Annapurna Sanctuary Trek — 10 Days | Nepal Lion Tours

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Overview

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a 10-day trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region that leads into the heart of the famous Annapurna Sanctuary — a glacial amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres (13,550 feet), the route is graded moderate and is suitable for reasonably fit trekkers, including many first-time Himalayan walkers.

Starting and ending in Kathmandu via Pokhara, the trek follows the classic southern approach through the Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, then climbs through rhododendron and bamboo forest to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and finally Annapurna Base Camp. Towering at 6,993 metres, the sacred and unclimbed Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) dominates the skyline for much of the journey.

With Nepal Lion Tours, the package starts from USD 775 per person, including a licensed English-speaking guide, teahouse accommodation, meals during the trek, required permits, private transfers and essential trekking gear.

What Makes the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Special?

The defining moment comes on Day 5, when the trail leaves the forest line behind and climbs into the Annapurna Sanctuary itself. From Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, you stand inside a natural amphitheatre of snow peaks — Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m) — with glaciers descending almost to the lodge doors.

The journey toward that amphitheatre is equally memorable. The route passes through Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in the region, crosses the deep valley of the Chhomrong Khola on a long suspension bridge, and climbs forest trails where rhododendron, bamboo and oak crowd the path.

The trek ends on a relaxing note. After descending from the sanctuary, the itinerary finishes at Jhinu Danda (1,780 m), where natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola offer a warm soak for tired legs before the drive back to Pokhara.

Why Choose the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek?

If you want to stand inside the high Himalaya without the long approach or extreme altitudes of routes like the Annapurna Circuit, this itinerary offers an efficient balance of scenery, challenge and accessibility.

The route is practical too: it starts from Pokhara, reaches a road-accessible trailhead at Ghandruk, stays in teahouses throughout, and tops out at 4,130 m — high enough for a genuine high-mountain experience, without the crossing of 5,000 m-plus passes. For many travellers, that combination of a classic amphitheatre view and manageable logistics is what makes the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek an appealing 10-day adventure.

Who Is This 10-Day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Suitable For?

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a good choice for:

• First-time trekkers looking for a high-altitude Himalayan experience with solid teahouse support
• Travellers who want to stand at the base of 8,000-metre peaks without a two-week commitment
• Hikers comfortable walking 4–8 hours a day on uphill and downhill mountain trails
• Couples and honeymooners who want mountain scenery plus the relaxed lakeside atmosphere of Pokhara
• Families with older children or teenagers who are already used to active days
• Trekkers who have completed shorter routes such as Poon Hill and want to go deeper into the Annapurna region
• Photographers drawn to the glacial amphitheatre, rhododendron forests and Gurung village life

No previous trekking experience is required. However, you should be comfortable with sustained uphill walking, long stone staircases around Chhomrong, and one night spent at altitude at Annapurna Base Camp.

Guide’s Note — Nepal Lion Tours “From our experience operating Annapurna Sanctuary departures, the final climb from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to the amphitheatre is the moment most trekkers remember for years — one minute you are in barren, rocky terrain, and the next you are standing inside a ring of snow peaks with glaciers at your feet. We recommend savouring it slowly and saving camera batteries for that stretch.” — Nepal Lion Tours Lead Guide

Quick Facts

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Route and Elevation

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek route climbs from the road-accessible Gurung village of Ghandruk through terraced hillsides, forest valleys and high suspension bridges to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m (13,550 ft), then descends past the Jhinu Danda hot springs before returning to Pokhara. The journey begins with a drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk (1,945 m) and climbs progressively through Chhomrong, Bamboo and Deurali into the sanctuary.

From Deurali, the trail gains nearly 1,000 metres in a single day through Machhapuchhre Base Camp to the amphitheatre at Annapurna Base Camp. The return follows the same valley down to Bamboo, then crosses back through Chhomrong to the hot springs at Jhinu Danda, finishing with a road journey to Pokhara.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Route at a Glance

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Elevation Profile

The elevation profile climbs steadily but unevenly. From 820 m in Pokhara, the route rises to 1,945 m at Ghandruk and 2,170 m at Chhomrong, dips to 2,310 m at Bamboo, then climbs through 3,200 m at Deurali and 3,700 m at Machhapuchhre Base Camp to the highest point at 4,130 m (13,550 ft) at Annapurna Base Camp.

