From CAD 3610
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Experience Overview
Discover the Annapurna range, a vast Himalayan massif where several peaks top 7,000m (22,965ft). It’s home to a natural amphitheatre known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, formed by mountain giants including Annapurna 1, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and Machhapuchhare. Our trek starts through forested hills before arriving into the Sanctuary, where we enjoy panoramic views of the colossal Annapurna peaks. We have a day to explore this breath-taking mountain arena before returning to Pokhara via a different route.
Why trek with Exodus?
One of the highest staff-to-traveller ratios on the trek with one staff member to every four travellers
More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal
A carefully designed itinerary to minimise long road journeys and maximise comfort and ascent rates on the trails
Exodus annually commissions independent air-safety audits on domestic carriers in Nepal and only use those approved as part of the audit
Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to recognise and deal with altitude sickness
All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage
Staff carry oxygen, a first-aid kit, and self-assessment acute mountain sickness cards, used to monitor every traveller at altitude
Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselves
Profile
— Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels), 10 Simple nights (teahouses/mountain lodges) — 11 days point-to-point walking with full porterage — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16 — Altitude maximum: 13,550ft (4,130m); average: 8,005ft (2,440m) — Travel by private bus and one internal flight — Between five and eight hours of walking per day — Numerous stone steps — 9 November 2024 departure led by Valerie Parkinson, Wanderlust World Guide Awards Winner 2021
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels), 10 Simple nights (teahouses/mountain lodges) — 11 days point-to-point walking with full porterage — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16 — Altitude maximum: 13,550ft (4,130m); average: 8,005ft (2,440m) — Travel by private bus and one internal flight — Between five and eight hours of walking per day — Numerous stone steps — 9 November 2024 departure led by Valerie Parkinson, Wanderlust World Guide Awards Winner 2021
Trip For You
This trek has been graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). It comprises 11 days point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Altitude: The maximum altitude is 13,550ft (4,130m) and the average is 8,005ft (2,440m) – we ask you to refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes. This is one of the best-paced trekking routes in Nepal for acclimatisation. The ascent is gradual; most nights are spent at low to medium altitudes (below 9,840ft/3,000m) with only two nights at high altitude (over 11,480ft/3,500m).
Fitness and ability: This is an ideal trek for those confident of their physical fitness; most of the more challenging walking is on the last approach to the Sanctuary itself. Some previous trekking experience and physical preparation, such as hill walking, is recommended.
On most days, we walk for approximately five to seven hours, although there are some shorter and longer days. There are numerous stone staircases to climb and descend and we would not recommend this trek to anyone with weak knees. There are prolonged ascents and descents on some days (more than 3,280ft/1,000m). We highly recommend using trekking poles.
This trek is at the more difficult end of an Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) trip due to the ascents and descents and the stone staircases. However, it is graded Activity Level 4 and therefore is a lower Activity Level than our Everest Base Camp Trek (as it does not go above 16,400ft/5,000m).
Heights: The trail crosses approximately five modern suspension bridges; all have mesh sides, and none are particularly long or high; however, anyone with a strong fear of heights or vertigo may find them difficult.
Leech socks: After rain, especially in spring, leeches may be present on short parts of the trek, particularly on the Day 11 optional walk to the thermal springs. You may wish to bring leech socks or wear long socks to prevent bites.
Walking hours: Those stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Nepal flight safety
Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas. The mountainous Nepalese terrain is subject to changeable weather, which makes flying conditions complex and challenging, and unfortunately there are significantly more incidents here than in other countries, including fatalities. The EU highlighted the poor safety record in Nepal in 2013 by including all Nepalese-registered airlines on the EU banned list, which prevents them from flying in EU airspace. While no Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU, the EU instigated this ban to highlight the risk of flying in Nepal to EU citizens. These airlines are unlikely to be members of any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.
Flying within Nepal is therefore a known risk, and we strongly encourage you to consider this carefully before booking. We suggest you refer to the following sources:
The current travel advice for Nepal issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeThe Air Safety Network entry for Nepal
In response to concerns over this safety record, Exodus arranges for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the suitability of the available carriers. We then restrict our use to only those approved as part of this audit. In emergency situations, we will need to use helicopters, so we also have a list of approved helicopter carriers. Should concerns arise regarding the safety of an airline on our approved list, we will remove the carrier from the list immediately, and it would only be reinstated once our air-safety auditors are confident the airline meets acceptable safety standards.
We appreciate that you may have concerns about flying within Nepal, so we ask that you please consider all the information above when deciding to book this trip.
Group Description
The group is generally between four and 16 people.
We have representatives in Kathmandu who will look after your transfers to and from the airport and will be available to answer other questions you may have about your trek. There is an Exodus desk and noticeboard in the Royal Singi Hotel in Kathmandu. The desk is manned morning and evening.
The departure starting in Kathmandu on 09 November 2024 will be led by Valerie Parkinson who has been leading treks in the Himalaya for more than 36 years. Valerie was the first British woman to summit Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. She will share her mountaineering experience, including her own Everest summit expedition and Everest North Col expedition with you along the way. Valerie won Best Tour Leader in the prestigious annual Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.
All departures will have an English-speaking Nepali tour leader throughout the trip who will be assisted by Nepali trekking guides. All Exodus leaders are highly experienced and have undertaken Exodus leader training courses wilderness first-aid training. The trekking guides are licensed by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and receive additional training through Exodus. The trekking guides will walk with the group, spacing themselves out to ensure the pace is appropriate for careful acclimatisation and to ensure the safety of all trekkers in the group, helping those who may need some encouragement or support.
On all our Nepal treks, there is one member of trek staff for every four clients – this ratio may change if a guide must stay behind with a group member. The leaders are assisted by additional guides and as many porters as necessary to carry the kitbags. All your main gear is carried for you and you only need to carry whatever you require for that day’s trek. Porters carry two client kitbags each – kitbags should be restricted to 22lb (10kg). Porters are given porter clothing for treks above 14,765ft (4,500m) – windproof jacket and trousers (pants), boots, socks, gloves, hats and sunglasses. All the trekking staff are insured by our local partner in Nepal.
Eating Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip.
The breakfasts on trek are fixed set menus, usually porridge or muesli with either toast, chapatti or pancake, plus an egg or omelette and a cup of tea/coffee. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish. Items not included should be ordered and paid for separately.
Please note, some more remote teahouses/lodges are unable to provide an extensive menu due to irregular delivery schedules and during periods of bad weather or a high volume of trekkers, there may be a more limited menu choice. Also, the higher altitude the more expenses the menus and extras generally are.
We do not include lunch and dinner on trek allowing you to choose what you want to eat. Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route – sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner will be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it).
The menus in the lodges are almost identical to one another but offer a varied choice, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentils and meat or vegetables, rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed and filled with meat or vegetables.
Meat is available in the teahouses but we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money – we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available to you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are from powder/packets and contain gluten.
If you buy imported food and drink on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100floz to 135floz (three litres to four litres) per person per day.
However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the trekking areas of Nepal.
A few villages along the Annapurna Sanctuary route have safe drinking water stations selling UV-treated water for about 50 rupees (US$0.40) per litre but these are not always open.
The teahouses also sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 rupees (US$1.15-US$2.30) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot-water bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/Camelpak (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).
Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
Transportation
For transfers, we mostly use a private minibus except when travelling from Sinwai to Naya Pul at the end of the trek. The road conditions are generally reasonable, but be prepared for a few rough sections.
