The same Sanctuary, reached at a pace that actually lets you enjoy Ghandruk along the way. Seven days from Pokhara: trek into the hills through Ghandruk, one of the Annapurna region's most significant Gurung villages, then follow the Modi Khola gorge through Chhomrong and Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp, with the ascent and descent spread across enough days that no single stretch runs as demanding as our fast track route.
Not every trekker wants the fastest possible route to Annapurna Base Camp, and not everyone has ten days to spare either. This itinerary sits deliberately between our two other Annapurna Base Camp products, reaching the same destination as both, through Ghandruk, one of the largest and best preserved Gurung villages in the entire region, at a pace that never asks for the brutal 7 to 9 hour days our 5 day route requires.
Where This Sits Between Your Other Two Options
If you've looked at our 5 Day Short Trek, that route reaches the same base camp fast, using a jeep assisted start and genuinely long daily distances that suit fit, time pressed trekkers. If you've looked at our 10 Day Classic route, that one adds Ghorepani and Poon Hill's sunrise panorama, at the cost of three extra days. This itinerary keeps the more relaxed, spread out pacing of the classic route, without the specific Ghorepani and Poon Hill detour, trading that panorama for time spent properly in Ghandruk instead.
Who This Is Actually For
Trekkers who want a genuine, unhurried Annapurna Base Camp experience without committing a full ten days, and who would rather spend real time in one significant village than rush through several smaller ones. It suits both first time trekkers who want a gentler pace than our 5 day route and returning visitors who've already seen Poon Hill and want a different angle on the same region.
This is a fully guided, lodge based trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Ghandruk, skipping the Ghorepani and Poon Hill detour but spreading the ascent and descent across a gentler seven day pace than our fast track alternative.
Trip Highlights
Journey Highlights
A Morning in Ghandruk, Before the Trail Wakes
Unlike rushed itineraries that pass through, this trek gives you time to experience Ghandruk as the village comes alive. Walk its stone alleys, watch daily mountain life unfold, and enjoy clear morning views across the Annapurna range.
Arrive at Annapurna Base Camp with Energy to Spare
Reaching Annapurna Base Camp should feel like the reward, not the finish line. A well paced ascent means you arrive with enough energy to take in the complete amphitheatre of Himalayan giants instead of simply ticking off the destination.
A Deeper Look into Gurung Life
The Gurung Museum adds context to the trail, revealing the stories behind one of Nepal's most respected mountain communities, from generations of Gurkha service to traditions that still shape everyday life in Ghandruk.
End the Trek Where Warm Water Meets the River
Before returning to Pokhara, soak in the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola at Jhinu Danda. After days on mountain trails, it is one of those simple moments trekkers remember long after the journey ends.
The Genuine Middle Ground
- Not a compromise between our 5-Day and 10-Day versions — a deliberately different pace built around real time in one significant village.
Ghandruk Gets a Full Morning, Not a Passing Glance
- One of the largest Gurung settlements in the region, with a real museum, not a five-minute photo stop.
No Punishing Single Days
- Unlike our fast-track route, no day here runs longer than roughly six hours until the final push.
Quieter Than the Poon Hill Route
- Most trekkers chasing the sunrise panorama choose our other itinerary, leaving this trail genuinely less crowded.
Itinerary
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days via Ghandruk Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Drive from Pokhara to Bikas Danda & Trek to Ghandruk
Pokhara → Hemja → Naudada → Lumle → Nayapul → Birethanti → Syauli Bazar → Kimche → Bikas Danda (end of drive / start of trek) → Ghandruk
Starting Destination: Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft)
Final Destination: Ghandruk (1,940 m / 6,365 ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 1,940 m / 6,365 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,120 m / 3,675 ft
Walking Distance/Duration: ~58 km (36.0 miles) total distance | 4.5 to 5.5 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ghandruk
We begin with a morning drive out of Pokhara, following the Modi Khola river valley past Birethanti and up to the mountain trailhead at Bikas Danda (Kimche). From here, a short, scenic walk leads us straight into Ghandruk (1,940 m), one of Nepal’s most famous Gurung stone villages. You’ll spend the afternoon wandering its slate-paved alleyways, visiting the local heritage museum, and soaking in magnificent, close-up views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli right from your lodge courtyard.
Day 2 - Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong
Ghandruk → Komrong Danda (Ridge) → Kyumnu Khola (River crossing) → Taulung Junction → Chhomrong
Starting Destination: Ghandruk (1,940 m / 6,365 ft)
Final Destination: Chhomrong (2,170 m / 7,120 ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,170 m / 7,120 ft
Elevation Gain: 230 m / 755 ft
Walking Distance/Duration: ~9.5 km (5.90 miles) total distance | 5 to 6 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Chhomrong
Leaving Ghandruk's stone architecture behind, we descend through terraced farmlands down to the Kimrong Khola river before climbing back up through shaded rhododendron and oak woods. Passing through quiet hillside hamlets, we join the main Sanctuary trail and make a steady afternoon climb into Chhomrong (2,170 m). Perched on a dramatic ridge, this vibrant village serves up cold drinks, fresh local bakeries, and stunning sunset views looking directly up the canyon toward Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Day 3 - Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan
Chhomrong → Chhomrong Khola (Suspension Bridge) → Tilche → Lower Sinuwa → Upper Sinuwa → Khuldighar → Bamboo → Dovan
Starting Destination: Chhomrong (2,170 m / 7,120 ft)
Final Destination: Dovan (2,600 m / 8,530 ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
Elevation Gain: 430 m / 1,410 ft
Walking Distance/Duration: ~10 km (6.21 miles) total distance | 5 to 6 hours total
Difficulty: Strenuous
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Dovan
We start the morning by dropping down thousands of stone steps to cross the Chhomrong Khola suspension bridge, followed by an immediate climb up through the terraced fields of Upper Sinuwa. Beyond Sinuwa, the open mountain landscape transitions into the cool, dense bamboo groves of the Modi Khola gorge. Keeping an eye out for native Gray Langur monkeys along the forested path, we make a steady, comfortable push past Bamboo to reach our peaceful riverside lodge in Dovan (2,600 m).
Day 4 - Trek from Dovan to Deurali
Dovan → Hinku Cave → Himalaya → Bagar → Deurali
Starting Destination: Dovan (2,600 m / 8,530 ft)
Final Destination: Deurali (3,200 m / 10,498 ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 3,200 m / 10,498 ft
Elevation Gain: 600 m / 1,968 ft
Walking Distance/Duration: ~7.8 km (4.85 miles) total distance | 4 to 5 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Deurali
As we cross the 3,000-meter altitude mark today, the lush forest canopy opens up into high-alpine riverbeds surrounded by towering granite cliffs. We pause for a warm lunch in Himalaya (2,900 m) before passing beneath the historic Hinku Cave overhang where early mountaineering expeditions once sheltered. By afternoon, we arrive at Deurali (3,200 m), resting beneath sheer canyon walls while taking time to hydrate well with hot garlic soup as our bodies adapt to the thinner air.
Day 5 - Trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Deurali → Bagar → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) → Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Starting Destination: Deurali (3,200 m / 10,498 ft)
Final Destination: Annapurna Base Camp / ABC (4,130 m / 13,550 ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 4,130 m / 13,550 ft
Elevation Gain: 930 m / 3,052 ft
Walking Distance/Duration: ~7.8 km (4.85 miles) total distance | 4 to 5 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Annapurna Base Camp
Leaving Deurali early, the narrow canyon opens dramatically into the sunlit Annapurna Sanctuary as we trek alongside glacial moraines to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) for lunch. A gentle, two-hour afternoon walk across open snowfields brings us into the heart of Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). Here, you’ll stand inside a breathtaking 360-degree amphitheater of 7,000-meter and 8,000-meter icy peaks as the late afternoon sun paints the surrounding glaciers in shades of gold.
Day 6 - Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) → Bagar → Deurali → Himalaya → Dovan → Bamboo
Starting Destination: Annapurna Base Camp / ABC (4,130 m / 13,550 ft)
Final Destination: Bamboo (2,310 m / 7,578 ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,310 m / 7,578 ft
Elevation Loss: -1,820 m / -5,972 ft
Walking Distance/Duration: ~14.5 km (9.0 miles) total distance | 6 to 7 hours total
Difficulty: Strenuous
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Bamboo
We wake at 5:30 AM to watch the first golden rays of sunlight ignite the massive south face of Annapurna I over a warm cup of tea. After breakfast, we begin our descent back down the valley, enjoying how much easier every step feels as we move back into oxygen-rich air. We comfortably retrace our steps past MBC, Deurali, and Dovan, returning to the sheltered greenery of Bamboo (2,310 m) for a relaxing, well-earned evening.
