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Discover a natural amphitheater accessed on a trail that’s less about ‘that one photo’ and more about a life-changing journey on our 14-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
Duration: 14 days
Travel style: Hiking Focused
Activity Level: 4
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trip Ends: Kathmandu
** On Sale 23 Nov – 28 Nov 22
Arrive Kathmandu
Your trip starts in the lively and bustling city of Kathmandu with an explosion to the senses – take a deep breath! You’ll be met at Kathmandu airport by a friendly face from Active Adventures Himalayas who will accompany you to our hotel. If you arrive early, you can head out to explore the city’s labyrinth of back streets, courtyards, colourful market stalls and ancient temples for your first taste of Nepal’s culture and friendly people. This afternoon, your guide will meet you at our hotel and run through what to expect from the days ahead. Tonight, we’ll take you out for dinner at a local restaurant, for your first experience of Nepalese dining – a culinary crossroad between the influences of China, India and Europe, which makes for some really interesting flavour combinations.
Visit Swayambhunath Temple, fly to Pokhara
Today we’ll head a short distance out of town to an ancient stone pilgrim stairway that leads to the Swayambhunath Temple. Keep an eye out for macaque monkeys as they often join us on the walk up the stairway – they’ve even been known to steal hats on occasion, so stay alert! According to local legend, Swayambhunath (meaning ‘self-arisen’), was said to have risen up from a lake that once covered the land where Kathmandu now stands. Up on the hilltop temple, the smell of incense and butter lamps will follow you as you gaze out over the sprawling city of Kathmandu below. Local devotees come here daily to make a ritual circumnavigation of the centre piece stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine) and spin the prayer wheels set into its base. After lunch, we’ll head to the airport where we’ll take a short flight to Pokhara, the beautiful gateway town of the Annapurna Himalayas. We’ll enjoy dinner on the lakefront at one of our favourite lakeside restaurants.
Hike to Kyumi
Today we hit the trail! We’ll journey from Pokhara to Naya Pul, on the banks of the Modi Khola River, which we’ll follow to its source below Annapurna I. After meeting our Gurung porter team, we’ll start our trek. A gentle trail takes us past rice paddies on our way up the valley, with high peaks looming ahead. After lunch at Syauli Bazaar, we’ll leave the main trail used by locals and follow the river to Kyumi, a settlement famous for its highly prized native beehives. Tonight, you can enjoy a traditional dal bhat (lentil curry) meal cooked by our Nepalese hosts.
Hike from Kyumi to Chhomrong
This morning we’ll follow the Modi Khola River to New Bridge, stopping for a cup of ginger or lemon tea (a great way to stay hydrated) before hiking the steeper section of the trail to the village of Chhomrong. Oddly enough, this town is world famous for its German bakeries – chocolate croissants and apple pie are a heavenly reward after a big day. Whilst we relax and admire the view straight up the valley to Machapuchare, keep an eye out for huge Lamagier vultures as they circle on thermals high above. Machapuchare, also known as ‘Fish Tail’, is unconquered – it’s considered a sacred mountain by the Nepalese and therefore climbing to the summit is forbidden.
Hike from Chhomrong to Dobhan
We’ll start the day descending from Chhomrong, past the local school and away from civilisation, down towards the river. We’ll stop at Sinuwa for a cuppa and some soup, before continuing through a landscape of dense bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests dotted with orchids and ferns. We’ll follow a cobbled pathway and series of staircases past the village of Bamboo, and onto Dobhan, where silvery langur monkeys can often be spotted at dawn and dusk.
Hike from Dobhan to Deurali
Our day begins with a short hike up out of the canyon, with the sights and sounds of the forest providing a fantastic distraction from the climb. After lunch at the settlement of Himalaya (meaning mountain range), we’ll trek a steep section of the trail to Hinku Cave, a shelter that’s been used by yak herders for centuries. The vegetation starts to thin out as we follow the trail out of the canyon to Deurali, our home for the night.
