- Stay overnight at Annapurna Base Camp surrounded by mountains
- Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary, a huge amphitheatre formed by glistening peaks
- Enjoy sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare and the Annapurnas from Poon Hill
- Trek through magnificent forests, terraced fields and pretty villages
- Spend time in historic Kathmandu and lakeside Pokhara
![Annapurna Sanctuary Trek](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_80,f_auto,c_lfill,x_w_mul_0.59,y_h_mul_0.66,g_xy_center,w_360,h_270/exodus-web/2018/11/39662.jpg)
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
- Home
- Asia
- Nepal
- Walking & Trekking
- Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Reviews
Add your own reviewAnnapurna Sanctuary – magnificent!
This was a wonderful trip, very well organised and made even better because we had such a fantastic group and such magnificent scenery with great weather – my expectations were exceeded! Anish and his team of guides and porters were brilliant all the way through, always helpful and cheerful. Early morning tea was always a pleasure to be greeted by smiling faces. The teahouses were better than expected – basic twin rooms but always Wi-Fi and electric for charging, sometimes a hot shower. We shared quad rooms in MBC and ABC. The food was delicious, lots of choice and the guides did a great job taking our orders for every meal.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sunrise at Poon Hill and arriving at Annapurna Basecamp – stunning scenery. We had a brilliant and fun last night with our porters and guides – lots of dancing and singing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Anish was a brilliant leader, always calm and helpful and always checking everyone was comfortable and happy. Coping with 13 of us and keeping on eye on everything could not have been easy but it was obvious he had great team leading skills.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for steps – every day! Read the trip notes fully, they are very helpful in terms of the kit required.
Annapurna Sanctuary – magnificent!
This was a wonderful trip, very well organised and made even better because we had such a fantastic group and such magnificent scenery with great weather – my expectations were exceeded! Anish and his team of guides and porters were brilliant all the way through, always helpful and cheerful. Early morning tea was always a pleasure to be greeted by smiling faces. The teahouses were better than expected – basic twin rooms but always Wi-Fi and electric for charging, sometimes a hot shower. We shared quad rooms in MBC and ABC. The food was delicious, lots of choice and the guides did a great job taking our orders for every meal.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sunrise at Poon Hill and arriving at Annapurna Basecamp – stunning scenery. We had a brilliant and fun last night with our porters and guides – lots of dancing and singing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Anish was a brilliant leader, always calm and helpful and always checking everyone was comfortable and happy. Coping with 13 of us and keeping on eye on everything could not have been easy but it was obvious he had great team leading skills.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for steps – every day! Read the trip notes fully, they are very helpful in terms of the kit required.
Exceeded expectations
The trek itself was superb. The trail had varied landscapes and spectacular views of the Himalayas. Breaks for tea and lunch were generous, and the quality and diversity of the food exceeded my expectations. Accommodation was never uncomfortable. Our porters and guides were excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
The hike to Poon Hill
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dorjee was outstanding. A charismatic, knowledgable, and attentive leader who gave the group a huge amount of confidence throughout the journey. A special note of thanks to the guide team as a whole. Diraj, Saghar, and Hari all provided an exceptional experience, and any of them could have led the journey if required to.