Day 7 - Trek to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs) & Drive to Pokhara
Bamboo → Sinuwa (Upper & Lower) → Chhomrong Village → Jhinu Danda & Hot Springs → Samrung Jeep Station → Birethanti Checkpost → Nayapul Highway → Pokhara
Starting Destination: Bamboo (2,310 m / 7,578 ft)
Final Destination: Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 820 m / 2,690 ft
Elevation Loss: -1,490 m / -4,888 ft
Walking Distance/Duration: ~64.5 km (40.0 miles) total distance | 8 to 9 hours total
Difficulty: Strenuous
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Pokhara
Our final morning on the trail takes us back up the stone staircases to Sinuwa, followed by a scenic descent through Chhomrong down toward Jhinu Danda. Here, you’ll have time to walk down to the riverbank and soak your tired legs in the natural Tato Pani (hot springs) right beside the roaring Modi Khola. From the nearby roadhead, our private transfer will be waiting to drive you back to Pokhara, wrapping up your 7-day Himalayan journey in time for a celebratory cold drink by Phewa Lake.
Getting There
Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is served by direct and one stop flights from most major hubs in Asia and the Gulf. Travelers from the US, Europe, and Australia typically connect through Doha, Istanbul, Delhi, Singapore, or Bangkok. This itinerary itself begins in Pokhara, reachable from Kathmandu by a scenic 6 to 7 hour drive or a 25 minute domestic flight, both available as an addon above.
Sublime Trails representative will come to pick you at the airport. So we will be meeting at Pokhara to start the amazing journey.
Map And Altitude Chart
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days via Ghandruk Map and Altitude Chart
Interactive Map
Cost Details
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Ground transport: Pokhara to Nayapul return
- All teahouse accommodation and meals during the trek
- Licensed guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers, up to 15kg)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Guide and porter insurance
What’s Excluded
- Kathmandu to Pokhara transport (available as an addon)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Nepal visa fee
- Hot showers, the Jhinu Danda hot spring entry fee, and personal expenses
- Guide and porter tips
Extensions
Take your adventure to the next level
- Kathmandu to Pokhara transport, by road or domestic flight
- Extra night in Pokhara, pre or post trek
- Extra night in Ghandruk for deeper cultural exploration
Kathmandu to Pokhara by road: US$25 to US$40 per person each way by tourist bus. By flight: approximately US$120 to US$150 per person each way. Extra Pokhara night: US$30 to US$65 depending on hotel category. Extra Ghandruk night: US$40, including accommodation and meals.
Local Guide
Meet Our Local Guide
Food and Accommodation
What You’ll Eat & Where You’ll Stay
Ghandruk's larger guesthouses offer genuinely wider menus than smaller trailside stops, dal bhat, momos, thukpa, and pizza in some lodges. Chhomrong's bakeries add apple pie and cinnamon rolls to the mix on both the way in and out. Prices rise past Chhomrong as supply lines lengthen: expect roughly US$3 to 5 per meal in the lower villages, US$6 to 9 near Base Camp. Boiled or filtered water is available everywhere for a small fee; bottled water is discouraged for cost and plastic waste.
Equipment list
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days via Ghandruk Equipment list
Know before you go! Some stuff we’ll provide, other things you’ll need to bring.
Reviews
Client’ Testimonials and their Experiences
A
Incredible experience
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek was an unforgettable experience, largely thanks to the amazing team that accompanied us. Our guide, Suman, was more than just a guide — he was a true trekking companion. Always available, attentive, and with an uplifting energy, he made each step feel lighter (even when our legs were giving up!).
A huge thank you also to our porters, without a doubt the true heroes of this journey. Their strength, generosity, and constant support were essential — we couldn’t have reached the top without them.
A challenging adventure, full of personal victories, made all the more memorable thanks to these incredible people who walked by our side.
C
Incredible 5-Day Trek with the Best Team!
Absolutely the best experience of my life! I was traveling solo and wanted to join a group for the 5-day Annapurna Base Camp trek. Sublime Trekking matched me with a group departing the same day and welcomed me in so warmly—it made the entire journey truly unforgettable. Our guide, Suman, was phenomenal—knowledgeable, organised, and attentive to everyone’s well-being. He made sure we had regular breaks and stayed on track, all while creating a fun, supportive atmosphere. We shared so many laughs, captured incredible memories, and formed bonds that will last forever. Completing the trek in just five days was definitely challenging, but absolutely worth it. Don’t think twice about booking with this company—they’ll take amazing care of you and give you the adventure of a lifetime.
