Rambling around Annapurna Sanctuary


This is another classic trek in the Annapurna region. The trail leads to the Base Camp of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre. It is relatively short trek that can be completed in as little as 9 days starting and ending in Pokhara. However, the trek may also be made as a part of Annapurna Circuit or the Jomsom trek by trekking from Tatopani through Ghorepani and Tadapani and joining the main Sanctuary trail at Chomrong. An entry permit for ACAP is needed for this trek.

The most convenient point to start the trek is New Bridge (Nayaphul) either you can start at Dhampus which can be reached by 1-2 hours drive from Pokhara. From New Bridge the trail linking Ghorepani should be followed. The route passes through Birethanti(1097m), Tirekhedhunga, Ulleri and Banthanti before you reach to Ghorepani the largest Gurung villages. However, both the trails join at Chomrong at the foot of the gorge lead to the Sanctuary. For the acclimatization reason one extra night should be spent between Chomrong and the Sanctuary. The trail up the Modi Khola passes through dense forest of rhododendron and bamboo for the first day. By the time the large rock overhang, known as Hinku Cave, is reached and entering to the Sanctuary you find yourself in a huge amphitheater enclosed by a solid wall of snow capped peaks which include Annapurna I, II, III, IV and Machhapuchhre ( the fish tailed mountain ). You may walk another two hours to reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp as well as Annapurna Base Camp.

You may either return by the same route to Chomrong where you can choose to retract the same route via Chandrak and end at New bridge or deviate through either Dhampus and end trek at Phedi. Pokhara is another one hour drive.