5-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara: Mountain Lodge Route

Five days to stand at Annapurna Base Camp without weeks away

A 5-day trek from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) with a licensed guide, private transport, and mountain lodge accommodation. You drive to Jhinu Danda, trek through rhododendron forests and terraced fields to Sinuwa and Deurali, reach the base camp on day three with views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare, then descend through Bamboo village back to Pokhara.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Drive and trek to Sinuwa

• Drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda
• Visit natural hot spring
• Trek approximately 10 km to Sinuwa

Day 2: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali

• Trek 11 km from Sinuwa to Deurali
• Enjoy best Annapurna viewpoint

Day 3: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

• Trek 7 km from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
• Experience ultimate mountain views

Day 4: Descend to Bamboo village

• Descend 15 km from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
• Visit local village

Day 5: Return trek and drive to Pokhara

• Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (4 hours)
• Drive back to Pokhara (3 hours)
• Enjoy village and mountain views

The experience

You start with a drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda, then trek roughly 10 km uphill through lush rhododendron forests and terraced fields to Sinuwa at 2,340m. The second day climbs another 11 km to Deurali at 3,200m, where the best views of the Annapurna range open up. Day three is the push to Annapurna Base Camp itself, a 7 km ascent to 4,130m where you stand surrounded by Annapurna South, Machapuchare and the peaks that define this region. The descent spans two days: a 15 km drop from the base camp to Bamboo village on day four, then a four-hour trek back to Jhinu Danda and a three-hour drive to Pokhara on day five.

You stay in mountain lodges each night and eat meals provided along the trek: dal bhat, momos, noodle soups, eggs and porridge, with dietary options like vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free available if you request them during booking. A licensed guide leads you throughout, and one porter is assigned for every two trekkers to carry gear. Private transport handles the drive to and from the trailhead, so you don't arrange separate vehicles. The trek sits at moderate altitude with a steady climb, and you'll need at least moderate fitness to manage the daily distances and elevation gain.

All fees, taxes and porter expenses are included in the price. You'll encounter other trekkers on the route but move at your own pace with your guide and group. The rhododendron forests bloom in spring, and the mountain views improve with each day's ascent, but weather can shift quickly at altitude. Bring layers and rain gear regardless of season.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and return.
• licensed guide throughout the trek.
• mountain lodge accommodation for all five nights.
• all meals during the trek with dietary accommodation.
• one porter for every two trekkers and all porter expenses.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 20:15

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 to 70 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 37 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Holiday Planner Treks

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, so commentary and safety briefings are clear throughout. The five-day window fits a long weekend or a break in a wider Nepal trip, compressing the Annapurna experience into a single push rather than spreading it across a week.

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Top questions

What's the elevation gain each day on the trek to Annapurna Base Camp?

Day one climbs from 827m at Pokhara to 2,340m at Sinuwa, a gain of roughly 1,500m. Day two ascends from Sinuwa to Deurali at 3,200m, adding 860m. Day three reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m, a 930m climb. Day four descends 1,820m to Bamboo, and day five drops another 1,000m back to Jhinu Danda before the drive to Pokhara.

What kind of food do you eat during the trek?

Meals center on traditional Nepali dishes: dal bhat (lentil soup, rice and vegetable curries) with unlimited refills, momos (steamed or fried dumplings), noodle soups, Tibetan bread, thukpa (hearty noodle soup), eggs and omelets, and porridge or pancakes for breakfast. Garlic soup is often served, as it's believed to help with altitude. You can request vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options when you book.

Do you need to carry your own backpack on this trek?

Porters carry the main gear. One porter is assigned for every two trekkers. You typically carry only a day pack with water, snacks and layers, keeping the daily walk manageable.

What's the weather like at Annapurna Base Camp?

At 4,130m, the base camp is cold and exposed to rapid weather changes. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the clearest skies and warmest days, though nights are still freezing. Winter brings heavy snow and extreme cold. Summer brings monsoon rain and cloud cover. Bring insulated layers, a warm sleeping bag and rain gear for any season.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?

The minimum age is 16. You need at least moderate physical fitness to handle the daily distances and altitude gain. The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.