The Annapurna Sanctuary is a paradise for those seeking spectacular mountain vistas on a relatively shorter trek. Surrounded by towering pinnacles, including Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Peak), the sanctuary offers a panoramic experience of the Himalayan giants. The view of Annapurna I, bathed in changing light and shadow, remains one of the most breathtaking sights in the entire range.

Day 1: Arrive in Nepal’s bustling capital of Kathmandu

The vast majority of visitors from around the world fly into Kathmandu, a sprawling city of more than 1.6 million people. As you step out of Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide or a company representative who will drive you to your hotel. After finalising your itinerary with your guide at the hotel and answering any remaining questions you might have, you are free to go explore the warrens of colourful alleyways and tourist attractions in downtown Kathmandu. Restaurants, bars and shops open till late during peak tourist seasons.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Syauli Bazar, then trek to Jhinu Danda (1780m)

Our trek begins at Syauli Bazar (1140m/3740ft), a charming village along the Modi Khola river, backdropped by the towering Annapurna mountain range encompassing peaks such as Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Trekking leisurely up and down along the river and past a multitude of picturesque villages, we approach a steep incline of stone steps - ascend 600m, followed by another 200m, before finally reaching Jhinu Danda, where trekkers will stay for the night. In the cooler months, a hot spring in a forested area beckons.

Day 3: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Sinuwa (2340m)

From Jhinu Danda we proceed up a steep trail towards Taulung (2180m/7152ft); don’t forget to look back and soak in a gorgeous view of Jhinu Danda, particularly in the mornings. The stone steps lead us ever upwards along the lush hillside in a gruelling 30-45 minute climb. The locals breeze by, hard at work, but warmly offer trekkers a friendly smile and greeting. At 2170m (7119ft), we arrive in Chhomrong, a huge Gurung village with stunning views of Annapurna South in particular. Lodging and food options are aplenty. Past the terraced slopes, trekkers now face the daunting ravine between Chhomrong and Sinuwa. To cross, trekkers first enter dense bamboo forests, before descending 260m and ascending 370m, arriving, exhausted but fired up at the same time, at Lower Sinuwa.

Day 4: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali (3200m)

Upper Sinuwa is a short 150m uphill hike away, where upcoming pitstops such as Dovan and even Deurali may be seen in the far distance on a clear day. The forests beyond this point fall into the protection of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), thus it is important to be mindful of the diverse flora and fauna of the area. We then trek uphill through dense oak and rhododendron trees, till we reach Kuldhigar (2540m/8333ft), where there is an ACAP check post. The descent continues through lush bamboo forests, trailing past the aptly named Bamboo (2310m/7579ft), before starting the one-hour ascent through thick foliage towards Dovan (2600m/8530ft). As trekkers proceed through a rhododendron forest, they will pass the beautiful “weeping” waterfalls and the Baraha Temple dedicated to the local god of the land believed to be the protector of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Up ahead lies Himalaya (2900m/9514ft). From here on out, the forest falls away to reveal a rockier terrain, and a few sections require careful footing and navigation. Eventually, Hinku Cave comes into view, a massive rocky overhang that marks the final point before the precarious crossing to Deurali; this trail isn't just rocky, it's also overrun by streams, so trekkers must proceed over the small bridges with care. Finally, we arrive at Deurali (3200m/10500ft). 

Day 5: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)

This section of the trail is particularly exciting — with steep trails and avalanche-prone areas. Through Bagar and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), trekkers are flanked by Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and the Machhapuchhre massif, as though entering an entirely different world in the lap of the Himalayas. Trekking to MBC (3700m/12140ft) takes about 1.5 hours, after which over the course of another 2 hours, trekkers would have successfully made it to the highlight of this trek — Annapurna Base Camp (4130m/13550ft). With this first close look at the staggering Annapurna massif. Standing small under the gaze of towering peaks offers a particular connection to nature that cannot be meaningfully described in words, only felt. 

Day 6: Explore ABC then trek to Dovan (2600m)

Before beginning our long descent back, trekkers may admire the stunning morning views of the Himalayas and take an extended look at the rich biodiversity. Then, we retrace our steps. Although a relatively undemanding trek, sections of slippery, rocky terrain might prove slightly difficult heading downhill.

Day 7: Trek from Dovan to Jhinu Danda (1780m)

From Dovan, we will continue our back-track to Jhinu Danda (1780m/5840ft) in the shade of familiar oak and rhododendron trees along the rushing waters of the Modi Khola.

Day 8: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Syauli Bazar, then drive to Kathmandu

Descending the last leg of our return trip, we arrive where we started in Syauli Bazar before driving back to Kathmandu.  

Day 9: Goodbye – for now

Bid farewell to your guide or even travel mates as you are being driven to the airport for your departure from Nepal. We look forward to your return some day!