Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Himalaya and fulfills every traveller’s desires.  This 11-day expedition is intended to take you the sacred region at the base of world famous Annapurna mountain, Annapurna south, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, considered by many to be the most beautiful peak in the the region.

Machchapuchhre – Sacred Mt. Fishtail

The Machhapuchhre is so sacred infact that the sanctuary region was forbidden for outsiders till 1956, The local Gurung people believe that the peak of the Machhapuchhre was home to several Hindu and Buddhist deities.

The legend surrounding this sanctuary also speak of repository of gold and various treasures left by the Nagas, believed to be ancient civilization.

Annapurna Conservation Area

The Annapurna Sanctuary is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project which places restrictions on number of travellers, gathering of firewood, and domstic animal graazing.

The Annapurna Conseravation Area is the largest protected region in Nepal. It is home to more than 1,200 species of plants and 400 species of birds. The conservation area is surrounded by high mountains and deep valleys. Because of which, the Sanctuary region receives only about 7 hrs of sunlight a day during the summer months.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Trail

You begin the sanctuary trail by a visit around the world heritage sites in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath stupa, Bouddhanath stupa, and Durbar Squares in Bhaktapur and Patan.

Your actual sanctuary trek starts from Nayapul after you make your way past subtropical forests. The forests are replaced by terraced paddy fields that stretches as far as the eye can see. And in the distant backdrop, you witness the snow peak mountains.

In this trail, you get to meet different ethnic groups, from the Magars to Thakalis to Gurung and to the Tibetan people that call their home here. You feel as if you are a part of living breathing history of Nepal. This experience is unique to Annapurna Sanctuary alone which you won’t get anywhere else.

The early morning hike to Poon Hill, lying at an altitude of about 3200m, gives you the best vantage point that any trekkers can ask for. From here, you can see a panoramic view of the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a journey to the South face of Annapurna I. The subtropical forests and the paddy fields gradually turn to fields of rhododendron.

The south facing slopes are covered in dense rhododendron and bamboo forests and is usually damp with the clouds hanging low. While the north-facing slopes that fall in the Annapurna’s rain shadow region have drier climate.

People travelling to Nepal usually confuse the Sanctuary trekking with the other two famous Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek. While some places do overlap, the Sanctuary trail is relatively shorter.

The altitude gains are quicker here, rising from Pokhara at 940m to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m in just 5-6 days. You also do not require to cross any high passes.

This unique combination of ascent and descent in a span of 5-6 days gives rise to a unique combination of ecosystems found only in this region.

A main highlight of the Annapurna Sanctuary are the small chortens and monasteries that lie off the beaten path. These sanctums adds another layer of spiritual experience to the travellers already in awe. Taking on this transcendental journey, it is no wonder that the locals believe that gods live here.