A 9-day expert-guided trek from Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a hidden glacial amphitheatre encircled by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the sacred Fish-Tail (Machapuchare). Moderate ascent, no flights required, no Lukla weather risk. Maximum eight trekkers per group.
If you have nine days and you want the postcard view without the altitude lottery of Everest Base Camp, this is the trek. The Annapurna Circuit is two weeks; the Annapurna Sanctuary takes you to the most scenic point of the same massif in nine days, ending in a glacial bowl that is — quite literally — ringed by 7,000-metre peaks on every side.
You walk through three climate zones in a week: terraced rice paddies, sub-tropical bamboo, then alpine moraine. The trail is well-maintained stone steps for most of the way, and unlike EBC there is no internal flight to worry about — you start and end in Pokhara by road.
Fly or drive from Kathmandu. Lakeside hotel; final gear check and route brief over dinner.
1.5-hour drive to the trailhead. Stone-paved climb through rice terraces into a Gurung village with sweeping views of Annapurna South.
Gateway to the Sanctuary. The valley narrows; bamboo replaces oak. First dramatic view of Machapuchare.
Steep gorge-wall trail through rhododendron forest. Watch for langur monkeys on the cliff sections.
Above the treeline. Below the sacred Fish-Tail summit. The peaks open up around you — Annapurna III appears for the first time.
2 hours, 4 km. A bowl ringed by 7,000-metre peaks. We arrive by mid-morning so you can rest, then watch sunset on Annapurna I from camp.
Pre-dawn sunrise on Annapurna I — the highlight of the trek. Long descent to Bamboo (2,310 m).
Long downhill day ending at the natural hot springs by the Modi Khola — soak before dinner.
Easy 3-hour walk out, lunch in Pokhara, your evening is yours by the lake.
Significantly easier. Max altitude is 4,130 m versus 5,545 m on the EBC route, and there are no flights — you start and end in Pokhara by road. It is the trek we recommend for first-time high-altitude walkers and for older trekkers.
October to early December for the clearest mountain views and stable weather. March to May is the second-best window, with rhododendron forests in bloom. Avoid mid-June through August (monsoon, leeches, landslide risk on the gorge sections).
From $1,540 USD per person on twin-share basis. Fully inclusive of ACAP and TIMS permits, ground transport, Sherpa guide, porter, teahouse stays, and airport transfers. Tips and travel insurance are extra.
No. The trek starts and ends in Pokhara, reached from Kathmandu by a 25-minute domestic flight or a 7-hour scenic drive. The trail itself is reached by 1.5-hour ground transfer. Unlike EBC, no Lukla flight risk.
Mild AMS symptoms (headache, light nausea) are possible above 3,500 m, but severe AMS is uncommon at 4,130 m if you ascend steadily. We do daily oximeter checks above Chhomrong.
No. Everest is 250 km east. From ABC you have a 360° view of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, and the Sanctuary peaks.
Yes. It is our most-recommended trek for trekkers in their 50s, 60s, and early 70s. We can extend the itinerary by one day at any teahouse if anyone wants more recovery time.
The ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) and the TIMS card (NPR 2,000). Both included; we issue them in Pokhara on Day 1.
