Annapurna Sanctuary

We are leaving Oslo today, flying together to Nepal.

Once we arrive in Kathmandu, we’ll meet our local partners and take a short bus ride to our hotel in the Thamel district. We can also stroll around the city and get a feel for this bustling, exotic city.

After breakfast, we head back to the airport for a half-hour flight to Pokhara. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas. We have almost the entire day to spend in Pokhara. We’ll take it easy, stroll around town a bit, and maybe take a boat ride on Lake Phewa. Alternatively, we can rent bikes or visit the local vegetable market in town. In the evening, we can stop by a cozy pub by the lake.

After breakfast, a spectacular bus ride through green valleys awaits us, taking us to Naya Pul/Birethanti. Here begins our adventurous trek to one of the world’s most famous and beautiful mountain ranges—Annapurna. We hike along a cart track through tropical forest, up the valley, passing several small, idyllic villages. Tirkhedhunga is a small village with steep slopes. Approx. 7 hours of hiking with lunch along the way.

Today we continue our steep ascent to Ulleri. Already here, we have a direct view of the south face of Annapurna South (7219 m). We pass through small, idyllic villages once again and make steady progress up the valley through rhododendron and bamboo forests, passing small waterfalls along the way. Up in Ghorepani, a beautiful view awaits us. Approx. 7–8 hours of hiking with lunch along the way.

We’ll wake up early and set off for one of the world’s most beautiful viewpoints, Poon Hill. From here, we’ll see Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri South, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, and Macchapucchare - a stunning, distinctive mountain shaped like a fishtail. You’ll never forget this sunrise, so make sure your camera is ready! We head back down to the lodge for breakfast. Then we hike through wild and varied terrain, with stunning views of Annapurna. In the spring, you can see beautiful rhododendron flowers everywhere. We pass through authentic villages and follow steep trails into the heart of the Annapurna massif. A 7-hour hike with lunch along the way.

After breakfast, we follow the steep ridge down to the next valley, Green Valley. We pass small farms that grow crops such as corn, rice, and grains. Now we’re really out in the countryside! From here on, the only water available for purchase is filtered through a ceramic filter. We hike up and down steep trails through the beautiful cultural landscape. Once we arrive in Chhomrong, we look straight into the valley that leads us to the Annapurna Sanctuary itself. A 6-hour hike with lunch along the way.

We start the day with a descent of 2064 steps down to the river. On the other side, the climb back up to Sinuwa is just as steep. We continue our hike through tropical forest with steep slopes on both sides. Once we arrive in Dovan, we are in the middle of the valley between Chomrong and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. A 7-hour hike with lunch along the way.

We start the day with a descent of 2,064 steps down to the river. On the other side, the climb back up to Sinuwa is just as steep. We continue our hike through tropical forest with steep slopes on both sides. Once we arrive in Dovan, we are in the middle of the valley between Chomrong and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. A 7-hour hike with lunch along the way.

We set out early from MBC, and after a couple of hours of hiking and plenty of photography, we arrive at Annapurna Base Camp. Towering directly above us are Annapurna I and Annapurna South. After some intense photography and a cup of tea at ABC, we head back down to MBC for a hearty breakfast on the terrace. Here we pick up our backpacks and gear and pass through Deurali on our way to Bamboo. This will be a big day for all of us! An 8-hour hike with lunch along the way and dinner in Bamboo.

We continue through the valley via tropical forest and pass Khuldhigar. We descend steeply to the river and tackle the 2064 grueling steps up to Chomrong. If you’re interested and feeling energetic, feel free to join the Chomrong International Challenge, our in-house stair race. Once at the top, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Now we follow a new trail that will eventually lead us out of the mountains. After another steep descent, we arrive at an incredible, fascinating little village called Jhinu Danda - which means “hot water.” From here, there are fantastic views in every direction, and you can take a dip in the hot springs the town is named after - highly recommended! A 6-hour hike with lunch along the way.

We’ll continue down a steep slope toward the river before following a new valley further on. We’ll pass Nayapul (New Bridge) and eventually arrive at Landruk, a larger village. Along the way, we’ll experience everyday Nepalese village life. After lunch in Tolka, we tackle the trek’s final long uphill stretch before the trail levels out again and we arrive in Deurali. From here, we have a magnificent view down toward Pokhara, and behind us we can still see one of the world’s highest mountains - Dhaulagiri. Then it’s all downhill to today’s final destination - Dhampus. A 7-hour hike with lunch along the way.

We can now tell that the hike is coming to an end and that we’re getting closer to “civilization.” After breakfast, we follow a sort of tractor path out of Dhamphus before tackling the final steep descent toward Phedi (1130 m). We’ll take a ride the last stretch into Pokhara—where showers and other “luxuries” await. We’ll also have lunch in Pokhara. For those who wish, it’s possible to go paragliding from one of the hills around the city (must be booked in advance). Here you can take some truly beautiful photos, all while feeling butterflies in your stomach! Or you can relax, get a massage, go shopping, take a boat ride, or go for a bike ride. In the evening, we’ll have dinner together.

After an early hotel breakfast, we leave Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu. Here, we have the rest of the day to explore the city on our own. Kathmandu is a wonderful city to wander around in. Here, you can soak up the sights, smells, and mystique to your heart’s content.

A lazy day, serious shopping, or sightseeing? It is up to you. A sightseeing tour is arranged to the Boudhanath stupa, the Pashupatinath temple, and Durbar Square with a local guide. We will have a nice farewell dinner together this evening.

We fly from Kathmandu early in the morning and land at Oslo Airport Gardermoen the same evening. All adventures must come to an end, but the memories are etched in our minds, and our love for Nepal will always remain strong. Sooner or later, we will have to return.