Hike from Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp
Today we’ll break through the treeline and into the alpine region. We’ll leave the forest and its wildlife behind and take in the mountain views, which at this point become even more spectacular. As we progress, the valley becomes gradually flatter and widens as we hike towards the ‘gates’ of the sanctuary. We’ll criss-cross the valley a little while longer before we arrive at Machapuchare Base Camp. The mountain panorama that greets us includes the peaks of the Annapurna Massif and the triangular south face of Machapuchare itself. We’ll spend the night at the foot of these icy giants before we set off for the Base Camp of Annapurna in the morning.
Base Camp of Annapurna
Today is the day! We’ll make our final push to the Base Camp of Annapurna, sitting at 4130 metres (13,549 feet). It’s an amazing accomplishment, so congratulate yourself and your fellow trekkers! You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the south face of Annapurna I (the 10th highest peak in the world) and the glacier falling beneath it. There are few places on the planet that can match this – the peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I and Machapuchare seem like they’re barely a stone’s throw away and yet utterly unreachable at the same time. Make sure you have plenty of space on your camera as you’ll be taking heaps of photos. After a cup of tea at the Base Camp, we’ll descend down the valley to Machapuchare Base Camp, where we’ll eat a hearty breakfast, and, re-energised, head back into the bamboo and cloud forest, winding our way back to Dobhan in time for a well-deserved shower and dinner. Well done!
Hike from Dobhan to Jhinudanda
Today we’ll retrace our steps down carefully maintained cobblestone paths through the forests and canyons, passing waterfalls and crossing rivers along the way. As we get lower, the air becomes more oxygen rich and slightly warmer, giving you a bit more bounce in your step. We’ll have lunch in Chhomrong and afterwards explore the local handicraft markets (keep an eye out for some Tibetan influences here). Tonight we’ll stay in Jhinudanda and soak in the renowned natural riverside hot pools.
Hike from Jhinudanda to Tolka
This morning we’ll cross back over the Modi Khola River, leaving it behind for the first time on our trek. As we ascend to the Gurung village of Landruk, you’ll notice many of the locals still wear traditional dress. After a hot drink, we’ll have a chance to take on the locals at soccer or cricket (don’t worry, we’ll teach you the rules). We’ll aim to get to Tolka early in the afternoon so we have a chance to kick back and take in the epic views all around. Relaxed and refreshed, it’s time for a song and dance with our Nepalese hosts.
Hike from Tolka to Phedi, journey to Pokhara
Our hike this morning rewards us with great views of the Annapurna Himalayas Range and is also an excellent opportunity for bird-watching; there are many different species in this area. Rhododendron forest gives way to grassy meadows before we reach the village of Dhampus, an excellent ridgetop vantage point, where we’ll farewell the now familiar peaks. After lunch, we’ll weave our way down a series of stone staircases to the village of Phedi, where we’ll take the short journey back to Pokhara. Tonight, we’ll all head out to the Silk Road Restaurant and Bar for a celebratory dinner with our guides and porters.
Free time in Pokhara
Today is all yours to relax and explore. Pokhara is the main town on the shores of Lake Phewa and the adventure playground of Nepal. There are some fantastic street and lakeside cafes, outstanding bakeries and heaps of outdoor activities to choose from – just ask your guide for suggestions. Or, if you’re not feeling too lively today, your guide can arrange for you to visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Museum and the Pokhara World Peace Monument instead. This evening you might like to try some of Pokhara’s restaurants, where local lake fish is a speciality. Or you might like to try our favourites like the Everest Steak House or Monsoons.
Return to Kathmandu
This morning we’ll farewell the Himalayas in Pokhara and take a short flight back to Kathmandu. For those who are keen this afternoon, we’ll walk to Durbar Square, the place where Nepal’s kings were crowned in past times. The square is in the centre of old town Kathmandu, and is the city’s greatest example of traditional architecture – so much so, that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Today is a great opportunity to find a bargain amongst Kathmandu’s many markets. Tonight we’ll meet at a local restaurant for our final dinner together to celebrate our achievements and adventures in the Himalayas.
