Annapurna Sanctuary:

Day by Day Route Descriptions:

1. Kathmandu to Pokhara:

By bus or plane.

2. Pokhara - Dhampus:

Local bus or taxi to trailhead at Phedi.
Steep climb over terraced hillside to broad ridgetop.
Views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Macchapucchre.

3. Dhampus - Landrung:

Long gradual ascent through forests and Pothana to col.
View of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Steep descent into side-valley.
Contour round hillside and continue down to Landruk.
View of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

4. Landrung - Chomrong:

Descend to Modi Khola.
Long climb up to Chomrong on opposite side of Modi Khola Valley.

5. Chomrong - Dobang:

Descend through village to the Chomro Khola then climb up and around spur into the narrow gorge of the Modi Khola. Continue through rhododendron and bamboo forest.

6. Dobang - Macchapuchre Base Camp ( MBC ):

Continue on undulating, winding trail. View ahead to Gangapurna.
Beyond Hinko Cave pass through the “Gates” of the Sanctuary - valley widens and gradient eases.

7. MBC - Annapurna Base Camp ( ABC ) ( 1/2 day ):

Climb west from the Modi Khola to reach Annapurna Base Camp in the Sanctury encircled by a ring of Himalayan peaks:- Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Tent Peak and Macchapucchre.

8. ABC - South Annapurna Glacier - Rakshi Peak High Camp:

Return a short way from ABC and climb to top of moraine wall.
Descend moraine wall and cross glacier.
Ascend steep, rotten gully on far side - danger from stone-fall.
Walk along level, grassy terrace.
Climb steep hillsides and encamp on shoulder of ridge.

9. High Camp - Rakshi Peak - Rakshi Peak Base Camp

Continue to climb ridge to reach the glacier at foot of Tent Peak.
Ascend to top of Rakshi Peak to command superb 360degree view:-Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna I, Tent Peak, Macchapucchre.

Descend and camp on terrace.

10. Rakshi Peak BC - ABC - MBC

Return across glacier to the Sanctuary and continue down to MBC.

View of Annapurna III.

Note: In suitable conditions fit, well-acclimatized parties can make the ascent of Rakshi Peak in a single day from ABC.

11. MBC - Dobang:

12. Dobang - Chomrong:

13. Chomrong - Gandrung:
Contour round hillside and descend to Kyumnu Khola.
Steep climb to col.
Gradual descent round hillside to large Gurung village of Gandrung.
Views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Macchapucchre.

14. Gandrung - Landrung:
Steep descent to Modi Khola followed by steep re-ascent to Landrung.

15. Landrung - Dhampus:

16. Dhampus - Pokhara:

17. Pokhara - Kathmandu: