Annapurna Sanctuary trek
Photo: Dronych, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek, also known as Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, is in Nepal. It climbs from the Pokhara foothills through Gurung villages and terraced fields into a high glacial amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I (8,091 m), Hiunchuli and the sacred Machhapuchhre, finishing at Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130 m. Using the stages listed here, the distance from Phedi to ABC is about 38 km one way, with a typical out-and-back total of roughly 75-80 km depending on whether you exit via Phedi or Nayapul. The route follows old paths along the Modi Khola, passes bamboo and rhododendron forest, and has teahouses throughout.
UnderstandThe Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a trek in the Annapurna region which commonly starts or finishes in either Phedi or Nayapul and reaches the Annapurna Base Camp.
PrepareBefore beginning your journey, you must obtain the necessary permits, specifically the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and the TIMS card, which are available in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Get inTravelers can take a bus to either Phedi or Nayapul from Pokhara. It takes around 2 hours to Nayapul by bus and costs around NRs 110-200. There are several bus stations in Pokhara from which you can begin your journey.
WalkThere are a myriad of trails that traverse the Annapurna and lead to Chomrong from where there is only one path up to Annapurna Base Camp. Usually, hikers choose to hike a different route on the way down.
Stay safeThere are official safe drinking water stations located at Landruk, Ghandruk, Jhinu and Chomrong.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Annapurna Sanctuary trek" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Dronych, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons