Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is one of the best trekking journeys in Nepal that takes you to the base of the tenth highest mountain in the world in a short period of time. This trekking trip is a great opportunity to be at the Annapurna Base Camp and learn about the lifestyle of rural Nepal.
This 11-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also called Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu and traverses through the thick rhododendron forests, clean white water rivers, terraced farms, hot springs, and beautiful ethnic Gurung towns (4130m). Beautiful snow peaks, such as the Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchhre, Khangsar, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli, may be seen from the hiking trails. Along with nature and adventure, this trekking trip lets you learn about the culture, tradition, customs, and rural lifestyle of Nepal’s few communities, especially the Gurung and Magars also bringing you closer to the vicinity of the tenth tallest Himalaya in the world, Mount Annapurna (8091m).
Initiating from Kathmandu at 1350 meters elevation above sea level and finally reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) in just 6 days can fulfill the thirst of being there. On the way, you trek through Ghandruk, which is a popular village, best known for the hospitality and homestay with amazing scenic background views of the Annapurna ranges. From Ghandruk you trek to Chhomrong, followed by Bamboo, Deurali, and to Annapurna Base camp, passing through Machhapuchhre Base Camp. After reaching the base camp, you then trek back to Bamboo. From Bamboo, you trek to Jhinu Dada followed by Nayapul, where your trek ends.
From Ghandruk, you are driven back to Pokhara, where you stay for that night. The next day will be your journey back to Kathmandu. You will undoubtedly collect lots of adventurous memories even in this short trek.
Conquering this trek to the Base Camp of the Annapurna range will surely be a proud achievement made better by the mesmerizing views, warm hospitality, and stunning trekking trails. There are many possible routes to trek to the Annapurna region and round Annapurna Circuit is also one of them. This well-groomed trip package is aimed at time-restricted travelers to experience the journey and enjoy nature but for a more relaxed version, check out our Annapurna Base Camp 14 Days or opt to customize the itinerary as per your wish.
It would be our immense pleasure to assist you on the short trek as it is the most popular trekking trail in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek Highlights
- Trekking on one of the beautiful trekking routes in the Annapurna Region
- Amazing vistas of the Himalayas such as Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna ranges
- Reaching the popular Annapurna Base Camp in a short period of time
- Journey through the countryside, with its diverse wildlife, culture, traditions, and customs
- Interaction with locals and their friendly hospitality
- Relaxation in Jhinu Danda's natural hot spring
- Equally beautiful Sunrise and sunset views from different vantage points
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek Difficulty
Many factors determine a difficulty level of a trekking journey such as the duration of the trek, trekking distance, altitude sickness, trekking season, level of preparation, and more. And, Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is considered a moderate trekking journey if you are well prepared and trek at the right time.
Trekkers do not need to have prior experience but need to be physically and mentally fit as you will have to walk for 5-6 hours an average per day for 6-7 days on easy to steep trails. So, we suggest you engage in some physical activities such as hiking, biking, exercising, etc. months prior to your trip.
In addition, Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be a concern as it is an unpredictable illness caused to anyone despite age, experience, or high fitness. Though the ABC Trek is located at lower elevations than other classic Himalayan trekking, knowledge about altitude sickness is very important before setting off to the trail. Some precautions such as moving slowly, acclimatizing, hydrating, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, etc. will help a lot. In case, you notice a symptom of the illness, you are suggested to inform your guide right away. Carrying altitude sickness medicines such as Diamox can come in handy.
Hence, it is one of the classic treks in Nepal but comparatively, it is easier and shorter and anyone who is physically fit and has a strong determination can complete the trek easily.
Best Time to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu
Like many other trekking journeys in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is best done in the spring and autumn seasons though it can be done throughout the year with proper guidance and gear. But, each season and each month has its own pros and cons.
The autumn season is the shoulder season for almost every trekking journey in Nepal including the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 14 Days. Autumn in Nepal lasts from September through November, with October being regarded as the finest month to trek the Annapurna Base Camp trail. Being a post-monsoon season, the dust is washed away by the monsoon rain making the skies and the air clear and fresh. The weather is moderate, the days are sunny and warm followed by cool evenings and mornings, and the temperature is pleasant ranging from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Autumn is also a harvesting season, so you will see the yellow crops in the terraced fields ready to be harvested or being harvested almost everywhere on the way to the base camp.
Another best time after autumn is the spring season which starts from March and lasts till May. The temperature and weather are similar to the autumn months with warm sunny days and chilly mornings and nights with an average of 16 to 22 degrees Celsius daytime temperatures. The skies are clear and the views are strikingly wonderful. As this is a post-winter season, you will get to enjoy the freshly snow-covered Himalayas, icy cold streams, and rivers. The vegetation once again recovers from the cold and dry winter. The whole region is filled with Red Rhododendron blooms making the scenery more admirable.
Summer in Nepal overlaps with the monsoon which is why it is not a recommended season for any adventurous journeys including the ABC Trek. The three months, June, July, and August are the summer monsoon in Nepal which makes the trekking challenging and sometimes impossible because of the scorching summer heat and the heavy monsoon rain. The trails are wet and slippery, the views of the mountains are obstructed by the clouds and the insects like leeches are wild, especially in the jungle area. Most of the teahouses are also temporarily closed making your luggage heavier with camping equipment. Though this season is an offseason for trekking, you can go for it if you are an intrepid traveler. But, always join hands with the experts and set out after much planning and carrying the proper gears.
Winter is also an off-season period for tourism in Nepal. December is the month that denotes the start of the winter season but trekking in December is still viable because the days are warm and sunny with clear skies. Night temperatures are lower than the previous months but are bearable with proper equipment. The other two winter months, January and February are the least favorite months along with the monsoon months of July and August for the treks in Nepal. The temperatures drop below freezing point and the days are shorter and chilly. If you prefer to trek during these two winter months, be ready for chilly days and even icier nights, as well as the chance of delays or detours caused by snow. But, enjoy the views and trails by yourself and get some discounts on the teahouses if opened.