Physically, that means the hardest sustained climb comes on Days 4 and 5 — the long ascent from Chhomrong through Sinuwa and Bamboo, and the steep final push from Deurali into the sanctuary. Days 6 and 7 are dominated by descending on stone steps, which works different muscles and deserves steady pacing.

A trekking map and elevation profile can be provided with your trekking materials, so you can follow the main trail, overnight stops and elevation changes throughout the journey.

How to Get to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking begins with a journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then a private drive to the trailhead at Ghandruk. This makes the approach straightforward and avoids the flight-dependent logistics associated with some higher-altitude treks — though a Kathmandu–Pokhara flight option is available for travellers short on time.

If you are arriving in Nepal on an international flight, it is worth allowing some buffer before the trek begins. Kathmandu–Pokhara travel can be affected by traffic, weather and road conditions, particularly during busy periods or the monsoon.

Kathmandu to Pokhara: Flight or Road?

You have several options for reaching Pokhara before starting the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek:

*Road travel times are approximate and can vary with traffic, road construction, weather and road conditions.

A Kathmandu to Pokhara flight is the fastest option and convenient when you want to maximise your time in the Annapurna region. However, domestic flights can sometimes be affected by weather or operational delays.

The road journey takes longer but allows you to travel overland at a more relaxed pace, and it is the option used on the standard itinerary. If your flight or bus arrives later than expected, your trekking operator can coordinate the Pokhara transfer and itinerary where possible. For international travellers, keeping some flexibility between your Kathmandu arrival and the start of the trek is a sensible precaution.

Pokhara to Ghandruk

After reaching Pokhara, the next stage is the drive toward Ghandruk, the traditional trailhead for the Annapurna Sanctuary route. The road leaves the Lakeside area and climbs into the foothills toward the Modi Khola valley, passing terraced farmland and smaller Gurung settlements.

The journey generally takes around 3 hours by private vehicle, depending on road conditions and traffic. For an Annapurna Sanctuary Trek package, a private transfer is particularly convenient because you can travel directly with your trekking group and luggage rather than arranging separate local transport, and lunch is organised en route.

Depending on the current road conditions and the exact itinerary, your guide may confirm the most suitable roadhead for the walking section of the trek.

Guide’s Note — Nepal Lion Tours “From our experience operating Annapurna Sanctuary departures, the Kathmandu–Pokhara–Ghandruk road section is one of the longest travel days of the whole trip. We recommend a good night’s sleep and a light breakfast before the drive, and we normally stop for a proper lunch in the hills so you start the walk feeling fresh rather than rushed.” — Nepal Lion Tours Lead Guide

Returning to Pokhara After the Trek

After completing the trekking section near Jhinu Danda, you trek quickly to Samrong, cross a long suspension bridge, and continue by road toward Pokhara, following the Modi Khola River. Lunch is usually served at Birethanti or Kande along the way.

For the standard itinerary, the drive back to Pokhara takes roughly 3–4 hours. Your trekking team arranges the vehicle according to the final trekking schedule, and you check into your Pokhara hotel with the afternoon free.

Once you are back in Pokhara, you can enjoy the lakeside city again before returning to Kathmandu by tourist bus, private vehicle or domestic flight, depending on your travel plans.

A Practical Tip for International Travellers

If you are connecting this trek with an international flight, avoid scheduling your Pokhara to Kathmandu journey too tightly before your international departure. Road delays and domestic flight disruptions can occasionally affect travel plans.

A safer approach is to spend your final night in Kathmandu and leave a full day of buffer before your international flight, since the itinerary already includes a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu on Day 9.

With the Kathmandu–Pokhara journey planned and the Pokhara–Ghandruk transfer arranged in advance, getting to and from the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is straightforward and leaves you free to focus on the trail itself.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Difficulty, Fitness & Altitude

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is graded moderate, but moderate does not mean flat. The route includes long stone staircases, sustained uphill forest climbs, uneven mountain trail and one night spent at 4,130 m / 13,550 ft at Annapurna Base Camp. For reasonably fit trekkers who are comfortable walking for several hours a day, it offers an accessible introduction to genuine high-altitude Himalayan trekking.

The main physical challenges are the Chhomrong–Sinuwa–Deurali ascent, which involves a big descent to the valley floor followed by long forest climbs, and the final push from Deurali into the sanctuary. Typical trekking days involve around 4–8 hours of walking, and the route stays within villages and established teahouse areas throughout.

Where the Effort Actually Is?

The difficulty of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek concentrates in two distinct stretches rather than being consistently strenuous across all ten days.

