All treksAnnapurna region

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A direct journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary, ending inside a natural amphitheater of high peaks.

Duration

10 days

Difficulty

Moderate-Challenging

Max altitude

4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp

Best months

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Route overview

The route climbs through Gurung villages, forest, river gorges, and the Machapuchare Base Camp corridor before reaching Annapurna Base Camp.

Trail sequence

Pokhara

Ghandruk

Chhomrong

Bamboo

Deurali

Machapuchare Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp

Jhinu

Pokhara

Highlights

Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheater

Machapuchare Base Camp approach

Forest and village walking from the Pokhara side

A shorter high-Himalaya trek with dramatic rewards

Preparation

Build up to 4-6 hour hikes with a loaded daypack

Practice steady uphill pacing and stair climbs

Carry tested layers, rain protection, and broken-in boots

Plan an acclimatization buffer around high-altitude days

Day-wise itinerary

Drive from Pokhara and trek to Ghandruk

1,940 m

Start with village trails and big Annapurna South views.

Ghandruk to Chhomrong

2,170 m

Move through terraced hills and descend into the sanctuary approach.

Chhomrong to Bamboo

2,310 m

Drop to the river and climb through dense forest.

Bamboo to Deurali

3,200 m

Enter narrower alpine terrain and monitor conditions carefully.

Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp

4,130 m

Pass Machapuchare Base Camp and continue into the sanctuary bowl.

Sunrise at base camp and descend to Bamboo

2,310 m

Wake inside the amphitheater, then descend steadily to thicker air.

Bamboo to Jhinu

1,780 m

Return through Chhomrong and relax near the hot spring area.

Jhinu to Pokhara

820 m

Walk out to the road head and drive back to Pokhara.

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