Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trip Highlights of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp in just eight days.
- Have panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range.
- Walk through Gurung villages and rhododendron forests.
- Explore the beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Relax at the natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda.
- Explore the various terrains of the Annapurna region.
- Trek with the experienced team of Nepal Wanderlust Treks.
Overview of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an 8 day itinerary designed for travelers who want to reach the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary in a limited time. This will help you see Annapurna Base Camp without spending weeks in the mountains by combining domestic flights and private transportation with carefully organized trekking days. The trip provides a combination of mountain views, traditional villages, forest trails, and alpine landscapes.
You will start with a short flight to Pokhara and then a drive to Nayapul and the trek begins. The path traverses lovely Gurung settlements, terraced agricultural fields, bamboo forests and rhododendron woodlands and then into the Annapurna Conservation Area. As you climb higher, the landscape gradually changes into a dramatic mountain valley surrounded by towering peaks. The best part of the trek is the arrival of Annapurna Base Camp at the altitude of 4,130 meters where one can have a panoramic view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli and other Himalayan peaks.
At Nepal Wanderlust Treks, all the arrangements of your trip are well planned to make your trip safe and comfortable. All you have to do is the trek through the Annapurna area and leave the transportation, accommodation, permits and daily logistics to our seasoned local guides.
Our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary follows a carefully planned route that makes the most of every day while maintaining a comfortable pace. The 8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek also involves visiting the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda where you can relax after the trek. The Short ABC Trek is a great option in case you want a shorter Himalayan experience that includes sightseeing of the mountains, the local culture, and scenic walks.
Itinerary of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
When you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport a Nepal Wanderlust Treks representative will meet you and will take you to your Kathmandu hotel. Once you have checked in, you can rest after the trip or have a look around the streets of the area provided you have some time.
We will get to know each other in the evening when we will have a briefing on the trek with our guide, who will explain the program and discuss your trekking gear and clarify any uncertainties before your Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Fly from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Pokhara (822 m), Drive to Nayapul, and Trek to Chhomrong (2,170 m)
An early morning flight takes us to Pokhara, followed by a scenic drive to Nayapul, where the trek begins. We will stroll through terraced fields, Gurung villages, and forest trails while crossing several suspension bridges over the Modi Khola.
The last ascent to Chhomrong is the most difficult of the day and the village gives us the beautiful sight of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Overnight stay at a local teahouse.
Trek from Chhomrong (2,170 m) to Himalaya (2,920 m)
Leaving Chhomrong behind, we will descend to the Chhomrong Khola before climbing through lush forests toward Sinuwa. The path goes on through bamboo and rhododendron trees, past Bamboo and Dovan to Himalaya.
As we trek deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, the surroundings grow quieter and the mountain views become more beautiful. Upon reaching Himalaya, we’ll settle into our teahouse and get ready for tomorrow’s climb to base camp.
Trek from Himalaya (2,920 m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
Today, we will go through Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp and deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The scenery transforms from forested valleys to an open alpine landscape dominated by soaring Himalayan peaks.
We will reach Annapurna Base Camp, the highest point of our trek, by the afternoon. Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and surrounding mountains and spend a night at the base camp.
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) to Bamboo (2,310 m)
We will wake up early to see the sunrise over Annapurna Sanctuary before starting the descent. We will go back the same path through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Himalaya and have a different view of the nearby mountains.
On our way down, the alpine landscape gradually changes into dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. Once we arrive at Bamboo, we will check in our teahouse and spend a pleasant evening after a hard day on the trail.
Trek from Bamboo (2,310 m) to Jhinu Danda Hot Springs (1,780 m)
We will then proceed down bamboo and rhododendron forests, after breakfast, to Chhomrong. The trail leads down there to Jhinu Danda, a little village with its natural hot springs along the Modi Khola.
After checking into our teahouse, you can walk for about 15 to 20 minutes downhill to the riverside hot springs. Relaxing in the warm natural pools is a great way to unwind after several days of trekking before returning to the teahouse for the night.