P
Great ABC 5 days trek
I did a short 5 days trek organised by Sublime Trails to reach Annapurna Base Camp, with Kiran as a guide. I had a very strict and tight schedule for my vacation in Nepal and the trek needed to be planned ahead for this reason. I felt safe and in very good hands as the agency was always very reactive to my emails and whatsapp messages beforehand. My guide Kiran was very kind and very thoughtful and could answer all my requests, and I learnt a lot about the nepali culture during this trek thanks to him. I recommand 100%
Moments
Travel Moments
We Always Get Excellent Guides
Essential
Know Everything Before You Go Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days via Ghandruk
Currency & ATMs
Exchange currency in Pokhara before you start trekking, since this is where your itinerary begins. ATMs are available in Pokhara but not beyond Nayapul, so carry sufficient cash for the full trek. Budget roughly US$150 to 180 in cash for personal spending along the trail.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required to enter Nepal or obtain a visa. It is required by us before you can start this trek, the same as every itinerary we run.
Your policy should cover trekking to at least 4,500m and emergency medical evacuation. This is the same requirement as our other Annapurna Base Camp itineraries. This moderate paced route carries the same altitude risk as our classic and short versions. All three reach the same destination. US-based trekkers commonly use UnitedHealthcare Global. European trekkers use Allianz or Europe Assist. Australian trekkers use Cover-More.
Buy your policy before you leave home. Confirm it covers the full duration of your trip, including any time spent in Ghandruk beyond the standard itinerary.
Nepal Visa
Most nationalities, including US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian citizens, can get a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. You can also apply online in advance. A 15 day visa comfortably covers this 7 day itinerary. Indian citizens don't need a visa at all. Bring a valid passport, one passport photo, and the visa fee.
Travel Etiquette
- Always pass mani walls, chortens, and prayer wheels on your left, walking clockwise, in the higher villages this route passes through. This is a real Buddhist observance, not a suggestion.
- Ask before photographing people directly in Ghandruk, a genuine Gurung community, not a staged cultural stop. A smile and a gesture toward your camera is usually enough. A shaken head means no, and that's the end of it.
- Visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk respectfully, and ask before photographing any displays or the people working there.
- Yield the trail to porters and mule trains. Stay on the uphill side when you do.
- A donation at any shrine along the route is appreciated but never expected. Don't make a show of it either way.
- Take advantage of the genuine time this itinerary gives you in Ghandruk. Rushing through defeats the point of choosing this route over our faster version.
- Tipping is customary, not mandatory, and matters more than it might seem. Guides and porters rely on it as real income. Ask your operator for a typical range rather than guessing.
Training for the ABC Trek 7 Days via Ghandruk
This itinerary sits deliberately between our fast and full length Annapurna Base Camp routes. Training should reflect that middle position. Start at least 8 weeks out.
- Cardio, 3 times a week, building toward 60 to 75 minute sessions. No single day on this route runs as long as our 5 day itinerary's demanding stretches. Consistent moderate fitness matters more than peak conditioning.
- Load-bearing hikes with a daypack at 5 to 6kg, at least once weekly in your final month. This is the same standard as our classic route.
- This trek suits both first time trekkers and those who have already done Poon Hill and want more. Prior experience is genuinely not required, given the moderate daily distances throughout.
- Fitness doesn't prevent altitude sickness. This itinerary reaches the same 4,130m as our other two Annapurna Base Camp routes. Respect the altitude regardless of how gentle the pace feels.
Porter and Weight Limitation
One porter carries up to 15kg shared between two trekkers on this route. This is the same standard as our other Annapurna Base Camp itineraries. Keep your personal duffel to around 8 to 10kg for comfortable sharing. This moderate pace does not demand the ultra light packing our 5 day route benefits from.
Electricity & Connectivity
Electricity and charging are available at every teahouse on this route, and Ghandruk specifically offers reliable connectivity given its size. Most lodges charge a small per device fee. Mobile data through NTC or Ncell works reliably almost the entire route, with only brief gaps near Deurali.
Getting to Pokhara and the Nayapul Transfer
This trek starts and ends in Pokhara, not Kathmandu. It uses a standard road transfer to Nayapul rather than a jeep shortcut to a further trailhead.
Getting to Pokhara itself is a separate step. Most travelers arrive from Kathmandu by road, roughly 6 to 7 hours. A 25 minute domestic flight is available as an addon.
The Pokhara to Nayapul transfer runs on well maintained roads. Monsoon season is the only period landslides occasionally affect the route. We monitor conditions directly and adjust your transfer timing if needed.