The hardest part of the outbound route is Day 4. After leaving Chhomrong you drop steeply to the Chhomrong Khola, cross a long suspension bridge, and climb again through Upper Sinuwa, Khuldigar and Bamboo before finishing the day climbing to Deurali. The constant up-and-down on stone steps makes this a long, tiring day of around 7–8 hours.

The second demanding stretch is Day 5 — the ascent from Deurali through Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp. Though the distance is manageable, the trail becomes steeper, rockier and thinner in air as you climb roughly 900 metres into the sanctuary.

Day 6 is the flip side: the descent from Annapurna Base Camp back to Bamboo is long and steady, and repeated downhill walking on rocky trail asks a lot of your knees and quads.

Guide’s Note — Nepal Lion Tours “The Day 5 push from Deurali into the sanctuary is short in distance compared with many Annapurna treks, but the cold morning air and the thin air at altitude can make it feel harder. From our experience we recommend a relaxed pace, good layers, and plenty of water before you leave Deurali — the amphitheatre opens up fast once you pass MBC.” — Nepal Lion Tours Lead Guide

How to Prepare for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

You do not need an intensive training programme or advanced trekking experience for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. The most useful preparation is to build comfortable walking endurance, strengthen your legs for uphill and downhill sections, and get used to walking on uneven terrain.

• Walk regularly before the trek: Aim for 3–4 walking sessions per week and gradually increase the duration. Being comfortable on your feet for several hours matters more than walking at a fast pace.
• Practise hills and stairs: Include uphill and downhill walking, stairs, or an inclined treadmill in your training. This is particularly useful for the long stone staircases around Chhomrong.
• Build leg strength: Simple exercises such as squats, lunges, step-ups and calf raises help prepare your legs for repeated ascents and descents across the trek.
• Do a couple of longer walks before departure: Try to complete several hikes of 3–4 hours so you know how your body responds to longer periods of activity.
• Prepare for the climb into the sanctuary: The trail from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp climbs steadily at altitude, so walking at a relaxed pace with regular breaks is important.
• Avoid last-minute overtraining: In the final days, focus on rest, good sleep and recovery rather than trying to build fitness suddenly. Arrive ready to walk rather than exhausted from training.

How Difficult Is the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Compared with Longer Treks?

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek climbs high — to 4,130 m — but it does not cross high passes or require the sustained multi-week effort of routes like the Annapurna Circuit, which reaches 5,416 m at Thorong La over 14–18 days.

That makes it a practical step-up for trekkers who have done shorter lower-altitude trekking such as Poon Hill (3,210 m) and want to experience the deep high Himalaya without a very long itinerary or pass-crossing. The trade-off is that the walking days into and out of the sanctuary are long and consistently uphill or downhill, so a basic level of fitness remains worthwhile.

With regular walking and appropriate preparation, many reasonably fit trekkers comfortably enjoy the route while maintaining a steady pace.

Altitude, Acclimatization & Safety

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,130 metres (13,550 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp, where the itinerary spends one night. The route gains altitude progressively over several days — through Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo and Deurali — before the final climb into the sanctuary.

At 4,130 m, altitude should be taken seriously. Some trekkers feel symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) at this elevation, so walking at a comfortable pace, sleeping well, drinking regularly and communicating any symptoms to your guide are all important.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Altitude Profile

• Kathmandu — 1,400 m / 4,593 ft: Arrival city and your starting base before the journey to Pokhara.
• Pokhara — 820 m / 2,690 ft: Low-altitude lakeside base at the start and end of the trekking section.
• Ghandruk — 1,945 m / 6,381 ft: Trailhead Gurung village where the walking section begins.
• Chhomrong — 2,170 m / 7,119 ft: First trekking overnight, with wide views over the Modi Khola valley.
• Bamboo — 2,310 m / 7,578 ft: Forest overnight below the sanctuary, with rhododendron, bamboo and oak around.
• Deurali — 3,200 m / 10,499 ft: High overnight before the final climb into the sanctuary.
• Machhapuchhre Base Camp — 3,700 m / 12,139 ft: Passed on the climb below the unclimbed Fishtail.
• Annapurna Base Camp — 4,130 m / 13,550 ft: Highest point and the glacial amphitheatre at the heart of the trek.
• Jhinu Danda — 1,780 m / 6,393 ft: Low elevation at the end of the trek, where the natural hot springs are located.

How the Body Adapts to Altitude

As you gain altitude, atmospheric pressure decreases and less oxygen is available with each breath. Your body responds by increasing breathing and circulation, while longer-term acclimatization involves further physiological changes.

