Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

This is a very beautiful trek that goes right into the center of the Annapurna mountain range. Along the trek there are often 360-degree views of the fantastic Annapurna Mountains. It is one of the most scenic treks in Nepal. At the end of the trek you are totally surrounded by outstanding peaks. The trek takes 9 to 14 days as a round trip from Pokhara, beginning at either at Naya Pul or Suikhet (Phedi). It can also be a five to seven day side trip to the Jomsom trek. The highest point reached is 4095m at the Annapurna base camp.
There are many lodges along the route. The distance covered on this trek is not that much, but it seems longer because of the elevation and the steep trail conditions. The climb from Ghandruk to the Annapurna Sanctuary goes up 2000m, so unless you are well acclimatized, you should take at least four days to make the climb.
At Ghandruk, on the Jomsom route you head north through the Annapurna Sanctuary to the Annapurna Base Camp at around 4000m. The trek goes along the Modi Khola past any permanent settlements.

This trek can be side trip on the Jomsom or Annapurna Circuit treks, which add five to seven days these treks. It can also be a seven to nine day trip from Pokhara starting in Chandrakot or Suikhet. Several routes can be taken that all meet at Chhomrong.

Sometime the route can be blocked by heavy snowfall or avalanches. You should check at the ACAP offices in Ghandruk or Khuldighar to see what the current condition of the trail. It there is heavy rain or snow, it is best not to go into the sanctuary.

Rain and snow can make the trail very slippery. During the winter snow can make the trail impassable.

Beginning Point
The Jomsom trek goes between Pokhara and Jomsom. Along the route is Phedi, which is where the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek leaves the trail.

Day 1: Phedi to Tolka
From Phedi the trails go upward to Dhampus at 1750m. It is spread out over a few km and has a number of hotels stretched out over a several km. There is a lot of theft here, so you should look after your possessions.

The route then goes up to Pothana at 1990m and then goes down steeply pass a forest to Bichok, and then further descends to Tolka

Day 2: Tolka to Chhomrong
From Tolka there is a descent down a long stone set of steps and then the trial ascends to Gurung village of Landruk at 1620m. The trail then goes down for around 10 minutes and comes to a fork in the trail. One fork goes north to Chhomrong and the sanctuary and the other goes downhill to Ghandruk.

The trail to the sanctuary goes up the Modi Khola valley and goes pass Naya Pul at 1340m, and climbs up to Jhinu Danda at 1750m and then to Taglung at 2180m, meeting the Ghandruk to Chhomrong trail.

Chhomrong at 1950m is the last permanent village in the valley. It has an ACAP office. It has a selection of hotels.

Day 3: Chhomrong to Bamboo Lodge
The trail descends to the Chhomrong Khola River and then goes back up to Kuldi at 2520m where there is an ACAP checkpoint and an information office. You then go to Bamboo Lodge at 2340m where there are some hotels. If there has been some rain this area will have many leeches.

Day 4: Bamboo Lodge to Himalayan hotel
The trail then goes through bamboo and some rhododendron forests pass Doban at 2630m and then to Himalayan Hotel at 2990m.

Day 5: Himalayan Hotel to Machhapuchhare Base Camp
The trail then goes to Hinko at 3160m. There are places to say in Deorali (3230m) on the hill above Hindo. This area is the most likely to have an avalanche.

There are places to stay at Machhapuchhare base camp at 3720m.

Day 6: Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp
It takes around two hours to climb to the Annapurna base camp at 4095m. It is best to do it early in the morning before cloud blow in and block the view. It can be really cold here, so you should have warm clothing. There are some places to stay here and they can be very crowded during the peak of the season.

Return to Pokhara
On the return trip you can go back the same way you came. You can also go from Chhomrong to Ghandruk and then to Ghorapani to get the views from Poon Hill. From there you take the Jomsom trek back to Pokhara.

On the way back you can climb up the ridge south of Tatopani. You could also follow the Kali Gandaki River south from Tatopani, which is a trek with not much climb and ascending. This route has occasionally views and you can make good time. Not as many people take this route as the main Jomsom route. The heat and mosquitoes along this route can be tough during the spring, summer and early autumn. The main ethnic groups in this area are Gurungs and Magars.

Jiri is the most popular place to begin the trek to Everest. Jiri at 1860m is has expanded rapidly since the road was extended to reach it. It has a weekly market on Saturday. There are many hotels in the center of town near the bus stand on the hill near the market. The Sherpa Guide Lodge, Cherdung Lodge and the Sagarmatha Hotel are all basic places with rooms for under Rs 250.

Travel
Buses depart to Jiri from the Kathmandu City bus station in the morning (11 or 12 hr, Rs 135). You should watch your bags, especially your camera.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides