Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Scenic Drive and Cultural Experience in a Gurung Village

Morning: Start Your Journey from Pokhara

• Begin your trip with an early morning drive from Pokhara (827m / 2,713ft) to Nayapul (1,070m / 3,510ft). It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts.
• The road goes through green valleys, farmlands with steps, and quiet countryside. You’ll see your first views of rural Nepal.

Trekking Route: Nayapul to Ghandruk

• The walk starts slowly along the Modi Khola (River). You’ll pass small villages like Birethanti, where you show your permits at a checkpoint.
• After that, the path climbs through stone steps and forest-covered hills. You’ll enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.
• As you go higher, you’ll see waterfalls, farm terraces, and sometimes the peak of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) through the clouds.
• In spring, colorful rhododendron flowers bloom along the path, making it feel magical.

Lunch Stop on Day 1

• You’ll likely stop at Kimche or Syauli Bazaar to eat. Meals often include dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodle soup, or fried rice with fresh vegetables.

Afternoon and Evening: Reach Ghandruk

• You’ll reach Ghandruk, a pretty Gurung village on a hillside. It has old stone houses and narrow paths.
• After checking into a cozy teahouse, you can explore the village:
  • Visit the Gurung Cultural Museum to learn about the people who live there.
  • Watch the sunset light up the peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.

Altitude

• Start: Nayapul – 1,070m / 3,510ft
• End: Ghandruk – 1,940m / 6,364ft

What You’ll Experience on Day 1

• A peaceful drive from Pokhara to Nayapul
• Showing permits at Birethanti
• Walking through forests and terraced farms with rhododendron flowers
• Learning about Gurung culture in Ghandruk
• Watching the sunset over big mountain peaks

• 
  Driving Hours: 1 ½ Hours (Pokhara to Nayapul)
• 
  Trek Distance: About 9 km / 5.6 miles
• 
  Treks Duration: 4-5 Hours
• 
  Accommodation: Comfortable teahouse in Ghandruk
• 
  Meals: Breakfast in Pokhara, Lunch, Dinner

Mountain Views and River Valley Walks

Morning: Start from Ghandruk

• After breakfast at the teahouse, you’ll walk down stone steps through terraced fields and past houses.
• You’ll get beautiful views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. These snowy mountains look amazing in the morning light. Machhapuchhre is a holy mountain, and no one is allowed to climb it.

Trekking Route: Ghandruk to Chhomrong

• The trail goes down steep steps into the Kimrong Khola river valley. You’ll walk through forests with oak, rhododendron, and bamboo trees.
• After crossing a strong suspension bridge, you’ll climb steeply up to Tadapani, then continue to Chhomrong.
• You might hear birds singing or see Himalayan monkeys. Mountain streams also make calming sounds.
• The final part of the climb brings you to Chhomrong, a village on a ridge facing the Annapurna range.

Lunch Stop on Day 2

• You’ll usually eat at Kimrong or Taulung. Local meals may include dal bhat, momo (dumplings), or garlic soup, which is good at higher places.

Afternoon and Evening: Reach Chhomrong

• Chhomrong is the last big village before the Annapurna Base Camp. It sits at the edge of a deep valley with great views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.
• After settling into your teahouse, you can explore the area, talk to the friendly people, and enjoy another sunset over the Himalayas.

Altitude

• Start: Ghandruk – 1,940m / 6,364ft
• End: Chhomrong – 2,170m / 7,120ft

What You’ll Experience on Day 2

• Morning mountain views
• Going down into green valleys and climbing forest paths
• Crossing the Kimrong Khola bridge
• Staying in Chhomrong, an important stop on the trek
• Watching the sunset behind tall Himalayan peaks

• 
  Trek Distance: About 10 km / 6.2 miles
• 
  Treks Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• 
  Accommodation: Traditional teahouse in Chhomrong
• 
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Forest Trails and Bamboo Groves

Morning: Start from Chhomrong

• After a good breakfast and views of the sunrise on the Annapurna range, walk down long stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola (river).
• Cross a strong suspension bridge over the river. It’s a nice spot to take photos with waterfalls and green hills.

Trekking Route: Chhomrong to Bamboo

• Once across, climb steep steps through mossy stone paths to Sinuwa (2,360m).
• At Upper Sinuwa, you can rest and enjoy views of Machhapuchhre.
• The trail continues through a forest that’s calm and shady, filled with rhododendron, oak, and bamboo trees.
• The path goes gently up and down until you reach Bamboo, a small place with a few teahouses in a thick forest.

Lunch Stop on Day 3

• You’ll probably eat at Sinuwa or a nearby resting spot. Meals may include fried rice, Tibetan bread, or Sherpa stew.

Afternoon and Evening: Reach Bamboo

• Bamboo is a peaceful place in the forest. You’ll hear the nearby Modi Khola river.
• You can relax at the teahouse or take a short walk to stretch your legs.
• Nights here are cool, and the sky is often full of stars.