If we drive from Sinwai to Naya Pul (Birethanti), this section of road (6mi/10km) is rough and, due to the conditions, we are unable to use private vehicles. As such, we use locally hired public transport, Jeeps (up to five people in a group) or public minibus (six people and above). Please note, most public transport does not provide seatbelts.
For the flight to/from Pokhara, we use the scheduled services of one of the airlines operating within Nepal. If you wish to transfer by road on the return journey, please let us know at the time of booking as this may require an additional day at the start of your trip. Please note, due to significant ongoing road construction with delays and detours, the journey between Kathmandu and Pokhara can take between 12-14 hours.
This point-to-point trekking holiday requires you to walk between each overnight stay under their own steam. Other forms of transport may be available along the route (horses, 4x4s etc) but Exodus is not able to take responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport that customers choose to take even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.
Nepal flight safety
Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas. The mountainous Nepalese terrain is subject to changeable weather, which makes flying conditions complex and challenging, and unfortunately there are significantly more incidents here than in other countries, including fatalities. The EU highlighted the poor safety record in Nepal in 2013 by including all Nepalese-registered airlines on the EU banned list, which prevents them from flying in EU airspace. While no Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU, the EU instigated this ban to highlight the risk of flying in Nepal to EU citizens. These airlines are unlikely to be members of any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.
Flying within Nepal is therefore a known risk, and we strongly encourage you to consider this carefully before booking. We suggest you refer to the following sources:
The current travel advice for Nepal issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeThe Air Safety Network entry for Nepal
In response to concerns over this safety record, Exodus arranges for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the suitability of the available carriers. We then restrict our use to only those approved as part of this audit. In emergency situations, we will need to use helicopters, so we also have a list of approved helicopter carriers. Should concerns arise regarding the safety of an airline on our approved list, we will remove the carrier from the list immediately, and it would only be reinstated once our air-safety auditors are confident the airline meets acceptable safety standards.
We appreciate that you may have concerns about flying within Nepal, so we ask that you please consider all the information above when deciding to book this trip.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar, Kamaladi, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 144 24190
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time, and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15C to 30C (59F to 86F) in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10C (50F) at 11,800ft (3,600m) and progressively lower the higher we go. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking. There can be snow in Annapurna Base Camp at any time of year.
Post monsoon/autumn (Mid-September to November): This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are typically above 20C (68F). Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as -5C (23F) at higher altitudes.
Winter (December to end of February): An ideal time to trek in Nepal, despite the colder conditions. Skies are usually very clear, especially in December, and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to -10C (14F) at Annapurna Base Camp, but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time of year. In Kathmandu, maximum daytime temperatures are 19C (66F).
Pre-monsoon/spring (March to May): Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general, but haze will often build up in the afternoons and there can be rain. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 30C (86F) in Kathmandu. Flowers, particularly rhododendrons, bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring. Expect snow on the way to and at basecamp.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable, and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Spending Money
We recommend taking your personal spending money in cash (US dollars, British pounds or euros can all be changed easily). Please note that any marked, torn or damaged notes may not be accepted. Please remember, £50 notes, Scottish or Irish currency cannot be changed in Nepal. Cash can be changed easily at the airport on arrival in Kathmandu or at money changers in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Hotels in Nepal can also change up to US$300 per person. Please note, travellers cheques can NOT be exchanged in Nepal. Our staff will advise you about how much money to take with you on the trek.
You need to withdraw/exchange enough money in Kathmandu to last the duration of your trek – to cover meals, drinks, tipping and other incidentals. It is a good idea to carry spare cash on the trek in case of an emergency. Carrying a large amount of cash is unavoidable so we suggest splitting it up into a few different places – but remember to keep track of how much you have stashed where.
Prices of food and amenities in teahouses generally become more expensive the higher altitude/more remote you are and access to ATMs/money changes are extremely limited. Please allow 4,000 - 5,400 rupees (US$30-US40) per day for lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, showers, toilet roll and charging on trek, and for meals not included in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This amount is given as a rough guideline only.
Your expenditure will be towards the top end if you buy boiled water rather than treating cold water, and depending on how many hot showers you take, if you pay to charge electrical devices, drink alcohol, use wifi on the trek and so on.
If you'd like to purchase a trekking map for 500 rupees (US$4), please speak to your Leader at the welcome briefing and he will provide the relevant map for you.
Optional excursions
A few optional tours and activities are available from Kathmandu.
Prices for a half-day sightseeing tour start from 5,300 rupees (approximately US$40) per person, based on a group of six and above. For all trips, return transport and a qualified sightseeing guide are included. The price does not include lunch or entry fees. Please enquire with your leader in Kathmandu, who can provide further information.
An optional Everest sightseeing flight is available (again, please book this locally through your leader in Kathmandu). Anyone taking an internal sightseeing flight in Nepal should pay attention to the Flying in Nepal statement.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Nepal and usually expected. Tipping can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will usually offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty which will be used to tip hotel porters, local guides, assistant guides, porters, and the drivers. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but a rough guideline is provided below.
A tip for the leader is at your discretion and separate to the amount he will suggest for the other staff. We suggest you send an envelope around the group at the end of the trip and you can put in what you like and give to the leader on the last evening.
The following are guideline amounts received by each staff member from the group as a whole.
Tour Leader: 35,000-40,000 rupees (usually tipped on the last night in Kathmandu)
Your trekking crew (tips are usually given on the last evening of the trek in Birethanthi)
Trekking guides: 20,000-25,000 rupees for each guideTrek porters: 15,000 rupees for each porter
General tipping guidelines:
Drivers:
Kathmandu to Besisahar (full day): 1,100 rupees in total from the groupNayapul to Pokhara (half day): 550 rupees in total from the group
Hotel porters: 105 rupees each time for each roomTeahouses and lunch stops on trek: it’s customary to round your bill up to the nearest 55 rupees or 105 rupeesRestaurants: 10% of the bill if good service
To help budget for the tips, generally there will be one member of trek staff (Leader/guide) for every four clients. You will also have one porter for every two clients to carry your luggage. If you are unsure on how much to personally budget, you can check with your leader when you arrive in Kathmandu. Please try to give all tips in local currency.