Drive from Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) to Pokhara (822 m) and Fly to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
This morning we will take the drive through Jhinu Danda to Pokhara and we will see rivers, terraced fields and traditional villages on the way. After arriving in Pokhara, we will transfer to the domestic airport for a short flight back to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your own pace to relax or visit the local restaurants or to do some souvenir shopping before you leave.
Final Departure
Today is the end of your 8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek. As per your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport where you will take the next flight.
Thank you for choosing Nepal Wanderlust Treks. We hope you leave Nepal with wonderful memories of the mountains and look forward to welcome you again for another Himalayan adventure.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle.
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara (both ways).
- Private transportation from Pokhara to Nayapul.
- Private transportation from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara.
- Twin sharing teahouse accommodation throughout the trek.
- Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Seasonal fresh fruits after dinner during the trek.
- Experienced, government licensed English speaking trekking guide.
- One porter for every two trekkers (maximum 20 kg combined luggage).
- Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- TIMS Card (if required by current government regulations).
- Trekking map and duffel bag for use during the trek.
- First aid kit carried by the guide.
- All government taxes and company service charges.
What's Excluded?
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance, including emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Personal trekking gear & clothing.
- Hot showers, WiFi, charging facilities & laundry during the trek.
- Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages & extra snacks.
- Personal expenses, shopping and tipping for guide & porter.
- Any cost incurred as a result of flight delay, weather conditions, natural disasters or any other unforeseen circumstances.
- Any services not listed in the Cost Includes section.
Essential Information - Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Best Time for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The best seasons of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek are spring, between March and May and autumn between September and November. These are the months when the weather is always stable, the weather is warm, and the views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges are clear. Spring brings blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn offers fresh mountain air and excellent visibility after the monsoon.
Experienced trekkers can also do it in winter but the temperature at Annapurna Base Camp can even fall below the freezing point. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall may make the trails muddy and slippery. Following our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary during spring or autumn provides the most comfortable trekking conditions.
Difficulty of the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek which involves a good level of fitness. The walks are normally 5-7 hours a day, with various steep climbs and downs using stone staircases, forest trails, and mountain paths. Though the itinerary is shorter than the classic route, it reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
Regular walking, hiking, or light cardio training before your trip will help you enjoy the trek. Our trained guides adopt a slow pace, give frequent breaks and allow enough time to all members to adapt to the rising altitude.
Accommodation and Meals
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek will involve accommodation in comfortable teahouses which will offer basic twin sharing rooms with simple facilities. In Kathmandu, hotel accommodation is included, while mountain lodges offer a warm and welcoming place to rest after each day’s trek.
During the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided using fresh local food. Menus consist of Dal Bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups, pasta, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, and seasonal vegetables. Most teahouses along the route have hot drinks like tea and coffee as well.
Permits for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Depending on the current government regulations, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). A TIMS Card may also be required if applicable under the latest regulations.
Nepal Wanderlust Treks will arrange all required permits before your trek begins. All you need to provide is a copy of your passport and passport sized photographs. Our group will take care of the paperwork, and you can concentrate on your Short ABC Trek.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. In your policy, you must cover high altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation and personal belongings.
Although the trek is completed within a shorter timeframe, it reaches an altitude of 4,130 meters where weather conditions can change quickly. Proper insurance offers the added comfort and enables our team to get emergency help within a short time in case of need during your travel.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
This itinerary uses domestic flights, private transportation, and longer trekking days to help you reach Annapurna Base Camp in just eight days.
You will remain in nice teahouses with two-share rooms. Hotel accommodation is provided in Kathmandu.
Yes. There are small shops selling snacks, chocolates, soft drinks and some simple trekking equipment in most villages.
Yes. We recommend packing up to 10 kg per trekker. One porter usually carries a maximum of 20 kg for two trekkers.
Yes. The schedule will have time to go to the natural hot springs around Jhinu Danda where you will have time to relax after some days of trekking.
On clear days you can enjoy views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhaphuche, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and several surrounding peaks.
Yes. The path provides great chances to take pictures of mountainous landscapes, forests, waterfalls, small villages and the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Our experienced local team provides knowledgeable guides, reliable support and carefully planned itineraries to ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience.
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