Annapurna Base Camp

One of the best shorter treks we operate, the Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a great option if you do not have sufficient time available for the acclimatisation required on one of our longer treks. The trek begins with a 30 minute flight from Kathmandu to the lakeside city of Pokhara, followed by a one hour drive to the trailhead at Nayapul. A steep ascent takes you to the village of Ghorepani, ready to make your ascent of Poon Hill for amazing views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna range. From here you trek for several days following the gorge carved by the river, crossing and re-crossing on suspension bridges before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. This section of the Annapurna range forms an amphitheatre containing Annapurna I, Fang, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. With so many surrounding mountains, sunlight is restricted to just 7 hours a day in summer. The only entrance to the Sanctuary is a narrow pass between Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. The peak of Machhapuchhre is thought to be the dwelling place of the Hindu god Shiva. The sanctuary was not entered by outsiders until 1956, and only recently was the bringing of eggs or meat or the admission of women and Dalits – untouchables – permitted. After the trek, there is the opportunity to relax on the shores of Lake Pokhara before flying back to Kathmandu.