Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

  +353 64 6644 181

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  • Trip: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
  • Altitude: 4,130m
  • Route: Katmandu – Pokhara – Chhomrung – Macchapuchare – Annapurna – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Pokhara – Katmandu
  • Date: Between March and October are best
  • Duration: 18 Days
  • Grade: Trekking – Easy to Moderate
  • Annapurna is a massif with multiple peaks.
  • Its highest peak stands at 8000 metres.
  • Breathtaking scenery on top of the world!
  • Experience Nepalese culture and customs
  • Expert local guides will look after you all along the way.

 

Description

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

  +353 64 6644 181

Request A Call Back

Request Further information

  • Trip: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
  • Altitude: 4,130m
  • Route: Katmandu – Pokhara – Chhomrung – Macchapuchare – Annapurna – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Pokhara – Katmandu
  • Date: Between March and October are best
  • Duration: 18 Days
  • Grade: Trekking – Easy to Moderate
  • Annapurna is a massif with multiple peaks.
  • Its highest peak stands at 8000 metres.
  • Breathtaking scenery on top of the world!
  • Experience Nepalese culture and customs
  • Expert local guides will look after you all along the way.

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a "high glacial basin lying forty kilometres directly north of Pokhara, Nepal's second city." This oval-shaped plateau sits at an altitude of over 4000 meters surrounded by a ring of mountains, the Annapurna range, most of which are over 7000 meters. With the only entrance a narrow pass between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare, where run-off from glaciers drain into Modi Khola River, the Sanctuary was not penetrated by outsiders until 1956. Because of the high mountains on all sides, the Annapurna Sanctuary receives only 7 hours of sunlight a day at the height of summer. Annapurna Sanctuary gives rise to an extraordinary variety of ecosystems. The south-facing slope" is "covered in dense tropical jungles of rhododendron and ba "boo", while the north-facing slopes, in the rain shadow, h" ve "a drier colder climate similar to that of the near-by Tibetan Plat" au."

This beautiful trek mixes easily to moderate on pathways through beautiful local villages full of colour and charm—overall, a great short to medium walk in the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary.

Prices & Dates


Land Only: €3000

Deposit: €500

Groups are based on a minimum of 4.

2024

Dates:

September 21st – 8th of October

We can check availability on dated groups if you are interested in an individual.

Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop off.
  • Four nights hotel in Kathmandu on B/B Basis.
  • 1-night hotel in Pokhara on B/B Basis.
  • Domestic Flight from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu for Member and Guide.
  • ACAP, TIMS and permit.
  • Guide and porter.
  • Insurance for Guide and porter.

Excludes

  • International flight ticket.
  • Personal natured expenses.
  • Personal rescue and insurance.
  • Meals in Kathmandu.
  • Alcohol and beverage in Kathmandu and during the trek.
  • Extra nights hotel in Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (sample itinerary)

Annapurna Map of Route

Annapurna Map of Route

Day 1: Depart Ireland

Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu

Day 3: Katmandu

Day 4: Fly to Pokhara (820m), then drive to Phedi and trek to Tolka (1700m) 6 hours

Early morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. On arrival at Pokhara airport, you will drive from there about 30mins to Till Phedi and start your trek towards Tolka.

Day 5: Trek to Chhomrung (2170m) 6 hours

You will walk between forest towards Chhomrung. The trek will take about 6 hours.

Day 6: Trek to Dovan (2600m) 5 hours

You will begin the trek with decent from Chhomrung and your destination towards Dovan will take about 5 hours.

Day 7: Trek to Machapuchare Base Camp (3700m) 4 hours

You trek to Machapuchare Base Camp where will you will stay in the lodges at the Base Camp.

Day 8: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) and back to Deurali (3230m) 6.5 hours

From Machapuchare Base Camp, you will trek 3 hours To Annapurna Base Camp, the highest point in the trek 3.5 hours and drop down to Deurali and spend the night there.


Day 9:
Trek to Chhomrung (2170m) 5 hours

You come back to Chhomrung and spend your 2nd night here in the place before heading out to Kimlung Khola.

Day 10: Trek to Kimrong Khola (1800m) 3 hours

You will trek to Kimlung Khola which will take about 3 hours.

Day 11: Trek to Ban Thanti (3180m) 5 hours

Trek to Ban Thanti for about 5 hours which will mostly be an uphill climb.

Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani (2880m) 4 hours

You will trek to Ghorepani which will take about 4 hours from Ban Thanti.

