Annapurna Sanctuary Fastpack

Please note that this is the bare minimum – we will be adding some bonus miles along the way. In general – each day is long and will require a good amount of hiking and trail running on flats and downhills. We will take breaks to help us acclimatize, following recommendations on altitude gain by the Wilderness Medicine Society.

Predeparture: We hold a web-based live briefing six months and 3 months prior to departure. We also email out guides and stand-by for questions and answers. Participants are encouraged to be training with a small pack (<6kg) no later than 3 months prior to the event.

Day 1: March 3rd Saturday – Arrival day

We will pick you up at the airport, help you get settled into the hotel and do a gear check. Sometimes people have enough time and energy to go see the Monkey Temple or a World Heritage Site.

Day 2: March 4th Sunday – Briefing and Shopping

There will be an option for an early run in the hills above the hotel, marking the edge of Shiva Puri National Park. After breakfast we will hold a briefing on the trip logistics and then do any remaining gear checks. We will take a minivan to Thamel to buy missing gear, change money, get SIM cards, and have a little food. Back at the hotel is some free time and then an early dinner.

Day 3: March 5th Monday – Drive to Pokhara

This usually takes 6-8 hours but most participants are fascinated by the views throughout the drive – especailly of day to day life and of the cascading Trishuli River. We will stay in a hotel in Pokhara with hot showers – enjoy it while it lasts because we are about to hit the trail!

Day 4: March 6th Tuesday – Pokhara to Kande (drive), Kande 1770m to Pitam Deurali 2100m (Day 1 on trail)

We start early from Pokhara and take a short drive to Kande, the starting point. We will cross the mighty ABC(Australian Base Camp!) before reaching Pitam Deurali.

Day 5: March 7th Wednesday – Pitam Deurali 2100m to Low Camp 2970m (Day 2 on trail)

It’s a beautiful trail from Pitam Deurali to Low Camp through forest camp. As the name suggest the trail goes through lush green forest and opens up as we move towards low camp.

Day 6: March 8th Thursday – Low Camp 2970m to High Camp 3540m (Day 3 on trail)

It’s a pretty short hike to High Camp from Low camp. We will follow the elevation gain rules per day and stay at high camp for the night. There is an option of going up towards Mardi base camp and getting down to high camp.

Day 7: March 9th Friday – Acclimatization day High Camp 3540m (Day 4 on trail)

Rest day! Or you can call it a hike day! (Day 5 on trail)

Day 8: March 10th Saturday – High Camp 3540m to Mardi Himal Base Camp 4250m to Landruk 1565m (Day 6 on trail)

It’s a spectacular day with breath taking views of Macchapuchre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna 2 and Hiuchuli. After climbing up to Mardi Base camp there is a long descent to village of Landruk. Landruk connects ABC with Mardi himal trek.

Day 9: March 11th Sunday – Landruk 1565m to Himalaya 2920m (Day 7 on trail)

We will join the main ABC trail today and most probably see fellow travellers on this popular trail. (Day 8 on trail)

Day 10: March 12th Monday – Himalaya 2920m to Macchapuchre Base Camp(MBC) 3700m (Day 9 on trail)

This is a relatively short day with good views of Macchapuchre and Annapurnas.

Day 11: March 13th Tuesday – MBC 3700m to Annapurna Base Camp 4130 to Bamboo 2310m (Day 10 on trail)

Short trip from MBC to ABC! After soaking in the views we will follow back the same trail and come down to Bamboo. (Day 11 on trail)
Day 12: March 14th Wednesday – Bamboo 2310m to Kimche 1640m to Pokhara 820m – After party in Pokhara! (Day 11 on trail)

Last day on the trail! We will make it to Pokhara by late afternoon. People can relax or enjoy the lake(Fewa) side. Pokhara is such a good place to cool down even so after an adventure like ours.

Day 13: March 15th Thursday – Drive back to Kathmandu

Put on your seat belts!

Day 14: March 16th Friday – Departure day.

Awww…..time to say good bye to everyone. Except for the lucky few who booked an extra day to explore Kathamandu. Breakfast is provided and don’t worry, we will help with airport shuttles.