Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is perfect trekking package for those who want to experience the stunning beauty of the Annapurna region in a shorter time. This popular trek takes you through charming villages, lush forests, and up to the breathtaking Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
The Annapurna region is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and visited trekking areas, surrounded by the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Himalayas and get a chance to experience the local culture of the Gurung and Magar communities.
Perfect for both beginners and experienced trekkers, this short trek offers a complete Himalayan adventure without needing a long holiday.
On this short Annapurna base camp trekking journey you will start your trip from Kathmandu by taking a short but scenic flight toward Pokhara. Riding in a domestic plane from TIA airport you will reach Pokhara International Airport in around 25 minutes. During the flight, you will enjoy the aerial view of Kathmandu city, lush hills, villages, rivers, and panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
During this short Annapurna base camp trek, you will stay in the tea house, where you will experience warm hospitality from Gurung Communities. Old-style homes and interacting with local people, and understanding their local culture, traditions and lifestyle are fun.
The route of the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek trek takes you to the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is filled with lush bamboo groves, endangered wildlife, and colorful prayer flags. Also, the panoramic view of the snow-capped mountain and beautiful landscape makes your trekking experience memorable.
In this 10-day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will reach two base camps, which are the Annapurna base camp and the Machhapuchhre base camp. Standing at this base camp will give you a sense of pride and achievement. The sunrise and sunset views here are some of the most magical in the Himalayas.
The short Annapurna base camp trek will be incomplete without the view of the towering peaks such as Annapurna I (8091 m) and Machhapuchhre (6997 m). Witnessing this snow-capped peak is jaw-dropping and will remain in your memories forever.
After you complete the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek while returning from Bamboo Village, you will get a chance to experience a natural hot spring. This natural hot spring helps you to relax after tiring trekking and helps you to heal your body naturally. Additionally it is believed that taking a bath here can cure skin disease.
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins with a flight to Pokhara– the tourist hub of Nepal and the second-largest city in the country. Situated beside the awesome Phewa Lake, the city is a picturesque respite and is also the beginning point of most of the region’s trekking adventures.
Likewise, the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre gleams magnificently on the surface of the Phewa Lake. Furthermore, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to various ethnic Gurung and Magar villages and settlements through the Annapurna Valley.
One of the most renowned overnight stops along the trek is the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk, offering breathtaking views of mountain peaks like Gangapurna (7,454m) and the Annapurna range.
Thi trek also includes a stay at Jhinu Danda, a natural hot spring that is said to have natural healing properties. After enjoying the trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, you can relax at the hot spring and take in its holistic healing chattels, letting go of all your weariness and rewarding your body for undergoing the journey.
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek captures all of the best features of the region in a short amount of time for you to enjoy. At every step of the trekking trail, you will be blessed with marvelous views of the Himalayas. It is also naturally uplifting and a great way to enjoy a Himalayan acreage incorporated with ethnic Gurung culture.
Duration: Those who want to participate in this ABC short trek must have 10 Days of vacation.
Physical Fitness: A moderate level of physical fitness is required. Best for both first-time and beginner trekkers.
Health Condition: Must be fit and fine.
Age requirements: No age restrictions.
Daily walking hours: Trekkers must be able to walk for 4-5 hours during the trek.
Passport: Foreign trekkers must have a valid passport( at least six months of validity)
Health and Travel Insurance: Recommended
The best time for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on weather conditions and your preferences for scenery and crowd levels. Here is a breakdown of each season so that you can understand which season is best for you.
Trekking permits are compulsory for trekking inside the Annapurna region and for the Annapurna base camp short trek you will need this permits:
| Permit Name | Cost (Foreign Trekkers) | Cost (SAARC Nationals) | Additional Notes |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 | NPR 200 | Required for entering the Annapurna region. |
| TIMS Card | NPR 2,000 | NPR 1,000 | Needed for trekking routes in Nepal. |
Note: When you book the short Annapurna base camp trek(ABC) package with High Route adventure we will arrange all permits for you. Also the ABC trek permits will be included in the trekking package.
High Route Adventure will provide you with the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek package at an affordable cost. All our costs are revealed on the website and there will be no hidden cost when you book with us. For solo trekkers, it will cost you 985 USD, but the more you are in a group, the more discount you will get on the trekking package.
| Number of People | Price Per Person (USD) |
| 1 – 1 | $985 |
| 2 – 6 | $730 |
| 7 – 10 | $695 |
Note: If you want to add Poon Hill to your Annapurna Base Camp trek, we recommend checking out our 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package. For those who love a challenge, our Annapurna Circuit Trek Package offers a more adventurous experience. If you’ve already completed the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you can also explore our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 9 Days or the scenic Mardi Himal Trek – 10 Days for a different Himalayan journey.
