Annapurna Base Camp Trekking with Local Guide

Summary

Short Annapurna Sanctuary Trek & Hot Springs Experience

This is your chance to hike from Pokhara up through villages and forests to Annapurna Base Camp with a local guide by your side. Expect steep climbs, cozy teahouses, sunrise over Himalayan peaks, and a soak in natural hot springs before returning home — moments you’ll remember long after your boots are clean again.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to slow down here,” our guide Raj said, as we stopped for breath on the stone steps above Chhomrong. I could smell wood smoke drifting from a teahouse kitchen, and somewhere a rooster was making itself heard — honestly, I was grateful for any excuse to pause. The first day of this Annapurna Base Camp trek felt like it started in the middle of things: bags packed in Pokhara, then suddenly bouncing along in a jeep toward Samrung, and before I knew it, my boots were crunching up the trail. I’d read about the “short” version of this trek but didn’t expect my legs to notice every meter quite so much.

The rhythm of the days became strangely comforting — early light on terraced fields, the slap of cold water on my face at breakfast, then hours moving through bamboo forests or past shrines where locals left marigolds. Raj would point out peaks by name: Machhapuchhre (he called it Fishtail), Gangapurna, Hiunchuli. Sometimes he’d quiz us on which was which — I got it wrong every time and he’d just laugh. Lunches were always dal bhat or noodle soup in little guesthouses that smelled faintly of kerosene and cardamom. At night we’d pile into thick blankets and listen to wind rattling the windows.

I didn’t expect how emotional it would feel reaching Annapurna Base Camp itself. There’s this moment when you step into the wide glacier basin — all those mountains standing around you like silent giants, snow blowing off their ridges. It’s quiet except for boots crunching on frost and someone’s muffled “wow” (not me, but close). My hands were freezing but I just stood there trying to take it in — not sure if photos could ever catch that feeling. The next morning we watched sunrise paint everything gold before heading back down; legs tired but hearts kind of full.

The last night at Jhinu Danda is still stuck in my mind: soaking in hot springs while steam curled up into the dusk and someone nearby sang softly in Nepali. My knees were shot but I didn’t care — even Raj looked relaxed for once. If you’re thinking about a day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style adventure but want something quieter (and with more dal bhat), this trek is its own kind of magic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Ghandruk Samrung and Trek to Chhomrong

• Breakfast with Annapurna views
• Jeep drive to Samrung
• Trek to Chhomrong via steep stairs

Day 2 — Trek to Bamboo via Sinuwa

• Descend stone steps and cross bridge
• Uphill trek to Sinuwa and lunch
• Trek to Bamboo village

Day 3 — Trek to Deurali via Himalaya Hotel

• Climb from Bamboo to Himalaya Hotel
• Trek past Dovan and Hinku Cave to Deurali

Day 4 — Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

• Climb from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Day 5 — Return trek to Bamboo

• Explore Annapurna Base Camp views
• Descend to Bamboo via Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali

Day 6 — Trek to Jhinu Danda Hot Springs

• Climb through Bamboo forest to Sinuwa
• Descend to Chhomrong River and trek to Jhinu Danda
• Relax at natural hot springs

Day 7 — Trek to Samrung and Drive to Pokhara

• Breakfast with Annapurna views
• Walk to Samrung
• Jeep drive to Pokhara

Top questions

How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route?

The trek is moderately challenging with daily climbs and descents; good fitness helps but no technical skills are needed.

Is pickup included from Pokhara?

Yes, private jeep pickup from Pokhara is included at the start and end of the trek.

Are meals or accommodation provided during the trek?

Lodge accommodation is included each night; meals are available at guesthouses along the route but not always included in price.

What should I pack for this Annapurna trek?

Bring layered clothing for changing weather, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen, water purification tablets, and personal snacks.

Can I do this trek if I’ve never trekked at altitude before?

If you have moderate fitness and go slowly with your guide’s advice, most first-timers manage well despite some altitude gain.

What’s included

Your journey includes private pickup from Pokhara by jeep, all necessary trekking permits (ACAP), an experienced government-registered local guide plus porters whose expenses are covered throughout the trip, lodge accommodation each night along the route with access to hot springs at Jhinu Danda near the end, public liability insurance for peace of mind, emergency rescue assistance if needed, plus trekking essentials like a map and water purification supplies before returning comfortably by road to Pokhara.