14-Days Trip Cost Details

• The trip cost always depends on group size, hotel accommodation category and client’s desire budget
• The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which AlpineTrav you. This trip itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements
• The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both AlpineTrav and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client’s request before the trip confirmation
• Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/ her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly
• The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek itinerary has been published in 3-star hotel and tea house/lodge services for better understanding of the customers.

Please contact us on WhatsApp: +9779860751012 for any information about in your selected package.

Useful Info

Please take care to note: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, the health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Accommodations at Annapurna Sanctuary during a trek

We will provided you, comfortable Stays in Cities and on the Trail Your comfort is our priority, whether in the bustling city or the serene mountains: In Kathmandu: Stay at Hotel Moonlight or a similar hotel, offering modern amenities for a relaxing experience and Pokhara stay at Hotel Mount View Pokhara Room Arrangement: are on a twin-sharing basis, and during trek stay in teahouse/lodge, known for their warmth and hospitality.

Meals at Annapurna Sanctuary during the trek

During the trek, meals are typically served in teahouses, offering a variety of Nepali and international dishes. Which you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.).

• Breakfast and Dinner (On OPEN/CHOICE Menu) Served at the teahouse where you will spend the night.
• Lunch: Provided en route to the next destination, offering flexibility to enjoy the day’s journey.
• Special Touch: Breakfasts are provided your stay in Kathmandu, Pokhara and you will also enjoy a specially prepared farewell dinner to celebrate the end of the trek.

How much does the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Cost?

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek costs USD 1,599 per person, which covers most of the expenses required. However, the cost varies depending on factors such as the trip duration, group size, customization of the trip, preferred level of luxury, chosen transportation, and so on.

The cost covers lodging in Kathmandu, Pokhara and throughout the trek, meals, permits, transfers, a trekking guide, a porter, all ground transportation. This all-inclusive cost ensures trekkers are worry-free and only focus on the journey rather than the logistics.

History of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary has a rich history rooted in ancient pilgrimage and trade routes. Situated at the base of the Annapurna Massif, the sanctuary is a natural amphitheater formed by towering peaks, making it sacred. The Annapurna Sanctuary is home to several holy temples, including Annapurna, which is dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment. This site has been added to history since ancient times.

Furthermore, the route to Annapurna Sanctuary used to be a trade route between Nepal and Tibet, and many locals still use it today to transport goods and supplies. The route started gaining popularity worldwide after 1977 when disputes between Khampa guerrillas, the local populace, and the Nepal army were settled. However, the trek originally started in Dhumre, a market town on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, and ended in Pokhara, taking about 23 days to complete. But, with the development of road accessibility in the early 1980s, the trek now starts from Nayapul and ends at Pokhara, taking just 13-15 days to complete.

When to go on Annapurna Sanctuary trek?

You can go on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek throughout the year; however, trekkers must choose the ideal time to minimize the risk and maximize the enjoyment. Thus, we recommend that trekkers go to Annapurna during the peak seasons, spring and autumn when the trekking conditions are ideal.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the most preferred times of the year for trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas, including at Annapurna Sanctuary. While spring comes after a harsh winter, autumn comes after the monsoon season, and both come after off-seasons. The weather, temperature, sky, and visibility during the peak seasons (spring and autumn) are perfect, making the time best for the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary.

In contrast, trekkers who prefer a quiet and isolated experience can also go on the trek during the winter and summer seasons; however, they must be prepared for the potential challenges and risks. While summer brings heavy rainfall, winter brings harsh cold weather, offering trekking challenges. Thus, it is possible to trek to Annapurna Sanctuary throughout the trek, but trekkers must choose the ideal season for a smooth trip.

Is the Annapurna Sanctuary trek for beginners?

Yes, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is for beginners and requires no prior trekking experience. Compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek and other treks in the Annapurna region (Annapurna Circuit), the Annapurna Sanctuary suits novices and inexperienced people. However, the requirement of no previous trekking experience doesn’t mean any physical fitness requirement. Instead, a beginner planning a journey to the Sanctuary should pay much attention to physical and mental fitness and preparedness.