For trekkers the practical approach is simple: ascend gradually, walk at a comfortable pace, eat and drink regularly, sleep well and tell your guide if you feel unwell. On this itinerary, the progression from 2,310 m at Bamboo to 4,130 m at ABC over roughly two days is the section that demands the most attention.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness to Watch For

Mild AMS symptoms can include:

• Headache
• Nausea or reduced appetite
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping

Tell your trekking guide promptly if these symptoms appear or become worse. More concerning symptoms can include:

• Severe or persistent headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Confusion or unusual behaviour
• Difficulty walking or poor coordination
• Shortness of breath while resting

If significant altitude-related symptoms develop, the priority is to stop ascending and seek appropriate medical advice. Descending to a lower altitude is an important response when serious altitude illness is suspected.

How Nepal Lion Tours Supports Altitude Safety

• Progressive route progression: The itinerary climbs gradually over several days — Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali and MBC — before the single-night stay at 4,130 m.
• Experienced trekking guidance: Your guide monitors how you are feeling throughout the trek and can advise when to slow down, rest or seek further assistance.
• Early communication: Trekkers are encouraged to report headaches, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or other concerning symptoms rather than trying to push through them.
• Descent scheduling: After the night at Annapurna Base Camp, the itinerary descends steadily to lower elevation, which is the safety principle respected on the return leg.
• Health and safety support: Your guide carries a first-aid kit and can help you respond appropriately if you become unwell. Trekkers should carry travel insurance that covers medical treatment and, where appropriate, emergency evacuation.

Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Sanctuary

The best time for Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking is generally autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May). Autumn usually offers the clearest mountain views and the most stable conditions, while spring brings comfortable walking weather and colourful rhododendron forests. The trek is possible throughout the year, but winter brings cold nights at altitude and the monsoon makes trails wet and views limited.

Autumn — September to November

Autumn is the best overall season for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, particularly October and November. Post-monsoon weather generally brings clearer skies, dry trails and excellent visibility of the Annapurna range, making this an ideal window for the views inside the sanctuary. Expect busier trails at key overnight stops such as Chhomrong and Deurali during the peak weeks.

Spring — March to May

Spring is another excellent time to trek, especially March and April. The weather is generally favourable for walking, while rhododendrons add colour to the forests between Chhomrong and Deurali. Mountain views are often best in the morning before clouds build later in the day, and ABC can still feel cold and occasionally snowy in early spring.

Winter — December to February

Winter brings colder conditions and much quieter trails. Days can be clear and crisp, but nights at Chhomrong, Deurali and especially Annapurna Base Camp drop well below freezing, and snow is possible on the sanctuary floor. Winter suits trekkers prepared for genuine cold-weather trekking who want the amphitheatre almost to themselves.

Monsoon — June to August

Monsoon is the least favourable season for reliable mountain views. Rain, cloud cover, muddy or slippery trail and leeches in the forested sections are common, and the walk into the sanctuary is often hidden in cloud. The compensation is an exceptionally green landscape and very few trekkers, but conditions deserve preparation.

Which Season Should You Choose?

Choose autumn if clear views of the Annapurna amphitheatre are your priority. Choose spring for rhododendron blooms and pleasant trail conditions. Winter suits those who prefer quiet trails and can handle cold nights at altitude, while monsoon is best left to travellers comfortable with rain and limited visibility.

Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly, so conditions are never guaranteed regardless of the season. Checking the forecast shortly before departure is recommended.

Guide’s Note — Nepal Lion Tours “On clear autumn and spring mornings the sky inside the sanctuary typically opens up just after breakfast, when the sun starts striking Annapurna I’s south face. We usually plan the ABC departure time so trekkers get the best of that light before the descent to Bamboo.” — Nepal Lion Tours Lead Guide

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Permits & Regulations

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek route enters the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers need the applicable conservation-area entry permit and trekking registration before starting. The route is covered by the current TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) requirements for Annapurna region trekking.

For trekkers booking through Nepal Lion Tours, the required permits and registration are handled as part of the trekking preparation, so you do not need to navigate the application process independently.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Permits at a Glance

*Fees are based on current Nepal Tourism Board information and can be revised by the relevant authorities. Confirm the applicable fee and requirements when booking.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the entry permit required for trekking inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. The current NTB fee schedule lists the ACAP at NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals — figures to confirm at booking.

