Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Annapurna Base Camp, perfect for avid hikers and adventure seekers! This immersive trek takes you through lush forests, traditional Gurung villages, and panoramic Himalayan vistas. Experience diverse cultures, stunning sunrise views from Poon Hill, and the serene beauty of Machapuchare Base Camp. Ideal for experiencing Nepal's raw natural splendor, this trek offers an unforgettable blend of challenge, breathtaking scenery, and cultural richness. Book now for the ultimate Himalayan experience!
The 'Annapurna Sanctuary trek' takes you into a hidden bowl in the heart of the Annapurna range, where you are surrounded by a spectacular panorama of towering peaks, ten of which are over 6,000m. One of the more popular Annapurna treks, this trek takes you as far as Annapurna Base Camp at 4,095m. We reach the sanctuary after a beautiful and varied trek through the Himalayan foothills, passing through small villages, mixed forests and terraced farmland. En-route we enjoy great mountain views at sunrise from Poon Hill. An excellent introduction to Nepal and trekking in Annapurnas.
You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free day to explore the sights and sounds of the capital at your leisure. From Kathmandu you have a scenic road journey to Pokhara where your trek begins from nearby Naya Pul. Staying in lodges throughout, you will get to meet and talk with other trekkers and guides each evening, and discuss the places you've visited, and the route ahead, as well as making a contribution to the local economy.
Starting in the foothills, immediately north of Pokhara you start the trek by climbing to Ghorepani, where you can enjoy beautiful sunrise views of the Annapurna range from Poon Hill. From Ghorepani you cross several valleys and then ascend along the beautiful Modi Khola valley. Deep Rhododendron forests, with sprinklings of a whole range of orchids, and bamboo forests replete with chattering monkeys, are a dominant feature of this trek.
As you walk further up into the centre of the Annapurna Himal, you will visit Machhapuchhare Base Camp followed by Annapurna Base Camp itself. As you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary (a mountain ringed amphitheatre of immense proportions), you will be rewarded with spectacular views of 10 snow-capped peaks above 6,000m. The peaks include: Fang, Glacier Dome, Homunculi, Annapurna, Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare. All of these, combined with the impressive backdrop of the south face of Annapurna 1 (8,090m) make this trek a truly unique and unforgettable experience. After some time exploring the Sanctuary, you retrace your steps for a couple of days to leave, before trekking back towards Pokhara, stopping along the way at the hot springs near Jhinnadunda.
You have a free day in Pokhara which we leave to give you time to relax in this peaceful lakeside town, and to allow for any delays on the trek itself. From Pokhara you travel by road back to Kathmandu and have a little free time to do some last minute shopping or a little more sightseeing around the city and surrounding valley.
Extensions are available to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, try some white-water rafting or perhaps even a home stay in a nearby Newari village.
This comprehensive tour of Nepal takes you on a journey across one of the most spectacularly beautiful countries in the world. Amazing mountain scenery mixed with lush, wildlife rich jungles, ancient hilltop villages stand in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.
Our 15-day tour begins with a walking tour of Kathmandu before we drive to Chitwan National Park in the lowland Terai region of Nepal, close to the Indian border. There's an option available today to do an afternoon of exciting white water rafting on the Trisuli river, en-route to the park. We have two nights at a wildlife lodge at Chitwan, and enjoy a range of activities in the park, including a jungle walk, traditional river canoe trip and jeep safari. Outside the park we'll take a rural village walk to see how the local Tharu people live, and an early morning bird watching walk is also available for those keen. Chitwan is famous for its population of Asian rhinos, and there are also numerous other animals and birds to see including several species of deer and monkeys, wild boar, sloth bear, elephants, gharial and mugger crocodiles, and if you're very lucky you may catch a glimpse of a tiger too.