5*
Amazing trip that exceeded my expectations. Breathtaking views, great company
Most Inspirational Moment
The moon rising over Machapuchare was an incredible sight
Thoughts on Group Leader
Phurba Sherpa TNX221029 Great guy and lead the group brilliantly to base camp. The whole team were superb from start to finish
Advice for Potential Travellers
Plenty of steps so can be tough going on the knees
Close-up views of Himalayas on a leisurely trek
Excellent trip, well organised and executed, very good guides and porters. We felt very well looked after. Lead guide and 3 assistant guides, 6 porters for 11 clients. Great close-up views of Himalayas. Accommodation very basic but actually better than expected. Twin rooms on 7 nights, quad rooms on 3 nights. Very basic ‘bathrooms’. There were always showers available even if the water wasn’t always hot. Washing facilities not always in same building as bedrooms. Hut food much better and more varied than expected (porridge / muesli with hot milk / eggs any style with toast or local bread, tea / coffee). Food very cheap (400-600 NRs), imported bottled / canned drinks comparatively expensive (beer 600-900, soft drinks 300). Expected tips are more than trip notes suggest. Very gentle pace with long lunch stops (1-1.5 hrs) and 1 or 2 drink stops each day. Plenty of toilet opportunities (huts). Lots of long ascents and descents on stone steps but no problem even as someone who totally bust an ACL 8 months earlier! With a high ratio of guides to clients and lots of rest stops, everyone doesn’t have to walk at the same pace.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being surrounded by Himalayas at Annapurna Base Camp
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. Attentive to our every need and very interesting. Phubar Sherpa gave after-dinner talks about Nepalese culture, history and education. He managed the team of guides and porters very well. Great job.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring flip flops to wear in as well as to and from showers. Budget more for tips than trip notes suggest. Tablets are cheapest, lightest and easiest way to purify water. Bring metal water bottle if you want to buy boiling water at huts. Definitely need warm sleeping bag as not all buts provide duvets and it can be very cold at night. Warm hat and gloves for cold early starts as well as sun hat for hot days. Thermals to sleep in double as warm extra layer in evening. Bring toilet paper: it never seems to be provided
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek 29 Oct 22
This is a brilliant trip. Everything was well organized. The assistant guides, Hari & Pan, set a steady comfortable pace for the trek – no-one got AMS. The path is very well maintained – there are a lot of steps. We passed through lots of hamlets so plenty of opportunity for drink / loo stops. The teahouses whilst basic were more comfortable than I expected – the beds were comfortable, we had twin rooms for 7 nights & 4 bed shared rooms for 3 nights, showers were available. The food in the teahouses is very good – breakfast was muesli or porridge or omelette/toast – lunch & dinner menu similar throughout including egg/veg fried noodles or rice, veg curry, omelette, chips, pizza, momos, fried potatoes. The teahouses definitely exceeded our expectations. The trek wasn’t difficult, but fitness and some experience of trekking required. We had a great group, I’m sure everyone enjoyed the trip. Our Guides Phurba, Sungum, Hari & Pan were very efficient and our porters were hard working and cheerful.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being surrounded by majestic mountain peaks at Annapurna Base Camp. Sunrise at Poon Hill.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Phurba Sherpa is a great leader. He organized everything efficiently. Our rooms and bags were always ready for us. We thought he had arranged the most suitable accommodation available for us. His team worked well together and appeared happy to work with him. The pace set was comfortable, no-one felt pressured. Phurba brought up the rear. He checked everyone was comfortable. I enjoyed his evening lectures on local culture etc. He explained his plan for the next day clearly – useful to know time to next break etc. He helped the group to gel. I would be pleased to have Phurba as leader on our next Nepal trek.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do some practice walks before the trek. There are a lot of steps – I think poles help (altho’ most of our group didn’t use them). Minimise weight of your trek bag and ruck sack. Check your boots before you pack. We had a steripen, filter bottles, boiled water and chlorine tablets – tablets were the simplest / cheapest / lightest. Thermals and a head torch required if you want to go to the loo in the night. Take layers & a lightweight paddy jacket, thin gloves & hat for sunrises. It was hot during the day but cold as soon as sun went down. If you have time, arriving a day early is good. If you’re on the group flight there is not much time before trek – we left Kathmandu before breakfast. Exchange rate was similar in airport, hotels and Thamel money changers. It is more convenient to get your cash at the airport – keep the receipt. Bring £20 notes to