Day 13: Early morning hike up to Poon hill (3193m) and trek to Hille(1430m) 6 hours

This day will be a very early walk. You will get up at 3-4 am (dependent on the time of sunrise) in the morning to catch a glimpse of sunrise from Poon Hill (3193m). The walk is short, but the number of people hiking up will slow down everyone. You will spend some time at the top and hike to Hille (1430m).

Day 14: Trek to Birethanti (1025m) and Drive to Pokhara (820m) 4.5 hours

You will trek to Birethanti for 3 hours and catch private vehicle from there and drive to Pokhara. You will have time to go around Pokhara and enjoy the beautiful city beside Lake Fewa.

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 16: Rest in Kathmandu

Day 17: Depart Katmandu

Day 18: Arrive Ireland

Grade


Trekking – Moderate

This trek is suitable for walkers & hillwalkers and can be achieved by a beginner with training. A reasonable level of fitness and experience on mountain trekking is recommended before departure. You will enjoy your trip a lot more if prepared well. Easy to Moderate going on good tracks that most fit people should be able. Most days will require 4 to 6 hours walking.

We run fitness assessments and hill walking weekends that are ideally suited for those who need a little more preparation, and please go to our Training Courses Section. We recommend these options to ensure a level of understanding of the requirements for the upcoming trek and remember to contact us if you have any queries or need advice.

 

Acclimatisation

We at Pat Falvey Irish and Worldwide Adventures Ltd are one of the world’s leading experts in High Altitude trekking in remote regions. We pride ourselves on putting trips together that give the best possible opportunity to succeed in the objectives of our clients and expedition teams to these areas.

Acclimatisation is key to success, and you mustn’t underestimate the time you allow to succeed. Most teams fail because they do not let enough time or do not get fit before treks or expeditions. We have had thousands of people to altitude and have devised what we consider a winning formula.

It is worth spending a bit of extra time to stay safe and achieve your goals. The pace is key to preventing AMS. The guides will monitor the group at all times for symptoms of the effects of altitude. If these symptoms persist then a person should get advice and maybe advised to descend. Our route also includes a briefing on how to notice and deal with AMS. (Acute Mountain Sickness)

Guides


Our highly experienced trekking guides have been working with us in Nepal for over 20 years. They will provide you with all the information and help during the trek. On selecting ‘Guided from Ireland’ trips (or on request for groups over 4), a guide will escort the group from Ireland. The guide will also arrange the porter’s role with your bags and any issues that may arise.

Info on Porters:

We at Pat Falvey Irish and Worldwide Adventures ensure that all our agents in every destination value and treat their employees including porters with respect and guarantee their working rates and conditions are adhering to the local employment and Health and Safety guidelines. We have built up a good relationship’s with all of our operators to ensure the welfare of their guides and porters is the priority. For more guidelines and information on porters, please go to our ‘Porter Guidelines’. Bags carried by porters are not to exceed 25kg in weight.

Gear


For general wear on the trek:

  • Cotton pants, t-shirts and if you have light thermals, these will be ideal.
  • Pair of trekking boots.
  • Four pairs of warm trekking stockings. (Thorlo or similar)
  • Adjustable ski poles: these take a lot of pressure off the body and makes walking less tiring.
  • Thermal under-wear heavy-gauge: 2 Tops and two bottoms. Dryflo etc.
  • One fleece jacket. Windproof is good.
  • Wind and waterproofs (Gortex or similar): Top jacket and bottoms.
  • Sleeping bag range to -5/-15C degrees- make sure it packs small.
  • One water bottle with the wide neck and 1 with a narrow neck (Nalgene or similar) or one Platypus container, the platypus is ideal for trekking as you can stay hydrated by drinking from a tube as you walk.
  • Gloves: 1 pair of thermal and one pair of over gloves or mitts, no harm in bringing spare sets.
  • Headtorch, Petzl with spare batteries and bulbs. I cannot stress the importance of this to have in good working order. (New LED versions are also lighter and smaller)
  • Peak hat for the lower regions to protect your head from the sun. (bandana or neck gaiter)
  • Rucksack 30 litres daypack for the mountain to carry your camera food and day gear. For travelling, 70-100 litres rucksack or sturdy gear bag- this will also do to give to porters on the trek to carry your general gear.
  • Optional for the night up high for the cold, a light down top or extra fleece.
  • Personal first aid and medicine kit. (All our guides will have these for emergencies only)
  • UV sunglasses – Cat 3/Cat 4 recommended
  • 2 x Earplugs pairs – If you have an inside pocket in the sleeping bag, leave one there full time.

