Experience views that will leave you speechless, including Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the awesome Annapurna Massif
Hike to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) – summit of the trek and the reason this is one of the world's most famous hikes
Witness the endless colours of a Himalayan sunset from Ghorepani and watch dawn break from the top of Poon Hill
Want to extend your adventure in Nepal after the trek? See our alternative trip to add on a safari in Chitwan – eyes peeled for rhinos
Day 1
Check into your hotel in Thamel, the heart of the sensory overload that is Kathmandu. After meeting your guides and making any last-minute plans for the trek, finish the day with a group dinner alongside the rest of your team.
Day 2
Drive to the lakeside city of Pokhara (approximately eight hours away) – the gateway to your trek. After road-tripping through some mind-bendingly beautiful Himalayan scenery and terraced farmland, settle into your hotel and soak in the tranquillity as you prepare for your first full day of hiking in the morning.
Day 3
Take a short scenic drive (about two hours) to Nayapul and set off from the trailhead, taking your first steps along the path that gradually ascends through dense forest, passing remote waterfalls and villages along the way. Tuck into lunch with an epic view of Mount Machapuchare (6993m), then cross a suspension bridge and begin the long, steep climb up a stone staircase all the way to Ulleri. This will be one of the most challenging stretches of the whole trek, but your guide will help with the pace so that it's manageable for your group. Once at the village, refuel with a well-deserved hot meal and enjoy your first night in a Nepalese teahouse.
Day 4
Enjoy a morning coffee as you soak up the panoramic view from your teahouse and prepare for a moderate uphill trail through a mixed forest of oak and rhododendron. If you're travelling in the early spring, the area will be covered in colourful flowers – a true spectacle of nature. Camera ready, head straight up the nearby mountain, catching glimpses of Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South (7219m). After another lunch with world-class views, continue on to Ghorepani, home to the Magar people, in time for a special sunset over the Himalayas.
Day 5
Set off before dawn and hike to the top of Poon Hill (3210m, about an hour's walk uphill), famous for its epic mountain views, just in time for the sunrise of a lifetime. Backtrack to Ghorepani for breakfast, then descend steeply through the rhododendron forest negotiating yet more stone steps to Deurali Pass (3210m). Cross a small stream by bridge, grab lunch surrounded by a beautiful lush forest and begin the short but steep ascent to Tadapani village – eyes peeled for Annapurna South and Machapuchare ('Fishtail' Mountain). From there it’s a slow descent to tonight’s destination, the village of Chuile.
Day 6
Greet Machapuchare peak from your teahouse as you enjoy breakfast, then set off following the trail downhill through sparse settlements to Kimrong Khola. See the landscape change by the second as the forest thickens into untamed jungle. After following the trail downhill to Ghurjung there's a steep ascent to Chhomrong, the last permanent village in the valley. The route undulates once more as a stone staircase leads down to the river and then climbs steeply up the opposite side of the valley to tonight’s destination, Sinuwa, overlooking again the beautiful Machapuchare.
Day 7
Descend via stone steps through dense jungle and follow an undulating trail along the banks of a wild river as it weaves its way through some of the most challenging terrain on the entire trek, until you reach the village of Bamboo. The mountaintop views make all the hard work worthwhile. After resting up, continue through the forest to tonight's stop – the perfectly named village of Himalaya.
Day 8
Start the day with a steep ascent through oak and bamboo forest to Hinku Cave, then push onwards and upwards on a rocky trail crossing some steep ravines as well as a few small streams on wooden bridges. As the trail reaches Deurali, negotiate the glacial river bank and ascend through birch forest, flanked by multiple layers of snowy and sharp ridges on both sides. Finally, emerge above the tree line and over the mountaintop to Machapuchare Base Camp. Try not to lose the power of speech as you look out on some of the most spectacular vistas on the entire trail, including Hiunchuli, Gandharyachuil, Gangapurna and the awesome Annapurna Massif. Relax, recover and then enjoy a Himalayan night sky filled with stars.
Day 9
Enjoy breakfast with magnificent views of surrounding mountains, then leave the greenery behind and head into the snow-blanketed and rocky landscape that lies above. Though the trail ascends gradually and does not steepen, you may feel the effect of altitude on your breathing and pace. Hike the final stretch to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) – the summit of the entire trek and a major reason why this is one of the most famous treks on the planet. If the weather is clear, enjoy a magical sunset you'll remember for a lifetime.
Day 10
Rise early to glimpse the breathtaking view of giant peaks such as Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare as they emerge at the glow of sunrise. Then get back on the trail, this time heading downhill, soaking in the 360-degree mountain views before dropping back down to the forested slopes with a long descent to the village of Bamboo for the night.
Day 11
Climb to Khuldighar on stone staircases and follow the gentle downhill trail and stone steps that lead to Chomrong Khola. From there, it's a short uphill walk through the village, followed by a downhill section to Jhinu Danda. From there, you'll head to the bubbling hot springs at Jhinu Danda for some much-needed downtime.
Day 12
Begin your last day of trekking with some mesmerising views of the mid-hills of Nepal. Breathe in that mountain air, take some final photos and then enjoy your final descent into Naya Pul, from where you’ll be driven back to Pokhara. Head out for a celebratory dinner with your crew, then spend the rest of the night relaxing, partying beside the lake, sleeping – whatever you want, you’ve earned it!
Day 13
Take a bus through the Himalayas (approximately eight hours) back to Kathmandu and your hotel in Thamel. Enjoy some downtime in Nepal’s chaotic but intoxicating capital.
Day 14
Enjoy a lie-in followed by breakfast at your hotel, then spend your last day exploring the city before returning to the airport and back to reality.
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
We do not include meals on this trek, as from experience we know that altitude and physical exercise mean appetites vary hugely. The cost of food also rises as you ascend, because it all has to be carried in by porters and yaks – very little can be grown locally. How much you spend per day will vary according to your choice of meal, but generally people spend between $15-$25 per person per day on meals and hot drinks. Below is an approximate breakdown of some items:
Teahouses will provide cold water free of charge; however, it will need to be treated to enable you to drink it. Please read the drinking water FAQ for our advice.
Other extra costs to be considered are:
It is customary in Nepal to tip guides and porters. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. You can give any tips to your lead guide at the end of your trip. This will then be shared amongst the whole team. For full transparency, the lead guide will distribute the tips to the guides and porters in your presence. It is customary for the guides to receive a higher share than the porters as they are more highly qualified.
A good rule of thumb is around $115pp as a tip, although the amount you give is entirely your choice.
If you would like to give an additional tip to a member of the team who has supported you personally, please do so directly and discretely.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (4130m) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.
Breakfast is usually hot porridge, muesli or Tibetan bread served with an omelette or boiled eggs. The dinner menus in the teahouses are very similar at every stop and there will usually be a choice of traditional Nepalese dhal bhat (a mixed plate of…
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked – see Optional Extras. This only applies to the nights spent in hotels, and is subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Created for adventurers ready to take on a few longer, more demanding days
The Annapurna Sanctuary is the ideal trek for those who are keen to experience the Himalayas but aren’t quite ready for the longer, higher altitude treks such as Everest Base ...
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Sunday 20th September 2026
to Saturday 3rd October 2026
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Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
The preferred currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Whilst ATMs are available in the main cities, please do not rely on them as they are often out of order and most have a maximum withdrawal limit equivalent to about GBP300.
It's best to bring the bulk of your money with you in cash and exchange it at a bank or at one of the many money changers in Nepal - your guide will help you with this. Most major currencies are accepted, including GBP (Sterling), Euros and US Dollars, however Scottish or Northern Irish currency cannot be changed. Keep your exchange receipts in case you want to change any unused Rupees back into hard currency when you leave Nepal (it is illegal to export Nepalese Rupees as it is a closed currency).
You will need to carry a fairly large amount of cash while trekking, for the meals (see 'Not Included' above). We advise that you keep this in a waterproof bag and in your day bag along with your passport.
You can leave any luggage not needed on the trek at your hotel in Kathmandu.
This trip includes one porter for every two trekkers. They will carry up to 20-25kg of kit so your overnight bags and spare clothes will be transported for you (maximum 12kg per person). You will only need to carry a daypack with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc).
We work with some of the best leaders in the industry, every one of which is government licensed and very experienced. In order to ensure this high standard of performance, the host provides them with top-notch in-house training that covers advanced wilderness first aid, hyperbaric chambers, oxygen system, mountain rescue, incident management and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to help keep the Himalayas pristine.
Although we schedule departure dates outside of the main monsoon season, weather conditions in any mountain region can be unpredictable and sometimes your host will need to revert to 'Plan B'.
