ANNAPURNA
SCANTUARY
Grade: Moderate
Duration 16 days
(11 days Lodge trek, 1 day Pokhara, 4 days Kathmandu)
This trek traverses a variety of terrain
from lowland villages to glaciers and takes you to the
base of Annapurna mountain, an enhancing spot surrounded
by Himalayan peaks.
The Annapurna Sanctuary, a secluded high-altitude recess
encircled by huge mountains, is the destination of this
trek. A mind-boggling, 360 degree Himalayan vista of
Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Glacier dome,
Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre and other peaks
are what awaits the visitors. It is located directly
north of Pokhara in central Nepal.
Walking through forests alive with birds, rhododendron,
ferns and orchids, there are attractions to be enjoyed
in the sky and on the ground. Landrung(1550m) is a Gurung
village of flagstoned streets. High up on the other
side of the river is Ghandrung(1940m), a major Gurung
settlement. The Gurungs, of Gurkha soldier fame, make
their home in the Annapurna foothills.
Chomrong(2040m) is another Gurung valley on the way
and highest permanent settlement in the valley. Great
views of the Himalaya can be had from here, with Annapurna
South seeming to shoot up from behind the village. Further
up through the bamboo forest Hinko Cave – actually
a huge overhanging rock. Wildlife such as the Himalayan
tahr, weasels and pika can be found here. In the upper
approaches to the sanctuary, the leafless birch trees
of winter can be easily recognized.
The Machhapuchhre base camp(3480m) offers a magnificent
panorama that includes Hiumchuli (6441m), Annapurna
I(8091m), Annapurna III(7555m), Gangapurna(7454m) and
Machhapuchhre(6997m). From the Annapurna base camp (4000m),
there's the unforgettable view of the almost-vertical
south face of Annapurna.
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