The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek delivers epic mountain vistas, lush valleys, and the thrill of walking into the sacred heart of the Himalaya. This expanded daily itinerary reveals the immersive rhythm, key villages, and special experiences travelers can expect on each day of the journey.

Fast Facts

  • Duration: 11 days with mountain tea house stays.
  • Maximum Elevation: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
  • Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn for clear skies, rhododendron bloom, and moderate temps.
  • Culture: Gurung villages, Buddhist shrines, Nepali food, and local hospitality.[web:1][web:2]

Detailed 11-Day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Touch down in Nepal’s vibrant capital. After airport pickup, settle into the hotel and join an evening orientation with your trekking team. Stroll the narrow lanes of Thamel, visit bustling markets, and soak up Himalayan anticipation. Briefing includes a gear check and local dinner with the group.
  • Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara – Early morning drive or scenic domestic flight to Pokhara, the lakeside adventure town beneath Annapurna’s snowy peaks. Optional stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the colorful bazaar, and admire sunset views of Machapuchare reflected in the water. Final gear adjustments and trek preparations before settling into a comfortable guesthouse.
  • Day 3: Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m) – Transfer by jeep to the trailhead at Nayapul. Begin hiking alongside terraced farms and the burbling Modi Khola river. Ascend gently to the famed Gurung village of Ghandruk, with panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Explore traditional stone houses, visit the Gurung Museum, and enjoy homemade Nepali cuisine with local families.
  • Day 4: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170m) – Traverse forested ridges and descend steps to the Kimrong Khola, then climb gradually through oak and rhododendron forests. Pass rustic tea houses and meet porters carrying supplies uphill. Arrive at Chhomrong, a lively trekking village famed for its views of Machapuchare (“Fishtail”) Peak. Evening tea with mountain vistas.
  • Day 5: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m) – Descend stone steps, cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers, and enter a lush forest of bamboo and giant ferns. The trail becomes quieter, birdsong and waterfalls echo through the valley. Overnight in Bamboo, a tiny cluster of lodges nestled deep in the forest.
  • Day 6: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m) – Steady ascent through cool forest and mossy ravines, with glimpses of snowy summits far above. Pass by Himalayan wildlife and pause at natural hot springs. Reach Deurali for alpine meadows, evening sunset over the mountains, and stories from other trekkers around the teahouse hearth.
  • Day 7: Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) – Enter a high-alpine zone fringed by glaciers. The trail passes avalanche-prone slopes and cliffside walkways; caution is essential. Arrive at Machapuchare Base Camp, cradled below the iconic Fishtail Peak—spectacular for sunset and dawn photography.
  • Day 8: Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) – The final approach follows the glacier, with prayer flags flapping and thin air signaling the heights. Step into the Sanctuary, surrounded on all sides by towering peaks and ancient ice. Rest, reflect, and capture sunrise or sunset palettes that dance across the summit faces.
  • Day 9: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo – Retrace steps back through glaciers and alpine fields, slowly descending to oxygen-rich forests. Sense the shift from raw Himalayan exposure to lush, sheltered valley life. Celebrate the highpoint with hearty meals at a favorite tea house.
  • Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Hot Springs – Walk through dense forests alive with birds, then relax at Jhinu Danda’s famous hot springs beside the river. Soothe tired legs in geothermal pools as local guides share stories of their mountain childhoods.
  • Day 11: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara – Final morning descent along terraced fields and rural villages. After reaching Nayapul, jeep back to Pokhara to celebrate with team members, enjoy lakeside cafes, and reflect on memories made in the heart of the Annapurnas.

Highlights & Tips

  • Travel light, pack for chilly nights above 3,000m and hot days at lower altitudes.
  • Water purification systems reduce plastic waste, and local guides are invaluable for safety and cultural context.
  • Respect sacred ground, greet locals in Nepali—“Namaste”—and enjoy learning mountain traditions.