Depart for home
Today is the final day of your Himalayas trekking trip. You’ll have completed one of the world’s most renowned treks – a feather in the cap of any outdoor enthusiast. If you have extra time after your trip, we’re happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great hiking and adventures you’ve had with us in Nepal!
The accommodation varies from trip to trip and day-to-day – you’ll stay in a variety of places from jungle lodges to mountain huts, local motels and friendly lodges. Active Adventures focuses on getting you out into amazing places in the most stunning parts of the world, so this isn’t a tour of the world’s fanciest hotels! Another focus of Active Adventures is having a good place to rest and rejuvenate at the end of a busy day, and to make sure you are fully charged for the next day’s activities, so you’ll always find yourself in a clean, comfortable room, quite often with a spectacular view.
Below is a sample of some of the amazing places you’ll stay in:
Whatever brought you to Pokhara, Pokhara Eco Resort is the ideal location for a thrilling and exciting getaway. At Pokhara Eco Resort, take advantage of a wide range of unparalleled services and amenities. With free internet access, you can stay connected the entire time you’re there. Before you even check in, airport transportation services can be reserved to assist you plan your arrival and departure. The taxi services offered here might help you in your explorations of Pokhara.
Featuring Nepalese architecture, Thamel Eco Resort is situated within 2 km from the famous and historical Garden of Dreams. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the entire property, while complimentary parking is provided on site.
The resort is just 4 km to Narayanhiti Museum and 5 km to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Tribhuvan International Airport is conveniently within 8 km away.
Fitted with parquet flooring, air-conditioned rooms are simply furnished with a wardrobe, a cable TV, telephone and seating area. Each room comes with an en suite bathroom offering shower facilities.
All prices are per person twin share and unless otherwise stated, are in Australian dollars, are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.
Travel Dates;
Please contact us for available dates.
Level 1:
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you’ll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Level 2:
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats
Other activities (e.g. snorkelling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Level 3:
Hiking: Typically 3-6 hours per day on well-formed back country trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don’t form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats
Other activities (ie caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Level 4:
Hiking / Trekking:This is an Active trip with a capital ‘A’. Most of our signature adventures are a level 4. Typically 4-6 hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are ‘your thing’ There are trip options in this range to specialise, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Level 5:
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it ‘expedition-style’. We’ve had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you’re in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
In the event you need to cancel your trip, the following cancellation charges will apply:
Any deposits not transferred to future trips are non-refundable and will be forfeited. All refunds are less any non-refundable expenses incurred by Active Adventures.
Requested changes to your trip and/or date must be made prior to 90 days before your departure. In the event you need to change your trip and/or date, the following will apply:
A cancellation or postponement will take effect from the date which Active Adventures receives written notification of the cancellation or postponement. This cancellation policy includes voluntary or involuntary early departure from a trip. No refunds will be given for missed or unused services such as accommodation, activities or meals. We strongly recommend travel insurance which covers cancellation fees at the time of booking.
*Cancellation and postponement terms and conditions may differ for certain group trips, as well as Cruises, Private Journeys, and Extensions. These exceptions are clearly indicated in the detailed itineraries for each of these trips.
We occasionally may have to cancel any trip at any time before departure for commercial reasons beyond our control, including if the minimum numbers required to operate the trip are not reached. If we do have to cancel your trip, you can transfer the fare to an alternate departure date for no additional fee or alternatively opt for a refund, including your deposit.
In circumstances where the cancellation is due to any conditions or event outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, border restrictions, terrorism or political instability, Active Adventures will re-book you on an alternative trip or will offer you a future trip credit valid for 24 months.
If you’re re-booked to a new departure, as a result of your booking being cancelled by us or force majeure, the cancellation terms in effect on the date when your booking was changed will apply for your new booking.
All credits and refunds resulting from cancellations for any reason will be less any non-refundable expenses incurred by Active Adventures. Active Adventures is not responsible for any additional expenses you may have incurred as a result of your booking, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, medical expenses, clothing, equipment, testing, quarantine, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