What you need:

• A valid passport
• The applicable ACAP entry fee
• Permit documentation arranged before or during the required registration process

If you book the trek with Nepal Lion Tours, the company handles the permit arrangements according to the current regulations and includes the applicable permit cost in the package where stated in your inclusions.

TIMS Card for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card records important trekker and itinerary information. The current Nepal Tourism Board information lists Annapurna routes such as this one among the treks covered by TIMS card requirements.

TIMS cards are processed through registered trekking agencies, with trekker, guide and route information submitted as part of the registration. For guests travelling with Nepal Lion Tours, the applicable TIMS registration is handled as part of the trek preparation.

Do You Need a Restricted-Area Permit?

No, not for the standard Annapurna Sanctuary Trek route.

The route through Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Upper Sinuwa, Bamboo, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Jhinu Danda does not enter Nepal’s designated restricted trekking areas such as Upper Mustang or the restricted sections of Manaslu.

Therefore, for the standard itinerary, the main trekking documentation is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and applicable TIMS card registration. However, permit rules can change, and requirements may differ if you modify the itinerary or add another restricted trekking area. Your trekking company should confirm requirements before departure.

Who Arranges the Permits?

When you book the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek with Nepal Lion Tours, the trekking team arranges the required ACAP and TIMS card registration as part of the pre-trek paperwork.

You should still carry your original passport during the trek, as it may be required for identification or permit checks. Because government fees and trekking regulations can be revised, the final permit requirements and charges should always be confirmed before departure.

Food & Accommodation on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Accommodation and meals are a central part of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek experience. The southern Annapurna route has an established teahouse network, so you can expect straightforward mountain lodges, warm dining areas and a solid variety of meals all the way to Annapurna Base Camp.

Facilities become more basic the higher you climb — especially at Deurali, MBC and ABC — but the standard is generally comfortable enough for a teahouse trek. Your guide can help communicate dietary preferences and coordinate meals at each lodge.

Teahouse Accommodation on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

You will stay in local teahouses or trekking lodges in twin-sharing rooms, with good hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara at the start and end of the itinerary. Facilities vary between villages, so it is best to expect practical mountain accommodation rather than hotel-style services.

Typical facilities include:

• Twin-sharing rooms with beds, mattresses, pillows and blankets.
• Shared bathrooms at most teahouses, with private bathrooms at some lodges.
• Hot showers at selected lodges, usually available for an additional charge.
• Electricity for lighting and basic device charging, although charging may cost extra at some lodges.
• Heated or warm dining areas where available, particularly useful during cool evenings.
• Wi-Fi at some larger settlements, although connection speed and reliability can vary.
• Basic bedding that is suitable for the conditions, with a sleeping bag provided by Nepal Lion Tours.

Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda generally have a wider choice of teahouses and facilities, while Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are simpler — expect no-frills rooms and shared amenities at the high stops. Many lodges are locally operated, making teahouse accommodation an important part of the Annapurna trekking economy.

What Food Is Available on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek?

Food along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is more varied than many first-time trekkers expect. Teahouses commonly serve Nepali staples alongside Tibetan-influenced dishes and familiar international meals.

Popular options include:

• Dal bhat with rice, lentils, vegetables and pickle
• Momos
• Noodles and noodle soup
• Fried rice
• Pasta
• Soups
• Potatoes (boiled, fried or as wedges)
• Eggs
• Porridge
• Pancakes
• Toast and other simple breakfast options

Dal bhat is particularly popular with trekkers because it is filling and provides a substantial meal after a long day on the trail — many teahouses offer additional servings of rice and lentils. Vegetarian meals are widely available along the route, and eating well is especially important at the high stops near ABC.

If you follow a vegan, gluten-free or other specific diet, inform Nepal Lion Tours before departure so your guide can communicate your requirements to the lodges in advance. Food choices are more limited at the higher teahouses, so advance notice is helpful.

What Food and Accommodation Are Included?

For the standard package, accommodation and meals are provided during the trekking days according to the package inclusions.

Always check the final inclusions provided at booking, as individual services and lodge facilities can change depending on the itinerary and operating conditions.

Drinking Water on the Trek

Safe drinking water is important throughout the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Do not assume that untreated tap or spring water is safe to drink.

You can usually purchase bottled water or obtain boiled or treated drinking water from teahouses. For a more environmentally responsible option, carry a reusable bottle and use a suitable water filter, purification tablets or other reliable treatment method.

