ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK 12 DAYS

Searching for a cosmic power sanctuary trek through a spectacular amphitheater Himalayan view? if so then the Annapurna Sanctuary trek is the perfect choice for you. In just 12 days classic route, the Annapurna Sanctuary Treks is a massif Annapurna Himalayan range view trek, Annapurna Sanctuary offers wonderful walking and stunning views without undue acclimatization issues. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a natural beauty and its spiritual trek and is also significant among local Hindus, who believe the goddesses Annapurna and Gangapurna live there in a divine presence. The trek focuses on Annapurna Base Camp, a magnificent spot at 4,130m/13,550 set beneath a ring of eleven of Nepal’s major peaks. From this vantage point, you can view these giants, including the remarkable face of Annapurna 1. Annapurna South, Tent Peak, Himchuli and Singachuli.

MORE ABOUT ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

It is a large glacial basin that lies 40 km directly north of Pokhara and is home to the Annapurna Sanctuary. At an altitude of over 4000 meters, this plateau is surrounded by a ring of mountains, the Annapurna range, most of which are over 7000 meters in height. Only accessible via a narrow valley situated between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare, where runoff from glaciers flows into the Modi Khola River, the Sanctuary was not penetrated by outsiders until 1956.  Due to the high mountains that surround it, the Annapurna Sanctuary receives only 7 hours of sunlight per day during the height of summer. There is an exceptionally wide variety of ecosystems on the 5-7 day trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary due to the unique combination of heights and depths. While the south-facing slopes are covered in dense tropical jungles of rhododendrons and bamboo, the north-facing slopes, located in the rain shadow, have a drier, colder climate similar to the Tibetan Plateau nearby. 

Gurungs, one of the many native peoples inhabiting this area, held the entire sanctuary sacred. In India, it is believed to be the repository of gold and other treasures left by the serpent-gods known as the N*gas. Several deities were believed to reside in the sanctuary, including those from Hinduism and Buddhism as well as older animistic deities. There was a belief that the peak of Machapuchare at the entrance was home to the god Shiva, and the daily plumes of snow were thought to be his divine incense. Until recently, the local Gurung population prohibited the import of eggs and meat into the Annapurna Sanctuary, and women and untouchables were also prohibited from visiting the sanctuary.

If you are looking for an intense and stunning view trek with the backdrop of the Himalayas, the Annapurna Sanctuary trek is the one for you. Additionally, we spend one night at both Machhapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. The varied scenery surrounding the Annapurna Sanctuary allows us ample time to take in the breathtaking views.

Annapurna Sanctuary trail leads you through a hidden pocket of lowland villages, meadows, and rice terraces to a gorge of rhododendron forests and icy rivers that will end in glaciers and giant peaks. The perfect tonic to a busy life, it allows you to immerse yourself in a slow and easy daily routine with only the elements, the mountains, and the quiet character of the people around you to accompany you.

The Annapurna trek began with driving to Naya Pul from Pokhara and hiking to Ghorepani Poon Hill. The trek continues Beyond the village of Chomrong, from where the views of Machhapuchare are exceptionally beautiful. A dense mountain bamboo forest clings to the steep walls of the Modi Khola gorge as the trail continues. Many waterfalls cascade down the cliffs to the river below, and you may see Langur monkeys or Rhesus macaques as well as a variety of birdlife.

Apart from a few hunters and shepherds, few people ventured beyond Chomrong into the remote Annapurna Sanctuary, where there are no permanent habitations. There are some shepherd’s huts, however, and small settlements built along the way to house trekkers. There are two mountain giants guarding the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary, Machhapuchare, and Hiunchuli, and you pass between them into a huge ice-clad cirque of some of the highest mountains in the world. 

ITINERARY OF ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK:

During the Annapurna Sanctuary trekking, we trek up into the heart of the Annapurna Himal (Base camp) within 12 days and back to Pokhara via hot springs. Our Nepal wilderness trek company leads you on an Annapurna Sanctuary trek for 12 days at a competitive cost with expert guides familiar with the area.

What is the best time of year to trek?

From mid-September to November as well as March to May are the best times to trek to Annapurna Sanctuary. The weather is sunny and warm with spectacular views. At most altitudes, the daytime temperatures are generally comfortable for walking. Most of the time, the sky is clear, and rain and snow are rare. To escape the crowds and spend some time alone with nature, Wilderness Excursion recommends trekking there in December, January, and March. During winter, the temperatures may be too cold for most guests. Trekking during the summer or monsoon seasons (June to Aug) will be affected by rain; however, those interested in botany might find the summer trek useful.

What is the difficulty level of this trek?

The difficulty of this trek is medium for first-time trekkers in Nepal Himalaya. However, if you have previous hiking experience in the Alps or have hiked in Bhutan / Machu Picchu then this trek is relatively easy compared to other treks such as the Manaslu Circuit, Kanchenjunga, Dolpo, or even the Everest Base Camp trek.

How hard is the Annapurna Sanctuary trek?

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is considered a moderate to strenuous trek, depending on your level of fitness and experience with hiking at high altitudes.

The trek involves walking for several hours each day, with some steep uphill and downhill sections. Trekkers will also be hiking at high altitudes, with the highest point of the trek being at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) at the Annapurna Base Camp. This means that altitude sickness can be a concern, and trekkers should take the necessary precautions to acclimatize properly.

Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, with cold temperatures and snowfall possible at higher altitudes, particularly in the winter months.

while the Annapurna Sanctuary trek is challenging, it is doable for those with a moderate level of fitness and some prior hiking experience. Proper preparation, including physical training, adequate gear, and a good understanding of altitude sickness prevention, will increase your chances of successfully completing the trek.

What is the accommodation like on the Annapurna Sanctuary trekking route?

As far as lodges go, those on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking route are pretty good, clean, and tidy; beyond Bamboo, there are mostly double, triple, or four-bedrooms, while single rooms are rare higher up. However, single rooms can be found at lower elevations. During peak seasons, you may need to share a room with other trekkers if you are trekking alone. Most places also provide hot showers.

Overall, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a challenging but rewarding trekking experience that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle, and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural landscape of Nepal.