Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Nepal Pyramids Trekking & Climbing
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Places to Visit Annapurna Base Camp
  • Max Altitude 4,130m/13,459ft.
  • Group Size 2-15
  • Starts Jhinu Danda
  • Ends Jhinu Danda
  • Activity Teahouse Lodge Trekking
  • Best Season Spring/Autumn

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Join a city tour to visit two spiritually significant World Heritage Sites - Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
  • Fabulous welcome dinner at Thamel.
  • Scenic Flight to the picturesque Lake city of Pokhara.
  • Enjoy the aerial view of breathtaking landscapes, rivers, and farming terraces.
  • Explore Pokhara, the second largest city with a serene lake, Annapurna panorama and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Thrilling drive to Jhinu Danda and a delightful walk to the beautiful settlement of Sinuwa Through Chhomrong.
  • A delightful walk through traditional Gurung Villages and ancient farming terraces.
  • Trekking through the mystical forest towards Annapurna Sanctuary with the most dramatic forest setting.
  • Cruise through a forested trail adorned with Maple, Oak, Rhododendron, and Birch trees, and abundant flora.
  • View of 360-degree panorama from ABC.
  • Witnessing the most spectacular morning sunrise blessed with breathtaking panoramic mountain views.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview:

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is designed for trekkers who have a limited time frame. However, within this limited time frame, one can enjoy an alpine trekking experience with the beauty of the Annapurna region. This Classic trek has a beautiful blend of high-altitude trekking with Himalayan natural beauty.

The ABC trek typically lasts for 13 to 15 days but this short ABC trek is compressed to 9 days from your Nepal arrival till departure. In this short period, you will trek through diverse landscapes through traditional Gurung Villages, dramatic forests, deep valleys, and alpine meadows.

This Short ABC Trek offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range including Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Tent Peak, Fluted Peak, Gangapurna, and many more. The trek provides an excellent opportunity to experience a serene atmosphere and Nepal Himalayan trekking.

This phenomenal 9-day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to the legendary trail set by the French climber Maurice Herzog in 1950. Maurice Herzog scaled Annapurna I in 1950 which was the first-ever victorious human ascent of 8,000 m peaks in the history of mountaineering. Trekking to the base of Annapurna I (8091 m), the 10th highest mountain in the world is indeed a pleasing experience.

More About Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Sanctuary is by far the most sanctified place in the Annapurna region. The valleys and mystical forests bear various beliefs, myths, and mysteries that still survive amid all modernization.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is certainly one of the most popular treks after the Everest Base Camp Trek. As you trek the trail, the beauty of the Annapurna massif which is served before you is simply breathtaking.

The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to alpine Himalayan topography. It takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful villages in Nepal. You'll have the chance to meet the local people and learn about their culture.

And of course, no trek to Annapurna Base Camp would be complete without experiencing the sunrise and sunset. The sunrise/sunset views from the base camp are simply incredible.

Here are some of the things that make Annapurna Base Camp so beautiful:

The Annapurna massif is home to some of the most stunning mountains in the world, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. The trek to ABC passes through some of the most lush and beautiful forests in Nepal.

It also takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful villages in Nepal. You'll have the chance to learn about the local culture and meet the friendly GURUNG people of Nepal.

If you're looking for a beautiful and challenging trek, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is a great option. You'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayas. Furthermore, the experience is incredible.

Here are some additional thoughts on the beauty of Annapurna Base Camp:

  • The way the mountains change color throughout the day is simply stunning.
  • The feeling of being surrounded by such towering peaks is awe-inspiring.
  • The sense of accomplishment you feel when you reach base camp is indescribable.
  • The friendships you make with other trekkers along the way are priceless.

9-Day Short ABC Trip Summary:

We drive to the most enchanting Lake city of Pokhara with a grandiose view of the Annapurna range and the famous Phewa Lake. Fishtail or Machchapuchare - The Holy Mountain, dominates this beautiful city.

The next day we drive to the village Jhinu Danda, our starting point, the rustic settlement with the ‘natural hot spring’. Shortly we hike up to the beautiful village of Chhomrong which offers the most gorgeous view of the holy mountain Fishtail.