How much water you need depends on the weather, walking intensity and your individual needs. Drink regularly through the day rather than following a rigid target, and increase intake when sweating or feeling thirsty. A reusable bottle also helps reduce single-use plastic along the route.

Staying Comfortable at Teahouses

A few simple preparations make your evenings much more comfortable:

• Carry a reusable water bottle or hydration system.
• Bring a sleeping bag — one is provided by Nepal Lion Tours for the package.
• Carry a power bank because charging facilities at the higher lodges can be limited or paid.
• Keep cash for showers, charging, snacks and drinks.
• Bring warm layers for cold mornings and evenings, especially around Deurali and ABC.
• Tell your guide about dietary requirements before the trek starts.

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek combines solid teahouse support with the character of a high Himalayan trek. After climbing through bamboo forests and standing inside the amphitheatre, having a warm meal and a simple room waiting at the end of the day is part of what makes this route so appealing.

Why Book with Nepal Lion Tours?

A great Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is about more than reaching Annapurna Base Camp. The quality of your guide, clarity of pricing, transport arrangements, accommodation and the way the itinerary is managed can all shape the experience. With Nepal Lion Tours, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek package is built around straightforward logistics, local guidance and a clearly defined itinerary.

• Local, licensed English-speaking guides

Each departure is accompanied by a government-licensed trekking guide who speaks English. Local guides bring first-hand knowledge of the Annapurna Sanctuary route, including trail conditions, teahouse quality, weather patterns and how to manage the climb into the amphitheatre at altitude.

• A registered trekking company you can verify

Nepal Lion Tours is a registered trekking company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Company and licence details can be provided to travellers who want to verify the operator before booking. Choosing a registered local company gives you a clear point of contact before, during and after your trek.

• Private departures from two trekkers

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek can be arranged from just two trekkers, making it suitable for couples, friends and families who prefer a private experience. With private departures, you set your own dates and keep a more flexible pace rather than depending on a large fixed group.

• An itinerary that includes the Annapurna amphitheatre and Jhinu Danda hot springs

The route does not stop at Annapurna Base Camp. After the amphitheatre, the itinerary descends to Jhinu Danda, where you can relax in the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola — a satisfying end to a high-altitude trek.

• Private transfers and straightforward logistics

Transfers between Pokhara and the Ghandruk trailhead, and the return from Jhinu Danda, are arranged as part of the package. The team also helps with practical arrangements before departure, so you can focus on the walking rather than coordinating every detail yourself.

• Budget-friendly trekking without removing the main experiences

Starting from USD 775 per person, the package is designed to keep the core experience intact — a licensed guide, accommodation, meals, permits, transfers and essential gear — while remaining affordable. The exact price can vary with group size, dates and requested services.

• A local team you can contact before and during your trek

From the initial enquiry to the return to Kathmandu, Nepal Lion Tours provides a direct point of contact for questions about the itinerary, permits, transport and preparation. Having a local team available in Nepal makes planning simpler, particularly for first-time trekkers.

Book the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Ready to stand inside the glacial amphitheatre at Annapurna Base Camp and soak in the hot springs at Jhinu Danda? The 10-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek brings together high-mountain views, Gurung villages, rhododendron forests and a genuinely memorable finish in one rewarding Annapurna adventure.

Trek at a Glance

• Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
• Price: From USD 775 per person (group discounts for 2+ trekkers)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum Altitude: 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp
• Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara; teahouse lodges on the trek
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days
• Permits & Registration: ACAP entry permit and applicable TIMS Card
• Transportation: Private ground transfers as outlined in the itinerary
• Guide: Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure, subject to the booking terms

Ready to Start Your Annapurna Adventure?

Secure your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek dates with Nepal Lion Tours today. Send us your preferred travel date and group size through the booking form or WhatsApp at +977-9851039020, and our team will help confirm your itinerary, permits, transportation, accommodation and other arrangements.

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or with family, we’ll help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable trek from Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary and back.

The Annapurna amphitheatre is waiting — choose your dates and start planning your trek today.

Related Annapurna Treks

If you enjoyed the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, these related adventures offer different ways to explore the Annapurna region — from a short sunrise trek to a longer high-altitude journey.

If you want to go beyond the sanctuary trails, the Annapurna Circuit adds higher passes, longer walking days and dramatic changes in landscape, while the shorter Poon Hill routes make an ideal gentler introduction. You can also combine your trek with time in Pokhara, or extend your Nepal itinerary with a Chitwan Jungle Safari.