Altitude

• Start: Chhomrong – 2,170m / 7,120ft
• End: Bamboo – 2,310m / 7,580ft

What You’ll Experience on Day 3

• Crossing a river bridge
• Climbing up Sinuwa’s ridge with great views
• Walking through forests filled with rhododendrons and bamboo
• Staying in a quiet forest village

• 
  Trek Distance: About 9 km / 5.6 miles
• 
  Treks Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• 
  Accommodation: Forest teahouse at Bamboo
• 
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Walk Through Forests and Enter the High Mountains

Morning: Start Your Trek from Bamboo

• After a quiet night, you’ll wake up to birds and the peaceful forest.
• The trail goes uphill through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron trees.
• You’ll pass Dobhan (2,600m) and Himalaya (2,920m), small resting spots where you can stop for water or tea.

Trekking Route: Bamboo – Dobhan – Himalaya – Hinku Cave – Deurali

• The trail follows the Modi Khola river, going up with some rocky steps. You’ll see waterfalls and moss-covered rocks.
• As you get higher, the forest becomes thinner. You’ll feel the air get cooler, and you’ll start to see snowy peaks and big cliffs.
• After Hinku Cave, a special place where climbers used to rest, the land becomes more open and you enter the high alpine area.

Lunch Stop on Day 4

• Usually at Himalaya or near Hinku Cave. Meals like dal bhat, chowmein, or garlic soup help with the higher altitude.

Afternoon and Evening: Reach Deurali

• The last part of the trail is narrow and goes near icy streams and rocky slopes.
• Deurali sits below tall cliffs and near places where avalanches can happen. When clouds roll in, it looks mysterious.
• Rest, get used to the altitude, and prepare for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

Altitude

• Start: Bamboo – 2,310m / 7,580ft
• End: Deurali – 3,230m / 10,597ft

What You’ll Experience on Day 4

• Walking from forest into alpine landscape
• Passing Dobhan and Himalaya
• Seeing the sacred Hinku Cave
• Getting your first full view of high mountains
• Spending a quiet night surrounded by cliffs and glaciers

• 
  Trek Distance: About 8 km / 5 miles
• 
  Treks Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• 
  Accommodation: Teahouse in Deurali
• 
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning: Leave Deurali – Step into the Heart of the Big Mountains

• You will start walking early in the morning. This is the best time because the sky is clear and you want to reach Annapurna Base Camp before clouds come in the afternoon.
• The trail slowly goes up, following the Modi Khola river. It becomes steeper near Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC).
• You’ll walk past the last trees and enter the alpine zone. That means the area will be rocky, with ice, snow, and cold wind.
• There are places where snow might fall down suddenly (avalanche zones), so walk carefully and listen to your guide.

Trekking Route: Deurali – Bagar – Machhapuchhre Base Camp – Annapurna Base Camp

• You will stop for a short break at Bagar (3,300m), where there are a few small huts and resting places.
• Then you’ll keep walking up to MBC (3,700m). This place is high up and sits right below the special mountain called Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), which no one is allowed to climb.
• From here, you’ll see amazing views of big snowy mountains like Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Gangapurna.
• After resting a bit at MBC, the path opens wide, and you start your final walk to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).

Lunch Stop on Day 5

You’ll usually eat lunch at MBC. This is a good place to rest and get energy before reaching ABC. You can eat things like noodle soup, dal bhat (rice with lentils), fried rice, and drink hot lemon tea to stay warm in the cold air.

Afternoon/Evening: Reach Annapurna Base Camp

Now you arrive at ABC. It is a huge round area made by glaciers, also called the “Annapurna Sanctuary.” You are now standing at the bottom of Annapurna I (8,091m), the 10th highest mountain in the world. Tall snowy peaks stand all around you. You will see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Baraha Shikhar, Tent Peak, and more. Look around and enjoy the full 360° mountain view. If the sky stays clear, stay outside and watch the sunset. The mountains turn golden and look magical.

Altitude Levels:

• Start: Deurali – 3,230m / 10,597ft
• MBC: 3,700m / 12,139ft
• End: ABC – 4,130m / 13,550ft

Main Highlights of Day 5:

• Reaching the famous Annapurna Base Camp
• Seeing beautiful views of Annapurna I, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and more
• Walking through a glacier-shaped valley that’s like nowhere else in Nepal
• Watching a sunset and the night sky above 4,000 meters
• One of the most special and emotional days of the whole trek

• 
  Trek Distance: About 7 km / 4.3 miles
• 
  Highest Altitude: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet)
• 
  Treks Duration: 5–6 hours
• 
  Accommodation: Teahouse at Annapurna Base Camp
• 
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Going Down from the Sanctuary

Morning: Sunrise at Annapurna - A Golden Farewell to Peaks

Wake up early to see the amazing sunrise over the Annapurna mountains. The sun lights up Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the famous Machhapuchhre in golden color. Take your time to enjoy the peaceful moment and take some last photos at this special place. After breakfast at the teahouse, begin walking back down the trail. You will walk through Machhapuchhre Base Camp again and go into greener and thicker forest areas.

