Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is miraculously beautiful due to the natural beauty spread by the Himalayas and hills combined with typical Gurung culture and hospitality. The trails of Annapurna Sanctuary lead you through remote villages, terraced farmlands, forests of bamboo, and rhododendron trees to the lap of Annapurna ranges. Along the way, you are treated to impressive mountain views, ridges, rushing rivers, tiny houses, and a glimpse of the lifestyle of local villagers.
The ultimate destination of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is the Annapurna Base Camp supplying a close and wide 360-degree view of high snowy peaks dipped in solitude and tranquility. You must not miss the sunset and sunrise through these Himalayas as they spread a different range of colors and experiences. The place is a high glacial basin lying directly north of Pokhara. The oval-shaped plateau sits at an elevation of 4130m /13,550 ft, enclosed by mountains above 6000m/ 19,685 ft.
Trekkers can explore the narrow pass between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre from where Modi Khola River run-off glaciers drain. The area was accessible to outsiders only after 1956. The unique combination of heights and depths in the Annapurna Sanctuary gives rise to an astonishing diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. The trails used to be the Trading route for Tibetan traders in history.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Summary
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu and drives to the city of Lake, Pokhara. After an evening around Lakeside, Pokhara, the next early morning you head towards the north and begin your trek from Nayapul and stay at Ulleri. Without missing the paradise of photographers, Poonhill viewpoint, you continue your trek to Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Base Camp. The shimmering and colorful sunrise view from Poonhill will energize you to trek higher to base camp and cherish the dreamy closeup view of Annapurna Ranges, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. Instead of Ulleri, you will end up in your Annapurna Sanctuary Trek at Kande village.
Tale of Annapurna Sanctuary
The entire Annapurna Sanctuary is considered holy to the Gurung people, the main residents of the area. They believed it was the storage area of gold and a variety of resources left by the Nagas, the serpent god. The sanctuary was believed to be the home of several deities, from Hinduism and Buddhism as well as the older animistic gods. The peak of Machhapuchhre at the doorway was said to be the home of the god Shiva. Thus, the local Gurung people forbade anyone from bringing eggs or meat into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Besides, nobody is allowed to climb Mt. Machhapuchhre.
Poon Hill, Ghorepani on Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Poonhill is at Ghorepani village and is an extremely popular and loved trek of the Annapurna Trekking area. Any trekkers with or without experience can pull Poon Hill Trek and end up with a panoramic Himalayan view, and stunning sunrise accompanied by local ethnic group culture and tradition. You can see the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from the Poonhill viewpoint.
During March- April, the entire trail is decorated by pinkish Rhododendron (the national flower of Nepal) which blooms your heart along with them. The warmth of the local community and genuine lifestyle uplift your trekking experience and make it valuable. Poonhill Trek is for trekkers with or without experience as Poonhill Trek is mild and requires 7-10 days to complete. (See More Poonhill Trek 10 Days)
However, experienced trekkers make sure to incorporate Poonhill into their trail by choosing Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
Ghandruk village on Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Ghandruk village is rich in its culture and hospitality complimented by its location, surroundings, and the picturesque view seen from Ghandruk. It showcases the lifestyle in the hilly region of Nepal accompanied by delightful close-up mountain views: Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli.
Ghandruk welcomes trekkers with traditional tea houses lodges and homestays, a hilltop temple, a tea garden, horseback riding, and cultural experiences which provide a peek into the lifestyle and customs of the Gurung communities who reside at Ghandruk.
Ghandruk is the must-stop destination for trekkers in the Annapurna Trekking Region. (Read more)
Best Season for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
The best time to Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is from September to November and from March to May. The weather is clear, sunny, and warm with breathtaking views. Rain and snow occur occasionally at this time. The trail is not wet but be crowded by trekkers as this is the peak season.
If you want to escape from crowds and have full time in the wilderness, you need to skip these months and trek from June to August or December to March. From June to August, it is wet and raining with the flora and vegetation blooming to the fullest. It is the best season for flower lovers and botanists but the mountains’ view may not clear up. From December to March, there is high snowfall and the path is also filled with snow. You may find it too cold else the view and sky will be clear.
Why Choose Annapurna Sanctuary Trek?
Trek lovers are well known for the facts and beauty of the Annapurna Trekking region and its different trekking trails and destinations.
If you are looking for moderate days (13-15 days) of trekking in the Annapurna region with most of the popular spots of the Annapurna Trekking region, you can choose Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek traverses you through the following spots:
Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Poon hill viewpoint, Ghorepani village, Ghandruk village, Jhinu Dada, Landruk village.
Besides, the trail and experiences encountered on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek are different in their way just as other trekking routes. You can also check the detailed itinerary of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
On the other hand, for the shorter days trek, you can choose Annapurna Base Camp, Short Annapurna Base Camp, Poon hill trek, or Annapurna Community Trek.
For longer days and exploring more destinations, trekking packages such as Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Circuit Clockwise Trek are available.