Nepal9 days
Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 9 Days
High-altitude trekking in central Nepal from Pokhara to 4,130 meters, traversing Modi River valleys and Himalayan alpine terrain.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek covers central Nepal across nine days, starting from Pokhara and ascending to 4,130 meters at the foot of Annapurna, the first eight-thousander to be summited. The route follows river valleys and stone-stepped paths through Gurung villages, bamboo and rhododendron forests, and increasingly sparse alpine zones. Trekkers walk past Modi River gorges, cross suspension bridges over tributary streams, and traverse terrain that transitions from cultivated farmland near Pokhara to bare snowfields near base camp. The trek involves significant elevation gain and returns via the same main trail, with a stop at natural hot springs near Jhinu on the descent. Accommodation is provided in local lodges throughout, and the route can be walked in either direction depending on fitness and acclimatization strategy. The trek is considered moderately difficult to difficult, with steep sections and exposure to rapidly changing weather conditions.
Best time to go: March to December
Highlights
- Ascent from Pokhara (1,400m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) with views of Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri peaks
- Trek along Modi River gorge from Ghandruk through rhododendron and bamboo forests to alpine terrain
- Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) — a wide valley amphitheatre surrounded by high Himalayan peaks
- Descent to Jhinu Hot Springs (1,710m) — natural thermal pools fed by geothermal activity in the Modi valley
- Gurung villages including Ghandruk and Chhomrong with local lodging and views of terraced farmland
Day by day
1Arrival in PokharaPokhara · the accommodation
Travelers arrive in Pokhara, a town in central Nepal roughly six hours by road from Kathmandu. The day includes check-in at the accommodation and an evening orientation session led by trek leaders, providing an opportunity to review the route, logistics, and any pre-trek questions.
2Pokhara to Ghandruk via Nayapul — First Trek SegmentPokhara to Nayapul · Nayapul to Ghandruk via Burundi River
An early drive of approximately 90 minutes from Pokhara leads to Nayapul, the official start of the trekking route. The initial trail consists of well-maintained sections with intermittent stone steps. Trekkers then follow the Burundi River upstream for four to five hours, climbing gradually through mixed forest to reach Ghandruk village at 2,012 meters. The day covers roughly 5 kilometers on foot with an altitude gain of 612 meters.
3Ghandruk to Sinuwa — Modi River Valley and Forest SectionsSinuwa · Modi River bank · Kimrong River · Chhomrong · Chhomrong River · bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forest
Leaving Ghandruk, the route initially traces the Modi River bank before ascending steeply past large boulders. Trekkers cross a bridge over Kimrong River and climb to Chhomrong, a Gurung village at mid-elevation. After crossing the Chhomrong River bridge, the path continues upward through bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forest to Sinuwa at 2,100 meters. The day covers approximately 12 kilometers and involves 88 meters of altitude gain, though the actual elevation profile is more complex than the net gain suggests.
4Sinuwa to Deurali — Steep Climb Through Alpine ForestDeurali · bamboo groves · Dobhan · Himalaya and Hinku Cave
An easy initial walk past bamboo groves leads to Kuldhar. The trail then becomes steep, ascending a stone staircase to Dobhan where a suspension bridge crosses a tributary. A demanding climb through forest reaches Himalaya and Hinku Cave before arriving at Deurali (3,200m). The day covers 11 kilometers with an altitude gain of 1,100 meters and involves sustained uphill trekking.
5Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp — Alpine Terrain and Glacier ApproachDeurali to Annapurna Base Camp · Annapurna Base Camp · Machapuchare Base Camp
This is the trek's most challenging day. The trail from Deurali climbs through avalanche-prone terrain; trekkers may need to cross to alternate sides of the Modi River to avoid rock-fall zones. After approximately three hours, the route reaches Machapuchare Base Camp at 3,700 meters, where the valley opens significantly and snow-covered peaks become prominent. From there, the trail ascends gradually across snowfield and glacier edge to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. At base camp, trekkers stand in a natural amphitheatre ringed by multiple eight-thousander peaks. The day covers 12 kilometers with 1,100 meters of altitude gain and involves exposure to alpine weather and thinner air.
6Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo — Rapid DescentAnnapurna Base Camp · Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
After sunrise observation at base camp, the descent begins. The initial sections are steep and may be slippery depending on snow and rock conditions, requiring careful footing. The trail descends to Bamboo, a small settlement at 2,350 meters. The day involves 15 kilometers of trekking and a net altitude loss of 1,780 meters, making it a full day of downhill walking.
7Bamboo to Jhinu Hot Springs — Valley Return and Natural PoolsJhinu village · natural hot springs
After breakfast, trekkers retrace the ascent route on stone steps down to Jhinu village at 1,710 meters. From the lodge, a walk leads to natural hot springs in the area. The thermal pools are accessible for bathing and relaxation. The day covers approximately 12 kilometers with an altitude loss of 1,780 meters.
8Jhinu to Pokhara via Nayapul — Final Trek and Return DriveNayapul · Modi River
A six-hour trek follows the Modi River back to Nayapul, reversing the initial ascent route. At Nayapul, trekkers are collected by private vehicle for the 90-minute drive back to Pokhara. The day covers 11 kilometers on foot with a net altitude loss of 310 meters, completing the trek portion of the itinerary.
9Departure from PokharaPokhara
Check out from your accommodation as your trek to Annapurna Base Camp comes to a close. Depart Pokhara and begin your onward journey, taking with you the memory of this major mountain adventure.
Where you go
- 1Pokhara
- 2Chhomrong
- 3Annapurna Base Camp
- 4Pokhara
Included
- Accommodation in Pokhara for 2 nights in Hotel on sharing basis (Mixed)
- Accommodation during Trek for 6 nights in Lodges on Twin/Triple sharing basis (Mixed)
- 1 English Speaking Trekking Guide.
- 1 Assistant Guide for group size above 6 pax.
- Porters to carry 10kg maximum per person on the trek (Porter: Trekker = 1:3)
- All permits, applicable local taxes required for itinerary and as per Nepali regulations at the time of the trek
- Wages, Accommodation, Food, Insurance of trekking guides and porters
- Transportation: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by local bus for guide, assistant guide and porters
- Private transportation: Pokhara-Nayapul and Nayapul- Pokhara by private vehicle for members, guide and porter
- Adventure Travel Insurance with emergency Medical helicopter assistance and evacuation via ASC360
Not included
- Personal expenses of any nature, personal tips to guides & porters, alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, mineral water/boiled water and hot showers during the trek.
- All Meals in Pokhara. All Meals during actual Trek
- International Airfare & Tourist visa for Nepal. Pick up & drop for International Arrival & Departure
- Any transportation needs outside of the itinerary inclusions.
- Any sightseeing outside of the itinerary inclusions
- Any kind of personal Gear, Clothing and Equipment
- Any Unforeseen Expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions, International (or domestic, if chosen) flight delays/cancellations, political disturbance, natural disaster, deviation in programs and any other circumstances beyond our control
- Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Transportation: Kathamandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
Activities: Trekking