Walk through villages, and then climb through forests into the Annapurna Sanctury , a valley surrounded by high Himalaya peaks. A great opportunity to get into the mountains without the altitude problems like in the Mount Everest region. The route to annapurna Sanctury the site of the Annapurna south face base camp, is a spectacular short trek. Though it has some steep climbs, the trek is not difficult. The trek to the Annapurna Sanctury traverses a variety of terrains, from lowland villages and rice terraces to glaciers, and offers outstanding high mountain views. This is a fine opportunity to surround you with Himalayan peaks in a short time, without having to contend with the altitude and flight problems of the Everest region. You can make the trek from Pokhara to Annapurna base camp and trek back in as few as 10 or 11 days, but it is best to allow two weeks fully appreciate the high altitude scenery. A diversion to Ghorepani on the return route provides a view of Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill. The season for this trek is May to November. The other classic trek in the Annapurna region is to the so called Annapurna Sanctuary, the site of the base camp used by expedition attempting the massive south face of Annapurna I . A short trek, it can be completed in as little as eight days from Pokhara. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp combines some of the most spectacular mountain scenery with a fascinating insight into the life of middle hill.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the main trekking seasons of spring and autum but since the ropute is not a circuit, the trail, and the teahouses, can become crowed at these times. Winter treks are possible but any time trekkers must beware of snowfalls and avalanches to the sanctuary. This trek is usually started and ended in Pokhara but it can also be made a part of the Annapurna Circuit or the Jomsom trek by trekking from Tatopani through Ghorepani and Tadapani and joining the main sanctuary trail at Chomorong. For maximum enjoyment, allow twelve or fourteen days for the trek, which allows time for exploration inside the Sanctuary and also the Chance to extend the route on to Ghorepani and poonhill. Trekkers traveling this route must obtain an ACAP entry permit.
To start the trek at Pokhara there are a number of choices of routes. Perhaps the best is to take a taxi or bus to Naudanda Phedi where the trail up to Dhampus will be found. The route passes through a number of Gurung settlements including Langdrung the choice is to cross to Ghangdrung, a descent and subsequent climp involving several hundred meters of elevation change, or to continue on up the Modi Khola through Nayapul trail is a very welcome hot spring half way to Chomrong. From Chomorong there is only one trail, which follows the ever-narrowing Modi Khola to finally enter the Sanctuary. Due to the altitude gain, two nights must be spent between Chomorong and the Sanctuary in order to avoid the risk of AMS . There are a number of settlements in the valley, providing ample accommodation. However, during winter it is wise to check at Chomorong in case the teahouse up the valley has closed for the off season.
The trail up the Modi Khola passes through dense stands of rhododendron and bamboo for the first day. By the time the large rock overhang, known as Hinku Cave ,is reached the vegetation has thinned and the gorge narrowed to be only a few hundreds meters wide. Steep, snow-clad ridges falling from Hiuchuli on the left and Machhapuchhre on the right from the entrance to the Sanctury. As you pass through the gate and enter the Sanctuary you find yourself in a huge amphitheater enclosed by a solid wall of snow capped peaks which include Annapurna I,II, III & IV plus the fish tailed spire of Machhapuchhre. Teahouse are available at Machhapuchhre base camp, just inside the Sanctuary, or at Annapurna Base Camp, a further two hopur beyond.
Spent at least one full day inside the Sanctuary. Side trips across the south Annapurna glacier , north from Annapurna Base Camp allow for an even better appreciation of this unique place. Return by the same route to Chomorong where you can choose to retrace your outward steps or deviate through either Ghandrung or Ghorepani.
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Nepal
