Heritage · Annapurna Base Camp
Chhomrong, the Gurung gateway to the sanctuary
Spend an afternoon in Chhomrong, the large Gurung village at about 2,170 m that controls the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary, with stone staircases, terraces, lodges and a view up the valley to Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Chhomrong is built on a steep slope above the Chhomrong Khola, its houses and lodges linked by long stone staircases that every trekker remembers for the climb back out. It is the last real village on the route; above it, the valley belongs to the gods and the lodges are seasonal.
Walk the lower village in the afternoon. Terraces of millet, maize and potatoes drop towards the river, and the view up the valley takes in Annapurna South and Hiunchuli on the left and Machhapuchhre's fishtail on the right. There is a school, small shops and a checkpoint where your permit and guide are recorded.
Ask your guide about the sanctuary rules that Chhomrong's people have kept: no meat or eggs taken up in the past, respect for the deities of the valley, and closing lodges in deep winter. Chhomrong's bakeries are an institution among trekkers; try the chocolate cake on the way down.
Good for
Questions
What is the altitude of Chhomrong?
Chhomrong sits at about 2,170 m, though the village spreads over a steep slope with a few hundred metres between upper and lower lodges. It is the last permanent village on the way to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp is about 2,000 m higher, reached in 2–3 days of walking.
Is there a checkpoint at Chhomrong?
Yes, there is an ACAP checkpoint at Chhomrong where permits and guide details are recorded before you continue into the sanctuary. Avalanche and trail warnings are also posted or announced here in risky periods. Keep your ACAP permit and TIMS card accessible. Rules and checkpoint locations change; check current status before you travel.
Is meat served above Chhomrong?
Traditionally, Gurung people forbade carrying eggs and meat into the sanctuary out of respect for its gods, and some lodges above Chhomrong still serve only vegetarian food. Practice varies, and menus have changed with tourism. Eating vegetarian on the upper trail is respectful, safer, and dal bhat makes it easy.
Also in Annapurna Base Camp
More ways to spend the day
NatureSunrise inside the Annapurna Sanctuary
Step out of your lodge at 4,130 m before dawn and watch the sun light the summit of Annapurna I, …
TrekkingFrom Machhapuchhre Base Camp into the sanctuary
The last stage of the trek: from Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 m, walk up the open valley of the …
Slow daysSoak in the hot springs at Jhinu Danda
On the way down from the sanctuary, walk 20 minutes below the village of Jhinu Danda to natural hot pools …