Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek also known as Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek into the heart of Annapurna Himalaya is intended to fulfill the dream of many people to experience the notable mountain holiday at the base of the world ́s famous Mt. Annapurna (8091 m), the region’s most beautiful peak Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Gangapurna (7455 m) and Hiuchuli (6441 m) etc. in the region. The place is high icy basin lying forty kilometers directly north of Pokhara. This oval-shaped plateau sits at an height of over 4130 meters, and is enclosed by a loop of mountains, the Annapurna range, most of which are above 7000 meters. With the only access a narrow pass between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, from where Modi Khola River run-off glaciers drain into, the Sanctuary was not penetrated by outsiders until 1956. Because of high mountains on all sides, the Annapurna Sanctuary receives only 7 hours of sunlight a day at the height of summer. The unique combination of heights and depths in the Annapurna Sanctuary gives rise to an astonishing diversity of ecosystems. The south-facing slope are “covered in dense tropical jungles of rhododendron and bamboo”, while the north-facing slopes, in the rain shadow, have “a drier colder weather similar to that of the near-by Tibetan Plateau.” 

The entire sanctuary was considered as holy place to the Gurung people, one of the many residents to inhabit in the area. They believed it was the storage area of gold and a variety of resources left by the Nags, the serpent-gods worshiped by Hindus. The sanctuary was believed to be the home of several deities, from Hinduism and Buddhism as well the older animistic gods. The peak of Machhapuchhre at the doorway was said to be the home of Lord Shiva, and the daily plumes of snow were thought as the smoke of his divine incense. Until recently, the local Gurung people forbade anyone from bringing eggs or meat into the Annapurna Sanctuary, and women and untouchables were prohibited from going there as well.

The trek begins with lowland bamboo forests and rhododendrons before making it up through the Modi Khola Gorge into the mountain amphitheater that is the Annapurna Sanctuary. If you visit the Annapurna Sanctuary during the good weather months in the fall and spring, you can expect clear mornings and evenings and a glowing panorama of snow-capped peaks and starry skies. More than half the trial is an up-and-back, meaning that you will be hiking down the same trail you hiked up. This is the reality of the geography—the Modi Khola Gorge is the only way into the Sanctuary for trekkers. Second, the gains in elevation are quicker than preferred, rising from Pokhara at 940 meters (3,085 feet) to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) in 5–6 days. This elevation change isn’t optimal, but the highest point on the trek is considerably lower than other major treks in Nepal, many of which reach 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) or more. Trekkers should be particularly aware of the issue and follow closely the rules of acclimatization.

Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb) is also good for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature. However, please note, there may be snowfall / avalanches during the winter.

In order to be familiar with the culture of Himalaya and to view the breathtaking scene of Mount Everest remembers Messenger Travel and Tours. We provide you with affordable packages to Everest Trek with flexible time period.