Next we head to the hilltop Newari town of Bandipur, the centre of which has been carefully restored and is well worth exploring. After some great mountain views from here we head to the lakeside town of Pokhara at the foot of the Annapurna range before starting a 5-day trek through the Himalayan foothills to the spectacular viewpoint of Poon Hill. We stay in locally owned trekking lodges and experienced guides and porters will accompany you on the trek. This is a moderate trek with a couple of long days and plenty of up and down, but you certainly don't need to be super-fit. You'll walk through a wide variety of landscapes and countryside including riverside trails, rhododendron forests, terraced farmland and grassy ridges, always enjoying different views of the mighty Annapurna range above you.
After a little free time to relax in Pokhara after the trek we return to Kathmandu and spend a night at the village of Nagarkot, perched on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. After a morning sunrise and hopefully stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest in the far distance, we return to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur, where we take time to enjoy the wonderful, intricately carved, wooden architecture of the traditional Hindu temples and surrounding buildings. The tour then ends back in Kathmandu.
For those looking for a less active tour of Nepal, you may consider our Nepal Exposed tour, which follows a similar itinerary, but without the 5-day trek.
Private tour option
If our scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices.
Embark on an unforgettable Himalayan adventure with this trekking tour from Kathmandu that takes you to the stunning heights of Poon Hill. Explore picturesque villages, traverse lush rhododendron forests, and witness breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and avid trekkers, this experience offers a blend of cultural immersion and awe-inspiring landscapes. Capture the essence of Nepal's natural beauty and rich heritage on this exhilarating and picturesque trek.
The trip was fantastic, from the trek, the guides and porters and group. Throughly enjoyable and I will be back!
My only comment is that under current requirements Explore do not fly internally within Nepal. I found the trip between Katmandu and Pokhara quite long and uncomfottable in the minivan, so much so that I arranged privately to fly back by myself. I do think this aspect should be reconsidered by Explore and at least explain the options available prior to the trip starting.
Discover the Annapurna Mountains on this five-day hiking adventure in Nepal. Supported by experienced leaders, assistant guides and porters, you’ll hike Nepal's diverse landscape on trails that take you through farmland, waterfalls and small villages. Visit part of a once-vibrant trade route between India and Tibet, soak in the natural hot springs and watch the sunrise across the high Himalayas on your early morning hike to Poon Hill. Stay in mountain communities, meet the welcoming Nepali people and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of local villages and Sherpa culture along the way.
Who says trekking means roughing it? On this eight-day Premium hiking adventure, you’ll experience the beauty and culture of the Himalayan foothills and the Annapurna mountain range – without skimping on comfort. Start in bustling Kathmandu – perhaps exploring the city’s ancient temples and markets – before heading to chilled-out Pokhara. Then it’s time to gear up for your trek! Hiking at relatively low altitude in the Annapurna foothills from Ghatte Khola to Syauli Bazaar, you’ll pass through classic Nepali trekking landscapes of terraced rice paddies, rhododendron forests, traditional villages, fluttering prayer flags, and gigantic peaks you’ll never get tired of looking at. At the end of each day, unwind in cosy trekking lodges with ensuite bathrooms, hot showers, hearty meals and views like no other.
Discover the rich culture and breath-taking landscapes of Nepal on this 13-day Essentials adventure tour. Explore the temple-filled Kathmandu Valley and the beautiful Newari town of Bandipur. Spot wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park, meditate in Lumbini and go boating in Pokhara. End your adventure with a spectacular 3-day Poon Hill trek in the Himalayas or opt to stay in Pokhara for a serene yoga retreat. This value-packed tour showcases the very best that Nepal has to offer, without breaking the bank, with hostel and homestay accommodation.
Explore the majestic landscapes of Nepal with an exclusive private transport tour, perfect for those seeking a personalized adventure. This diverse journey offers breathtaking Himalayan treks, enchanting cultural insights in Kathmandu, and wildlife sightings in Chitwan National Park. Delight in serene lakeside moments in Pokhara and immerse yourself in local traditions and cuisines. Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, this tour provides a seamless blend of thrilling activities and tranquil experiences amidst Nepal's natural wonders.
Upendra DuwadiTravel Expert in Nepal
Khum SubediTravel Expert in Bhutan & Nepal
John ShresthaTravel Expert in Bhutan & Nepal
Sujan LamichhaneTravel Expert in Bhutan & Nepal
