair rates.

No, only Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are accepted in the trekking regions. Other currencies cannot be used. To avoid difficulties, carry enough cash in NPR before beginning your trek.

Tipping is a long-standing part of trekking culture in Nepal. Our guides and porters are fairly paid, insured, and well looked after, but it is customary to thank them with a tip at the end of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. The amount varies depending on your overall experience, group size, and time spent with the team. In the end, the choice of how much to give remains entirely yours.