This 5-day trek from Pokhara delivers high Himalayan scenery and cultural stops in a compact itinerary. Hike through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests and reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) with tea-house nights and a hot-spring finish.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trail opens like a doorway of stone steps and rhododendron, rising out of Pokhara’s green valley and pushing you into the cirque of the Annapurna massif. Daylight thins as you climb through terraced fields and Gurung villages, the air growing cooler and thinner until the amphitheater of Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) spreads ahead — a bowl of rock and glacier rimmed by Annapurna I and Machapuchare.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness for sustained uphill walking and ability to carry a 8–12 kg daypack; comfortable with multi-day trekking at altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Annapurna Sanctuary became noted in Western exploration in the 1950s; local Gurung communities have long-supplied porters and guided access to the high basin.
Conservation
This region is protected as the Annapurna Conservation Area—respect marked trails, minimize waste, and use local tea houses to support the community.
Reserve your spot on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 5 Days from Pokhara today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize early
Take the first day easy after drive to Ghandruk and watch for early altitude symptoms as you ascend above 2,500 m.
Hydration and purification
Carry a 1–2 L water bladder and a filtration or purification method—tea houses may serve boiled water but bring a backup.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support are crucial for stone steps and muddy descents.
Timing for views
Start pre-dawn on summit days for clearer skies and calmer winds; afternoon storms are common in shoulder seasons.
Hiking boots
Support and traction for uneven stone steps and muddy trails.
Insulating jacket (down or synthetic)
Warmth for sub-freezing nights at base camp and windy ridgelines.
fall
Water purifier or tablets
Reliable drinking water when tea-house availability varies.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and provide stability on wet steps.