Field report · Kaski, Gandaki Province
Through Gurung villages and rhododendron forest into a glacial amphitheater encircled by Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and the fishtail of Machapuchare.
Day by day
From Pokhara to Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and the Modi Khola gorge into the Sanctuary—stone staircases up, glacier basin at the top.
Permit processing (ACAP + TIMS), kit audit, and a Thamel orientation walk.
Preparation
Expect warm days in the lower forest and freezing nights at base camp. Layer smartly and pack light for the stair-heavy trail.
Kit list
Kit list
Kit list
Place & people
Ghandruk and Chhomrong are Gurung communities with a proud tradition of service in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. Pension income built many of the stone lodges you sleep in. Evenings may feature rodhi songs and local rakshi, offered with genuine warmth.
Machapuchare (6,993m) is sacred to Shiva and has been officially closed to climbing since 1957. Its fishtail silhouette dominates the Sanctuary. Some lodges ask trekkers not to carry beef or pork beyond Chhomrong out of respect.
The Annapurna Conservation Area was Nepal's first community-managed protected area. Permit fees fund forest guards, micro-hydro power, and lodge management committees that set fair, fixed menu prices along the trail.
Reserve
From $1,180 USD
Small groups · private departures on request
Also in Gandaki
Trans-HimalayanWind-carved canyons, cave monasteries, and Tibetan trade winds on the rain-shadow side of the Annapurna massif.
$1,890
Enquire