Annapurna foothill region is the focus of the article “Honey Hunters of Nepal”, written by Eric Valli and Diane Summers and another article “Annapurna Sanctuary for the Himalaya” written and photographed by Galen Rowell. Both articles were published in National Geography magazine. It has been subject of writers , photographers and climbers since Mourice Herzog first ascent to 8000 m peak Annapurna 1 back in 1950s.
The glacial basin of Annapurna Sanctuary is formed by the circle of Annapurna Himalaya range, Gangapurna and Machapuchre. As you travel from Chumro towards the Sanctuary the trail pass through narrow valley which is prone to avalanche in winter and early spring. You follow Modi Khole (river) through thick bamboo and rhododendron forests into the center of lateral moraine and base camp of Annapurna to view the spectacular Annapurna range all around. Stop at Ghorepani to see beautiful sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The Gurung villages and frequent stops at tea-shop dotted along the way gives an unique cultural experience. Like the Sherpa in Everest, Gurung are in Annapurna and Limbus in Kanchanjunga.
Itinerary
01. Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel
02. In Kathmandu-free day
03. Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul. Walk to Birenthati and walk Trek to Tirkhedunga (1524m)6 hours.
Drive leisurely to Nayapul, the trail descends to Modi Khola after Chandrakot and reach to suspension bridge at Birenthati. It is one-hour drive and walk from Pokhara to Birenthati (1080m) situated along the Modi River. You will have excellent views of waterfalls and meet friendly people along the trail. The trail follow Modi Khola (river) and gradually ascends to Kimche. Continue to ascend on the stone steps path. It is about 4 hour further ascend to the beautiful village of Ghandrug (1940m). It is a a large Gurung village. Thereis an beautiful views of Annapurna South (7455m), Annapurna III (7555m) and photogenic Machapuchare peak (6993m).
04. Ghorepani (2835m) - 6 hours walk:
After breakfast ascend the steep steps for about 2 hour to Ulleri 2012m). Continue climbing from Uleri for another 2 hours to lunch stop at Nayathanti. The climb continues on through wet temperate forests of oak and rhododendron until Ghorepani. Camp site at Ghorepani is about 10 minute walk. Depending upon weather condition it is recommended to make an hour climb to Poonhill (3100m) for a panoramic view of Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri. There is spectacular vie of Dhaulagiri, machhapuchere (6993m) and Annapurna range.
05. Trek Ghandrung (1940m) - 7 hrs walk:
The trail climbs slightly up the ridge and then descend steeply on a narrow trail through rhododendron forest. Some places require extra care especially if there is snow or ice on the trail. After lunch at Bhanthati there is short climb around a spur and a short steep descent ands then another steep climb to Tadapani situated at the top of the ridge. Make a long and gradual steep descent to Ghandrung.
06. Trek Chomrong (1951m)- 7 hrs walk:
Next day Climb to the Kimrong-danda (hill) and make gradual descent to Kyunri Khola (river). The trail climb to Taglung village. On the way you get excellent view of Annapurna South (7220m) and Putha Hiunchuli (6441m) no the north west and Annaurna III (7555m) and Machapuchare to the north east. Descend to the river and follow the level path to Chumrong
07. Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2870m) - 6 hours walk:
Leaving Chhomrong, the trail descends and crosses the Chhomro Khola, then climbs again out of the side valley in which Chhomro is situated. The trail pass through forest of rhododendron, oak and hemlock and reach at Kuldi (2540m) A small rest house offers some shelter. The bamboo forests beyond Kuldi are dense, locals hack them down hundred of these to make dokos (wicker basket), the woven baskets carried by the porters, mats for floors and other stuffs, In winter it is common to encounter snow anywhere from this point. When there is snow, this stretch of trail is particularly difficult as the bamboo laying hidden on the trail beneath the snow provides an excellent start to a slide downhill walk.
08. Trek to Machhapuchre Base camp (3700m)- 6 hours walk:
It takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Macchapuchre base camp from Himalaya Hotel, walk through rocky trail little steep up comes Hinko at 3170m is often called ‘Hinko cave’ because a huge overhanging rock provides some protection above the only spot flat enough for camping on this side of the valley. The trail crosses a ravine just beyond Hinko, then climb through large boulders as the valley widens and becomes less steep.
09. Annapurna Sanctuary- Explore Annapurna Base Camp (4130m):
Walk to Annapurna Base camp (4130m) is about 2 hours. From a camp in the sanctuary visit the base camp of Annapurna South. A number of peaks accessible from this area are open to trekking groups. Tent Peak (5500m) offers a commanding 360-degree view of the entire sanctuary, Fluted Peak (6390m) demands some mountaineering experiences; Hiunchuli (6441m) on the south is magnificent.
Caution: In winter and early spring the section near Hinko can be dangerous due to avalanches from Hiunchuli and Annapurna South which are above but can not be seen from here. The avalanche, can come crashing into the valley with unbelieving speed. Extra precaution at this point can avert the possible danger.
10. Retrace trail back to Bamboo (2340m)- 6 hours / 10 km
11 Trek to Jhinu danda (1780m)- 6 hours hrs / 10km:
Evening take a hot spring bath at Hot spring.
12 Trek to Pothana (1890m) - 6 hours / 10km
13 Trek to Phedi (1130m), drive back to Pokhara (30 min). In Pokhara. O/n at Pokhara hotel.
14. Drive Kathmandu , in Kathmandu to hotel, free day to explore Kathmandu
Departures:
As per your choice
dates Except June
to Sept
Private Arrangement
Trek cost:
1 pax: US$1360 p/pax
2 pax: US$1155 p/pax
3-5 pax: US$1110 p/pax
6-9 pax: US$1045 p/pax
10-15pax:US$ 995 p/pax
16+ pax :US$ 975 p/pax
SGL supplement: US$130
Best time to Trek:
March, April, May,
Sept, Oct, Nov
01. All meals and accommodation in lodge during the trek
02. Service of trek guide, and Sharpa assistant for group 6+
03. Porters to carry personal baggage (each 15 kg.)
04. Accident insurance for staffs and porters
05. Airfare: Kathmandu to Pokhara,
06. Greenline bus - Pokhara to Kathmandu
07. Annapurna conservation area entry permit (ACAP), Trekking permit
08. Arrival and departure transfers
09. Local / public transportation as shown in the programmeb for staffs
10. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on BB (3 star category)as per programme
Cost Exclude:
01. Personal clothing and sleeping bag
02. Personal accident and health insurance
03. Emergency evacuation and medical expense
04. Alcoholic and bottled beverage, mineral water, laundry, and tips
05. Any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned
06. Expenses due to flight delay, sickness other contingencies