Highlights
— Stay overnight at Annapurna Base Camp surrounded by mountains — Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary, a huge amphitheatre formed by glistening peaks — Enjoy sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare and the Annapurnas from Poon Hill — Trek through magnificent forests, terraced fields and pretty villages — Spend time in historic Kathmandu and lakeside Pokhara
Trip Details
Product Code: 4216
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: his trip.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TNS
Starts: Kathmandu, Annapurna
Finishes: Kathmandu, Annapurna
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts — Morning bed-tea on trek — Welcome drink at each overnight lodge — Four nights in standard hotels and 10 nights in teahouses — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout, plus local staff (staff to client ratio of 1:4 on trek) — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone — Full porterage throughout trek — Exodus kitbag — Trekking permit and national park feesAccommodation
Hotels and Himalayan teahousesWe stay in teahouses for most of this adventure, a classic experience for trekkers in the Himalaya. We spend the rest of our time in hotels. The accommodations we typically use are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip. Kathmandu: Royal Singi Hotel (nights 1 and 14) The Royal Singi, a three-star hotel, has been welcoming our groups for more than two decades. The name is inspired by the Snow Lion, a mythical creature in Tibetan Buddhism, which represents immense joy, positivity, delight and comfort. The hotel embraces the name with a restaurant, bar, outdoor courtyard, and complimentary wifi throughout. There’s also an Exodus desk in the lobby and an Exodus representative is usually available daily in the mornings and evenings. The Royal Singi is well located near the Thamel district, close to banks, restaurants, shops and attractions. Annapurna: Teahouses (nights 2-11) Staying in teahouses is a time-tested tradition for hikers in the Himalaya. They may be basic, but they’re a welcome sight after a day of walking among the spectuacular peaks. The hub of teahouse living is the dining room, which is usually decorated with traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee to put the heater on). Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper. On nights 2-6 and 11, we stay in twin-share bedrooms, which come with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow. On nights 7-10, we stay in rooms with four beds, due to limited options in the more remote areas. Remember to bring (or hire) a sleeping bag, rooms are unheated so they can get cold at night. Worth knowing Some teahouses above 9,845ft (3,000m) may not be heated due to local environmental restrictions. Occasionally, kerosene burners can be used to heat common areas if requested. We recommend against using these due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Your leader will not offer this to you. Most teahouses have electricity, but it is not wholly reliable, and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch (flashlight) is essential. Charging facilities are generally only available in the dining room (charged at approximately 200-500 Nepalese rupees/US$1.50-US$3.80 per hour per device). Many of the teahouses use solar power, so sometimes there is not enough electricity for charging. Many also have wifi, though it can be slow and temperamental. Most teahouses have Western-style toilets, though some may have squat style. Toilet paper is not provided, so you should bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it in the receptacle provided). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen), please refill it or ask the lodge to. Some teahouses have hot ‘showers’ (charged at approximately 250-500 rupees/US$1.90-US$3.80 per shower). Sometimes this is simply a bucket of hot water. Standards of cleanliness vary, especially in the peak trekking season and in winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your leader or the teahouse staff and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use soap or hand gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks and mealtimes. Generally, the higher the altitude, the more basic the teahouse and the more expensive food and services. Extra accommodation If you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu, either before or after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability). Please enquire with your sales representative. Single accommodation If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara only (subject to availability). While in the teahouses, single rooms cannot be guaranteed so these have not been included in the single supplement price paid in advance. However, if a single room is available on arrival at a teahouse, you can pay locally on a day-by-day basis.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3610 (CAD 241 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. There are free arrival transfers available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one. Your local leader will meet you at the hotel (a time is provided on arrival) for the full trek briefing this evening. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Late morning we head to the airport and fly west to Pokhara, the 20-minute flight offers views of the Himalaya range to the north (on a clear day). Pokhara is set in a beautiful valley overlooked by the Annapurnas and the fishtail-shaped Machhapuchhare, one of the most distinctive of the Himalayan peaks. We transfer from Pokhara to Naya Pul and then have a 30-minute (1.2mi/2km) walk to Birethanthi, a village at the confluence of the Modi and Burungdi rivers, where we stay overnight. Accommodation: Teahouse
We start our trek by following the Burungdi upstream. After a lunchstop in Tirkhedunga (renowned for its variety of local beer called chang), we climb up steep, stone staircases (approximately three hours) through neatly terraced hillsides to the top of Ulleri. Continuing through Ulleri we stop tonight at lower Banthanti. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 7,350ft/2,240m)
The trail winds onwards and enters rhododendron forest, which is ablaze with colour in spring. Trains of mules provide vibrant, noisy interludes to the continuous ascent today (there are many stone staircases). Finally, we emerge from the forests at Ghorepani and suddenly a splendid mountain vista appears before us – Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung and other Himalayan giants. We continue up through Ghorepani to our lodge in Upper Ghorepani (9,515ft/2,900m), usually arriving by lunchtime. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 9,515ft/2,900m)
This morning there is an optional ascent of Poon Hill (10,530ft/3,210m, about an hour's walk uphill) to see the spectacular sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. As the sun emerges from behind the mountains, the sky glows red and pink. We head east after breakfast, following a ridge to cross a pass at 10,335ft (3,150m). We cut through more forest and past teahouses and then the descent becomes steeper as we take stone steps through jungle to a few lodges in a clearing called Banthanti at 9,055ft (2,760m), where we have lunch. Descending further to a small stream, we cross a bridge and climb back up to 8,825ft (2,690m) at Tadapani where we have a superb view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. From here, we descend for a short while to our lodge at Chuili, where we have great views of the mountains from the lovely garden. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 7,515ft/2,290m)
The trail descends steeply through the forest to the Kyumnu river, a tributary of the Modi River. A steep ascent then brings us to Chhomrong (7,285ft/2,220m) another Gurung village and the last permanent settlement in the valley. Beyond here we see yersas, the summer shelters used by herdsmen. From Chhomrong, we have good views again of Annapurna South and from this point onwards the twin-peaks of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) that give the mountain its name. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 7,285ft/2,220m)
The trail from Chhomrong descends first on a stone staircase to cross the Chhomrong River and then climbs steeply on another stone staircase out of this side valley to Sinuwa, where we enter the main Modi River valley. From Sinuwa, the trail descends on stone steps through dense jungle and then undulates to lunch at Bamboo, a cluster of lodges in a clearing surrounded by bamboo thickets. These are cut extensively to make dokos, the carrying baskets used by our porters, and woven mats for floors and roofs. Undulating further through the bamboo forest we reach Dobhan at 8,200ft (2,500m), another small forest clearing with several teahouses. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 8,200ft/2,500m)
It’s a tough day today as we walk above 9,845ft (3,000m). The trail continues up through the forest, passing the lodges at Himalaya Hotel. The trail gets steeper and rockier from here as we climb up past Hinko Cave, where the first expeditions to the basecamp used to spend the night. Crossing a ravine, the trail continues to climb steeply among boulders, leaving the trees behind us. We have lunch at Deurali and from here the valley broadens and the scenery becomes wilder as we approach the gates of the sanctuary. From Deurali, there are two trails. The one on the left side of the valley is the main trail but when there is a lot of snow (especially in spring) it is not used and an alternative trail on the right side of the valley is used. Your leader will decide which to take. Both meet for the last 1hr 30min climb up between the heights of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (12,140ft/3,700m), where we spend the night. The views are stupendous and the panorama includes Huinchuli, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 12,140ft/3,700m)
