Sanctuary of the Gods
Into the Annapurna Sanctuary a glacial amphitheatre ringed by 6,000–8,000 m walls of ice.
What Makes It Special
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a journey defined by dramatic natural progression and unparalleled mountain proximity. In just a few days of walking, you move from sub-tropical villages into a spectacular high-alpine sanctuary.
You begin in the vibrant Gurung villages of the lower hills, walking past terraced fields, stone pathways, and cascading waterfalls. As you trek deeper into the Modi Khola gorge, the trail climbs through thick bamboo and rhododendron forests. The valley gradually narrows before suddenly opening into the vast Annapurna Sanctuary a natural bowl ringed entirely by 6,000 m to 8,000 m ice giants.
Reaching Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700 m) and then Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) puts you face-to-face with the immense South Face of Annapurna I. The sunrise over the frozen sanctuary peaks is a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Lush forests to glacial sanctuaries. Gurung villages to natural hot springs. Cascading rivers, sacred peaks, and a 4,130 meter mountain amphitheatre. Sanctuary of the Gods is an extraordinary Himalayan journey.
Difficulty, Season & Who It's For
Moderate / Strenuous. The main challenge on this trek comes from thousands of stone steps along the trail (especially around Chhomrong) and continuous altitude gain as you enter the upper valley. Proper pacing, hydration, and steady footwork are essential.
March|May and September|November offer the best conditions for this trip.
Active hikers and fit trekkers capable of walking 5–7
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 01Arrive in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in, we'll have a trek briefing where your guide will explain the route, altitude, weather, equipment and preparations for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Day 02Kathmandu to Pokhara
We leave Kathmandu early and travel west toward Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The scenic drive takes us through river valleys, terraced hills, and countryside towns. In the evening, you can stroll along Phewa Lake with mountain reflections in the distance.
Day 03Pokhara to Jhinu Danda / Samrung to Chhomrong
We drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Samrung / Jhinu Danda. From here, we start trekking uphill, climbing through terraced fields and Gurung settlements to reach Chhomrong, a major mountain village perched directly opposite Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.
Day 04Chhomrong to Himalaya / Dovan
We descend the famous stone stairs of Chhomrong to cross the Chhomrong Khola, then ascend through dense bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests. Passing through Sinuwa and Bamboo, the trail follows the narrow Modi Khola valley up toward Dovan or Himalaya.
Day 05Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp via MBC
A spectacular day as we climb steadily above the tree line. Passing Deurali and the Hinku Cave, the valley opens up dramatically as we reach Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC). Continuing into the heart of the sanctuary, we arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) by late afternoon, surrounded by towering walls of snow and ice.
Day 06Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Wake up early for an unforgettable sunrise over Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhare. After breakfast, we begin our long descent back out of the sanctuary, retracing our steps down through MBC, Deurali, and Himalaya to reach Bamboo.
Day 07Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
We trek from Bamboo back up to Sinuwa and across to Chhomrong. After crossing Chhomrong, we descend down to Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon, you can walk down to the riverbank and relax in the natural hot springs to soothe your muscles.
Day 08Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
m A short final walk brings us to the road head at Samrung / Matque. We board our vehicle for the drive back to Pokhara. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to relax, explore Lakeside Pokhara, and celebrate the trek.
Day 09Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu, following the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and enjoy your last evening in Nepal.
Day 10Departure
Your Annapurna Base Camp adventure comes to an end. Our team will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule. Take home the memories, the mountain stories and hopefully a serious appetite for the next adventure.
What's Included & What's Not
Our package covers everything required for this trip, excluding accommodation and personal expenses in Kathmandu unless otherwise noted.
Included
- Experienced, licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Tea/coffee with meals where available
- All required trekking permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
- TIMS card / Local trekking documentation and fees
- Transportation to and from the trekking route
- Local transportation required within the itinerary
- Guide and porter food, accommodation and expenses
- Trek briefing and trip coordination
- Necessary local trekking logistics
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure
- Good vibes and Adventure Monastery energy
Not Included
- Accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Personal meals and expenses in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- International or domestic flight tickets
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal medical expenses and medication
- Tips for guides and porters
- Bottled water
- Soft drinks, alcohol and other purchased beverages
- Snacks and personal treats
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging and other optional teahouse services
- Entry fee for Jhinu Danda hot springs
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary or included section
What to Carry
Pack light and practical - Adventure Monastery provides the technical/expedition equipment; you bring your personal clothing and essentials.
Clothing & Layers
- 2–3 lightweight moisture-wicking T-shirts
- 1–2 long-sleeve trekking shirts
- 1 lightweight fleece / mid-layer
- Good down jacket
- Lightweight waterproof/windproof jacket
- Thermal top and bottom
- 2 pairs proper hiking/trekking pants
- 3–4 pairs trekking socks
- Warm/winter cap
- Sun cap
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm insulated gloves for higher elevations
- Buff / neck gaiter
- Swimwear (for Jhinu Danda hot springs)
Footwear
- Ankle-support trekking boots
- Lightweight sandals/slippers
- Microspikes / traction spikes for icy or snowy conditions near base camp
Sun & Weather Protection
- Good UV-protection sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF 30–50+
- SPF lip balm
- Backpack rain cover
Bags & Hydration
- 40–50 L trekking backpack
- Lightweight duffel bag for porter luggage
- Waterproof dry bags / packing cubes
- 2–3 L water capacity
- Water purification tablets/filter
Personal & Emergency
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Personal first-aid kit
- Blister treatment
- Personal medication
- Quick-dry towel
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes/tissues
- Basic toiletries
Electronics & Documents
- Phone
- Power bank
- Charging cables
- Camera + spare batteries, if needed
- Passport
- Travel insurance details
- Copies/photos of important documents
Recommended Extras
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended for stone stairs)
- Energy bars / lightweight snacks
- Small dry bags
- Earplugs
- Small personal repair kit
Full packing checklist available on request — this is the condensed version for quick reference.
Group Pricing
Priced according to group size, so larger groups share the fixed costs of guides, porters and transportation. All tiers include the full-board package described above.
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Ready for
Annapurna Base Camp?
Give us your rough dates and group size, and we'll come back with a plan and pricing for Sanctuary of the Gods - Annapurna Base Camp.
Prefer email? Reach us at hello@adventuremonastery.com