Preparation tips for beginners

• Start cardio and strength training at least 3 months before the trek.
• Focus on endurance and leg strength training.
• Involve in daily hikes with a full backpack to simulate trek conditions.
• Be involved in yoga activities that help to set a positive mindset.
• Be prepared for the challenges during the trek, as unpredictable circumstances may occur at any time in the Himalayas.
• Consider hiring a guide and porter for additional support.
• Invest in good clothing and gear.
• Choose a reputable trekking agency that prioritizes your safety.

Important landmarks on the Annapurna Sanctuary trekking route

Poon Hill – Within the Annapurna region at Ghorepani village of Myagdi district, Poon Hill is the significant landmark along the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary. Lying at an elevation of 3,210m above sea level, Poon Hill is a well-renowned destination famous for offering majestic sunrise views over the world’s tenth highest peak, Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.

Machhapuchhre Base Camp – Macchapucchre Base Camp, at 3,700m/m/12,139 ft, is another key landmark along the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary or Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp is the base of the Machhapuchhre mountain, one of the holiest peaks in Nepal. The Macchapucchre Base Camp is stunning, with a panorama of Mount Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and other Himalayan peaks. The base camp is the acclimatization and resting point for trekkers heading to Annapurna Base Camp, marking the gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary.

Annapurna Base Camp – Annapurna Base Camp is undoubtedly the prominent landmark along the trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. At an elevation of 4,130m, the base camp is the ultimate destination of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. Standing at the top of the base camp offers trekkers a sense of accomplishment and worth of navigating every rough section smoothly. The view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna is the key highlight of the base camp. Additionally, the panorama of the rising sun and setting sun are also satisfying from the Annapurna Base Camp.

Do you need a guide and porter for your Annapurna Sanctuary trek?

Whether or not you need a porter for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek depends on the individual trekker’s choice and preferences. However, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association Nepal (TAAN) have made it mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide for all trekking destinations in Nepal, including for Annapurna Sanctuary, for the safety of trekkers. Thus, trekkers must hire a guide, whereas hiring a porter is optional.

Hiring a guide won’t make you regret it at all. They will help you with everything from managing your logistics to assisting you throughout the trek. The guide will be your valuable companion on the journey to Annapurna Sanctuary by providing information regarding the route, local culture, and weather conditions. Likewise, porters are unpraised heroes who will carry all your loads and allow you to focus only on the trip. Moreover, hiring guides costs around $25-$35 per day and $15-$25 for porters.

Things to consider before and during the Annapurna Sanctuary trek

Before Trek

• Choose the right trekking season, as selecting the perfect season only helps you to complete the trek smoothly.
• Obtain all necessary permits for the trek. Without a permit, you can’t complete the trek.
• Make yourself physically and mentally fit.
• Involve in physical fitness and training for a couple of months.
• Pack the right gear, from clothing to footwear to other essentials.
• Choose a reputable trekking agency that ensures your safety.
• Buy travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, helicopter evacuation in emergencies, and medical treatment.

During Trek

• Focus on acclimatization by ascending gradually and letting the body adjust to the changed temperature.
• Drink at least 3 liters of water daily.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine as they lead to dehydration.
• Take rest whenever you need to.
• Know the symptoms of altitude sickness and don’t ignore them.
• Respect local culture and tradition while passing through villages.
• Eat energy-rich meals and vegetarian meals instead of non-veg meals.
• Avoid raw vegetables and meat.
• Dress warm in the morning and night, and the times are cold.
• Seek permission before taking photos of people and religious sites.