No two trekking seasons are the same, but occasional landslides or heavy snowfall and avalanches have been known to lead to trail closures on this route – particularly in the areas around Machapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. If the trail is closed or deemed unsafe your host will organise an alternative trek of similar difficulty and duration – usually to Mardi Base Camp.
We’ve sourced some great optional activities for you to do in and around Kathmandu should you wish to explore the area a little bit further. Please discuss these directly with your host who will be able to book them for you.
Cook Like a Local: This short cooking workshop (approx. 3 hours) teaches you how to cook popular Nepali dishes like momos and dal bhat. You’ll meet your teacher and accompany them shopping, then head to the kitchen and learn to cook alongside them. Price: pay what you think the workshop is worth!
Shop Local: A 2-3 hour guided exploration of the markets of Kathmandu. Learn about the vendors that line the narrow and crowded alleyways and witness everything you could ever imagine being sold, haggled or bargained for. It’s a great chance to learn about the melting pot of cultures that exist in Kathmandu. Price: $9-$50pp, depending on the group size.
Master of the Arts: Patan Durbar Square is popular for its handicrafts and this trip will explore the local factories where they are produced. You’ll visit 2-3 factories and learn about the traditional processes they use and see artwork being produced. Price: $14-$59pp, depending on the group size.
Introduction to Shamanism: Shamanism, which is believed to heal many diseases, is not practiced widely these days, however this trip enables you to meet a practising Guru and learn all about this age-old tradition. You’ll visit a small house for an introduction, followed by lunch and then a drumming session where you’ll learn the importance of rhythm to healing. Price: $90-$150, depending on group size.
Yes! Lakeside Pokhara, with its laidback vibe, is a popular spot to relax after a trek. Although the tour starts and ends in Kathmandu, your host can arrange extra nights for you in Pokhara after your trek. They will simply shift your included bus transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu and your final night's hotel reservation in Kathmandu to a later date for you, so you'll only need to pay for the additional accommodation in Pokhara.
Although most teahouses have the option to buy bottled water, we advise against it to reduce the use of plastic in the mountains (this ends up being burnt or dumped in landfill out of sight). You will instead be provided with cold water that needs treating. There are a wide range of products available these days which are more effective than traditional purification tablets - some trekkers like to use UV handheld devices such as a Steripen but other options are available - just be sure to check the performance in freezing conditions.
Whilst there are no domestic flights included in this itinerary, should you choose to add one to your booking as an additional service you should be aware of the following:
Nepal's mountainous terrain and weather make for challenging flying conditions and sadly more incidents (including fatalities) occur here than in other countries. Since 2013 the EU has banned all Nepalese domestic airlines from flying within EU airspace in order to raise awareness of the poor safety record (although no Nepalese airlines were operating routes within the EU prior to the ban). You should be aware that flying in Nepal is an identified risk: please consider this carefully before booking. Additional information can be found on the Aviation Safety Network entry for Nepal as well as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for Nepal
Domestic airlines in Nepal are generally not accredited by any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.
What does Much Better Adventures do about this?
Much Better Adventures collaborates with other UK travel companies that arrange for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the local airlines. Much Better Adventures then only uses the carriers that were approved as part of the most recent audit. If any concerns are subsequently raised about an approved airline between audits, we put them on hold until the auditors are satisfied that safety standards are being met.
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (4130m) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
The main trekking season in Nepal is from September to May (before or after the monsoon). The trekking season can be split into three seasons:
Winter (Dec-Feb): Despite being seen as ‘off-season’ this is often the best time to trek in Nepal. The nights can be very cold (down to at least -10ºC/14F) at Annapurna Base Camp but the trails are quieter and the mountain views are often at their best due to the crisp dry air and clear sunny skies.
Pre-Monsoon/Spring (Mar-May): Spring (particularly April and May) is the mildest time to trek in Nepal and magnificent rhododendron forests bloom along the Annapurna Sanctuary route at this time of year. It will be hot in the lowlands (30ºC/86F) but more comfortable as you gain elevation. Rain is not uncommon and snow cover is likely at Base Camp. Night-time temperatures should remain above freezing for the most part but can still drop below zero at Base Camp.
Post-Monsoon/Autumn (Sep-Nov): The rains can sometimes persist into September but in general this time of year is characterised by sunny, relatively mild days and clear skies. It can get cold and windy at higher altitudes and nights can be cold (typically -5ºC/23F) at the high points.
Of course, mountain weather is notoriously hard to predict and snow and extremes of temperature can be expected on any trip so come prepared.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 482kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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