Classic Annapurna Sanctuary Trek to Base Camp
- 11 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
We lead an 11-day journey through subtropical forests and alpine gorges into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our 11-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek follows a classic route from the Modi Khola foothills up to the high glacial basin known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. We designed this itinerary for trekkers who want a balance of deep mountain landscapes and living mountain culture. The trail starts in the terraced hillsides inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities before climbing past waterfalls, bamboo groves, and narrow river gorges into the high alpine zone.
We classify this trip as moderate. The paths are well-established with stone steps, forest trails, and occasional steep sections, making it suitable for fit hikers with some prior multi-day experience. We maintain a steady pace with built-in altitude gain to help our team adapt safely as we cross 3,000 m and push toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
Throughout the journey, we stay in local teahouses run by families who serve hearty meals and offer warm hospitality. We encounter diverse vegetation ranging from dense rhododendron forests to sparse glacial moraine, all framed by towering summits like Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna I.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Annapurna Base Camp
We reach the glacial basin at 4,130 m, surrounded by a 360-degree wall of eight-thousand-metre peaks.
Poon Hill Sunrise
We climb early to 3,193 m for panoramic morning light over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Gurung & Magar Villages
We pass through traditional settlements like Ulleri and Ghandruk, experiencing local mountain culture.
Diverse Flora
We walk through dense subtropical bamboo groves and high-altitude rhododendron forests.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets our team at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to our hotel in Thamel. We host a pre-trip briefing in the afternoon to review route logistics and issue our provided gear.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara, Drive to Hile, Trek to Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara, Drive to Hile, Trek to Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara and board a private vehicle to Hile. From Hile, our trek begins on stone staircases winding up through farming terraces to the Magar village of Ulleri.
Day 3
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail continues uphill through rhododendron forests and small settlements like Banthanti. We arrive in Ghorepani by midday, where our guide registers our permits at the local ACAP office.
Day 4
Ghorepani to Poon Hill, Trek to Chuile
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Ghorepani to Poon Hill, Trek to Chuile
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill for sunrise over the high peaks before returning for breakfast. We then resume trekking eastward through Tadapani down toward the village of Chuile.
Day 5
Chuile to Upper Sinuwa
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Chuile to Upper Sinuwa
Meals: B / L / D
We descend through forest trails to cross the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge. A steady afternoon climb brings our team up to Upper Sinuwa for our overnight stop.
Day 6
Upper Sinuwa to Deurali
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Upper Sinuwa to Deurali
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Sinuwa and pass through bamboo and oak forests via Dovan. The valley narrows progressively as we gain elevation, following the Modi Khola up to the high alpine clearing at Deurali.
Day 7
Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We climb past Hinku Cave above the tree line into the glacial sanctuary. After pausing at Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we continue onward to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m for the night.
Day 8
Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Meals: B / L / D
We wake for sunrise over the sanctuary walls before beginning our descent. Retracing our steps down the stone staircases, we lose elevation rapidly and overnight in the forested gorge at Bamboo.
Day 9
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Meals: B / L / D
We climb back up to Sinuwa before dropping down steep stone steps to Chhomrong. From there, we take a side trail descending steeply through terraced fields to reach Jhinu Danda.
Day 10
Jhinu Danda to Samrung, Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Jhinu Danda to Samrung, Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We walk along the Modi Khola to Samrung, where our private vehicle waits. We drive back to Pokhara for an afternoon by Phewa Lake.
Day 11
Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight
Meals: B
Day 11
Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight
Meals: B
We catch our morning flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel, concluding our trek services.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card registration
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on the trek
- Professional English-speaking lead guide and porters
- Comprehensive medical kit and pulse oximeter
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude helicopter rescue up to 5,000 m
- Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi at teahouses
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Tips for our guide and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our itinerary includes gradual altitude gains to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness as we approach 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp. Our lead guide monitors everyone daily for symptoms, and we carry an oximeter and emergency protocols.
Teahouse accommodation
We stay in family-run lodges along the trail offering twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. Facilities become more basic and communal the higher we climb into the sanctuary.
Meals on the trek
Teahouses serve standard menu items including dal bhat, noodle soups, momos, and porridge. We encourage our team to eat freshly prepared local carbohydrates to maintain energy levels.
Physical preparation
This trek involves significant daily descents and ascents on uneven stone steps. We recommend cardiovascular training and weighted day-hike practice several months prior to departure.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle support and waterproof membrane required; broken in prior.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at base camp.
Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable rain protection.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -15°C for teahouse nights.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Crucial for protecting knees on stone stair descents.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for pre-dawn starts at Poon Hill and ABC.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for treating refill water along the trail.
Passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Required for permit checks and emergency evacuation.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired legal entry permit for conservation area management.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System record card.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek?
We rate this trek as moderate. It requires walking 5 to 7 hours per day on stone staircases and uneven mountain paths with some steep ascents up to 4,130 m.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Prior multi-day hiking experience helps, but motivated beginners with a solid fitness base successfully complete this route with our team.
What permits are required for this trek?
We secure the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card on your behalf.
Are charging and hot showers available in the teahouses?
Yes, most lodges offer hot showers and device charging for a small extra fee paid directly to the lodge owners.
What is the group size for our departures?
We operate this trek for private groups of any size as well as small guided groups to ensure personalised attention.
How heavy should my daypack be?
We recommend keeping your personal daypack under 6 kg, carrying your water, layers, rain gear, and valuables while our porters carry the main duffel.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 11 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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