From Chhomrong we get deep into the silent and mysterious valley of Annapurna which presents lofty hills and a series of waterfalls. This enchanting trail eventually leads us to Sinuwa for our overnight stay.

The next morning, we start heading towards Bamboo through the most fascinating trail with a dramatic forest setting which is simply sensational. The name itself symbolizes that this small village is precisely inside the forest of bamboo, maple, rhododendron, and oak.

Bamboo Village doesn’t offer ample views but it’s worth it. However, the tranquil atmosphere at Bamboo with just the sound of nature around is mesmerizing.

Soon, we walk the sanctified woodland trail towards the village of Deurali. This trail appears very mystifying and holds lots of myths and mysteries. To many, this dark forested trail gives an uncanny feeling but it’s exciting as you pass through.

Soon we get to the most awaited destination, Annapurna base camp which is very well-fenced by skyrocketing snow peaks. It’s indeed very spiritual and magical to be at ABC with a magnificent view. Furthermore, anyone would be overwhelmed when they find themselves in a place entirely surrounded by majestic snow peaks. It is simply magical.

After saying goodbye to the magnanimous mountain, we retrace our trail back to Siwai. Eventually, the 9-day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is done and will undoubtedly leave you very mesmerized and contented.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrive to Kathmandu (1400 m/4593 feet)
  • Day 02:Scenic Mountain Flight to Pokhara (820 m/2,690 feet)
  • Day 03:Drive to Jhinu (natural hot spring) (1780 m/5,839 feet) trek to Sinuwa (2340 m/7677 feet)
  • Day 04:Trek to Deurali (3230 m/10,597 feet)
  • Day 05:Trek to Annapurna base camp (4130 m /13,459 feet) via Machhapuchare Base Camp
  • Day 06:Trek to Sinuwa (2340 m/7677 feet)
  • Day 07:Trek to Jhinu (natural hot spring) and Drive to Pokhara - overnight at the Hotel
  • Day 08:Fly to Kathmandu - City Tour
  • Day 09:Trip Ends - Transfer to International Airport