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by one of our representatives. They will assist you with your luggage and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. Since there are no scheduled activities for the day, you’re free to relax and recover from your flight or explore the nearby streets at your own pace. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Early in the morning, you will be taken to the airport for your Pokhara flight, which takes about 20 minutes. Arriving at Pokhara, you will have a short drive to Nayapul, traveling via the road. The drive is pleasant and gives you a good fleeting glimpse of the countryside life of the region. From Nayapul, you will then be trekking to Ghandruk- one of the most well-known Gurung villages in the region. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Ghandruk.
From Ghandruk, you will have a lovely nature-filled trek to the village of Chhomrong today. The village is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Likewise, the trek is filled with wonderful views of the Annapurna Mountains and the terrain is blessed with peaceful woodlands, home to many beautiful fowls and avifauna. The trail is mostly up-and-downhill and isn't arduous. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chhomrong.
From Chhomrong, you will be entering the Annapurna Sanctuary- a protected area that is home to many endangered species of animals and birds. The trail from Chhomrong descends towards Chhomrong Khola, which you will cross via a suspension bridge, often decorated with colorful prayer flags. Further on, the trail climbs out of the valley and ascends to Khuldi. From here, the path is a descent along the steep slippery stone staircase that enters thick bamboo groves toward Dovan. Overnight stay at the Himalayan Hotel.
The climb to the Annapurna Base Camp takes a few hours from the location of the Himalayan Hotel. Descending from a ridge above the hotel, the pat branches out towards lush meadows with large pastureland. You will reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp midway through the trail which offers a grand view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) itself. Finally, eventually, you will reach the Annapurna South Base Camp, from where majestic panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks magnificently rise around like a naturally formed amphitheater. Overnight stay at the Annapurna Base Camp.
From the base camp, you will follow a small levied path through the valley once again towards the village creatively named Bamboo. Along the way, rows of beautifully sleek and emerald bamboo groves and rhododendron woods ornament the landscape, as well as the sight of the mountains that serrate the skyline. The path is leveled and has a downward slant for the most part, but isn't too difficult. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Bamboo.
From Bamboo, you will follow a gradually descending path toward one of the famous settlements of the region- Jhinu Danda. The small village is situated amid high rising cliffs and harbors a natural hot spring that is laded out right beside the fast raging river. The hot spring is said to have natural healing properties and you can relax in the hot water pool, relieving your muscles and body. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Jhinu Danda.
From Jhinu, you will follow the same route back toward Nayapul. Trekking through beautiful terrace farms and pastures, you will descend southward through numerous villages. From Nayapul, you will then have a lovely drive back to Pokhara. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Pokhara.
You can have a drive back to Kathmandu. Upon returning to Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your Hotel. In the evening time let's have a farewell dinner at a Nepali tropical restaurant with a cultural program. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
(Note: From Pokhara to Kathmandu is an option on the flight)
Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek(ABC) is considered moderate in difficulty, which means a wide range of trekkers can join this trek if they have good fitness level. Even though this trek can be manageable stills here are the things that you need to be aware of while undertaking it.
Trekkers who want to participate in this short Annapurna trekking must be able to 5-6 hours during the trek. Trekking for continuous can be hard for the beginner for first time trekkers.
Pro tip: If participants lack good physical fitness, they can engage in strength-building and cardio exercises to develop strong legs, back, and core.
On this short Annapurna base camp trek the maximum height that you will reach is Annapurna base camp which has an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). While walking at high altitude to reach the base camp some of the trekkers might feel AMS symptoms.
Pro tip: Follow preventive measures and altitude sickness prevention to avoid AMS.
The route of the Annapurna base camp trek takes you through the forest, narrow path, suspension bridges, and rocky trails. Even though it's not so hard to walk in such terrain conditions, it might still be difficult for some trekkers.
Pro tip: Use trekking poles and walk slowly in difficult terrain conditions.
The weather can sometimes become unpredictable especially at high altitudes in the Annapurna region. Sudden change in the weather can add difficulty to trekkers.
Pro tip: Check the weather forecast during the trek and carry clothes that help to stay protected during bad weather conditions.
Since the short Annapurna base camp trek is not so difficult, you still need to have some preparation before heading on this wonderful trek in the Annapurna region. Here are things that will help you to prepare to make it successful and more enjoyable.
You don’t have to be super fit or need extreme preparation like the mountaineers do. The main thing that trekkers need to focus on is building leg and back strength so that they can trek for 5-6 hours carrying a backpack. For this you can engage this activist or exercise at your home:
If you are a beginner trekker then for this short ABC trek we suggest you to choose the best time for trekking which is spring and autumn season. Trekking in this season helps you avoid unnecessary difficulties and challenges.
Trekking solo is possible, but hiring a guide and porter helps make your journey easier with their experience and guidance. Also, during unexpected situations, they can provide emergency assistance, which may not be possible if you trek solo.
