Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – 9 to 12 days

Travelling to Nepal immediately conjures up images of trekking in the Himalayas and Annapurna regions. What’s hard to comprehend though is the ease and accessibility of some of the hikes. In March 2009 I hiked to Annapurna Base Camp along a route known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. This hike is one of the classic ‘tea house’ treks of Nepal, so called because of the relative comfort that the numerous lodgings provide. The trek attracts an amazing 60,000 hikers every year, second only to the Annapurna Circuit in popularity. Visually the trek is stunning and deserves its place on every traveller’s hit list.

So where do you begin?

Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city and its adventure capital. If you intend to hike the Annapurna Circuit (16-19 days) or to Annapurna Base Camp (9-12 days) you will depart from Pokhara.

If you have been travelling through India and have arrived in Pokhara with little more than thongs, shorts and a singlet then don’t worry, the town is absolutely loaded with camping stores all selling the full spectrum of fake North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Columbia gear.

So what gear do you need?

If your flying solo and don’t have a porter carrying your gear then I would recommend keeping your pack to a limit of 12 kilos. The gear I would take includes:

• Good hiking boots
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Sleeping bag rated to -5 degrees
• Down jacket
• Micro fleece top
• 2 x hiking pants
• Set of thermals
• Long sleeve T-shirts
• Warm comfortable socks
• A broad rimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Walking poles
• Topographical Map
• Plastic poncho
• Headlamp or torch
• Good AA or AAA batteries
• Sunscreen
• Water Purification tablets

To buy fake gear or not to buy

Hiking gear is definitely expensive, but if you have the means to buy good quality gear here in Australia then I’d recommend it. The fake items I bought in Pokhara which performed brilliantly included:

• Marmot micro fleece top $5
• North Face down jacket $40
• Fleece lined beanie $5
• Broad rimmed hat $5
• North Face hiking socks $2 a pair
• Columbia thermals $15 for pants and top

Please don’t compromise on a good waterproof shell jacket, hiking boots or sleeping bag.  These three items are essential.

Budget

I took 14,000 Nepal Rupees ($250 AUD in March 2008) with me for an expected 12 day hike. Luckily we completed the hike in 9 days as my funds ran out on the last day.

That being said, if you want to drink Fanta at every stop, eat pizza for lunch and dinner and have a beer or two each day then I’d recommend budgeting $40 AUD per day. If you are more budget conscious then you can easily live off $20 AUD per day. Either way, chances are it’ll be the cheapest and most enjoyable experience of your trip.
REMEMBER!
Food, drink and accommodation prices increase as you hike towards ABC. So be mindful of your spending as the closest ATM is in Pokhara.

The Route

Day 1 – Nayapul to Tikkhedunga

Day 2 – Tikkhedunga to Ghorepani

Day 3 – Sunrise at Poon Hill and walked to Tadapani

Day 4 – Tadapani to Chommrong (stayed at a small village 45 minutes uphill from Chommrong)

Day 5 – Chommrong to Deurali

Day 6 – Deurali to MBC

Day 7 – Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp then down to Chommrong

Day 8 – Chommrong to Jhinu Hot Spring

Day 9 – Jhinu Hot Spring to Nayapul

Physical Fitness Required

A good level of fitness is definitely going to help you on this trek. You can expect to walk between 6-8 hours a day often on steep climbs and descents and you will notice the change in altitude.  Long descents will test your leg muscles and this is often the time when people sustain injuries. Walking poles are great for reducing the impact on knee joints and leg muscles.

Is it Dangerous?

Whilst there is an inherent risk with any outdoor activity, I felt safe at all times during this trek. The route between Deurali and MBC is prone to avalanches, however this risk is small and well informed guides will be fully aware of recent snowfall and trail conditions.

When to go

October/November – After the monsoon season is the most popular time for hiking in Nepal.

March/April – Whilst the trails will be quieter, the downside is that the pristine mountain views can be spoilt by a haze, which occurs during periods of low rainfall.

Going Solo?

Hiking alone is dangerous and there’s no point enjoying the best views in the world on your own. It is very easy to meet fellow hikers in Pokhara and even at the trailhead of Nayapul.

Thanks to our guest reviewer - Jonathan Ingram