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Detailed Itinerary

  • Altitude: 1400 m/4593 feet
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome Dinner
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Transport: Airport Pickup
  • Altitude: 820 m/2,690 feet
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Walking Hour: 25 min FLIGHT
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Distance: 200 km
  • Transport: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
  • Altitude: 2340 m/7677 feet
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
  • Walking Hour: 3 Hrs. DRIVE/5 Hrs. Walk
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Transport: PRIVATE VEHICLE
  • Altitude: 3230 m/10,597 feet
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
  • Walking Hour: 6/7 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 4130 m /13,459 feet
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
  • Walking Hour: 5/6 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 2340 m/7677 feet
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
  • Walking Hour: 7/8 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Walking Hour: 3 hrs. Hike/3 Hrs. DRIVE
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Transport: PRIVATE VEHICLE
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Walking Hour: 25 min. FLIGHT
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Distance: 200 km
  • Transport: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transport: Airport Transfer
What's Included
  • PERMITS: All Essential permits required to legally trek in the region are procured before arrival.
  • PICKUP AND DROPS: Roundtrip airport pickup and drop-off facilities for both domestic and international flights are included.
  • ACCOMMODATION: Twin-sharing hotel accommodation in both KATHMANDU and POKHARA at three-star hotels on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
  • FAREWELL DINNER: A traditional Nepali-style farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Kathmandu.
  • SIGHTSEEING: A half-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s two most sacred UNESCO World Heritage sites with entrance fees included.
  • TAXES: All applicable local and national government taxes are covered.
  • GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Roundtrip PRIVATE VEHICLE ground transportation between destinations as per the itinerary.
  • STAFF TRANSPORTATION: All ground transportation for assistant guide, porter, and other trek staff as required.
  • DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Domestic flight from KATHMANDU to POKHARA and from POKHARA to KATHMANDU.
  • EQUIPMENT: Fundamental trekking gear like a sleeping bag with fleece liners, Primaloft jacket, Rain Poncho, Yak-Track, Trekking Poles, etc. are provided.
  • LODGING: Local Tea-house accommodation on a twin-sharing basis – A single supplement is provided on request OVER MINIMAL COST, however, depends solely on the availability.
  • DRINKING WATER: Properly filtered and boiled water for drinking is provided each morning and evening. Trekkers are advised to carry reusable water bottles/bladder bags that can hold at least 3 liters.
  • GLORIOUS FOOD: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with hot beverages are provided throughout the trek duration.
  • TREK LEADER AND ASSISTANT GUIDE: An experienced trek leader holding legitimate licensing leads the group, along with assistant guides based on group size. Groups of 3 or more are typically assigned at least 1 assistant guide.
  • PORTERS: The porter to trekker ratio is 1:2 - meaning 1 porter for every 2 trekkers. However, for groups larger than 4 trekkers, an additional porter is provided specifically to assist with hot water supply during the trek.
  • STAFF INSURANCE & ALLOWANCES: Insurance coverage, wages, and allowances for all trek staff are included.
  • SAFETY CONCERNS: Emergency equipment including oxygen cylinders and a comprehensive medical kit is available at all times during the trek.
  • COMPLIMENTARY TAKE AWAY: Trekkers receive a duffel bag, t-shirt, multi-functional headwear, baseball hat, trekking map, and completion certificate to take home.
What's Excluded
  • NEPAL VISA: A fee of $50 that is levied on a 30-day Nepali visa.
  • INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: The cost of all international flights.
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES: All personal expenses that may include Nepalese SIM card, internet, battery charging, hot shower, laundry, fizzy drinks, Alcohol, etc.
  • EMERGENCY: A medical examination of any kind, High Altitude Evacuation over any circumstances, Air Evacuation and Rescues.
  • DONATIONS: Donations of any kind.
  • STAFF TIPPING: Tipping is entirely a personal matter, however, it’s a trekking culture.
  • EXTRA NIGHTS: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu on early arrival or Late departure.
  • SANCTIONS: Permits or the letter of Authorization that is required for special Filming, big Drones, and Filming Cameras.
  • INSURANCE: All-inclusive Travel or medical insurance is a must.
  • EXTRA PORTER: Over request Extra Porter or Assistant is provided that may include the cost of $25 per day.
  • OPTIONAL TOURS: Optional tours and sightseeing or any activities during free time.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek FAQs

  • This legendary classical trip to Annapurna Base Camp is moderate in terms of difficulty that takes you to the land of the peace-loving Gurung people which is simply sensational. Besides ABC being a moderate trek, the Nepal Pyramids itinerary is designed so as to construct grounds for an ample pleasing environment with more time to relish than making it exhausting and significantly it is achievable for anyone with sound fitness.

  • The height of Annapurna Base Camp is (4130m / 13,549 feet) from the sea level. 

  • ABC being very strictly observed by the ACAP and the government authorities in terms of deforestation, the wood chimney system is outlawed. In winter, however, the tea houses collect 100/200 Nepali currency and provide basic heating system from Kerosene heater to their guests.  To obtain this facility there has to be a minimum of 5+ people so the heater is provided under the request.

  • ACCOMMODATION: The valley leading to Annapurna Base Camp has very limited tea houses as this area falls into the environmental conservation restriction area because of which constructing king-size lodges is prohibited. During Spring and Autumn, there is always a peril of these lodges being full and having no accommodation. Single supplement is not possible and sharing a room with your group or someone and dormitory accommodation is a very common episode. 

    FOOD: Despite their basic accommodation lodges are at their best offering you a comfortable experience and its typical local environment. You have a variety of choices for the food and so far there have been no complaints whatsoever in regards to food and accommodation provided by Nepal Pyramids.

  • Besides other mild mountain ailments like food poisoning or diarrhea, there has been no record of altitude sickness issues in the ABC trek. However, we provide medically trained Group leaders with medications and oxygen cylinders to deal with any altitude sickness.

  • Our everyday program normally starts with a wakeup call at about 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. depending on the distance you will be walking that particular day. By the time your breakfast is organized, you are to pack your duffel bag and leave it outside your room making it convenient for your porters and to make sure your luggage arrives before your arrival. 

