Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill

Flying out to the destination.

Team members joining on a “land-only”, please plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 2 no later than 1630, when our services will begin. Briefing. Dinner (not included). Overnight hotel. 

It’s a 25-minute flight to Pokhara, where you will be met and driven for 3 hours to Hille. Trek 3 hours via Tirkedunga (1,480m) to Ulleri. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 536m Descent: 0m Distance: 3Km Highest point: 2,019m Sleeping altitude: 2,019m.

You follow the river to ‘Jaljale‘ and climb slowly to a ridge at 3,233m before descending to ‘Fulbari‘ for lunch. Trek to Ghorepani in the afternoon. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 892m Descent: 33m Distance: 8Km Highest point: 2,879m Sleeping altitude: 2,879m.

In the cool, still morning air Poon Hill provides clear views across the Kali Gandaki towards Machapuchhre (Fish Tail Peak), Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and the Annapurnas. After breakfast back in the lodge, the route descends through jungle, pine and rhododendron forests, then climbs back up from the riverbed to Tadopani. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 935m Descent: 1,107m Distance: 11Km Highest point: 3,200m Sleeping altitude: 2,630m.

A gentle descent to Kimrung Khola, then after an early lunch the route ascends high above the west bank of the Modi Khola. Chomrong is tucked away at the base of Huinchuli. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 538m Descent: 1,195m Distance: 9Km Highest point: 2,689m Sleeping altitude: 2,170m.

Descend to the river and then climb up to Sinuwa from where you walk through thick forest festooned with orchids and ferns on the western bank of Modi River to Khuldi. Then, it’s a descent down a long, steep, slippery stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests. After the small settlement of Bamboo, the trail climbs gradually to reach Doban. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 905m Descent: 385m Distance: 10Km Highest point: 2,551m Sleeping altitude: 2,551m.

Trek amongst the forest to Deurali, which is the home to troops of Langur Monkeys. At Deurali the forest disappears and the valley opens up, with the mountains now appearing very close by. Deurali is at the foot of the Modi Himal and Machhapuchhare, one of the most famous mountains in the Himalaya. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 689m Descent: 68m Distance: 4Km Highest point: 3,173m Sleeping altitude: 3,173m.

It is a gradual ascent to Machhapuchhare Base Camp, though the trail does cross several avalanche paths – a stark reminder of the heavy snowfall that can occur in winter. The mountain views are fabulous; the panorama includes Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna (7,454m) and Machhapuchhare itself. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 693m Descent: 175m Distance: 4Km Highest point: 3,690m Sleeping altitude: 3,690m.

Rise before dawn for the walk up to Annapurna Base Camp for sunrise. The trail follows a stream and passes by a few huts alongside the moraine. There are tremendous views of the south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary to the north-west. It takes about 2 hours to make the climb to base camp, so there is plenty of time to walk at your own pace. After lunch, you’ll return to Machhapuchare Base Camp for the night. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 518m Descent: 518m Distance: 8Km Highest point: 4,199m Sleeping altitude: 3,690m.

You retrace your steps through Doban as far as Bamboo. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 274m Descent: 1,650m Distance: 11Km Highest point: 3,690m Sleeping altitude: 2,315m.

Descend to Jhinu Danda, which is just before the “New Bridge” on the Modi Khola (1,340m). Visit Jhinu Hot Springs if time permits. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 562m Descent: 1,144m Distance: 9Km Highest point: 2,484m Sleeping altitude: 1,733m.

After descending to the “New Bridge”, a short climb takes you to the village of Landrung (1,945m). You traverse through a mix of cultivated fields interspersed with scrub vegetation, crossing suspension bridges, before ascending through thick rhododendron forest onto a ridge descending from Machhapuchhare. The birdlife in the rhododendron forest is abundant. A stone paved trail then takes you down to Pothana. Overnight lodge. 

Ascent: 1,202m Descent: 920m Distance: 14Km Highest point: 2,173m Sleeping altitude: 1,950m.

You walk to Phedi, then bus to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu. Overnight hotel. 

Ascent: 220m Descent: 1,065m Distance: 7Km Highest point: 2,062m Sleeping altitude: 1,355m.

A chance to explore the bustling capital, with its beautiful temples and bustling markets. Overnight hotel. 

Airport transfer. Service ends. For those joining “land-only”, you should book your flight home today.