Annapurna Sanctuary
15 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting today and enjoy a brief orientation walk around Thamel.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Kathmandu Orientation Walk
Get a taste of this lively capital city, which is fascinating at every turn.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Kantipur Village (or similar)
Day 2Kathmandu
Today after breakfast, we will walk towards Kathmandu Durbar Square where the group will enjoy a guided tour. Later, walk through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, considered to be a living goddess. Then enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during an authentic local lunch.
Opt to wake up with the birds and climb to the Swayambhunath Temple. Enjoy free time in the afternoon in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Durbar Square Guided Tour
Step back in time with a guided visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic royal palace complex that served as the seat of Nepalese kings for centuries. Located in the heart of the old city, this World Heritage Site is a remarkable showcase of traditional Newari architecture, with detailed carved wooden windows, multi-tiered temples, and courtyards steeped in history.
We also visit the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, once home to the Malla and Shah kings, and the Taleju Temple, a towering pagoda dedicated to the royal goddess. You’ll also see the Kumari Ghar, residence of the Royal Kumari—Nepal's most revered living goddess. Chosen as a child and worshipped as an incarnation of the goddess Taleju, the Kumari occasionally appears at the window to bless visitors during special occasions.
As we wander through the square, you’ll experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu’s historic core, with local artisans, bustling markets, and centuries-old buildings bearing silent witness to Nepal's royal and spiritual heritage.
Your G for Good Moment: Nepalese Dumplings Cooking Demonstration
Enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local establishment and learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a Nepali lunch.
Free Time
Explore the city of Kathmandu and get to know this bustling city.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Bodhnath Stupa Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built in the 5th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site still attracts many pilgrims, particularly Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa.
Swayambunath Guided Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of Swayambhunath and learn more about this most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Its beautiful white dome and glittering golden spire are visible from miles away. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with temples, painted images of deities, and many other religious objects. Each of the four sides of the main stupa are painted with a pair of big eyes, which symbolize God's all-seeing perspective.
Everest Flight
Get a close look at awesome Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world, without having to do any climbing; this one-hour plane tour will give you an unforgettable experience. At times, the weather may cover Everest, but the surrounding view is still worth the ride!
Accommodation
Kantipur Village (or similar)
Meals included:
LunchDay 3Kathmandu/Pokhara
Today the group will take a mountain drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive takes about 7 hours along the Prithivi Highway, which connects Kathmandu with other major cities of Western Nepal. As the group approaches Pokhara they will be able to see truly stunning views of the Annapurna Range. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk of Lakeside.
Leaving the Kathmandu valley behind, head for the enchanting Nepalese town of Pokhara. Depending on our arrival time, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Pokhara Orientation Walk
Breathe in the fresh air and take in the views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake while getting your bearings around this scenic city.
Accommodation
Hotel Queens Park (or similar)
Day 4Pokhara/Tikhedhunga
Drive to Birethanti and trek to Tikhedhunga. Enjoy 10 days of trekking through alpine meadows, isolated villages, dramatic glaciers, and inspiring mountain vistas. The drive from Pokhara to Birethanti takes about 2 hours. The route goes along the bank of Seti River and offers stunning views of Annapurna Range. As the group nears Birethanti – the trekking starting point, the road starts to climb up the hills offering even more beautiful scenery. At Birethanti, meet the trekking support crew and begin trekking towards Tirkhedhunga. Today the trek is relatively easy and just a warm up walk for your days to come.
At 8,091m (26,545.3 ft), Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any view point. This trek covers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, we stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. The expedition is not only visually superb, but also a chance to learn about local cultures. Along the way, see thundering waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers and high mountain passes, and reward ourselves with a soak in natural hot springs.
While the trekking is challenging, averaging 4-6 hrs walking a day on steep terrain, our Annapurna Sanctuary expedition into the Himalayas allows you to experience 'the roof of the world' without major issues associated with high altitude. The highest point on the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m (13,550 ft).