Miscellaneous items:

  • Sun-block (very important and use it!)
  • Backpacking towel and general toiletries.
  • Insect repellent
  • Extra Clothes for travelling and socialising.
  • For the mountain, a layering system works best to allow you to cool down or warm up with ease – t-shirt or thermals, shirt or warm top, a good fleece and good heavy-duty waterproofs if you intend doing more treks in future.
  • Gloves and hats are vital. Bring waterproof breathable gear. You can use a regular 3 season sleeping bag. If you tend to get cold very quickly, you can add a sleeping bag liner. Remember that sleeping bags work on trapping layers of air, so wearing clothes in your sleeping bag doesn’t help.
  • If you wear contact lenses, take plenty of saline and comfort drops as the paths are dusty. Also, glasses are essential for summit night as temperature and altitude may affect eyes if contacts were worn.
  • Typical first aid complaints are headaches, dehydration, stomach bugs, diarrhoea, sunburn and occasional mouth ulcers. Looking after yourself with plenty of fluids, rest and enjoying the gentle ascending pace will assist in avoiding these. Your first aid kit should contain treatments for these minor ailments. Please get advice from your GP before departure.
  • Money can be left in the hotel safe. All currency can be changed to local currency in the cities. The only money you will need to carry for your treks will be to cover porter and guide tips and bottled water if you choose to purchase.
  • Hotels offer Launderette facilities if you wish to wash clothes following trek; otherwise, there is no opportunity to wash clothing.
  • Digital cameras will cope fine with the conditions if you keep them warm close to your body where possible, especially on summit morning or when reaching your highest day. Otherwise, batteries can run down. Spare batteries are a must.

Preparation


Passports & Visas

Preparation – We have selected a walking weekend to help you adjust to the goal of the trek. The weekend has two walks with advice and techniques for clothing and gear gave also. On Saturday we will climb one of Irelands highest peaks during a day hike, and on Sunday morning early we will go on a night hike simulating the requirements on the summit day of a trek which takes you out of your comfort zone before the real thing. This method allows your body and mind to adjust to the challenge ahead. For more info on this fitness assessment, weekends and day walks, go to our Irish training section. If you are a total beginner to walking/hillwalking, then a 12-month training program is recommended.
We suggest a training program of at least six months to trek to 4000-6000m comfortably.

  • Months 1-2, this should include fortnightly hillwalking for 3hrs+ with a small/medium pack the weight of 5-10kg approx.
  • Months 3-4, this should be increased to include longer days (6hrs+) and pack weight of 10kg approx.
  • Month 5, Two days walking back to back twice giving four days total. Example: Saturday 7hr & Sunday 6hr = 13hrs walking. Avoid injuries at all costs!!
  • Month 6, Continue with some walking but reduce to lower peaks and durations of 4hrs, avoid injuries at all costs!

Passport & Visas

You will need a valid passport. Please ensure the expiration date is six months past your travel date. Before applying for Visa, please check dates on the passport. Please bring four passport photos for visas at departure.
We will need to get a visa, and this can be got on upon entry to Nepal.

Travel Insurance with Covid Cover

Check out our Special Travel Insurance for World Travel, Trekking, and Walking – Highly Recommended

We can recommend our preferred partnered Accident & General for this new travel insurance policy which covers trekking up to 6000 meters but does not cover technical climbing. Please check out the policy details and cover.

Insurance Cover Webinar with great advice:

Prices & Dates


Land Only: €3000

Deposit: €500

Groups are based on a minimum of 4.

2024

Dates:

September 21st – 8th of October

We can check availability on dated groups if you are interested in an individual.

Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop off.
  • Four nights hotel in Kathmandu on B/B Basis.
  • 1-night hotel in Pokhara on B/B Basis.
  • Domestic Flight from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu for Member and Guide.
  • ACAP, TIMS and permit.
  • Guide and porter.
  • Insurance for Guide and porter.

Excludes

  • International flight ticket.
  • Personal natured expenses.
  • Personal rescue and insurance.
  • Meals in Kathmandu.
  • Alcohol and beverage in Kathmandu and during the trek.
  • Extra nights hotel in Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (sample itinerary)

Annapurna Map of Route

Annapurna Map of Route

Day 1: Depart Ireland

Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu

Day 3: Katmandu

Day 4: Fly to Pokhara (820m), then drive to Phedi and trek to Tolka (1700m) 6 hours

Early morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. On arrival at Pokhara airport, you will drive from there about 30mins to Till Phedi and start your trek towards Tolka.

Day 5: Trek to Chhomrung (2170m) 6 hours

You will walk between forest towards Chhomrung. The trek will take about 6 hours.