Trekking Route: ABC - Hinku Cave - Deurali - Bamboo

The trail from ABC to Bamboo goes steadily downhill. The land slowly changes as you leave the high mountains and enter forests with small rhododendron trees, bamboo plants, and moss-covered trees. You will pass Hinku Cave, Deurali, and Himalaya — villages you saw before but that now look different on your way down. Trekking poles are useful here to help your knees during the steep walk.

Lunch Stop on Day 6

You will usually stop for lunch around Himalaya or Dovan, depending on how fast you're walking and how hungry you feel. Enjoy a hot meal while thinking about how amazing it was to reach Annapurna Base Camp.

Afternoon/Evening: Back to Bamboo

You will reach Bamboo in the late afternoon. It is a small village in a thick forest. After the wide open spaces at ABC, Bamboo feels more quiet and safe. It is a nice place to rest your tired legs and sleep peacefully while hearing the sounds of the forest. Altitude:

• Start: Annapurna Base Camp – 4,130m / 13,550ft
• End: Bamboo – 2,310m / 7,580ft

Main Highlights of Day 6:

• Golden sunrise over Annapurna mountains
• Walking back through Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Watching the land change from mountain to forest

Quiet, forest teahouse stay in Bamboo

• 
  Trek Distance: Around 15 km / 9.3 miles
• 
  Highest Altitude: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet)
• 
  Treks Duration: 6–7 hours
• 
  Accommodation: Teahouse
• 
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Forest Walk and Hot Springs

Morning: Climb Back to Chhomrong - Forest Trails and Final Mountain Views

After a quiet night in the forest at Bamboo, start your day with a good breakfast. You’ll walk uphill for a while toward Sinuwa and Upper Chhomrong, going on the same path you took before. You’ll climb stone steps through forests filled with bamboo and rhododendron trees. When you reach Chhomrong again, stop to enjoy your final views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. Then, you’ll go downhill on steep steps to reach Jhinu Danda.

Trekking Route: Bamboo - Chhomrong - Jhinu Danda

The trail from Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda is a steep downhill path with many stone stairs. You’ll walk past farms and terraces. A small suspension bridge crosses the Chhomrong Khola river. Your legs might feel tired, but reaching Jhinu Danda will be worth it.

Lunch Stop on Day 7

Most people stop for lunch in Chhomrong or wait until they get to Jhinu Danda. You can enjoy local Nepali meals or simple food for trekkers. Dal bhat is a popular and filling choice.

Afternoon/Evening: Reach Jhinu Danda

When you get to Jhinu Danda, check into your teahouse and rest. Then take a short 15–20 minute hike downhill to the natural hot springs by the Modi Khola River. You can relax in the warm water surrounded by trees and the sound of the river. It’s a great way to help your muscles feel better and enjoy the moment. Altitude:

• Start: Bamboo – 2,310m / 7,580ft
• End: Jhinu Danda – 1,760m / 5,774ft

Main Highlights of Day 7:

• Passing through Chhomrong with last views of Annapurna South
• Walking down stone stairs through green forest
• Relaxing in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
• Happy mood among trekkers close to the end of the trek

• 
  Trek Distance: Around 9 km / 5.6 miles
• 
  Highest Altitude: 1,760 meters (5,775 feet)
• 
  Treks Duration: 5–6 hours
• 
  Accommodation: Teahouse
• 
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Last Walk and Return to the City

Morning: Final Steps Through Forests and Fields

After a good night’s sleep and a relaxing soak in the hot springs, enjoy your breakfast. Today is the final part of your trek. The walk is easier than the past few days. You’ll go down gently through green forests and terraced fields with small homes and farms.

Trekking Route: Jhinu Danda - Modi Khola - Siwai or Samrung - Pokhara

You will cross a long suspension bridge over the Modi Khola, which is one of the nicest bridges on the trail. Then, you’ll walk on a more level path through the lower part of the Annapurna region. Your trek ends at Siwai or Samrung, depending on where your vehicle is waiting for you.

Lunch Stop on Day 8

Lunch is usually at a teahouse in Siwai, where the trail ends. You can enjoy simple local food, snacks, and drinks before starting the drive.

Afternoon/Evening: Back to Pokhara

You will ride a private jeep or shared vehicle for 2.5 to 3 hours back to Pokhara. As you return to city life, you may feel proud of what you have done, miss the mountains a little, and look forward to a hot shower and a good meal. Back in Lakeside Pokhara, you can celebrate with a nice dinner, listen to music, or relax beside Phewa Lake with a well-deserved rest. Altitude:

• Start: Jhinu Danda – 1,760m / 5,774ft
• End: Pokhara – 827m / 2,713ft

Main Highlights of Day 8:

• Peaceful walk through lower Himalayan villages
• Last suspension bridge over the Modi Khola
• Relaxing drive back with views of green hills and faraway peaks
• Time to celebrate and rest at Lakeside Pokhara

• 
  Driving Hours: 2.5–3 hours
• 
  Trek Distance: Around 6 km / 3.7 miles (walking)
• 
  Highest Altitude: 1,760 meters (5,775 feet)
• 
  Treks Duration: 3–4 hours
• 
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch