Balcon AnnapurnaBalcon Annapurna

Balcon Sanctuaire

Trip Facts

    This trek leads to Annapurna Base Camp and traverses the hills on the southern slopes of Annapurna, passing through Gurung villages, rice paddies, terraced fields, and rhododendron forests. It offers stunning views of peaks over 8,000 meters high, such as Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, as well as other lesser-known but equally spectacular mountains like Machapuchare (6,993m) and Nilgiri (7,061m).

    The route, which presents no particular difficulties, is ideal for a first taste of the Nepalese countryside.

    Balcon Sanctuaire Itinerary

    Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Free time to relax or discover your first impressions of the Nepalese capital.

    Departure by private vehicle to Pokhara, located on the shores of Phewa Lake, at the foot of the Annapurna range. A change of scenery with a milder climate and a peaceful atmosphere. Check-in at the hotel for the night.

     

    • Route: 7 hours by private vehicle, 200 km.
    • Overnight stay in a lodge.

     

    Transfer by vehicle to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. The trail climbs gradually through rice paddies and villages to Tirkhedhunga, where you will spend the night in a lodge.

    • Travel: 2 hours by private vehicle followed by a 3-hour hike.
    • Overnight in a lodge.

    A steady climb towards Ghorepani, passing through rhododendron forests and traditional villages. Arrival in Ghorepani, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

    • Hiking: 6 hours
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +1465m, -70m

    Early morning departure for sunrise from Poon Hill (3210 m), offering spectacular mountain views. Descent to Tadapani through forests and villages.

    • Hiking: 6 hours
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +560m, -745m

    Descent into the Modi Khola valley, then ascent to Chomrong, a village facing Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, offering breathtaking mountain views.

    • Hiking: 5 hours 30 minutes,
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +520m, -1035m

    Descent to the Chomrong Khola River, then ascent through a dense forest to Dovan, a stopover before reaching the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

    • Walk: 6 hours
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +900m, -685m

    A gradual ascent through alpine forest towards the Annapurna Sanctuary. The landscape becomes more open and rocky as you approach Machapuchare Base Camp, located at the foot of the impressive, arrow-shaped peak, considered sacred. The altitude begins to take its toll, and the panoramas unfold across an amphitheater of mountains.

    • Hiking: 6 hours
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +1350m, -150m

    Early morning departure to reach Annapurna Base Camp, nestled in the heart of a vast glacial cirque. Spectacular views of the walls of Fang, Annapurna I, and Hiunchuli. After a break at the summit sanctuary, a gradual descent through moraines to Deurali, in the upper Modi Khola valley.

    • Walk: 6 hrs
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +435m, -435m

    A long descent along the same route as the ascent, winding through forests, past rivers, and up and down stone steps. Return to Chomrong, a pivotal village offering another breathtaking view of the peaks of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

    • Hiking: 6 hrs
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +685m, -1450m

    Crossing the Modi Khola Valley via trails clinging to the hillside. Passing through Jhinu Danda, then descending to the river before climbing back up to Landruk, a large Gurung village perched on terraces above the valley. The atmosphere becomes more peaceful and agricultural as you descend from the high altitudes.

    • Hiking: 5 hours (visit Hot Springs)
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +455m, -980m

    A trek through the verdant hills of the Annapurna foothills. Ascents and descents punctuate this stage, leading to Dhampus, a traditional village overlooking the Pokhara Valley, offering a final glimpse of the snow-capped peaks.

    • Walk: 5 hours 30 minutes,
    • Overnight in a lodge.
    • +485m, -570m

    A gentle descent through forest and terraced fields to the road. Return to Pokhara, then flight to Kathmandu. End of the mountainous part of the trip and return to the hustle and bustle of the city.

    • Hiking: 1 hour 45 minutes, followed by a private transfer from Pokhara airport and the flight to Kathmandu.
    • Overnight stay at a hotel. (-800m)

    A relaxing day in the Nepalese capital. Opportunities to visit the valley's historical sites (Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath…), stroll through local markets, or enjoy a traditional meal to round off your stay.

    Transfer to the international airport according to flight time. End of the trip and return home with unforgettable memories of the Annapurnas and Nepal.

