About This Trek / Tour
The Annapurna Base Camp via Ghandruk trek is one of Nepal's most complete trekking experiences — blending stunning cultural immersion with a dramatic mountain sanctuary. The route passes through Ghandruk, the largest Gurung village in Nepal's Annapurna region, known for its distinctive stone-paved lanes, traditional circular houses and spectacular mountain views.
The ascent into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a glacial amphitheatre encircled by ten peaks above 6,000m including Annapurna I (8,091m) — is one of trekking's truly magnificent rewards. You arrive at base camp virtually surrounded by the highest walls of rock and ice on Earth.
The Sanctuary: The Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna Base Camp) is a glacial basin enclosed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Gangapurna and Machapuchre — a genuinely extraordinary natural arena.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly or drive from Kathmandu. Hotel check-in in Pokhara. Trek briefing and Phewa Lake evening stroll.
Drive to Nayapul trailhead. Trek along the Modi Khola valley to Tikhedhunga (1,480m). 3 hours.
Climb the famous 3,000+ stone steps through Ulleri village and lush rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860m). 6 hours.
Pre-dawn sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m). Annapurna and Dhaulagiri panorama. Trek on to Tadapani (2,630m). 5 hours.
Descend to Ghandruk (1,940m) — the magnificent Gurung village. Explore the Gurung museum and local homestays. 4 hours.
Trek through rhododendron and bamboo forest crossing the Modi Khola to Chhomrong (2,170m) — the gateway village to the Annapurna Sanctuary. 5 hours.
Descend through bamboo groves (habitat for red pandas) then steep ascent alongside the Modi Khola gorge. Himalaya Hotel (2,900m). 5 hours.
Enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. The valley narrows dramatically. Machhapuchhre BC (3,700m). 4 hours. Sacred Fishtail Peak dominates.
The final push! Cross the glacial moraine to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). Standing in the Sanctuary surrounded by 6,000m+ peaks. 3 hours.
Early sunrise at ABC then begin descent. Down through the sanctuary and all the way to Chhomrong (2,170m). Long day, 7 hours.
Final trekking day descending to Nayapul. Drive to Pokhara. Celebratory dinner. 5 hours trekking.
Return to Kathmandu by flight or bus. Transfer to airport/hotel. End of trek.
What's Included
- Kathmandu–Pokhara return (flight or bus)
- All Pokhara transfers
- Nayapul transport both ways
- 1 night hotel Pokhara (B&B)
- 10 nights teahouse accommodation
- All trek meals (B, L & D)
- ACAP permit & TIMS card
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- One porter per two trekkers
- Guide & porter insurance, food & accommodation
- First-aid kit & pulse oximeter
Not Included
- Nepal visa
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Beverages & personal snacks
- Hot showers & charging fees on trail
- Tips for guide & porter
Practical Travel Tips
Avalanche Risk: The trail into the Annapurna Sanctuary passes through an avalanche-prone zone between December and February. This trek is NOT recommended in winter.
Spring Blooms: March and April are magical — the entire trail from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani is one of the world's great rhododendron forests in full bloom.
Ghandruk Village: Spend time in Ghandruk — visit the Gurung Museum, chat with local women weaving traditional cloth, and enjoy raksi (rice wine) and local honey.