6-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara via Ghandruk

6 Days Round trip from Pokhara Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m in only 6 days
02 Start and finish in Pokhara - ideal for travelers already staying in the city
03 Explore the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk
04 Trek through rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests, rivers, and waterfalls
05 Visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary
06 Enjoy sunrise and sunset surrounded by the Annapurna mountain amphitheater
07 Relax at the natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda if time permits
08 Approximate trekking distance: about 64 km / 40 miles

Designed for travelers with limited time, this 6-day ABC trek starts and ends in Pokhara and reaches Annapurna Base Camp by using road access to Ghandruk. The route combines Gurung villages, forests, mountain lodges, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, sunrise at ABC, and the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. It is a time-efficient way to experience the Annapurna Sanctuary without committing to a longer 10-13 day itinerary, with the highest overnight point at ABC at 4,130 m, surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and other Himalayan peaks.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Pokhara, Annapurna, Ghandruk, Chomrong

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive to Ghandruk and Explore a Gurung Village

Drive: After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk via Nayapul, Birethanti, and Kimche.
Duration: The drive takes around 2 hours and passes terraced fields, rivers, villages, and green hills.
Activity: Spend the afternoon exploring Ghandruk, one of the best-known Gurung villages in the Annapurna region, with views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.
Accommodation: Overnight in a local teahouse or guesthouse.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included.

Day 02

Trek to Sinuwa via Chhomrong

Trek: Begin by descending through stone staircases and terraced fields toward Kimrong Khola.
Route: After crossing the river, climb steadily to Chhomrong, a major village on the ABC route.
Route: Continue down and up through forest and stone steps to Sinuwa.
Views: Enjoy views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South along the way.
Accommodation: Overnight in a local teahouse.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 03

Forest Trek from Sinuwa to Himalaya

Trek: Continue through dense rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests.
Route: The trail descends to Bamboo and then climbs through Dovan toward Himalaya, passing waterfalls, streams, and small mountain lodges.
Note: The surroundings become steeper and more dramatic as you approach the higher valley.
Accommodation: Overnight in Himalaya.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 04

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp

Trek: Trek through Deurali and the narrow glacial valley to Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Trek: Continue gradually into the Annapurna Sanctuary to reach Annapurna Base Camp.
Views: Enjoy close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and surrounding peaks.
Accommodation: Overnight at ABC.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 05

Sunrise at ABC and Descent to Sinuwa

Activity: Wake early for sunrise over the Annapurna range.
Trek: Then descend through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Himalaya, Dovan, and Bamboo to Sinuwa.
Note: The itinerary is flexible, and an overnight in Bamboo can be arranged if preferred.
Accommodation: Overnight in a local teahouse.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 06

Trek to Jhinu Danda and Drive Back to Pokhara

Trek: Return through Chhomrong and descend to Jhinu Danda.
Activity: If time permits, visit the natural hot springs near the Modi Khola.
Drive: After lunch, continue to the road access point and drive back to Pokhara, where the trek ends.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Pokhara 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private jeep from Pokhara to Ghandruk and vehicle from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide and guide expenses.
Teahouse accommodation and all trekking meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Seasonal fruit after dinner, first-aid kit, government taxes, and service charges.

What's Not Included

International flights, Nepal visa, Kathmandu/Pokhara hotels, and city meals.
Porter service unless requested separately.
Travel insurance including emergency evacuation coverage.
Personal trekking gear, drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, and laundry.

What to bring

Insurance
Passport

Know before you go

Trekking Style: This is a shorter and faster itinerary than the classic ABC route.
Fitness: Trekkers should be comfortable walking approximately 5-8 hours on some days, including steep uphill and downhill sections.
Climbing: No technical climbing is required, but a reasonable level of fitness is important.
Good to Know: Best suited to travelers with limited time, couples, families, and beginners who have good fitness.
Accommodation: Accommodation is in local teahouses and mountain lodges; rooms are simple and comfortable.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during trekking days.
Seasons: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the main seasons; winter is also possible with colder conditions.
Note: Itinerary and walking times are approximate and may change with weather, trail conditions, pace, and group fitness.