Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. Depending on arrival time, you can explore the Thamel district or rest after your journey. In the evening, meet your trekking guide and group for a briefing on the trek and gear check.

Spend the day visiting Kathmandu’s key cultural landmarks. Highlights include Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu sites, the Boudhanath Stupa, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) overlooking the city. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or rest before the trek.

Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a 35-minute journey offering views of the Himalayan range. Begin your trek with an easy three to four-hour walk through alpine forests, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River before reaching Phakding. Overnight in a teahouse.

The trail continues along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through small villages such as Monjo and Jorsalle before entering Sagarmatha National Park. Cross several high suspension bridges and ascend steadily to Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub of the Khumbu region. The climb takes approximately six to seven hours.

Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude. Take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Visit the Sherpa Museum or explore Namche’s local market and cafes. Overnight in Namche.

Depart Namche and follow a contour trail with views of Everest, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Descend to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga before climbing through pine and rhododendron forests to Tengboche. The Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the region, offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Trek time: five to six hours.

Descend through Deboche and cross the Imja Khola River before climbing past Pangboche village, known for its monastery and traditional Sherpa homes. Continue to Dingboche, a broad valley surrounded by Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak. Trek time: five to six hours.

Take a rest day for altitude acclimatization. Optional hikes include Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m), which offers views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Imja Valley. Dingboche’s open plains are ideal for rest and short acclimatization walks.

Follow a gradual ascent along the Pheriche Valley, crossing the Thukla Pass (4,830m), where memorials honor climbers who lost their lives on Everest. Continue to Lobuche, a small settlement surrounded by high mountain peaks and glacial terrain. Trek time: five to six hours.

Start early with a gradual climb along the Khumbu Glacier. Reach Gorak Shep after three hours, drop your bags, and continue toward Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the moraine of the glacier, offering views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. Return to Gorak Shep for the night. Total trekking time: seven to eight hours.

Begin pre-dawn for a climb to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for sunrise over Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayas. After descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast, continue downhill through Lobuche and Thukla to Pheriche. Trek time: six to seven hours.

Descend along the Imja Khola River and retrace your route through Pangboche. The descent brings warmer air and lush vegetation. Overnight in Tengboche near the monastery.

Follow the familiar trail back to Namche Bazaar, enjoying views of Everest and Ama Dablam along the way. The descent includes some steep sections. Trek time: five to six hours.

Descend through Jorsalle, Monjo, and Phakding before arriving in Lukla. This is your final trekking day and an opportunity to celebrate with your guides and porters. Trek time: six to seven hours.

Take a morning flight back to Kathmandu, weather permitting. The afternoon is free for rest, souvenir shopping, or exploring local cafes.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for one final stroll through Kathmandu’s markets or temples before departure.