    After breakfast, we will set out on our delightful trip in the beautiful cool morning. We will stop for lunch at some delightful local settlement. After lunch, we continue with our trip, and around early or late afternoon we get to our destination where afternoon tea will be served by the assistant guide before they hand out your room key or lead you to your camps. Your afternoon stroll is governed by the time we get to our destination. Soon the dinner order will be taken and the evening is typically exciting sharing your day’s stories, playing cards with the staff, or merely chatting.

    Make sure you get your bottle in the dining hall as our staff will be filling up your bottles with properly boiled water for drinking. After the dinner, your Group Leader will give you the detailed briefing on the next day’s program on the time duration, trail condition, village en-routes, facility, etc. Based on the next day’s stretch your assistant guides may take the breakfast order that every night

  • Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek suitable for any average person with sound fitness. No previous extensive experience is required for this trip however some pre-physical training certainly will be an added advantage as trekking in any part of Nepal involves a lot of undulating climbing with altitude variation. However, anyone with very weak ankles, knees, heart, or lung problems is to get consent from their doctor which is mandatory. We recommend some pre-physical training prior to your arrival in Nepal. 

  • Plastic Mineral water in the ABC trek is banned for environmental concern and we are opposed to the use of disposable plastic bottles on any of our trips to Nepal Himalayas. With no extra charge, our staff will supply you with appropriately boiled water every morning and evening for which at least 2 metal or plastic Nalgene bottles are recommended. In case you run out of the water provided you can always buy boiled and filtered water from the tea houses along the way at minimal charges.

  • The charging privilege is possible only in a few settlements because not every settlement has the privilege of hydroelectricity and whoever has it is only reliable during post-monsoon season when the water level is high. Most have solar charging facilities that will provide you with charging at a minimal cost. However, it is always wise to carry some extra batteries or fully charged power bank batteries since your batteries run out pretty quickly in the cold. 

    Most lodges provide you with Wi-Fi over some charges but are not always reliable.

  • NO, we don't see Everest from any part of the Annapurna Base Camp trail because Annapurna is on the West side of Nepal and Everest falls on the East. Both these destinations are entirely different in regards to the border, direction, district, zone, and distance.

    However, there are certain hill stations around and on the outskirts of Kathmandu from where you may possibly see both Annapurna and Everest in clear weather. 

  • March till May during spring and September to November during autumn before the harsh winter is the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp when the view of the world's 10th highest peak and its neighboring mountain is at its best state.

    Annapurna Base Camp is feasible even during winter (December till February) however, in case of heavy snowfall due to the probability of avalanche there might be alteration in the usual trekking trails leading to ABC. Though the winter offers great weather the chances of temperature getting down below the freezing point is probable. One should be well equipped with winter gear and be well organized mentally to challenge the worst of chill weather circumstances.

  • Health insurance and Air – -evacuation insurance are a must if you are trekking in the Himalayas as your backup provision. With Nepal Pyramids there is hardly any chance of health catastrophe as your leader is medically trained and has ample knowledge to deal with any mountain ailments or life-threatening situations.  However, for emergencies, we strongly suggest you have an all-inclusive travel insurance policy covering all aspects of your adventure. 

Why Choose Nepal Pyramids?

Nepal Pyramids is here to craft your Nepal dreams into reality. We assure you a trip extraordinarily out of the world with quality service and value for money. We propose comprehensive flexible packages with unbeatable price - without any hidden cost.

  • Team of Local Experts
    Team of Local Experts

    Our team of local experts is the driving force behind our success. With their passion, experience, and commitment, our team of local experts ensures that we all are not just participants but integral contributors to the growth and well-being of the community we serve.

  • Safety is our Prior Concern
    Safety is our Prior Concern

    Safety is our foremost concern at our Travel company. We prioritize the well-being of our adventurers above all else. We provide top-notch equipment and conduct rigorous safety checks to ensure every trek is as secure as it is adventurous.

  • Travel Sustainably
    Travel Sustainably

    Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. We ensure that the beauty and integrity of the destinations we explore are preserved. We believe in responsible tourism that contributes positively to the environment and the livelihoods of the local people.

  • Hassle Free
    Hassle Free

    Nepal Pyramids takes pride in making your journey hassle-free from start to finish. With our efficient services, expert Group Leading, and attention to detail, you can leave the hassles behind and focus on creating lasting memories during your travels.

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