In the early morning, we walk for two hours up to Annapurna Base Camp (13,550ft/4,130m), surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of some of the highest mountains in the world. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna 1 and 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare all encircle us with unbroken soaring ramparts but for the route by which we entered. The sunset and sunrise are truly magnificent in this mountain arena. We spend the day in this special place with a chance to watch sunrise tomorrow. There should be time to make an excursion to the ridge overlooking the basecamp from which Sir Chris Bonington led the ascent of Annapurna's South Face. (Occasionally there is too much snow to stay at Annapurna Base Camp. In this case, we walk back down to Machhapuchhare Base Camp in the late afternoon). Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 13,550ft/4,130m)
It’s a long and mostly downhill day as we leave the Sanctuary. We follow the same trail back to Machhapuchhare Base Camp and further down to Deurali. Entering the forest, we descend slowly and carefully on a rocky trail through Himalaya and Dobhan back to the lodge at Bamboo. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 7,645ft/2,330m)
We have a rollercoaster walk today with lots of ups and downs. We start with a climb up to Sinuwa, then we descend to the river and climb back up the stone steps to Chomro. A final steep descent on stone steps brings us to Jhinnudanda. There are nearby hot springs you can visit if you wish; getting there involves descending for 20 minutes or so down to the river, and the climb back up takes a little longer (around 30 minutes). Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 5,610ft/1,710m)
The trail today undulates down the Modi River valley. We follow the valley down to the road head at Sinwai. If the road is in good condition, we pick up our transport here (sometimes our vehicle cannot get to here) and drive back to Pokhara. If we have to walk to Birethanthi this will add an additional three hours (6mi/10km). Accommodation: Hotel Dahlia in 2024/Hotel Majestic Lakefront in 2025 (or similar)
Enjoy a full day to relax in Pokhara. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the lakeshore where you can watch paragliders in flight. You may wish to take a rowing boat across Lake Phewa and walk up to the hilltop World Peace Pagoda for fantastic views of the lake. There are also plenty of shops and a traditional bazaar where you can pick up souvenirs. Alternatively, there are several museums to visit, including the International Mountain Museum and the Gurkha Museum. Accommodation: Hotel Dahlia in 2024/Hotel Majestic Lakefront in 2025 (or similar)
We fly to Kathmandu. If the weather plays nicely, we can have good views of the western end of Nepal on this flight. The afternoon is free for sightseeing. You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Boudhanath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
The trip ends after breakfast today. Say your goodbyes and begin your return journey home.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Siraj Hwang - Traveled, February 2023
Exceeded expectations The trek itself was superb. The trail had varied landscapes and spectacular views of the Himalayas. Breaks for tea and lunch were generous, and the quality and diversity of the food exceeded my expectations. Accommodation was never uncomfortable. Our porters and guides were excellent. Most Inspirational Moment The hike to Poon Hill Thoughts on Group Leader Dorjee was outstanding. A charismatic, knowledgable, and attentive leader who gave the group a huge amount of confidence throughout the journey. A special note of thanks to the guide team as a whole. Diraj, Saghar, and Hari all provided an exceptional experience, and any of them could have led the journey if required to.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2023
Marcia Nash - Traveled, September 2022
Close-up views of Himalayas on a leisurely trek Excellent trip, well organised and executed, very good guides and porters. We felt very well looked after. Lead guide and 3 assistant guides, 6 porters for 11 clients. Great close-up views of Himalayas. Accommodation very basic but actually better than expected. Twin rooms on 7 nights, quad rooms on 3 nights. Very basic ‘bathrooms’. There were always showers available even if the water wasn’t always hot. Washing facilities not always in same building as bedrooms. Hut food much better and more varied than expected (porridge / muesli with hot milk / eggs any style with toast or local bread, tea / coffee). Food very cheap (400-600 NRs), imported bottled / canned drinks comparatively expensive (beer 600-900, soft drinks 300). Expected tips are more than trip notes suggest. Very gentle pace with long lunch stops (1-1.5 hrs) and 1 or 2 drink stops each day. Plenty of toilet opportunities (huts). Lots of long ascents and descents on stone steps but no problem even as someone who totally bust an ACL 8 months earlier! With a high ratio of guides to clients and lots of rest stops, everyone doesn’t have to walk at the same pace. Most Inspirational Moment Being surrounded by Himalayas at Annapurna Base Camp Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Attentive to our every need and very interesting. Phubar Sherpa gave after-dinner talks about Nepalese culture, history and education. He managed the team of guides and porters very well. Great job. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring flip flops to wear in as well as to and from showers. Budget more for tips than trip notes suggest. Tablets are cheapest, lightest and easiest way to purify water. Bring metal water bottle if you want to buy boiling water at huts. Definitely need warm sleeping bag as not all buts provide duvets and it can be very cold at night. Warm hat and gloves for cold early starts as well as sun hat for hot days. Thermals to sleep in double as warm extra layer in evening. Bring toilet paper: it never seems to be provided
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2022
Mark Smith - Traveled, September 2022
Annapurna Sanctuary 2022 Beautiful views and a good standard of lodge accommodation with great food. After four years away from Nepal it was great to be back – an excellent group and fine weather really helped with the enjoyment of this trek, but if you’re thinking of doing it be prepared for almost endless stone steps and quite a few other people on the trails. Most Inspirational Moment For me it was the rare alone-times, having a night actually at ABC (some other trek companies don't do this) gave me time to find a secluded spot amongst the big peaks and just admire the dramatic landscapes and summits. Thoughts on Group Leader Phurba was great, like all the Exodus group leaders I've trekked with in Nepal. Ever present and helpful, and we all really enjoyed his evening 'lectures' on various aspects of Nepal. Advice for Potential Travellers As stated above, this trek involves a lot of stone steps between the villages, so be prepared for that. The route is quite populated too, it's never too far to the next village and the ease of access by the ever-growing network of roads makes this a busy route for trekkers, both foreign and Nepali. As a result it's quite unlike other trekking regions in Nepal I've been to - I never really felt relaxed or 'away from it all' like I have in places like Manaslu or Everest. Suggestions I attempted this trek back in 2012 but avalanche risk meant we had to turn back before getting to ABC, thankfully I was able to complete the trek this time, but a lot has changed in 10 years, and it isn't the quiet trekking experience I personally hoped for. Villages like Ghorepani are swamped with big lodges now and Pool Hill is noisy and crowded, not the serene sunrise experience the mountains deserve. There are now lots of young groups trekking up the trail and it seems popular to carry loud music, sometimes heavy rock and rap blasting out as they go. Goodness knows how you're supposed to see any wildlife. You can't stop progress and the roads are great for local village life to get better services, but as far as trekking goes the roads bring noise and dust. And on that subject I strongly urge Exodus to reconsider the last day trekking from Jhinudanda. After crossing a wonderful suspension bridge the trek follows a busy, dusty road - endless Jeeps and busses trundling past choking you with dust and fumes, it really was an awful way to end the trek. I would suggest making the trek a day or two longer and crossing the valley to Landruk on the quiet trails on that side of the valley and returning to the road via Australian Camp. Or simply Jeep us out along the dusty road rather than making us endure it on foot. Would I return to trek this route again? No, for me it's too noisy, too well connected and busy now. I'll be looking for somewhere a little more away from the roads next time so I can enjoy the mountains peacefully and soak up the wonderful atmosphere I know these mountains can deliver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2022
Marjory McMenemy - Traveled, April 2022
