Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding Himalayan journeys, combining dramatic mountain scenery with forests, traditional villages and high-altitude landscapes. The trail winds through the Annapurna region before entering the spectacular natural amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Along the way, trekkers pass through traditional Gurung villages, dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, and stay in welcoming Himalayan teahouses scattered along the route. As the trail climbs higher, the views open up to reveal Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna massif, with the mountains growing more impressive with every stage of the trek.

The journey culminates at Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130 metres, where towering peaks surround the valley on almost every side. The return route often passes Jhinu, where a soak in the nearby hot springs provides a relaxed finish to one of Nepal’s classic mountain treks.

Typical Itinerary

chatgpt image aug 24, 2026 at 10 58 47 am

Day 1

Pokhara to Ghandruk

Drive from Pokhara toward the trailhead and trek to the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk.

Day 2

Ghandruk to Chhomrong

Trek through forest and hillside settlements with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

Day 3

Chhomrong to Bamboo

Descend toward the Chhomrong Khola, climb to Sinuwa and continue through dense forest to Bamboo.

Day 4

Bamboo to Deurali

Follow the Modi Khola valley through forest, waterfalls and increasingly alpine terrain.

Day 5

Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp

Trek past Machhapuchhre Base Camp and enter the Annapurna Sanctuary before reaching Annapurna Base Camp at approximately 4,130 metres.

Day 6

Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Watch the morning light over the Annapurna range before descending through the valley to Bamboo.

Day 7

Bamboo to Jhinu

Retrace the trail through Sinuwa and Chhomrong before descending toward Jhinu.

Day 8

Jhinu to Pokhara

Complete the final section of the trek and return by road to Pokhara.

Best Time To Go

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Before You Go

Make sure your itinerary allows enough time for gradual altitude gain, as Annapurna Base Camp reaches around 4,130 m. Carry travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, and prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather. Keep some cash in Nepali rupees for teahouses and services along the trail, where cards and ATMs cannot be relied on.