Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (20 Days)
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From Kathmandu, you'll fly to Pokhara, once an important crossroads trading center for the Nepalese and Tibetans. You will drive to the trailhead at Phedi to begin your hike and your first views of the peaks of Machhapuchhare (22,937') and Annapurna (26,538'). The graceful "Fish Tail Peak" of Machhapuchhare is considered one of the most beautiful mountains on earth. As you trek higher into the rain forests of rhododendron and dense thickets of bamboo, the mists hanging in the valley make for an eerie hike, but then the mountains reappear for spectacular panoramic views.
We'll return to Pokhara via a route offering even more amazing views. We'll climb to Tadopani, a ridge-top village that gazes to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare peaks. We'll trek along a rhododendron-covered ridge to Gorapani in time for a sunset climb of Poon Hill where the views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri (the world's 7th highest summit at 26,795') are legendary. This unforgettable trek ends back in Pokhara, where you'll have a couple of days of rest and relaxation at lake Phewa Tal before your flight back to Kathmandu.
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A
tried and true favorite for many years, the Annapurna Sanctuary
trek offers you some of the most majestic mountain views in the world.
You'll be trekking within the Annapurna Conservation Area, through scenic
lowland Gurung villages to the Annapurna Sanctuary, a gigantic glacier-covered
amphitheater surrounded by 10 peaks, all towering more than 20,000' above
you. You will spend several days in the sanctuary, including time at both
the Machhapuchhare and Annapurna Base Camps, both at altitudes below 14,000'.
As
we approach Machhapuchhare and Annapurna base camps,
we'll walk along the Gorapani Ridge of the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge,
one of the deepest canyons in the world. Annapurna base camp is high and
level rimmed by glacial moraine. Though quite cold and windy, the panorama
is nothing short of awe inspiring. We'll make an early morning hike to
the crest of the moraine wall to see the magical soaring buttresses of
rock and ice, hanging glaciers and glistening snow fields. 
Our
team will be Sherpa supported, with porters and/or yaks to carry gear
while you hike with a light day pack, allowing you to acclimate and enjoy
the trip to the max. Our experienced staff will trek with the group, set
up the tents, cook all the food, which includes excellent Western and
local cuisine, and provide support for all levels of ability and interest.
This trek includes accommodation in Kathmandu before and after your trek,
accommodation in Pokhara, and a tour of Nepal's bustling capital. You'll
have plenty of time to relax and explore these fascinating cities and
the Kathmandu Valley.