The Annapurna range towering above the Annapurna Sanctuary
Annapurna Region • Nepal

Into the Annapurna Sanctuary

11 Days 4,130 m Annapurna Base Camp

Duration 11 Days
Max Elevation 4,130 m
Best Season Spring & Autumn
Trek Style Tea House / Lodge
The Journey

Trek Overview & Route

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular and breathtaking trekking journeys in Nepal. This trek leads you to the south face of Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), the 10th highest peak in the world. The trail winds through dense rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages, with stunning views of Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) along the way. Standing in the natural amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering snow-capped giants, is the ultimate highlight of this adventure.

  • Route: Pokhara → Ghandruk → Chhomrong → ABC (4,130m) → Jhinu Danda hot springs
  • Difficulty: moderate — 5-7 hours of walking per day on well-established trails
  • Perfect for: first-time Himalayan trekkers who want big mountain views in under two weeks
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 11-day route map: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Jhinu Danda
Trek route map — tap to enlarge
Trek Highlights

Three Signature Sanctuary Experiences

Every stage of the trail is led by licensed local guides through the Annapurna Conservation Area — Nepal's largest protected region and home of the sacred Fishtail peak.

4,130 m

The Sanctuary Amphitheater

A natural bowl ringed entirely by peaks over 6,000 meters — one of the most dramatic mountain settings on the planet.

  • 360° wall of snow giants: Annapurna I, South & Hiunchuli
  • Sunrise alpenglow on the south face of Annapurna I
  • The sacred, never-climbed summit of Machapuchare
Gurung Culture

Gurung Heritage Villages

Stone stairways, slate-roofed houses and legendary mountain hospitality in the villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong.

  • Ghandruk — Nepal's most famous Gurung village
  • Terraced hillsides with Annapurna South towering above
  • Rhododendron and bamboo forests alive with birdsong
1,760 m

Jhinu Danda Hot Springs

The perfect finale — natural hot spring pools on the banks of the Modi Khola, soothing trek-weary muscles under open sky.

  • Steaming riverside pools after the descent from ABC
  • A well-earned soak surrounded by forested hills
  • Celebratory evening in Pokhara by Phewa Lake to finish
Day by Day

Your 11-Day Sanctuary Itinerary

A steadily rising trail through forests and villages into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — with hot springs waiting on the way down.

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

  • 1,400 m

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thamel.

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The rest of the day is spent on trek preparation, equipment checks and a welcome briefing with your guide.

Day 2

Fly to Pokhara & Trek to Ghandruk

  • 800 m → 1,940 m
  • 2 hrs
  • 2 km

A scenic 25-minute flight brings us to Pokhara, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Kimchi where our trek begins.

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Gurung teahouse in Ghandruk with Annapurna views

We hike up to the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk, with spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.

Ghandruk's stone terraces catch the evening light beautifully — keep your camera handy at sunset.

Day 3

Trek to Chhomrong

  • 2,170 m

We descend from Ghandruk through forests and cross the Kimrong Khola.

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Trekker descending stone steps into Chhomrong village

After a steep climb, we reach the beautiful village of Chhomrong — one of the largest settlements and hubs on the Annapurna Sanctuary route.

Day 4

Trek to Bamboo

  • 2,310 m
  • 5-6 hrs
  • 7 km

We descend stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola, cross the bridge and climb to Sinuva village.

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Dense bamboo and rhododendron forest on the trail to Bamboo camp

From there the trail passes through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, descending steadily to the aptly named Bamboo camp.

Day 5

Trek to Deurali

  • 3,230 m
  • 4-5 hrs
  • 8.5 km

From Bamboo, the trail climbs steadily through alpine forests past Dovan and Himalaya camp into the high-altitude zone.

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Blue-roofed teahouse at Deurali

As the Modi Khola valley narrows, we reach Deurali — the gateway to the upper sanctuary.

Day 6

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

  • 4,130 m

The highlight of the journey. Walking steadily from Deurali, we first reach Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m).

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Trekking group at the Annapurna Base Camp sign, 4,130m

Another two hours of moderate climbing brings us into the Annapurna Sanctuary itself — a colossal wall of 360-degree snow peaks.

