Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

Prashant Khadka
10 min readMar 3, 2024

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The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) short trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It’s a shorter version of the classic Annapurna Base Camp trek, which typically takes around 8–11 days to complete. The short trek usually lasts around 5–7 days, making it best Annapurna trekking package for travelers with limited time but still wanting to experience the one of the best trekking routes in Nepal.

The Short trek to Annapurna Base Camp starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, offering travelers glimpses of the stunning Nepalese countryside and distant snow-capped peaks. Following a restful night in Pokhara, adventurers head on to another scenic drive to the charming village of Ghandruk. Trekking from Ghandruk to ABC continues on foot, leading participants through picturesque villages, lush forests, and terraced farmlands. Along the way, trekkers are treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Himchuli. The ultimate destination of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.

Trekking in Annapurna Region provides an opportunity to dive yourself in the local culture as you interact with friendly villagers from different ethnic groups. Reaching the Annapurna base camp is a rewarding experience as you are greeted by towering snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Annapurna I. The ABC trek route offers panoramic beauty and the chance to capture unforgettable memories.

This ABC Short Trek is relatively moderate in terms of difficulty, making it suitable for trekkers of various fitness levels. However, it still involves ascending and descending steep terrain, so it’s essential to be adequately prepared and acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

  • Trek Duration: 7 days
  • Trek Grade: Moderate
  • Highest Altitude: 4130m
  • Accommodation: Lodge/tented house/homestay
  • Transportation: Overland & flight
  • Group size: 1 to 15 Pax
  • Best Season: March-May & Sept-Nov

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Witness the Spectacular and close view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri
  • Witness the beautiful village of Ghandruk
  • Witness the exotic flora and fauna
  • Witness the beautiful lake city of Pokhara
  • Walk uphill to Sinuwa and pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar and reach our destination, the village of Bamboo
  • Relish a beautiful view of Mt. Macchapuchhre, next to Mt. Hiunchouli, and many more.
  • Get a chance to enjoy the hot springs tonight by walking downhill from Jhinu Danda.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

  • Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Pokhara (820m) 6–7 hours drive.
  • Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk (1940m) 5–6 hours drive.
  • Day 03: Trek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa (2360m) 6–7 hours trek.
  • Day 04: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali (3230m) 6–7 hours trek.
  • Day 05: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) 5–5 hours trek.
  • Day 06: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m) 7–8 hours trek.
  • Day 07: Trek from Bamboo to Ghinu Dada (1780m) 5–6 hours trek & Drive back to Pokhara

Departure & Return Location

Thamel Marga Central Thamel Kathmandu (Google Map)

Price Includes

Price Excludes

  • A day three meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) on your choice from the menu during the treks.
  • Standard tea house during the treks.
  • 2 Night Hotel at Pokhara
  • Equipment as like (sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, walking poles, crampons) to be returned after the trip is complete.
  • All needed ground transportation mention on the itinerary.
  • An excellent government licensed holder guide including all his meals, accommodation, salary, transportation, insurance & many more…
  • All needed permit & national park fees.
  • Trekking route map.
  • First aid kid box including oximeter & pulse meter checker.
  • An emergency helicopter rescue services, if in case.
  • An achievement certificate.
  • Government tax & service charge.
  • Personal expenses as like the phone & camera charging, hot shower, wifi
  • Tips to guide & porter
  • Extra an activities, in case if you have an extra day on your holidays.
  • All kind of drinks as like mineral water, beer, tea, coffee, juice, Coke, Fanta, and hard drinks.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu, in case if you return earlier from the treks.
  • Lunch & dinner during stay in city.

Complementaries

Return After Trip Finish

  • Trekking Pole
  • Sunscreen
  • Sleeping Bag

What to Expect during ABC Short Trek

  • Witness the Spectacular and close view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri
  • Visit the famous heritage sites of Kathmandu
  • Witness the beautiful village Ghandruk
  • Witness the exotic flora and fauna
  • Witness the beautiful lake city Pokhara
  • Walk uphill to Sinuwa and pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar and reach our destination, the village of Bamboo
  • Get a chance to enjoy the hot springs tonight by walking downhill from Jhinu Danda.

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek Photos

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus

Trip Duration: 6–7 hours

Maximum Altitude: Pokhara (828m/ 2690ft)

Meals: Breakfast,

We will pick you up after early morning breakfast and drive you to Pokhara. In Nepal, road excursions are a unique experience. Beautiful scenery may be found all along the trip. Mountains and rivers run to the side of the road for the most part. On the route to Pokhara, we’ll stop for lunch.

Pokhara is a famous tourism destination for both domestic and international visitors. We’ll be stopping in a lakeside hotel so you can enjoy a relaxing evening by the water. Pokhara is also known as the Lake City and has a touristy feel about it.

However, if you want to come to Pokhara via plane, we can make those arrangements as well.

Day 02: Drive to Ghandruk

Maximum Altitude: Ghandruk (1,945 m/6381ft)

Traveled Distance: 3–4 Km

Trek Duration: 30 min -1 Hr drive; 5–6 hours trek

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After Breakfast we will ride towards Nayapul. This is the place from where we will commence our hike. Today’s trek is simple as we mainly travel on the broad track. Then, there will be an ascending climb as the finish of today’s hike. Ghandruk is a charming village populated primarily by Gurung people. If time allows us then, we will tour the Gurung museum in the twilight.