exchange. Exchange enough for the 11 day trek & tips at least. We spent about NRs 25,000 pp on food / drink / showers on the trek days alone – food is cheap but you will need more than this if you want more beer, bottled drinks, desserts, choc snacks, wifi or charging. We spent about NRs 12,000 pp on tips. Food & drink more expensive in Pokhara / Kathmandu. All the teahouses had showers and loos with seats (often in the shower so the seat got wet) – take loo roll. At most of the stops you can buy loo roll / tissues / chocolate. The rest day in Pokhara was welcome – we took a boat across Phewa lake (NRs 1260 pp) and walked up to the Peace Temple (1 hour) - lovely views. It’s more convenient to have cash for this and shopping and the group meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara also. We spent about NRs 68,000 pp in total, but this included outings, shopping and extra dinners as we had an extra day in Kathmandu before & after trip. (Exchange rate c £1 = NRs 145). If you have spare time in Kathmandu I would recommend Durbar Square (NRs 1000 pp, interesting architecture & museum), Garden of Dreams (Nrs 200 pp, peaceful), Swayambhunath Temple (Nrs 200 pp, lovely views over Kathmandu), Boudhanath Stupa (Nrs 400 pp, lovely & interesting) or Thamel (shopping & restaurants). I would not recommend Pashupatinath Temple (NRs 1000 pp, dirty, crowded, hassle by peddlars). You can exchange surplus NRs at the airport before you go thro’ security – max NRs 13,000 pp with your original receipt.
Annapurna Sanctuary 2022
Beautiful views and a good standard of lodge accommodation with great food. After four years away from Nepal it was great to be back – an excellent group and fine weather really helped with the enjoyment of this trek, but if you’re thinking of doing it be prepared for almost endless stone steps and quite a few other people on the trails.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me it was the rare alone-times, having a night actually at ABC (some other trek companies don't do this) gave me time to find a secluded spot amongst the big peaks and just admire the dramatic landscapes and summits.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Phurba was great, like all the Exodus group leaders I've trekked with in Nepal. Ever present and helpful, and we all really enjoyed his evening 'lectures' on various aspects of Nepal.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As stated above, this trek involves a lot of stone steps between the villages, so be prepared for that. The route is quite populated too, it's never too far to the next village and the ease of access by the ever-growing network of roads makes this a busy route for trekkers, both foreign and Nepali. As a result it's quite unlike other trekking regions in Nepal I've been to - I never really felt relaxed or 'away from it all' like I have in places like Manaslu or Everest.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek - 23 April 22
Wonderful trip, enjoyable from start to finish. We enjoyed the company of our group and the professional attention of our guide, Phurba Sherpa, and his team.
The trek was graded well and although it was challenging at times it was also very enjoyable. Would recommend this trip to anyone reasonably fit. The pace of the walking is based on the group and no-one feels pressured to keep up.
Exodus has a very good reputation in Nepal for treating their staff well and contributing to the community favourably.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching Annapurna Base Camp was definitely a high moment
Thoughts on Group Leader
Phurba Sherpa was the perfect leader. He took great care of every aspect of our trip and made us feel very safe and secure in his company. He also shared his knowledge on all things Nepal during our evening briefings and his sense of humour came across, which made things all the more enjoyable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just to prepare well in terms of fitness and kit.
Khopra Ridge / Annapurna
Originally booked on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, as the first trek of the new season this got changed due to danger of avalanches on the original route, so we were rescheduled to walk the Khopra Ridge. This proved an excellent alternative. Considering the time of year the weather was kind to us, all except the early morning trek up Poon Hill, not much to see in a snow storm, but that only added to the adventure. The walking was tough, the terrain unrelenting, the snow drifts in parts deep, but the views stunning.
Reading the trip notes was invaluable to adjust our “western expectations” to local conditions. The accommodation although basic was just what was needed and very welcome at the end of a long days walk. It was a constant amazement considering where we were trekking, as to how well feed we were, the food was wholesome, well cooked and in large proportions. A real battle to burn it off the next day.
As a small group, 5 clients and 5 staff we managed to crack on, to get the walks done easily within the expected times, this may not be so with a larger group. Being a smaller group we also had more room in the tea houses. The fact we all got on well and had a good group leader and support staff made this a very enjoyable trip.