The Annapurna region remains very busy during the peak trekking season, and tea houses are often fully packed. It can be difficult to find accommodation at the last moment. So, book the short ABC trek with a registered trekking agency like High Route Adventure to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
You might be wondering what food is provided to you during this short Annapurna base camp trek. When you choose High Route Adventure for your trek we will arrange a three meal meal for you in the tea house. You will have the option to choose veg or non veg items. If you have any dietary restrictions you can tell us while booking the trek.
Here are the common food items that you can expect on your trek:
Breakfast: Toast with jam or honey, Eggs (boiled, scrambled, or omelet), Tibetan bread or chapati, Porridge or muesli, Pancakes (plain, apple, banana, or chocolate), Tea, coffee, or hot lemon
Lunch & Dinner: Dal Bhat (traditional Nepali lentil soup with rice, vegetables, and pickles – highly recommended for energy), Fried rice or noodles (vegetable, egg, or chicken), Momos (steamed dumplings), Pasta or spaghetti, Sherpa stew or Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), Seasonal vegetables with rice or roti
Drinks: Herbal tea (ginger, mint, lemon, etc.), Masala tea or milk tea, Hot chocolate, Bottled water, energy drink and alcoholic beverage.
Note: Drinks and alcoholic beverages will not be included in the trekking package.
There are tea houses on the Annapurna base camp trekking routes where you will stay during the trek. High Route Adventure will arrange you the best room inside the tea house. Let's see what to expect inside the tea house:
Cozy room: There will be a small room inside the tea house and inside the room there will be a twin bed with the amenities like warm blanket, pillow, bed sheet and mattress.
Washroom: There will be a squat washroom in most of the tea house and water facility.
Wifi: Trekkers can use the wifi in tea houses for extra bucks like 1-2 dollars.
Charging: Electric charging facilities are also available at some extra cost like 1-2 dollars per hour.
Hot shower: Facility of hot shower is also available at the tea house. Trekkers will be provided hot water and it is also not free. It will cost you 1-2 dollar.
To make your short Annapurna Base Camp Trek safe and comfortable here are some expert tips that you need to following during trekking hours:
Ascend gradually: Don’t rush, walk slowly at high altitude. Allow your body to adjust to high altitude.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water around 2-3 ltr per day to avoid dehydration, which can worsen altitude sickness.
Avoid alcohol and smoking: These can affect your breathing and increase the risk of altitude-related problems.
Eat well: Consume high energy food and carry snacks to maintain the energy level.
Sleep low, climb high: Trek higher during the day but sleep at a lower altitude whenever possible to aid adaptation.
Know the symptoms: Be aware of signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), like headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If you caught altitude sickness, head to lower altitude immediately.
Inform your guide: Monitor your health condition and if you feel unwell tell your trekking guide immediately.
Carry medication: You can take altitude sickness medication (like Diamox) to prevent altitude sickness. You can buy this medicine in Thamel pharmacy easily.
Travel with a guide: Hire experienced trekking guides and follow the safety guidelines set by them.
You don’t need to show trekking insurance for the High Route adventure while booking the short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Even though it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that you purchase it. Travel and medical insurance is for your own safety and having it will help you when you are in a difficult or emergency situation.
When purchasing the insurance make sure your policy includes:
High Route Adventure will arrange your flight ticket for this short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The cost of flight will also be included in the package and to reach the airport for the flight and pick up from the airport we will arrange transportation also. Window seat for the flight is possible when you book the trek in advance. Airlines set the maximum weight of 20 kg for checked baggage and 5 kg for hand luggage.
After the completion of short Annapurna Base Camp Trek with High Route Adventure you can also extend your trip if you wish. You can either spend your day in Pokhara for adventurous activities like Paragliding, Bungee, rafting, etc. You can also do short hikes like Sarangkot Day Hike, Dhampus Sarangkot Hike 2 Days, Australian Camp Day Hike, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek.
For the local people who want to participate in this short Annapurna base camp trek package we have a special price for you. For the detailed information about the cost, itinerary and trekking related things you can contact us or visit our office directly.
Booking: To book this short Annapurna base camp trek package with us you need to make advance payment of 20% of total cost. Total cost of this package is written in USD and you can convert in your currency to make a payment.
Payment: To make a payment for booking short ABC trek Package you can use the payment methods: Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card, Online payment etc. While making a payment we will not be responsible for the bank or transfer charge.
Cancellation: To cancel the trip you need to inform us immediately and there will be no refund of advance payment of 20%. To know more about the company policy check our terms and conditions.
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek map provides a clear overview of the trekking region. It helps you navigate the trail, track altitude changes, and plan your journey effectively. Carrying a map ensures a safer and more organized trekking experience.
Packing smart is essential for a safe and comfortable trek to Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Below is a suggested packing list that balances warmth, weather protection, and comfort while keeping your backpack light.
Tip: Try to keep your bag under 10–12 kg if using a porter, and carry only daily essentials in your daypack.
