The Annapurna Sanctuary
In the heart of the Himalayas, the sacred cirque of the Annapurnas reveals its giants of ice and stone.
Duration
13 days
From
€1,697/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
From the foothills of the Annapurnas to the base camp of the world's tenth highest peak, the Annapurna Base Camp trek offers you the most beautiful villages and breathtaking views of Machhapuchhare and South Annapurna. Extremely popular and appreciated by visitors: The best intermediate level trekking!
Annapurna, whose name means "abundant harvest," rises north of Pokhara, visible from most locations in western Népal. Annapurna I, the tenth highest peak in the world, will certainly captivate you with its beauty.
Annapurna possesses various attractions and distributes its resources to the populations living at its feet. The Annapurna region boasts great diversity of flora, fauna and cultures.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Népal!
Heading to the Annapurna!
After breakfast, you head towards Nepal's second major tourist destination, Pokhara. It has become an important tourist destination since the advent of trekking in Nepal. It is established in the heart of a wide subtropical valley. The Pokhara valley also has several lakes, including the largest in the country, Phewa Lake, to the southwest of the city. It forms the heart of Pokhara's tourism industry. You can enjoy pleasant walks or bicycle rides along the edge of the lake. It is also possible to rent a small rowboat to enjoy the tranquility and peace of this beautiful lake.
Pokhara - Birethanti - Ghandruk: start of the trek
Upon arrival, you are welcomed by your guide and meet the trekking team, before heading to Birethanti.
You start your journey in the flowering village of Birethanti at 1050 m. Soon, you cross the Modi Khola river on a suspension bridge. Along the way, the view of Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre and South Annapurna will enchant you.
After a long lunch break, you take one of the many natural stone staircases. Shortly after Khimche, you reach one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the region: Ghandruk, at 1920 m altitude. In Ghandruk, you will discover the lifestyle and culture of the Gurung, an ethnic group living mainly in the Annapurna.
Ghandruk - Chomrong
You start your day with a magnificent sunrise over the Himalaya. After breakfast, you begin your hike. The path always leads slightly downstream through terraced cultivated lands. You cross through rhododendron forests. If you keep a keen eye, you can also observe orchids! This lush vegetation accompanies you to the bottom of the valley, near the Modi river.
From there, the trail climbs slightly to the village of Chomrong. The view of the Annapurna peaks will leave you amazed.
Himalaya - Annapurna Sanctuary
Today is when you reach the pinnacle of your trek. The Annapurna Sanctuary is certainly the most beautiful natural amphitheatre in the world. Before your eyes the Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre. A magical moment that alone is worth all the effort made to get there.
Enjoy the sunset as you sleep on site. Night in lodge.
Himalaya → Annapurna Base Camp
Sanctuary - Dovan
Wake up at dawn to admire the sunrise over the sanctuary. A magical moment if ever there was one, you feel privileged to witness this sumptuous natural spectacle.
After breakfast, you start the descent towards Dovan. Night in lodge.
Dovan - New Bridge
You continue the descent through the villages, vegetation gradually returns between banana groves and rhododendron forests. The end of the stage becomes more challenging with a climb to Chomrong before finishing with a descent to New Bridge.
Night in lodge.
Pokhara - Kathmandu: Return to the Capital
Free day or Bluesheep Journeys experience
Today you have a choice, you can take advantage of the day to stroll through Katmandou or ask us for a guided tour of the main sites in the city.
We offer you the opportunity to participate in an immersive and exclusive activity with a traditional craftsman. Choose from: cooking classes, sculpture, painting, music and much more. A fun activity for the whole family. The best souvenir you can take back home!
Good return and see you next time!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel Insurance: Cancellation / Repatriation / Trip Interruption / Baggage Loss
- International flights
- Visa fees 30 USD for 15 Days
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, telephone, spa, etc.
- Tips
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Included
- Land movements described in the program
- Domestic flights: Katmandou-Pokhara-Katmandou
- 3 nights in Kathmandu in 3-star hotel on B&B
- 2 nights in Pokhara in a 3-star hotel on B&B
- Full board trekking
- The guidance provided by an English-speaking Nepalese guide
- 1 porter for two trekkers
- Private vehicle ground transportation
- Daily fees and insurance for local Népal teams
- Your travel expert's 24/7 assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Annapurna Massif
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou (Naxal)
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
