INTRODUCTION
The route to Annapurna Sanctuary, the site of the Annapurna South base camp will offer the tremendous views of high Himalayas such as Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m) including many more Trekking Peaks towers above the sanctuary around of us. The ascent of the north-west face of Annapurna I, led by the expedition group of Mr. Chris Bonington still remains one of the most spectacular one.
TRIP OUTLINE
This trek will commence from Pokhara and will follow the Modi canyon valley for the first few days up the Chhomrong village, a large & wide valley inhabited by some Gurung ethnic people and this village lies tucked at the close of Hiunchuli, through the forest of oak, cherry and rhododendron with making several ups & downs. Leaving Chomrong, the trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge high above Modi Khola through many tiny settlement of Tilche, Sinuwa Kuldi in the forest of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. From Bamboo to Himalaya, the trail climbs steeply through stands of bamboo, then through rhododendron forest up the side of canyon crossing many streams and river.
Beyond Dhovan, the trail is muddy and it traverses high above the river with the splendid view of rushing river & waterfall on the opposite of Modi Khola. Immediately after leaving the Himalayan hotel, it is about an hour's climb on a rocky trail through forests, then up a steep ravine, to Hinko at 3160m. This is known as Hinko cave and this huge overhanging rock provides some protection against rain and avalanches. The trail crosses a ravine and a major avalanche track beyond Hinko, then climbs through large boulders to Deorali at 3230m. As the trail continues into the sanctuary, we have to climb across more avalanche paths, cross a moraine and a stream and will arrive to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, elevation 3720m. From MBC to ABC, the route passes a few roofless shepherds' huts alongside a moraine, then reaches to the base camp within about 2 to 3 hour's walk.
The remainder of the trail follows almost down to the southern valley of Pokhara via Ghandruk and finally will reach to Naya Pul from where we can catch a vehicle back to Pokhara.
Grade
Moderate
Maximum height
4200m
Days 1
Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Drive to Phedi about half an hour. Commence trek to Dhampus (1750m) about 3 hour's walk . Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 2
Trek from Dhampus to Landruk (1646m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 3
Trek to from Landruk to Chomrong (2040m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 4
Trek from Chomrong to Dhovan (2630m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 5
Trek from Dhovan to Machhpuchre B.C (3720m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 6
Trek from MBC to Annapurna bas camp (4095m) about 2 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 7
Trek back to Himalaya (2900m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 8
Trek from Himalaya to Chomrong about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 9
Trek from Chomrong to Ghandruk (1970m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 10
Rest day at Ghandruk to explore around the surrounding areas. O/n at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 11
Trek down hill to Naya Pul about 5 hour's walk. Drive back to Pokhara about an hour and connect the flight back to Kathmandu.