Changes in weather and temperature during the trek

The weather and temperature on the journey to Annapurna Sanctuary vary throughout the trek depending on location, elevation, and season. Here are the weather and temperature changes during the trek at different points and in different seasons:

Pokhara (827m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 12°C-30°C, clear skies and plant weather
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 18°C to 32°C, humid and heavy rainfall
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 15°C to 30°C, clear skies
– Weather and Temperature in Winter 5°C to 20°C, cool mornings
Nayapul (1,070m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 10°C to 28°C, warm
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 16°C to 30°C, rainy
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 13°C to 27°C, stable – weather Weather and Temperature in Winter 4°C to 18°C, chilly morning
Ulleri (2,050m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 7°C to 22°C, pleasant
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 12°C to 24°C, cloudy and rainfall
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 9°C to 21°C, cool nights
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -2°C to 12°C, cold nights
Ghorepani (2,750m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 5°C to 20°C, comfortable
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 10°C to 22°C, foggy with rain
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 7°C to 19°C, fresh air
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -4°C to 10°C, cold weather
Poon Hil (3,210m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 5°C to 18°C, amazing sunrise view
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 10°C to 20°C, foggy with rainfall
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 6°C to 17°C, clear skies
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -5°C to 10°C, freezing morning
Tadapani (2,630m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 5°C to 20°C, mild
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 10°C to 22°C, occasional rainfall
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 7°C to 19°C, fresh air
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -3°C to 10°C, cold morning and nights
Chhomrong (2,170m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 7°C to 20°C, comfortable
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 10°C to 22°C, humid
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 8°C to 20°C, dry trails
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -2°C to 12°C, chilly nights
Dovan (2,580m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 3°C to 18°C, cool
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 8°C to 20°C, west and misty
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 5°C to 17°C, stable
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -4°C to 8°C, extremely cold nights and morning
Macchapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring -2 to 12°C, cold but pleasant
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 5°C to 15°C, foggy and rainfall
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 0°C to 12°C, stunning views
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -10°C to 5°C, freezing and snowfall
Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring -5°C to 10°C, windy nights with mild day
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 3°C to 12°C, rain
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn -2°C to 10°C, stable weather with clear sky
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -15°C to 5°C, extremely cold with snowfall
Bamboo (2,310m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 4°C to 18°C, fresh morning
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 9°C to 20°C, humid
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 6°C to 17°C, stable weather
– Weather and Temperature in Winter -3°C to 10°C, cold nights
Jhinu Danda (1,760m):
– Weather and Temperature in Spring 8°C to 24°C, warm and pleasant
– Weather and Temperature in Summer 12°C to 26°C
– Weather and Temperature in Autumn 10°C to 22°C, comfortable weather
– Weather and Temperature in Winter 0°C to 15°C, cool morning

Acute mountain sickness during trekking

Acute mountain Sickness (AMS) is a concern while trekking above the elevation of 2,500m. The journey to Annapurna Sanctuary takes trekkers up to an elevation of 4,130m, making the issue a major concern during the trek. The issue generally occurs as trekkers ascend to higher altitudes, where oxygen levels decrease, causing the body not to adjust properly due to thinner air pressure. Additionally, if Acute Mountain Sickness is left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). 

The symptoms of Acute Mountain sickness include: 

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Swelling of hands, feet, and face
• Increased pulse rate
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid breathing

Here is how you can prevent Acute Mountain sickness during the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek:

• Do not ascent rapidly; let your body adjust to the changed temperature by walking gradually.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water every day.
• Eat a balanced diet to maintain your energy level.
• Avoid strenuous activity and rest properly if you experience altitude sickness symptoms or feel unwell.
• Consider taking medication like Diamox that helps to prevent or reduce the risk of AMS symptoms.

Difficulty of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a moderate difficulty trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Likewise, with proper preparation and a moderate fitness level, trekkers can smoothly complete the trek. Still, trekkers with a good fitness level can also complete the trek. Reaching the highest elevation at 4,130m above sea level, the trek lies in the yellow zone in terms of altitude sickness. Moreover, the factors that add to the trek’s difficulty include steep ascent and descent sections, quite high elevations with a risk of altitude sickness, varied terrain, and a multi-day trek that involves walking for 5-6 hours daily.