This 16-day teahouse trek takes you through villages, terraces, and forested valleys into the Annapurna Sanctuary, finishing at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m. It combines two classic elements of the region: sunrise views from Poon Hill and a steady approach up the Modi Khola valley to a high basin surrounded by major Himalayan peaks.
The itinerary is structured with moderate daily walking times (typically 4–7 hours) and gradual altitude gain, making it a good option for trekkers who want a complete Annapurna experience with strong viewpoints, cultural villages, and a clear “base camp” destination—without technical climbing.
This 16-day itinerary combines classic Annapurna trekking with cultural time in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The route builds gradually through foothill villages and forests, reaches the Annapurna Sanctuary and Base Camp, then descends via hot springs and Gurung villages before finishing with sightseeing and overland travel back to Kathmandu.
Walking days are balanced, with longer ascents early in the trek and careful pacing at higher altitude. The schedule allows time for acclimatisation, early starts where needed, and recovery days after the main trekking section.
The Annapurna Sanctuary lies in central Nepal, approached via Pokhara and the trailhead at Nayapul. The route passes through cultivated foothills and village communities before entering deeper valleys shaped by the Modi Khola river system.
As you climb higher, the landscape transitions from forest to alpine terrain, culminating at Annapurna Base Camp in a high basin surrounded by major peaks. This “sanctuary” setting is one of the defining geographical features of the trek.
No technical climbing skills are required, but this is still a multi-day trek with sustained uphill sections, stone steps, and long descents. You should be comfortable walking for 4–7 hours per day over consecutive days, with some steeper climbs on the Ghorepani and sanctuary approach sections.
Altitude is a factor, particularly from Machhapuchare Base Camp onwards. You’ll need to manage pacing, hydration, and sleep, and follow guide instructions closely. Travel insurance that includes emergency helicopter evacuation is required.
This route combines two standout viewpoints in one itinerary: Poon Hill for sunrise and the full sanctuary approach to Annapurna Base Camp. The lodge-based structure makes logistics straightforward day to day, while still offering a genuine multi-day trek experience through varied terrain and village communities.
With a private trip format, guides can manage pacing around your group, particularly on higher days where altitude response varies. The inclusion of city cultural visits and organised transfers keeps the trip cohesive from arrival through to departure.
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It’s often marketed as “easy” because it’s non-technical and uses established trails and lodges, but it is still physically demanding. There are sustained ascents (including long stone stair sections) and long descents that can be hard on knees and ankles.
Altitude adds another layer of difficulty from Machhapuchare Base Camp onwards. Fit beginners can do it with preparation, but it’s more accurate to think of it as moderate trekking effort rather than casual hiking.
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres. At this altitude, it’s common to feel shortness of breath on climbs, reduced appetite, and lighter sleep.
The approach day via Machhapuchare Base Camp is where you should slow down and follow your guide’s pacing. Hydration, steady effort, and early recognition of symptoms are key.
Poon Hill (3,210 m) is included as a pre-dawn hike for sunrise views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It’s a well-known viewpoint and a strong payoff early in the trek.
Including Poon Hill also helps you ease into trekking rhythm before the deeper sanctuary section, though it does add an extra ascent day.
The trip fact notes typical walking days of 4–7 hours and roughly 12–21 km. The exact feel varies: some days are shorter but steeper, others are longer but on more gradual terrain.
The base camp approach day and the descent day can feel the most demanding because of altitude and cumulative fatigue.
This is a teahouse (lodge-based) trek, meaning you stay in simple lodges with communal dining areas. Rooms are typically twin-share, and bathrooms are often shared.
At higher elevations, heating and hot showers may be limited, and charging devices may be available for a fee depending on the lodge.
The itinerary notes potential avalanche danger on the section between Deurali, Machhapuchare Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp in winter and early spring. Risk varies by conditions, snowfall, and temperature.
Your guide will manage timing and route decisions based on safety. Early starts and careful pacing are typical in these conditions.
You should be comfortable walking multiple days in a row, including sustained uphill sections and long descents. Preparing with hill walking, stair training, and longer weekend hikes will make the trip far more enjoyable.
If you have knee issues, it’s worth training for descents and bringing poles, as downhills are often harder than climbing.
All meals during trekking days are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tea or coffee is included up to three times a day.
Food choice in teahouses is usually a mix of local dishes and simple international options, with fewer choices as you gain altitude.
TIMS and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are included. These are required for trekking in the region and are arranged as part of the trip.
Bring your passport details, and keep permits accessible during the trek as there are checkpoints.
Insurance must cover trekking at altitude and include emergency helicopter evacuation. You should check your policy’s maximum altitude and ensure it comfortably covers 4,130 m.
It’s also wise to ensure cover includes trip disruption, as weather can affect flights and road transfers.
About the centre
Thamel Marg, 44600 Kathmandu, NP
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Bagmati Province, Nepal
From $2500
Bagmati Province, Nepal
From $1770