Sleeping at base camp means sunrise at base camp — the dawn light on Annapurna I is unforgettable.

Day 7

Sanctuary Sunrise & Descent to Bamboo

  • 2,310 m

After witnessing a spectacular sunrise over the peaks, we begin our descent along the same trail, heading back down through Deurali and Dovan to Bamboo.

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The walk is much faster and easier as we go downhill.

Day 8

Trek to Jhinu Danda — Natural Hot Springs

  • 1,760 m
  • 5-6 hrs
  • 9 km

We trek from Bamboo back up to Sinuva and Chhomrong, then descend to Jhinu Danda.

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Here you can relax and soothe your sore muscles in the famous natural hot springs on the banks of the Modi Khola.

Pack a swimsuit — the hot spring pools sit right beside the river, a short walk below the village.

Day 9

Trek to Matque & Drive to Pokhara

  • 1,070 m
  • 1-2 hrs trek

A short trek from Jhinu Danda brings us down to Matque, where we meet our transport for the 2.5-hour drive back to Pokhara.

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Boats on Phewa Lake in Pokhara at dusk

Enjoy a comfortable evening and celebratory dinner by the lakeside.

Day 10

Drive / Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

Travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or a short flight. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in Thamel featuring traditional Nepalese cuisine.

Day 11

International Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.

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Depart with beautiful memories of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Transparent Pricing

What's Included in Your Trek

One clear package covers your entire journey from Kathmandu to the Sanctuary and back — no surprises on the trail.

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off services in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (with breakfast)
  • Three daily meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Licensed, English-speaking guide and required porters
  • TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits
  • All government taxes, VAT and agency service charges

Not Included

  • Nepal entry visa fee and international flight tickets
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, poles, sleeping bag, jacket, etc.)
  • Personal expenses (cold drinks, mineral water, hot showers, Wi-Fi)
  • Mandatory travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
  • Tips for guides and porters (voluntary but customary)
Trek With Confidence

How We Look After You

From the moment you land in Kathmandu until your final departure, every logistical and safety detail is handled by our local team.

Licensed Local Guides

English-speaking guides who know every teahouse on the trail

All Permits Arranged

ACAP permits and TIMS card processed before you arrive

Sensible Pacing

Gradual elevation gains that let your body adapt naturally

Hand-Picked Lodges

The best available tea houses booked ahead at every stop

Three Meals a Day

Hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners on every trekking day

Transfers Included

Flights and drives between Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trail

24/7 Trip Support

Emergency coordination and helicopter rescue on standby

No Hidden Charges

Transparent pricing with all taxes and service fees included

"At first light the Sanctuary becomes a ring of burning summits — Annapurna, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli — and you stand at its very center."

— Dawn at Annapurna Base Camp

Trekker Stories

What Trekkers Say

Testimonials Coming Soon

We would rather show you nothing than show you something we made up. Reviews from trekkers who have walked this route with us will be published here in their own words, with their permission.

Enquire About This Trek
Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a moderate-level trek. You should be capable of walking 5 to 7 hours daily on varied terrain — including the region's famous long stone staircases. Basic cardiovascular training like running or climbing stairs in the months before departure makes the trek far more enjoyable.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) offer the most reliable weather and clearest views. Spring is especially beautiful, when the rhododendron forests between Ghandruk and Bamboo erupt into red and pink bloom.
Yes. Day 8 ends at Jhinu Danda, where you can soak in the natural hot spring pools on the banks of the Modi Khola — the perfect reward for tired legs after the descent from base camp. Bring a swimsuit and a quick-dry towel.
You should carry waterproof trekking boots, a down jacket, windproof layers, thermal underwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and a personal first-aid kit. A -10°C rated sleeping bag is recommended for tea house nights at higher elevations. Quality gear can also be rented affordably in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Yes. Travel insurance covering high-altitude helicopter evacuation and medical expenses is strictly mandatory, as altitude sickness or sudden health issues can occur above 3,000 meters — and the upper Modi Khola valley is only reachable by air in an emergency.
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