    What's Included
    • Airport pick-up and transfer to Kathmandu hotel (round trip)
    • Transfers: Private vehicle Kathmandu/Pokhara Pokhara/Naya Pool, Dhampus/Pokhara
    • Return domestic flight Pokhara/Kathmandu (35 minutes)
    • 11 days full board (3 meals per day, excluding drinks) lodge accommodation
    • An experienced English-speaking guide (French-speaking upon request), their salary, transfers, food, and accommodation
    • Annapurna Park permits (ACAP and TIMS) 2 passport photos
    • 3 nights at the Holy Himalaya or Moonlight Hotel
    • 1 night at a hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
    • A first aid kit, especially for the Nepalese team
    • One porter for every two people, their food, transfers, and accommodation
    • Insurance for the Nepalese team
    • Serials bar (one chocolate per day)
    What's Excluded
    • Full meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara cost approximately €10-15 per meal.
    • Visa for entry into Nepal (you can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport).
    • International tickets.
    • Entrance fees to historical sites and monuments.
    • Insurance and medical evacuation in case of emergency.
    • Personal expenses during the trek (drinks, showers, internet, etc.).
    • Tips for the local team.
    Essential Info & Equipments

    Meals included in the package (during the trek only) The following meals are included.

    Any additional consumption (food or drinks not mentioned) will be at the trekker's expense.

    Breakfast

    • 2 cups of tea or coffee
    • only Toast, chapati, Tibetan bread, or pancake, accompanied by an omelet or a fried egg.
    • Jam, honey, and butter.

    Tea Break araound 10am 

    • 1 cup of tea or coffee
    • only 1 chocolate bar (Snickers, Mars, or Bounty)

    Lunch

    • One main course of your choice
    • One cup of tea or coffee

    No dessert

    • Tea break around 4 pm
    • 1 cup of (tea or coffee)
    • 2 biscuits only

    Dinner

    • One main course of your choice
    • One soup
    • Two cups of tea or coffee
    • Fresh dessert included

    Recommended clothing

    Basic layers

    • Breathable thermal underwear (top and bottom)
    • Lightweight T-shirts (preferably synthetic or merino wool)
    • Insulating layers
    • Fleece jacket or sweater
    • Down jacket or synthetic insulated jacket (compressible and lightweight)

    Outer layers

    • Waterproof and windproof jacket (with hood)
    • Waterproof pants
    • Trekking pants and shirts
    • Quick-drying trekking pants
    • Long-sleeved shirts for sun protection
    • For the head and hands
    • Wide-brimmed hat or cap for the sun
    • Woolen beanie or hat
    • for the cold Buff or neck warmer
    • Gloves
    • Thin gloves for indoors
    • Warm, waterproof gloves for outdoors

    Footwear

    • Waterproof trekking boots (already worn/well broken in)
    • Lightweight shoes or sandals for camp
    • Wool or synthetic trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
    • Gaiters (useful in case of snow or mud)
    •  

    Backpacks

    • Large trekking backpack (50–70 L)
    • Small day backpack (20–30 L)
    • Waterproof cover for the backpacks

    Sleeping equipment

    • Sleeping bag (suitable for the expected temperatures)
    • Sleeping bag liner (optional, for added warmth or hygiene)
    • Inflatable or foam mattress (if not provided by the agency)

    Trekking accessories

    • Walking poles (adjustable and foldable)
    • Headlamp with spare batteries Sunglasses (UV protection)
    • Water bottles (total capacity of at least 2 liters) or hydration pack Water purification tablets or filter

    Personal items

    • Travel documents (passport, trekking permit, insurance)
    • Trekking map or hiking guidebook
    • Cash (in local currency)
    • Toilets (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
    • Quick-drying towel
    • Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm (with SPF), and moisturizer
    • Small first-aid kit (pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic, etc.)
    • Personal medications (prescriptions, altitude sickness medication, etc.)
    • Other essentials
    • Snacks and energy bars
    • Lightweight travel cutlery (optional)
    • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
    • Camera or smartphone with power bank
    • Waterproof bags or zip-lock bags to protect sensitive items
    • Strong adhesive tape or repair tape
    • Notebook and pen
    • Optional items
    • Lightweight crampons or microspikes (if icy conditions)
    • Altimeter or GPS
    • Portable solar charger
    • Lightweight book or e-reader
    Contact Us on WhatsApp+977 9841340915 (Dhane)
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