Dinner and Overnight in Tea house at Ghandruk

Day 03: Trek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa

Maximum Altitude: Sinuwa (2,360 m/7,743 ft)

Traveled Distance: Approximately 12–13 km

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin by descending from Ghandruk, traversing through lush forests and crossing picturesque streams. As we ascend, the landscape gradually changes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Sinuwa, our destination for the day, sits at an altitude of 2,360 meters (7,743 feet), offering a serene setting amidst nature’s splendor.

Upon reaching Sinuwa, we will settle into our accommodations and enjoy a hearty meal prepared at the tea house. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and rejuvenate, soaking in the tranquility of the mountains.

Dinner and Overnight stay at a Tea House in Sinuwa.

Day 04: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali

Maximum Altitude: Deurali (3,200 m/10,498 ft)

Traveled Distance: Approximately 9–10 km

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail from Sinuwa to Deurali is a mix of gradual ascents and descents, weaving through dense forests and crossing babbling streams. Along the way, keep an eye out for unique Himalayan wildlife and enjoy the serenity of the natural surroundings.

Deurali, situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,498 feet), provides a picturesque stopover amid the mountains. Upon arrival, we will settle into our accommodations at the tea house and savor a delicious meal prepared by our hosts.

Dinner and Overnight stay at a Tea House in Deurali.

Day 05: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp

Maximum Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,549 ft)

Traveled Distance: Approximately 8–9 km

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp winds its way through rocky terrain, offering panoramic views of towering peaks and cascading glaciers. Along the way, we may encounter mountain goats and other wildlife unique to the region.

Upon reaching Annapurna Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet), we will be greeted by breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding Himalayan giants. This sacred sanctuary amidst the mountains serves as a haven for trekkers and mountaineers alike, offering a sense of tranquility and awe-inspiring beauty.

After settling into our accommodations at the tea house, we will enjoy a well-deserved meal prepared by our hosts. Spend the evening basking in the glory of the Himalayas, watching the sunset paint the peaks with vibrant hues.

Dinner and Overnight stay at a Tea House in Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 06: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Maximum Altitude: Bamboo (2,310 m/ 7578.80ft)

Traveled Distance: 6–7 km

Trek Duration: 7–8 hours trek

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner

Start your day witnessing the beautiful panorama and eating a delicious breakfast. We return our tracks towards Bamboo. Today’s trekking route is mostly downhill, and we will be adopting the same trail we used to arrive at the base camp. We spend the night in Bamboo.

Dinner and Overnight in a teahouse at Bamboo

Day 07:Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda & Drive back to Pokhara

Maximum Altitude: Jhinu Danda [1,760 m/ 5774.80ft]

Traveled Distance: 5–6 km

Trek Duration:5–6 hours trek

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner

After breakfast at Bamboo, we head on the trek towards Jhinu Danda, marking the final leg of our journey before returning to Pokhara. The trek covers a distance of approximately 10–11 kilometers and typically takes 6–7 hours to complete.

The trail from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda offers a mix of descents and ascents, winding through dense forests and charming villages. Along the way, enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings and the soothing sound of flowing streams.

Upon reaching Jhinu Danda, located at an altitude of 1,780 meters (5,839 feet), we will have the opportunity to relax and unwind in the natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. Take some time to rejuvenate and soak in the warm waters, surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of the Himalayan foothills.

After lunch at Jhinu Danda, we will drive back to Pokhara, where our memorable trek comes to an end. Reflecting on the experiences and memories forged along the journey, we bid farewell to the majestic Annapurna region, carrying with us a newfound appreciation for nature’s wonders.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route Map

FAQ

1. What is the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is a condensed version of the classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek, focusing on the most scenic and culturally rich sections of the trail within a shorter timeframe.

2. How long does the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek take?

Typically, the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek takes around 7 to 9 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and pace of the trekking group.

3. When is the best time of year to do the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

The best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally stable, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

4. How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is considered moderately challenging. While it doesn’t reach the high altitudes of the full trek, trekkers should still be prepared for steep ascents, rocky terrain, and varying weather conditions.

5. What permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

Trekkers need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card, which are available in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

6. What are the highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

Highlights include breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range, encounters with local ethnic communities, diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests to alpine meadows, and a visit to the iconic Machapuchare Base Camp.

7. What is the maximum altitude reached during the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

The highest point of the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is typically Annapurna Base Camp itself, which stands at approximately 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level.

8. What should I pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing layers, a good quality sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, basic first aid kit, and personal toiletries. It’s advisable to pack light for a more enjoyable trekking experience.

9. Is it necessary to hire a guide or porter for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

While it’s not mandatory, hiring a guide or porter can enhance your trekking experience by providing valuable insights, ensuring safety, and assisting with navigation and carrying heavy loads.

10. Are there accommodation and food options available along the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

Yes, there are teahouses and guesthouses available along the trekking route, offering basic accommodation and meals such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and tea/coffee. It’s recommended to carry some snacks and energy bars for extra sustenance between meals.

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