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek - 23 April 22 Wonderful trip, enjoyable from start to finish. We enjoyed the company of our group and the professional attention of our guide, Phurba Sherpa, and his team. The trek was graded well and although it was challenging at times it was also very enjoyable. Would recommend this trip to anyone reasonably fit. The pace of the walking is based on the group and no-one feels pressured to keep up. Exodus has a very good reputation in Nepal for treating their staff well and contributing to the community favourably. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching Annapurna Base Camp was definitely a high moment Thoughts on Group Leader Phurba Sherpa was the perfect leader. He took great care of every aspect of our trip and made us feel very safe and secure in his company. He also shared his knowledge on all things Nepal during our evening briefings and his sense of humour came across, which made things all the more enjoyable. Advice for Potential Travellers Just to prepare well in terms of fitness and kit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2022
Martin Prescott - Traveled, February 2020
Khopra Ridge / Annapurna Originally booked on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, as the first trek of the new season this got changed due to danger of avalanches on the original route, so we were rescheduled to walk the Khopra Ridge. This proved an excellent alternative. Considering the time of year the weather was kind to us, all except the early morning trek up Poon Hill, not much to see in a snow storm, but that only added to the adventure. The walking was tough, the terrain unrelenting, the snow drifts in parts deep, but the views stunning. Reading the trip notes was invaluable to adjust our “western expectations” to local conditions. The accommodation although basic was just what was needed and very welcome at the end of a long days walk. It was a constant amazement considering where we were trekking, as to how well feed we were, the food was wholesome, well cooked and in large proportions. A real battle to burn it off the next day. As a small group, 5 clients and 5 staff we managed to crack on, to get the walks done easily within the expected times, this may not be so with a larger group. Being a smaller group we also had more room in the tea houses. The fact we all got on well and had a good group leader and support staff made this a very enjoyable trip. Really glad to have done this, and walked in the Himalayas at last. Would recommend. Most Inspirational Moment Sat in tea house on Khopra Ridge, eating our evening meal, fire burning away, looking out above the cloud base as the sun set illuminating Annapurna South & Barah Shikhar, snow all around. Thoughts on Group Leader Ramhari Phuyal, consummate professional, with an obvious love of his country and job. Ably supported by the rest of the team, nothing was too much trouble to sort, always cheerful. Early morning wake-ups with tea and a laugh. Our luggage was always there waiting for us on arrival at our new destination, whatever the trail conditions. I think we were lucky to have done this trip with them. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes. Make sure you are fit. I found the money guidance was very conservative and had some left at end of stay, get it changed before you hit the airport if needs be. At the time of year (Feb - Mar) its cold on the tops, some places provide a duvet, we had a competition as to who could have the most layers of clothing on and still get into their 4 season sleeping bags. For 3 nights on the tops we couldn't have a shower, but Wifi was available if weak, except in one location where non was available. Pokhara is lovely, Kathmandu I found not so, noisy, polluted, do as the locals do when crossing the roads, but take care. Suggestions Can recommend Exodus, their itineraries are good, well organised and like the options to fly from local airports when available.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2020
Sharon Green - Traveled, November 2019
Fantastic Trip! This was our first trek and we we struck gold – the scenery and people of Nepal are beautiful. They have left a lasting impression and a return trip is a must. The porters and guides looked after us – lugging our gear and organising food and accommodation, pointing out wildlife and keeping us safe – always smiling, they created a real family feel to the group. I miss the early morning wake up call of a cheerful Namaste with a cup of tea and a stunning sunrise. Most Inspirational Moment Two stand out (& emotional) moments-Looking down on a pair of Golden Eagles gliding on the thermals only 15 feet away & Reaching Annapurna Basecamp - achieving the goal and surrounded by jaw dropping scenery Thoughts on Group Leader Balkrishna Tamang (Milan) was a great leader. I have no experience of others but the bar is now set very high! He was tireless in ensuring everything went to plan and everyone was happy. Advice for Potential Travellers Keep your bags as light as you can- not an easy task but watching the porters lug 2 kit bags and their own gear is a humbling experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2019
Julie Edwards - Traveled, November 2023
Annapurna Sanctuary – magnificent! This was a wonderful trip, very well organised and made even better because we had such a fantastic group and such magnificent scenery with great weather – my expectations were exceeded! Anish and his team of guides and porters were brilliant all the way through, always helpful and cheerful. Early morning tea was always a pleasure to be greeted by smiling faces. The teahouses were better than expected – basic twin rooms but always Wi-Fi and electric for charging, sometimes a hot shower. We shared quad rooms in MBC and ABC. The food was delicious, lots of choice and the guides did a great job taking our orders for every meal. Most Inspirational Moment Sunrise at Poon Hill and arriving at Annapurna Basecamp – stunning scenery. We had a brilliant and fun last night with our porters and guides – lots of dancing and singing. Thoughts on Group Leader Anish was a brilliant leader, always calm and helpful and always checking everyone was comfortable and happy. Coping with 13 of us and keeping on eye on everything could not have been easy but it was obvious he had great team leading skills. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for steps – every day! Read the trip notes fully, they are very helpful in terms of the kit required. Suggestions I have found every Exodus trip to be well organised and have never felt anything was missing – highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023
Andrea James - Traveled, October 2019
Annapurna sanctuary This was an amazing trip with Poon hill sunrise and Annapurna base camp sunrise , both of which we were spoilt on clear skies and lovely weather, The guides and porters were all amazing, trying to communicate with their broken english, our main guide Milan was fantastic , with his knowledge of mountains and other areas in nepal. I would highly recommend this trip, just be sure that you love steps and that you love mountains and breathtaking views!! Most Inspirational Moment Getting to Poon hill toview sunrise and Annapurna bbase camp sunrise! Mindblowingly beautiful, to the point of tears! Thoughts on Group Leader MILAN was amazing his knowledge of the area was fabulous and then organising meals out in Pokoraha and Kathmandu also arranging our missed flights, done all with a smile! Advice for Potential Travellers Just make sure your fit enough to deal with all the steps, and always look back from where ever your going or been as the views from all angles are just so beautiful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2019
Nigel Kerrigan - Traveled, November 2019
Himalayan Highs 1st time in the Himalayas and what an introduction. Expectations were high but easily exceeded, both by the scenery and the people (guides, porters and fellow travelers). The trek was challenging but hugely enjoyable, helped greatly by the brilliant weather that allowed us the best views of the stunning mountains and valleys. Our guide, “Milan” and his team of assistants and porters were phenomenal, making everything run smoothly for us pampered western travelers. It was humbling to see how they and the local people cope with what seem harsh conditions compared to those many of us take for granted at home. Overall, an excellent trip that I would not hesitate in recommending to others. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching Annapurna Base Camp and taking in the breathtaking panoramas. Thoughts on Group Leader Balkrishna Tamang ("Milan") was the best of all the guides we have experienced over a number of Exodus trips - and that is saying something as all the others have been excellent. For a 26 year old coping with a group of 15 over the trip he showed maturity and leadership skills that were most impressive. From dealing with illness amongst the group to ensuring that all were comfortable with the pace to negotiating the sometimes difficult transit through airports Milan always seemed to get things done. All the while he came across as a friendly, caring individual who is a credit to both Nepal and to Exodus. Big Respect! Advice for Potential Travellers Get fit and be prepared for thousands of stone steps - both up and down! Also, pack carefully and efficiently as the 10kg limit for luggage for the trek is a bit challenging - but wholly understandable to ensure the porters are not overloaded.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2019
Justin Emrich - Traveled, September 2019