Really glad to have done this, and walked in the Himalayas at last. Would recommend.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sat in tea house on Khopra Ridge, eating our evening meal, fire burning away, looking out above the cloud base as the sun set illuminating Annapurna South & Barah Shikhar, snow all around.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ramhari Phuyal, consummate professional, with an obvious love of his country and job. Ably supported by the rest of the team, nothing was too much trouble to sort, always cheerful. Early morning wake-ups with tea and a laugh. Our luggage was always there waiting for us on arrival at our new destination, whatever the trail conditions. I think we were lucky to have done this trip with them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes. Make sure you are fit. I found the money guidance was very conservative and had some left at end of stay, get it changed before you hit the airport if needs be. At the time of year (Feb - Mar) its cold on the tops, some places provide a duvet, we had a competition as to who could have the most layers of clothing on and still get into their 4 season sleeping bags. For 3 nights on the tops we couldn't have a shower, but Wifi was available if weak, except in one location where non was available. Pokhara is lovely, Kathmandu I found not so, noisy, polluted, do as the locals do when crossing the roads, but take care.
Fantastic Trip!
This was our first trek and we we struck gold – the scenery and people of Nepal are beautiful. They have left a lasting impression and a return trip is a must. The porters and guides looked after us – lugging our gear and organising food and accommodation, pointing out wildlife and keeping us safe – always smiling, they created a real family feel to the group. I miss the early morning wake up call of a cheerful Namaste with a cup of tea and a stunning sunrise.
Most Inspirational Moment
Two stand out (& emotional) moments-Looking down on a pair of Golden Eagles gliding on the thermals only 15 feet away & Reaching Annapurna Basecamp - achieving the goal and surrounded by jaw dropping scenery
Thoughts on Group Leader
Balkrishna Tamang (Milan) was a great leader. I have no experience of others but the bar is now set very high! He was tireless in ensuring everything went to plan and everyone was happy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Keep your bags as light as you can- not an easy task but watching the porters lug 2 kit bags and their own gear is a humbling experience
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Friday
12 Oct 2024 11 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
26 Oct 2024 26 Oct 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 158 €Now 1 920 €Saving 238 € Usually 4 018 €Now Saving 238 €
Optional Single Supplement +204 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
26 Oct 2024 25 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
09 Nov 2024 09 Nov 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 398 €Now 2 280 €Saving 118 € Usually 4 258 €Now Saving 118 €
Optional Single Supplement
+204 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
09 Nov 2024 08 Nov 2024
Saturday Saturday
23 Nov 2024 23 Nov 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (Limited)
Land Only Trip Price 3 240 €
Optional Single Supplement +204 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
23 Nov 2024 22 Nov 2024
Saturday Saturday
07 Dec 2024 07 Dec 2024
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 158 €Now 2 040 €Saving 118 € Usually 3 898 €Now Saving 118 €
Optional Single Supplement +204 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
15 Mar 2025 14 Mar 2025
Saturday Saturday
29 Mar 2025 29 Mar 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
05 Apr 2025 04 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
19 Apr 2025 19 Apr 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
12 Apr 2025 11 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
26 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
27 Sep 2025 26 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
11 Oct 2025 10 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
25 Oct 2025 25 Oct 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
18 Oct 2025 17 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
01 Nov 2025 01 Nov 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
25 Oct 2025 24 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
08 Nov 2025 08 Nov 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
01 Nov 2025 31 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
15 Nov 2025 15 Nov 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
08 Nov 2025 07 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
22 Nov 2025 22 Nov 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
22 Nov 2025 21 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
06 Dec 2025 06 Dec 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
06 Dec 2025 05 Dec 2025
Saturday Saturday
20 Dec 2025 20 Dec 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
13 Dec 2025 12 Dec 2025
Saturday Saturday
27 Dec 2025 27 Dec 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +228 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.