Day 6: Trek to Dovan (2600m) 5 hours

You will begin the trek with decent from Chhomrung and your destination towards Dovan will take about 5 hours.

Day 7: Trek to Machapuchare Base Camp (3700m) 4 hours

You trek to Machapuchare Base Camp where will you will stay in the lodges at the Base Camp.

Day 8: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) and back to Deurali (3230m) 6.5 hours

From Machapuchare Base Camp, you will trek 3 hours To Annapurna Base Camp, the highest point in the trek 3.5 hours and drop down to Deurali and spend the night there.


Day 9:
Trek to Chhomrung (2170m) 5 hours

You come back to Chhomrung and spend your 2nd night here in the place before heading out to Kimlung Khola.

Day 10: Trek to Kimrong Khola (1800m) 3 hours

You will trek to Kimlung Khola which will take about 3 hours.

Day 11: Trek to Ban Thanti (3180m) 5 hours

Trek to Ban Thanti for about 5 hours which will mostly be an uphill climb.

Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani (2880m) 4 hours

You will trek to Ghorepani which will take about 4 hours from Ban Thanti.

Day 13: Early morning hike up to Poon hill (3193m) and trek to Hille(1430m) 6 hours

This day will be a very early walk. You will get up at 3-4 am (dependent on the time of sunrise) in the morning to catch a glimpse of sunrise from Poon Hill (3193m). The walk is short, but the number of people hiking up will slow down everyone. You will spend some time at the top and hike to Hille (1430m).

Day 14: Trek to Birethanti (1025m) and Drive to Pokhara (820m) 4.5 hours

You will trek to Birethanti for 3 hours and catch private vehicle from there and drive to Pokhara. You will have time to go around Pokhara and enjoy the beautiful city beside Lake Fewa.

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 16: Rest in Kathmandu

Day 17: Depart Katmandu

Day 18: Arrive Ireland

Grade


Trekking – Moderate

This trek is suitable for walkers & hillwalkers and can be achieved by a beginner with training. A reasonable level of fitness and experience on mountain trekking is recommended before departure. You will enjoy your trip a lot more if prepared well. Easy to Moderate going on good tracks that most fit people should be able. Most days will require 4 to 6 hours walking.

We run fitness assessments and hill walking weekends that are ideally suited for those who need a little more preparation, and please go to our Training Courses Section. We recommend these options to ensure a level of understanding of the requirements for the upcoming trek and remember to contact us if you have any queries or need advice.

 

Acclimatisation

We at Pat Falvey Irish and Worldwide Adventures Ltd are one of the world’s leading experts in High Altitude trekking in remote regions. We pride ourselves on putting trips together that give the best possible opportunity to succeed in the objectives of our clients and expedition teams to these areas.

Acclimatisation is key to success, and you mustn’t underestimate the time you allow to succeed. Most teams fail because they do not let enough time or do not get fit before treks or expeditions. We have had thousands of people to altitude and have devised what we consider a winning formula.

It is worth spending a bit of extra time to stay safe and achieve your goals. The pace is key to preventing AMS. The guides will monitor the group at all times for symptoms of the effects of altitude. If these symptoms persist then a person should get advice and maybe advised to descend. Our route also includes a briefing on how to notice and deal with AMS. (Acute Mountain Sickness)

Guides


Our highly experienced trekking guides have been working with us in Nepal for over 20 years. They will provide you with all the information and help during the trek. On selecting ‘Guided from Ireland’ trips (or on request for groups over 4), a guide will escort the group from Ireland. The guide will also arrange the porter’s role with your bags and any issues that may arise.

Info on Porters:

We at Pat Falvey Irish and Worldwide Adventures ensure that all our agents in every destination value and treat their employees including porters with respect and guarantee their working rates and conditions are adhering to the local employment and Health and Safety guidelines. We have built up a good relationship’s with all of our operators to ensure the welfare of their guides and porters is the priority. For more guidelines and information on porters, please go to our ‘Porter Guidelines’. Bags carried by porters are not to exceed 25kg in weight.