Note - This is a trek that requires a very good level of fitness as there are plenty of ascents and descents (in fact there's hardly anything flat!) and the walking is strenuous. The weather can be harsh in December and January with snow and frosts. Our expedition is led by an experienced local guide who speaks English. We stop at teahouses where our basic mountain accommodation is twin or multishare, toilet and washing facilities are rudimentary, and the food is simple but filling, usually vegetarian and cheap.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Birethanti to Tikhedhunga
Leaving Birethanti (1025m), the trek begins with a flat hike through incredible mountain scenery, charming villages, and rhododendron forest. The fascinating culture of the Nepal countryside is the backdrop as the trek continues to Tikhedhunga (1480m). The trail passes through small village and follows the Bhurungdi Khola river upstream, gradually ascending through forested hillsides and passing several waterfalls.
Walking distance: 6kms.
Time: 3-4 hours.
Elevation gain: 455m
Terrain: Mostly uphill with some sections of steep stone steps and occasional flat sections.
Accommodation
Laxmi Guest House (or similar)
Day 5Tikhedhunga/Ghorepani
Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani along a trail with a mix of steep steps and gentle ascents through rhododendron and oak forests, and a suspension bridge crossing. Enjoy the epic views along the way as the group climbs up 1380m in elevation today.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Begin today with a slow ascent through woodland, with views of the Annapurna range stretching out ahead. Passing through dense forest, the route ends in Ghorepani (2860m), where there are incredible mountain views across the region. The trek starts with a steep climb up a stone staircase which has around 3000 steps. After crossing this Ulleri staircase, the trail levels out before the approach to Ghorepani, when the trail becomes steeper again with several uphill sections.
Walking distance: 13kms.
Time: 6-7 hours.
Elevation gain: 1380m
Terrain: Mix of steep climbs, gentle trails through forests, and a suspension bridge crossing
Accommodation
See You Lodge (or similar)
Day 6Ghorepani/Tadapani
Enjoy a morning excursion to Poon Hill for an unforgettable sunrise. The trail starts with a steep uphill climb through the rhododendron forest and offers panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges with sunrise over the peaks being the highlight of the day. After breakfast, the group will begin the moderate trek with some steep uphill and downhill trails all the way to Tadapani.
Poon Hill Excursion
Take in the incredible mountain scenery that lines the route from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m). Enjoy the views across rhododendron forests and of spectacularly coloured birds during the trek. Arrive at Poon Hill to enjoy some of Nepal's best vistas.
Walking distance : 4kms
Time: 3 hours
Elevation gain: 350m
Terrain: mostly rocky terrain with mixed forested areas.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani
Descending from Ghorepani, the views of the Annapurnas continue as the hike heads for Tadapani (2630m). Views of Machhapuchhare are absolutely spectacular on a sunny day. Walk through beautiful forests of rhododendron, oak trees, and bamboo trees, with occasional clearings offering panoramic views of the Annapurna Ranges and valleys below.
Walking distance : 9kms
Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation loss: 230m
Terrain: Mixture of uphill and downhill trails through forest
Accommodation
Fishtail View Top Lodge, Tadapani (or similar)
Day 7Tadapani/Chhomrong
Trek mostly uphill today from Tadapani to Chhomrong. The hike will take around 6 hours and offers expansive views as the group climbs higher and higher in elevation.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong
It's another day of varied ascents and descents on the way to Chhomrong (2170m). Pass through endless rhododendron forest and into farmland where the impressive terraced fields are a sight to behold. Continue upwards past waterfalls and bridges before arriving to Chhomrong.
Walking distance : 10kms
Time: 5-6 hours.
Elevation loss: 460m
Terrain: Trail passes through lush forests and the first part of the trek involves a gradual descent followed by steep climb
Accommodation
New Chhomrong Guest House (or similar)
Day 8Chhomrong/Himalaya
Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya. Get an early start and catch the sunrise over the Annapurnas before heading out on the trail. Travel mostly uphill passing through dense forests and crossing several small streams and waterfalls on today's journey.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Chhomrong to Himalaya
Wake early enough to catch the sunrise over the Annapurnas before the trek begins today. There are more suspension bridges and rhododendron forests on the trek today, as well as villages and teahouses. On the way to Himalaya (2920m), the trek changes to bamboo forest and the views of Machhapuchhare are even more impressive.
