Rising up to the North of Pokhara, The Annapurna Himal, extends for 40 Km from East to West, creating a spectacular backdrop with nine peaks over 7,000 m. Accounting for over 60% of trekking permits issued in Nepal, The Annapurna region offers a veritable banquet of spectacular scenery, and varied hill culture.
Described in The Rough Guide as “the most intensely scenic short trek in Nepal” The Sanctuary trail thrusts right into the very heart of The Annapurna range, following the course of the Modi Khola River. Leaving the road head behind, the trail passes through picturesque cultivated fields, with their local farmers at work, climbing up into thick Bamboo Forest. This is not a wilderness experience, the area is relatively well settled and farmed, with much of the treks beauty being man made. Climbing up above the tree line, The “Sanctuary Gate”, a narrow pass between the sheer walls of Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli, opens up a different world of Glacial Moraines and 360-degree views of tapering mountain peaks all around you.
Included.
Experienced Big Canvas Adventures tour leader, trekking staff and porters, first-aid kit, transportation, twin-share accommodation and meals as indicated in the detailed Trip Notes. The following sightseeing trips are included: Kathmandu - guided tour to Bodhnath and Pashupatinath including transport and entrance fees.
Not Included.
International flights, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre or post tour accommodation, optional tours sightseeing or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, fully comprehensive travel insurance (obligatory on all trips and must include helicopter evacuation and repatriation), tips, items of a personal nature, laundry, cost of showers on trek (if available).
Local Payment.
Your tour leader will collect US$240 from each person on Day 1.
The local payment is the final part of your overall tour cost. It is to be paid in cash, in the currency indicated, to your tour leader at the start of your trip. Having a local payment helps us to pass cost savings on to you. Please note that the Local Payment is non-refundable.
Route / Itinery.
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Day
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Route
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Activity
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AM
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PM
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Day 1
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Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, and check-in. No organised activities.
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None
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Day 2
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Kathmandu, day experiencing the sights and sounds of this vibrant city, with some time left to sort out any of those last minute hitches, or key pieces of kit forgotten of left behind.
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sightseeing
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Optional excursion
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Day 3
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Drive to Pokhara, spending the night at Lakeside.
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Drive
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PM Free
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Day 4
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Local transport to Phedi, and start trek to Tolka (6-7 hrs)
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Trekking
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Trekking
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Day 5
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Trek Tolka to Chomrong (7 hrs)
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Trekking
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Trekking
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Day 6
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Trek Chomrong to Bamboo (4-5 hrs)
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Trekking
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Early Finish
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Day 7
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Trek Bamboo to Deorali (4-5 hrs)
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Trekking
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Early Finish
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Day 8
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Trek Deorali to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (4-5 hrs)
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Trekking
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Early Finish
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Day 9
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Trek Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (2 hrs), return to Deorali (4 hrs).
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Trekking
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Trekking
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Day 10
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Trek Deorali to Chomrong (8 hrs)
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Trekking
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Trekking
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Day 11
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Trek Chomrong to Ghandruk (4-5 hrs)
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Trekking
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Early Finish
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Day 12
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Trek Ghandruk to Naya Pul (4-5 hrs), and return for a relaxing evening in Pokhara.
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Trekking
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Early Finish
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Day 13
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After an early breakfast, take the impressive flight to Kathmandu.
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Flying
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PM Free
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Day 14
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Kathmandu, a further days sightseeing, Durbar Sq and the monkey temple, or choose an optional scenic flight around Mt Everest itself.
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sightseeing
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Optional excursion
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Day 15
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End of tour and return home.
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None
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Meals.
All Breakfasts are included in tour price. Other meals will need to be paid for. The choice of food in Kathmandu is quite varied, and by UK standards very affordable. Whilst in the mountains, the choice is more limited, however the ingenuity of your hosts, always means that you will enjoy a hot, nutritious and thoroughly enjoyable meal.
Fitness.
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this trekking holiday and you should be in good health. On average you can expect to trek for up to five to six hours per day whilst on trek. The Sanctuary has a few sections, which are quite steep and characterised by a series of steps. Days 4 and 5 are quite long and will be tiring, however the constant changing scenery, and the particularly hospitable lodges on this route make the additional effort very worthwhile. Some physical preparation, particularly walking on hills and stairs, before your trek will be a definite advantage.
Important Information.
A good quality sleeping bag and down jacket are required for this trip. These items are available for hire in Kathmandu.
Pre and post tour accommodation.
You may wish to extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask Big Canvas Adventures for details and prices when you book your trip.
Optional extras and sightseeing.
Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur entrance US$11
Half Day tour to Bhaktapur & Patan US$12
Mt Everest scenic flight - including transfers. approx US$135
Patan entrance US$4
Namche.
Sherpa House Museum US$2 ( small donation also appreciated)
Single travellers.
Most of our travellers are single and like the thought of travelling with a few like-minded souls. As part of Big Canvas Adventures' core philosophy, we do not charge a single supplement. You'll probably be sharing your accommodation with a travelling companion of the same gender. You can choose to have your own room whilst in Kathmandu, however because of the limited facilities available in the mountains, separate rooms are generally not available whilst trekking. Because many of our travellers come on their own, your tour will probably have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some great new friends.