Trip of a lifetime From the moment we met our guide, he talked about us becoming a family for the next fortnight as he wanted us all to stick together. This we did and it really made our trip special. He, our porters and two assistant guides looked after us every step of the way. The high mountains were tantalisingly shy for the first few days, but then gradually showed themselves to us. Simply stunning. Most Inspirational Moment Being helped across a 287m long bridge by two guides. Not something I was looking forward to. Thoughts on Group Leader Simply outstanding. Our safety and happiness was his top concern. He even used his greater experience to assist a trekker in another group who needed to descend quickly. Advice for Potential Travellers The couch journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is an experience and longer than we were expecting due to the state of the roads. Be prepared for very little flat walking, no meat, very limited alcohol and very basic bathroom facilities for a fortnight. If you can cope with this, you will love every minute of this trip. Your knees need to be in good working order! Learn to love Dal Baht - the best bit is you can eat as much as you like. Also the local Gerund bread with cheese is delicious. Pack a metal water bottle. It can double as a hot water bottle when you get to ABC which is pretty cold. Due to the up and down nature of this trip and taking 7 days to reach ABC, none of us had any issues with altitude. The optional early trip up to Poon Hill is in my opinion only 50%/50% worth it. It’s a big additional climb and can be very busy. Leave your phone at home! Suggestions We took no technology with us except a camera. 100% the right thing to do and allowed us to really be there, in the moment, soaking up the culture and stunning scenery. It was like bursting a bubble when we heard news of the outside world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2019
Ray Wronski - Traveled, August 2019
Great way to get into nature Nepal has always been a place I have wanted to visit, especially due to the fact it hosts some of the tallest mountains in the world. I chose the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek because I wasn’t sure my reaction to the high altitude of Everest Base Camp and also it was different. I lucked out with my trip for many reasons: small group (5 trekkers, 2 guides, 3 porters), good weather (sunny and clear mornings, no rain while walking), great guides (Ram and Maila took great care of us and made sure we all made it up to ABC and back with no incidents). During our trek we saw many other groups, specifically on the first few days and it surprised me that their “guides” did not keep the group together or seem to be properly pacing. The Exodus guides made sure we took smart breaks and typically had one person leading, the other at the back so as to not leave people behind or spread the group out too much. For me, waking up each morning getting closer and closer to ABC, seeing the sunrise gleaming off the white snowy peaks of the Annapurna range, those are images that are forever engrained on my memory (and camera). This trek has lots of stone steps, and although I consider myself physically fit, it is demanding. However, the payoff is seeing the beauty of Nepal and being removed from modern amenities like cars and other conveniences. I found the food in the tea houses good value for the money, especially Dal Bhat, which is almost an ‘all you can eat’ meal. Overall the trip is a great way to see the Himalayas and experience a bit of Nepalese culture. Most Inspirational Moment Watching the porters, not just for our group but on all the paths. The loads they carry and the means by which they carry the bags/construction materials/etc. should make you rethink what you may complain about back at home. We sometimes struggled on the trails with our day packs (maybe 7-10kg total) and some of these porters were transporting 50kg worth of concrete or long steel bars for buildings. Besides that, just seeing the mountains every morning. I took lots of photos, many of the same peak but from various distances and angles. For me, I couldn't get tired of seeing that beauty. Thoughts on Group Leader Ram and Maila were great. They took excellent care of us, made sure we stayed healthy and safe, and had fun with us. The small group allowed us to get to know each other and that made a big difference in our experience on this trek. Advice for Potential Travellers Definite items to bring if you are unsure what is really necessary: toilet paper, walking poles, layers. Don't worry too much about brings lots of clothes; if I were to do this trek again or another similar one, I would stick with maybe 3 changes while trekking and 2 more for the days in the cities. Also the food is quite inexpensive so if you aren't ordering dessert or soft drinks you can expect to spend about $12-17 (or equivalent) per day (about 1500 - 2000 NPR). If you forget any trekking items and arrive in Kathmandu early, go to Thamel, you'll get great deals. Suggestions Be open and don't expect 4 or 5 star quality in the tea houses. Saying they are basic is being kind; however were we surprised in a few (positively).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2019
Melanie Benn - Traveled, October 2019
Stunning views (but not as good as the Circuit Having done the Annapurna Circuit and the Singalila ridge I thought it was time to go back to Nepal. I enjoyed the Circuit so much I thought that the Base camp would be a good experience. I love Nepal very much but this was a very different experience – the trek itself is a bit of a route march after Chhumrung due to the fact it’s one path in, one path out in effect. There were lots more people on the route and the tea houses were very much standalone (due to restrictions on room numbers) rather than being part of communities. Also the heating was non-existent – probably as a result of it being a conservation area but cold is very fatiguing over a few days. I very much enjoyed trekking though the forested areas – we saw lots of birds, flowers and common langurs. Base camp itself is spectacular – as long as you get clear weather. The extra day in Pokhara was welcome. Overall I am glad I did the trek. I’d vote to get rid of the Poon Hill diversion (not a necessary aprt of the route) and to spend longer in Chhumrung or in one of the villages on the way down. Be warned that the multiple shared accommodation is not spacious at all. I was with friends and the rest of the group I was put with was excellent company. If the group isn’t gelling then it might prove tough to be at such close quarters. Most Inspirational Moment Waking on the middle of the night at Annapurna Base Camp and seeing all the stars - just breathtaking with moonlight on the peaks as well. Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp - just getting there up all those steps felt like an achievement. Thoughts on Group Leader Pasang was cheerful, helpful and took very good care of all of us particularly as someone got a knee injury and when I felt really unwell on the way up. His organisational skills were second t none and he was encouraging and supportive throughout. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you take a lot of layers. The stone steps are relentless - poles a must. Make sure you've got a book/cards/distraction at MBC and ABC as when the weather closes in there isn't much to do but sit in the common room! There is lot of treated water but you might want to still use sterilising tabs just to be sure. If you're only going to trek at altitude in Nepal once the Circuit is, in my opinion, a much better trek even though it is tougher. Suggestions Exodus is a great holiday company and have always been very helpful in organising the trips I have been on, making sure that the welfare of their customers is a priority and I'd have no hesitation in booking with them again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2018
Rosie H - Traveled, October 2022
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek 29 Oct 22 This is a brilliant trip. Everything was well organized. The assistant guides, Hari & Pan, set a steady comfortable pace for the trek – no-one got AMS. The path is very well maintained – there are a lot of steps. We passed through lots of hamlets so plenty of opportunity for drink / loo stops. The teahouses whilst basic were more comfortable than I expected – the beds were comfortable, we had twin rooms for 7 nights & 4 bed shared rooms for 3 nights, showers were available. The food in the teahouses is very good – breakfast was muesli or porridge or omelette/toast – lunch & dinner menu similar throughout including egg/veg fried noodles or rice, veg curry, omelette, chips, pizza, momos, fried potatoes. The teahouses definitely exceeded our expectations. The trek wasn’t difficult, but fitness and some experience of trekking required. We had a great group, I’m sure everyone enjoyed the trip. Our Guides Phurba, Sungum, Hari & Pan were very efficient and our porters were hard working and cheerful. Most Inspirational Moment Being surrounded by majestic mountain peaks at Annapurna Base Camp. Sunrise at Poon Hill. Thoughts on Group Leader Phurba Sherpa is a great leader. He organized everything efficiently. Our rooms and bags were always ready for us. We thought he had arranged the most suitable accommodation available for us. His team worked well together and appeared happy to work with him. The pace set was comfortable, no-one felt pressured. Phurba brought up the rear. He checked everyone was comfortable. I enjoyed his evening lectures on local culture etc. He explained his plan for the next day clearly – useful to know time to next break etc. He helped the group to gel. I would be pleased to have Phurba as leader on our next Nepal trek. Advice for Potential Travellers Do some practice walks before the trek. There are a lot of steps – I think poles help (altho’ most of our group didn’t use them). Minimise weight of your trek bag and ruck sack. Check your boots before you pack. We had a steripen, filter bottles, boiled water and chlorine tablets – tablets were the simplest / cheapest / lightest. Thermals and a head torch required if you want to go to the loo in the night. Take layers & a lightweight paddy jacket, thin gloves & hat for sunrises. It was hot during the day but cold as soon as sun went down. If you have time, arriving a day early is good. If you’re on the group flight there is not much time before trek – we left Kathmandu before breakfast. Exchange rate was similar in airport, hotels and Thamel money changers. It is more convenient to get your cash at the airport – keep the receipt. Bring £20 notes to exchange. Exchange enough for the 11 day trek & tips at least. We spent about NRs 25,000 pp on food / drink / showers on the trek days alone – food is cheap but you will need more than this if you want more beer, bottled drinks, desserts, choc snacks, wifi or charging. We spent about NRs 12,000 pp on tips. Food & drink more expensive in Pokhara / Kathmandu. All the teahouses had showers and loos with seats (often in the shower so the seat got wet) – take loo roll. At most of the stops you can buy loo roll / tissues / chocolate. The rest day in Pokhara was welcome – we took a boat across Phewa lake (NRs 1260 pp) and walked up to the Peace Temple (1 hour) - lovely views. It’s more convenient to have cash for this and shopping and the group meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara also. We spent about NRs 68,000 pp in total, but this included outings, shopping and extra dinners as we had an extra day in Kathmandu before & after trip. (Exchange rate c £1 = NRs 145). If you have spare time in Kathmandu I would recommend Durbar Square (NRs 1000 pp, interesting architecture & museum), Garden of Dreams (Nrs 200 pp, peaceful), Swayambhunath Temple (Nrs 200 pp, lovely views over Kathmandu), Boudhanath Stupa (Nrs 400 pp, lovely & interesting) or Thamel (shopping & restaurants). I would not recommend Pashupatinath Temple (NRs 1000 pp, dirty, crowded, hassle by peddlars). You can exchange surplus NRs at the airport before you go thro’ security – max NRs 13,000 pp with your original receipt.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2022
Elizabeth Coles - Traveled, September 2018
Annapurna Guides, Porters and Sherpa - Easily the best! The trip was made by a combination of two excellent guides, a wonderful hard working team of porters and a cheerful experienced Sherpa. They all work incredibly hard in their respective roles and simply made the holiday. Always encouraging, helpful and cheerful. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Easily the best guides of all my many Exodus trips, they were devoted to their role. It is incredible how the porters manage to carry such loads. Tourism is a major economic force for Nepal and without them tourism would cease in its current form. They are the unsung heroes and must be supported including financially as it is a dying skill, sad for Nepal and for those of us who loved our trip. Most Inspirational Moment The walks were so varied. I personally loved the walk down the gorge after our early morning walk to see sun rise over Poon Hill. It was the most beautiful grove with stupas. The views and scenery were tremendous. A very spiritual place. We had a free day in Kathmandu and I thought it was great, fantastic trip in a rickshaw. A big plus is that I was not hassled at all in either Pokhara or Kathmandu, a big contrast to my experience in India and in particular Delhi. Of course the result of reaching Annapurna Base Camp has to be mentioned. We did it! Thoughts on Group Leader Easily the best guide from all my trips. You can safely promote Nepal with confidence due to Prasant. he was always cheerful, helpful and considerate. Behind the scenes he quietly was observing us particularly in respect of health issues. This trip was physically the hardest I have done and his observational skill was much needed and valued. I was concerned about one girl who was quietly feeling unwell with AMS, she told me she was feeling unwell, outwardly nothing apparent. He straightaway went to see her, talked and cheered her up and thereafter made a point of seeing how she was. He was the most professional of all the guides of all the many trips I have been on, both Prasant and Hari were good family men and were mature and responsible. I got ill on my trip and Hari kindly offered to carry my day sac. It made a huge difference to me. I was nervous of the suspension bridges and they helped me over, in the event there are 10 not 5 bridges as per your trip notes. One is a 5 minute walk and they helped me get over them. From the trips I have done, Prasant work as a guide was the most demanding with the most responsibilities and therefore by definition his role is that of a senior guide for Exodus. You are in safe hands! They were a great team who had known each other for many years: their friendship and harmony really showed and benefitted the group. Advice for Potential Travellers Take US dollars for the tourist visa. The cost is USD 25, compared to GBP21, not a good exchange rate! Take exact money for this visa, my till didn't have any change. Easiest to change money at the hotel, less hustle and stress after a long journey and a calmer atmosphere. Just a slight difference in the rate but worth it. Very easy to change money at Pokhara. It is very much a tourist town. Make sure you spend/donate your Nepaiese money, the Government only give you 15% back I understand. Take lots of layers, you need to cope with the heat of Kathmandu and the day walks with the cold at the base camps. Suggestions There are 10 suspension bridges, not 5. When I rang you advised short bridges. Actually one bridge is new and a five minute walk, it is incredibly long. Please update your notes! The guides were great and helped me over, especially the long bridge. But it might be difficult if a number of the trip are nervous of bridges. Just thought I should mention this. I am glad I did the trip and didn't want the bridges to stop me going. I went well stocked with medicines but the food without exception at all the tea houses was good simple nourishing food with an amazing menu every time. There simply wasn't one bad meal. How they manage to cook such quantities and bring it out swiftly to our group would leave many a UK chain ashamed! The team worked so hard, from our early morning cup of tea to attending to our every need at mealtimes and beyond eg organising hot water bottles, more drinks, hot chocolate, extra pillows. And nothing was too much trouble and always with a smile.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2018
Filip Hanzak - Traveled, September 2018
Great time in great mountains The Annapurna Sanctuary trek was well organized and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It can be physically challenging at times (e.g. climb 3000 stairs in one go at the end of a walking day), but completely doable without many difficulties. Most Inspirational Moment The night sky at the Sanctuary was as expected - the clearest and brightest I've ever seen. You almost can't see the asterisms for so many more stars are visible in between the main ones! Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, Chandra, was excellent, always helpful in good mood and full of laughter. Advice for Potential Travellers Do some training beforehand and get walking poles if (like me) have problems with your knees. Going down the many stairs which are higher than usual can get very painful. Pack a lot of versatile layers as the temperature varies between +32 in Pokhara to -7 at the Base Camp. I went in October and did NOT have a down jacket and could just about manage at the base camp while wearing literally all the layers I had with me - no need to pack unnecessary extras.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2018
James & Kay Crawford - Traveled, March 2018
A wonderful trek in the very heart of Nepal's Annapurna Annapurna Sanctuary is 14 days of an excellent trek, which is very well organised, with excellent and attentive guides. It is great scenery, with such majestic and magnificent Mountains. You stay in sustainable, if frugal, Tea Houses offering great sustenance, which is all part of the fun experience. Most Inspirational Moment Finally, due to the inevitable early monsoon seasons low cloud down in the valleys, those very clouds parted and we saw the splendid neck racking elevations of the massive Annapurnas ringed around us like the teeth of a fierce canine!. We saw the very hill villages, from which the famous Gurkhas set off as young men, to join the British Army. No wonder they are so fit and agile seeing the number of steps and steep slopes they work for a living in their homesteads. The Nepalese are delightful, friendly and a credit to their country. The fabulous Tea Houses provide great food (from their kitchen gardens), and rooms which did ticked all the right boxes for comfort and shelter, considering the logistics of the place. We saw the Bamboo forests, Rhododendron and Magnolia trees in full flower, and whole hill village communities farming their tropical to temperate agriculture spread out on their terraced fields. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader Pashant was a very experienced and competent leader, who took delight in answering all our questions and observations, while being very informative about his country Nepal, its people, places and especially these Annapurnas. His team of cheerful, articulate and hardworking guides and porters were a credit to him and his management style. I would take him, and go on any trek with his team any time. Advice for Potential Travellers Its right that the Exodus Annapurna Sanctuary trek uses the Tea Houses to the maximum, as this provides for a sustainable visit by tourists to a fragile part of the earth. It is allowing the residents of those poor hill villages employment and a sensible source of income. Treking can be a low impact activity, so make sure you avoid the quick way to the top by road (or even helicopters!) and trek up and down to fully enjoy the views, the experience and the Nepalese people; they are seriously inviting you into their mountains! Safe sterilised and filtered water, from UV sterilisation or reverse osmosis, is at all the tea houses, so you don't need to bring in any bottled water, or fizzy drinks for that matter! Stick to a vegetarian diet as you consume from the local economy as well as eat a very tasty dishes, which does sustain you for the whole journey. Suggestions Expect to carry a lot of Nepalese Rupees as you only pay cash on the trek, so make sure your security/cash bag is big enough. There is, within the 11 days of serious trekking, opportunities to shower for @£1.50 every second day and so you can limit your clothing to two changes of outer clothing and 3 sets of socks/underwear. You can charge your cameras and iPhones for as little as @£1.50 a day so you don't need so many batteries (these batteries you bring in, you take out). You do need a 4 seasons sleeping bag and down jacket for the 2 days you are up at the top of Annapurna Sanctuary as it gets below freezing, so pack those rather than extra changes of outer clothing. Walking with poles is advised as the multitude of steps up and down make serious demands on your knees. Asian squatting lavatories are by far the more plentiful and simple to use. They are the better option, as you don't need to touch any surfaces. But have plenty of small hand Gell dispensers around your kit to cleanse hands before and after such and before feeding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2018
James Smith - Traveled, March 2019
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek TNS Original trekking itinerary was changed and notice was given just several days before we began the trek. We did not trek to Annapurna Base Camp due to snow, avalanche danger, and damaged structures. An alternative was provided that included climbing Punhill and also Khopra in Ridge. For me it was a physically challenging trip, partially due to my age. I felt I did well in spite of my replaced knees. I was offered encouragement at times which helped. The weather was not the best as a pre-monsoon weather pattern prevailed particularly during the latter part of the trek. This trip for me was primarily a time to bond with my son, Kevin, and I think we did a good job at that. Food was somewhat bland, but new dishes allowed us to get a real taste of what Nepalese eat. Ten years ago, I did the Everest Trek to base camp and Kala Patar. I would say this trip was every bit as physically challenging even though we did not achieve high elevations. The scenery did not include as much high alpine, but this trip traversed through rhododenron forests that were in full bloom. Most Inspirational Moment Views from Punehill and Khopra Ridge, of the high peaks jutting up above the clouds. Crossing the long spectacular suspension bridge near Jhinu Dandara. Thoughts on Group Leader Milan Tamang did not impress me at first. However, with the passing of each day, I realized that first impressions aren't always true. Milan was truly interested in me as a trekker and an American. I can say now that I have high regard for him as a group leader and an administrator of other guides. He's a man that's true to his word, has empathy for others, and is simply there in times of need. I don't believe our group had any negative incidents such as injury of health problems that he did not know how to successfully handle. Advice for Potential Travellers Call two weeks in advance to find out if there have been any changes in the itinerary. My son and I were disappointed that we could not trek all the way the Base Camp. Suggestions This was a very good trip for my son, Kevin, and I to bond. We do not live close to each other, and this was a time for us to simply chill out and have good times together. I lost my camera on the airplane in Kathmandu, and in one way this might have been a good thing. Consequently, Kevin took all the pics, and there wasn't a spirit of competition between us concerning photo shoots. I think that was good. Neither of us seemed to bond with the rest of the group as we have in the past on other trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2019
Peter Hodge - Traveled, March 2018
Peter Hodge I am aged 62 with a decent overall level of fitness but no previous experience of trekking and limited day hike practice. I found this trek very ‘do-able’ and a fantastic way to experience the marvellous scenery and huge peaks of the Himalayas. The pace was very steady, the acclimatisation gradual; and the combination of group encouragement and the novelty of the scenery made the walk a pleasure. The tea houses were basic but clean and comfortable and the food wholesome. Most Inspirational Moment Not a moment as such, but the soaring mountains were an incredible sight through the trek. Thoughts on Group Leader Prasant was a great group and team leader. He led the group with great patience and good humour, balancing leadership with friendliness and always willing to go the extra mile to make our tour a success. He was knowledgeable, competent, and happy to share his knowledge of the country, its people, and wildlife. Advice for Potential Travellers Discuss your requirements with Exodus in advance to see if there are ways in which the package can be tailored to meet specific requirements such as flights, extensions. Suggestions The organisation in Nepal was excellent. A combination of the experience of Exodus and Prasant, our leader, enabled us to see as much as possible - for example, the bus drive to trek start to see the countryside and the flight back from Pokhara to allow time in Kathmandu. It also enabled us to get the best of the weather on trek, through early morning starts and mid-afternoon finishes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2018
Karen Wells-West - Traveled, November 2016
Annapurna Sanctuary & back! 11 days of wonderful walking through farmland, forests -the mountains were the bonus! Fantastic wildlife, views to die for, with a soundtrack of rushing water a constant companion. Most Inspirational Moment Having made it to Annapurna Base Camp, having quiet time alone to try to absorb the sheer beauty and unpredictable power of the landscape. Also following the river back down again - amazing waterfalls everywhere! Thoughts on Group Leader Bikash was brilliant, helping this very novice trekker achieve her goal to make it to 4,000m, with lots of laughs and singing on the way. He never made you feel you were too slow - he encouraged everyone to walk at their own pace, but kept a quiet eye out for problems & difficulties, and calmly dealt with them. Advice for Potential Travellers Although I knew there were stone steps, I and others underestimated how many! There are times when you are walking up steps for several hours, so finding a good, comfortable pace is essential - not fast, but steady. We walked in November where the days were hot - T shirts & shorts, but the nights are down jacket & thermal time. I had packed loads of thermal gear, but not enough summer layers. Also, be warned that on the flight back the luggage allowance is 10kg hold and 5 kg cabin - not 15kg hold as most of us thought, which meant there was a frantic unpacking at the last minute, and I left things I needed on trek back in Kathmandu. Safe drinking water was plentiful, so I didn't need my purification tabs, but take some just in case... Suggestions Our guides Durga & Soraj were equally wonderful, but we were pushed off the bus into the hotel so quickly at Pokhara that I didn't have chance to thank them properly for all their help, entertainment, and knowledge. They were always smiling - even at 5am, and their singing at ABC was a special moment. Our porters were also smiling and cheerful - even after carrying our kit up a mountain!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2016
Peter Watkins - Traveled, October 2016
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Spectacular scenery! Blessed with very good weather which helped a lot. Trek was significantly harder than expected with much more daily ascending & descending. Local support staff; guides, porters, etc were excellent. (The rest of the group were a pleasure to be with). A very memorable trip. Most Inspirational Moment Poon Hill! Sunrise over the Annapurna range I will never forget. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent! Always seemed to have everything under control - even when group members needed last minute changes. Unflustered and always smiling. Advice for Potential Travellers The trip notes are inconsistent. There are a LOT of steps to ascend and descend in a significant number of the days. This makes for some long and arduous days & is not indicated adequately in the trip notes. Although only a couple of the group failed to complete the complete trek, the general concensus was that it was harder than the rating indicated. Suggestions Some of the TECHNICAL information provided by the UK headoffice was inadequate; need for poles, level of fitness required, etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2016
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