Photo: Alisha Limbu / UnsplashNepal
A week-long teahouse trek from Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a ring of 7,000–8,000 m peaks around a base camp at 4,130 m. Shorter and lower than Everest.
The trail climbs from the terraced Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, through bamboo and rhododendron forest up the Modi Khola gorge, to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and finally Annapurna Base Camp, with Annapurna I (8,091 m) straight above.
It starts a short drive from Pokhara, needs no flights and stays below 4,200 m, so it's a good first Himalayan trek for fit walkers.
Day by day
₹22,400–36,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
Jeep to the Gurung village of Ghandruk (about 1,940 m) and its small museum.
Over Kimrong Danda to Chhomrong (2,170 m), with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre ahead.
Down Chhomrong's long stone stairs and into the forest of the Modi Khola gorge.
Climb past Dovan and Himalaya to Deurali (3,230 m), the last stop below the sanctuary.
Through Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) for sunset.
Sunrise on the ring of peaks, then a long descent.
Back through Chhomrong to the riverside hot springs below Jhinu.
Walk to the roadhead and take a jeep back to Pokhara.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Teahouse room | ₹300–800 | ₹1,200–3,000 |
| Food (rises with altitude) | ₹1,200–2,000 | ₹2,000–3,000 |
| Guide (your share of the daily rate) | ₹1,000–2,000 | ₹2,000–3,000 |
| Charging, Wi-Fi and hot showers | ₹200–500 | ₹400–800 |
| Typical day | ₹2,800–4,500 | ₹5,600–9,800 |
Indians pay the SAARC rate for the Annapurna Conservation Area permit, about NPR 1,000 (roughly ₹625), from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Food prices are set by local lodge committees and rise the higher you go.
A glacial basin ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
The sacred, unclimbed 'fishtail' peak that watches over the whole trek.
Riverside pools for tired legs on the way down.
A stone-built Gurung village with views of Annapurna South.
Moderate. Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day with thousands of stone steps, especially around Chhomrong. No technical skills are needed.
Poon Hill is a 3–4 day trek to about 3,200 m with wide mountain views. Annapurna Base Camp takes 7–10 days and goes right into the ring of peaks.
Annapurna is shorter, lower and needs no flights, which makes it a better first trek. Everest goes higher, takes about two weeks and depends on Lukla flights.
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Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.
