Annapurna Sanctuary - 'Jewel of the Himalayas'

Annapurna Sanctuary, the jewel of the Himalayas gives us our closest contact with some of the tallest peaks on earth and we offer more highlights on this trek than most people are aware of. We begin with a short bus ride from Pokhara followed by several days of walking on terraced hillside with the mighty Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare beckoning in the background. Passing through small villages, lush green terracing and the peaks combine for beautiful scenery and photographic opportunities.

After Chomrong the trail follows a valley leading to the Annapurna Sanctuary via rainforest and some beautiful waterfalls. We have chosen the best lodge accommodation in each village.

Acclimatizing is required as we approach the Sanctuary which means we will enjoy some short days walking giving us more time to soak up the spectacular scenery. We often see wildlife at the higher elevations including Snow Pigeons, the giant Lammergeier Vultures, Eagles, Thar and wildflowers including pink Primulas which are usually plentiful.

From Machhapuchhare Base camp we are surrounded by massive peaks reaching to and over 8,000 meters high. The photography is surpurb especially at sunset and sunrise. Unlike most groups who visit Annapurna Sanctuary as a day trip we spend 2 nights at the Base camp. Giving you the opportunity to sit and watch the active ice-fall and the Annapurna South Glacier. We often spend time on the glacier and sometimes explore the icecaves.

From our lodge at the base camp we can usually photograph up to 8 spectacular peaks in shades of orange and pink including Annapurna 1 and Fluted Peak. On our return trek we spend a night at the village of Jhini Danda where our lodge offers some of the best food in country Nepal. We also have time to soak in the thermal hot springs on a riverbank in thick rainforest while we enjoy the wildlife. We usually see many birds, butterflies and Black-faced and Languar monkeys. We then return to Pokhara via a different trail than we came. Highest altitude is 3,900 metres.