Gear


For general wear on the trek:

  • Cotton pants, t-shirts and if you have light thermals, these will be ideal.
  • Pair of trekking boots.
  • Four pairs of warm trekking stockings. (Thorlo or similar)
  • Adjustable ski poles: these take a lot of pressure off the body and makes walking less tiring.
  • Thermal under-wear heavy-gauge: 2 Tops and two bottoms. Dryflo etc.
  • One fleece jacket. Windproof is good.
  • Wind and waterproofs (Gortex or similar): Top jacket and bottoms.
  • Sleeping bag range to -5/-15C degrees- make sure it packs small.
  • One water bottle with the wide neck and 1 with a narrow neck (Nalgene or similar) or one Platypus container, the platypus is ideal for trekking as you can stay hydrated by drinking from a tube as you walk.
  • Gloves: 1 pair of thermal and one pair of over gloves or mitts, no harm in bringing spare sets.
  • Headtorch, Petzl with spare batteries and bulbs. I cannot stress the importance of this to have in good working order. (New LED versions are also lighter and smaller)
  • Peak hat for the lower regions to protect your head from the sun. (bandana or neck gaiter)
  • Rucksack 30 litres daypack for the mountain to carry your camera food and day gear. For travelling, 70-100 litres rucksack or sturdy gear bag- this will also do to give to porters on the trek to carry your general gear.
  • Optional for the night up high for the cold, a light down top or extra fleece.
  • Personal first aid and medicine kit. (All our guides will have these for emergencies only)
  • UV sunglasses – Cat 3/Cat 4 recommended
  • 2 x Earplugs pairs – If you have an inside pocket in the sleeping bag, leave one there full time.

Miscellaneous items:

  • Sun-block (very important and use it!)
  • Backpacking towel and general toiletries.
  • Insect repellent
  • Extra Clothes for travelling and socialising.
  • For the mountain, a layering system works best to allow you to cool down or warm up with ease – t-shirt or thermals, shirt or warm top, a good fleece and good heavy-duty waterproofs if you intend doing more treks in future.
  • Gloves and hats are vital. Bring waterproof breathable gear. You can use a regular 3 season sleeping bag. If you tend to get cold very quickly, you can add a sleeping bag liner. Remember that sleeping bags work on trapping layers of air, so wearing clothes in your sleeping bag doesn’t help.
  • If you wear contact lenses, take plenty of saline and comfort drops as the paths are dusty. Also, glasses are essential for summit night as temperature and altitude may affect eyes if contacts were worn.
  • Typical first aid complaints are headaches, dehydration, stomach bugs, diarrhoea, sunburn and occasional mouth ulcers. Looking after yourself with plenty of fluids, rest and enjoying the gentle ascending pace will assist in avoiding these. Your first aid kit should contain treatments for these minor ailments. Please get advice from your GP before departure.
  • Money can be left in the hotel safe. All currency can be changed to local currency in the cities. The only money you will need to carry for your treks will be to cover porter and guide tips and bottled water if you choose to purchase.
  • Hotels offer Launderette facilities if you wish to wash clothes following trek; otherwise, there is no opportunity to wash clothing.
  • Digital cameras will cope fine with the conditions if you keep them warm close to your body where possible, especially on summit morning or when reaching your highest day. Otherwise, batteries can run down. Spare batteries are a must.

Preparation


Passports & Visas

Preparation – We have selected a walking weekend to help you adjust to the goal of the trek. The weekend has two walks with advice and techniques for clothing and gear gave also. On Saturday we will climb one of Irelands highest peaks during a day hike, and on Sunday morning early we will go on a night hike simulating the requirements on the summit day of a trek which takes you out of your comfort zone before the real thing. This method allows your body and mind to adjust to the challenge ahead. For more info on this fitness assessment, weekends and day walks, go to our Irish training section. If you are a total beginner to walking/hillwalking, then a 12-month training program is recommended.
We suggest a training program of at least six months to trek to 4000-6000m comfortably.

  • Months 1-2, this should include fortnightly hillwalking for 3hrs+ with a small/medium pack the weight of 5-10kg approx.
  • Months 3-4, this should be increased to include longer days (6hrs+) and pack weight of 10kg approx.
  • Month 5, Two days walking back to back twice giving four days total. Example: Saturday 7hr & Sunday 6hr = 13hrs walking. Avoid injuries at all costs!!
  • Month 6, Continue with some walking but reduce to lower peaks and durations of 4hrs, avoid injuries at all costs!

Passport & Visas

You will need a valid passport. Please ensure the expiration date is six months past your travel date. Before applying for Visa, please check dates on the passport. Please bring four passport photos for visas at departure.
We will need to get a visa, and this can be got on upon entry to Nepal.

Travel Insurance with Covid Cover

Check out our Special Travel Insurance for World Travel, Trekking, and Walking – Highly Recommended

We can recommend our preferred partnered Accident & General for this new travel insurance policy which covers trekking up to 6000 meters but does not cover technical climbing. Please check out the policy details and cover.

Insurance Cover Webinar with great advice:

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