Walking distance: 12-13kms
Time: 7-8 hours
Elevation gain: 750m
Terrain: Mostly uphill with some steep and rocky sections
Accommodation
Excellent View Top (or similar)
Day 9Himalaya/Annapurna Base Camp
Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp—the highest point of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. It is a challenging but rewarding day. The trail is surrounded by tall cliffs with the peaks of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare looming overhead. As the group approaches Annapurna Base Camp, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
It is a tough day trekking to reach the highest point of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek at 4,130m (13,550 ft) today. The route to Annapurna Base Camp passes through some open valleys, a reminder of all the snowfall that can occur during winter. With incredible views of the Annapurnas and, in particular, the views of Machhapuchhare, the hiking today is worth the challenge.
Walking distance: 7kms
Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 1210m
Terrain: Mostly rugged and rocky terrain
Accommodation
Sanctuary Guest House (or similar)
Day 10Annapurna Base Camp/Bamboo
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo along the same trail as yesterday. Pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp along the way. This is a mostly downhill, enjoyable descent with striking views of some of the most magnificent mountains in the world.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Retracing steps today, the trek returns from Annapurna Base Camp, past Machhapuchhare Base Camp, to the village of Bamboo (2310m). This is a much more enjoyable trek than the last few days with mostly downhill sections and forest areas among epic views.
Walking distance: 16kms
Time: 8-9 hours.
Elevation loss: 1820m
Terrain: mostly downhill along rocky and uneven steps and through forested areas
Accommodation
Bamboo Guest House (or similar)
Day 11Bamboo/Jhinudanda
Trek from Bamboo to Jhinudanda following the trail mostly downhill and crossing rivers and farmlands as the group travels lower and lower in elevation. Highlight of today is the natural hot springs in Jhinudanda where the group can soak and relax those tired muscles.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Bamboo to Jhinudanda
Continue the trek downhill, crossing rivers and farmland, as well as countless steps, on the way from Bamboo to Jhinudanda (1780m). Its easy to see the roofs of Jhinudanda on the walk, and this final stop for the day is well deserved.
Walking distance: 8kms
Time: 4-5 hours.
Elevation loss: 530m
Terrain: mostly downhill crossing rivers and farmland
Accommodation
Ever Green Guest House (or similar)
Day 12Jhinudanda/Pothana
Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana along a relatively easy portion of the trail with gentle ascents and descents. Wander through lush forests, pass terraced fields, and see traditional villages while enjoying this pleasant and scenic walk.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Jhinudanda to Pothana
It is a longer day trekking today, on the way to Pothana (1890m). The trek goes through lush forest and across several bridges over the fast-flowing river below. The rich greenery of the area, with spectacular wildflowers in the right season, makes for a rewarding day trekking.
Walking distance: 16 - 17kms
Time: 6-7 hours.
Elevation gain: 110m
Terrain: Mix of gentle ascents and descents, lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages
Accommodation
See You Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 13Pothana/Pokhara
Today the group will walk along the trail to Ghattekhola, where the trek ends. From there, drive back to Pokhara and celebrate the adventure completed.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Pothana to Ghattekhola
It is the last day of the trek today, consisting of the short distance from Pothana to Ghattekhola (1130m). Be sure to look back at the views of the high peaks of the Annapurnas as the trek winds through green fields and forests before joining up with the road and the transfer back to Pokhara.
Walking distance: 5kms
Time: 2 hours.
Elevation loss: 760m
Terrain: mostly downhill through green fields and forests.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Queens Park (or similar)
Day 14Pokhara/Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu for a well-earned celebration.
Today we return to Kathmandu where you will have free time perhaps some last minute shopping, or simply wander around the beautiful old Durbar Square or visit Bodhinath.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time exploring bustling Kathmandu.
Accommodation
Kantipur Village (or similar)
Day 15Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.