Annapurna Regionछोम्रोङ
The last permanent Gurung village before the Annapurna Sanctuary, built on a steep staircase facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Chhomrong is the key junction on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Every route into the Annapurna Sanctuary, whether from Ghandruk via Kimrong, from Landruk via Jhinu Danda, or from Nayapul along the Modi Khola, joins here, and from Chhomrong onward there is only one trail up the valley to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Most trekkers stay a night on the way in and again on the way out.
The village tumbles down a steep hillside at about 2,170 m on long flights of stone steps, with lodges stacked one above another. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli tower directly above, and Machhapuchhre rises to the north-east over the Chhomrong Khola. Below the village, the trail drops to a suspension bridge and climbs again to Sinuwa, the start of the forested gorge that leads into the Sanctuary.
An Annapurna Conservation Area checkpoint and information centre operate in the village, and lodges here are the last with a wide choice of rooms and supplies before the higher, more basic stops.
Chhomrong is a Gurung village, and much of its land around the lodges is still farmed. The village appears in mountaineering history: the 1970 British expedition to the south face of Annapurna passed through on its way into the Sanctuary, and Chhomrong has been the gateway for expeditions and trekkers ever since. A local tourism management committee coordinates lodges, and the village supports ACAP rules such as the ban on selling single-use plastic water bottles beyond this point. A small chorten stands on the main trail through the village.
Sunrise over Annapurna South
The peak is so close above the village that it fills the view from lodge terraces in the early morning.
Restock before the Sanctuary
Buy snacks and supplies here, as choice and availability shrink higher up.
Jhinu Danda hot springs
On the way out, descend about 1.5-2 hours to Jhinu Danda and walk down to the natural hot pools by the Modi Khola.
Forecast for 2,170 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
Many trekking lodges line the stepped trail through the village; upper lodges have the best views, lower ones are closer to the onward trail.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Chhomrong is reached on foot. Jeeps from Pokhara can bring trekkers to road heads such as Jhinu Danda or Kimche, shortening the approach.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
Permit required
Chhomrong is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area; an ACAP permit is required and is checked at the village checkpoint.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Annapurna Sanctuary trek, Wikivoyage.
On the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
A teahouse trek from the road heads north of Pokhara through Gurung villages and the bamboo forest of the Modi Khola gorge into the Annapurna Sanctuary, to Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130 m.
About 2,170 m, with lodges spread over a steep slope; altitude problems are uncommon here but the trail climbs above 3,000 m within two days.
Take a jeep to Jhinu Danda or Kimche (roughly 3-5 hours), then walk 2-3 hours up to Chhomrong, or trek in over two to three days from Phedi or Nayapul.
Yes, an ACAP permit, checked at the village checkpoint; check the current TIMS and guide rules.
Usually two days up, staying at Bamboo, Dobhan or Himalaya and then Deurali or Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and one to two days back.
Town or village · 3,519 m
A high stone village in the upper Marsyangdi valley below Annapurna III and Gangapurna, where Circuit trekkers stop to acclimatise.
Trek stop · 4,130 m
Lodges at about 4,130 m in the glacial basin of the Annapurna Sanctuary, below the south face of Annapurna I.
Mountain pass · 5,416 m
The 5,416 m pass between Manang and Muktinath, the high point of the Annapurna Circuit.
Trek stop · 2,060 m
A grassy clearing at about 2,060 m above Kande with a wide view of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, an easy walk from the road.
Trek stop · 2,310 m
A group of lodges in the bamboo forest of the Modi Khola gorge, the first overnight stop above Chhomrong on the way to Annapurna Base Camp.
Trek stop · 3,200 m
The last lodges in the Modi Khola gorge before Machhapuchhre Base Camp, at about 3,200 m.
Trek stop · 1,650 m
A Gurung hill village above Phedi with views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas, close to Pokhara.
Trek stop · 3,420 m
A small high lodge stop on the ridge between Tadapani and Khopra, the base for sunrise at the Muldai viewpoint.
National park or conservation area
Nepal's largest protected area, from Gurung hill villages and rhododendron forest to the dry valleys behind the Annapurna range.
