Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek
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Date of Departure
Trip Information
Duration
11 days
Max Altitude
ABC 4130
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts from
Kathmandu
Trips Ends at
Kathmandu
Activity
Trekking
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 Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is one of the best trekking journeys in Nepal. It takes you to the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world in a short period of time.
It is a great opportunity to visit Annapurna Base Camp and learn about the lifestyle of rural Nepal. Travelers taking on the ABC short trek will get to experience the Gurung and Magar culture in Nepal firsthand.
What to Expect in the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek
The 11-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also called the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We commence the trip from Kathmandu. It then 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. You will be up close with nature and adventure.
Annapurna Base Camp short trek lets you learn about the culture, tradition, customs, and rural lifestyle of Nepal’s few communities. You will interact with the Gurung and Magars, bringing you closer to the vicinity of the tenth-tallest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna (8091m).
Annapurna Base Camp short trek itinerary from Kathmandu
We begin from Kathmandu at 1350 meters above sea level. And when we finally reach Annapurna Base Camp, the altitude becomes 4130 m. In just 6 days, we can fulfill the thirst of being there.
On the way, you trek through Ghandruk, which is a popular village. The place is best known for its hospitality and homestay. You also find amazing scenic background views of the Annapurna ranges.
From Ghandruk, you trek to Chhomrong, followed by Bamboo, Deurali, and to Annapurna Base Camp. We also pass through Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
The return is quite adventurous as well. 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.
Afterglow from the 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.
Trekkers can find many possible routes to trek to the Annapurna region, and the 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 the difficulty level of a trekking journey. Things such as trek duration, trekking distance, altitude sickness, trekking season, level of preparation, and more.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is considered a moderate trekking journey. But you still need to be well prepared and trek at the right time.
Can a beginner journey the ABC short trek? Yes! Trekkers do not need to have prior experience. What they need is to be physically and mentally fit. You will have to walk for 5-6 hours on average per day for 6-7 days on easy to steep trails.
We suggest you train in some physical activities such as hiking, biking, and exercising. Training a few months before your trip is ideal.
Risk of Altitude Sickness
In addition, Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be a concern. It is an unpredictable illness afflicting anyone, regardless of age, experience, or high fitness.
The ABC Trek is located at lower elevations than other classic Himalayan trekking routes. Knowledge about altitude sickness is very important before setting off on 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 advised 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, the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is best done in the spring and autumn seasons. Interestingly, it can be done throughout the year. You do need proper guidance and gear. But each season and each month has its own pros and cons.
Autumn
The autumn season is the shoulder season for almost every trekking journey in Nepal. It is including of the Annapurna Base Camp treks.
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.
Spring
Another best time after autumn is the spring season. It 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
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.
Monsoon makes the trek challenging and sometimes impossible. We face the scorching summer heat and heavy monsoon rain. The trails are wet and slippery, and the clouds obscure the mountains. Insects and leeches thrive in the humid and wet season 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 gear.
Winter
Winter is also an off-season period for tourism in Nepal. December denotes the start of the winter season. But trekking in December is still viable. 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. Similar to the monsoon months of July and August, trekking becomes challenging 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. 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.
Itinerary Detail
What is Included / Not Included
Airport transfer by Private vehicle as per the itinerary
Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu Transfer
Pokhara Transfer by Best Available Local Jeep/Bus
Annapurna Conservation and Entrance Fees
TIMS Fees (Trekkers' Information Management System)
Guide and Porter During the Trek
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner During the Trek as per the itinerary
Twin/Double sharing 3 Star Standard Category Accommodations in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Best Available Twin/Double sharing Tea House Accommodations during the Trek
Daily Breakfast at Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara
A Comprehensive First-Aid Kit During the Trip
All Wages, Equipment, and Fees for Guide & Porter
Travel Insurance For Guide and Porter
Down Jacket, Sleeping Bag, Duffle Bag, Trekking Pole ( refundable if required)
All Taxes
Himalayan Trekkers’ standard choice of accommodations for its valuable guests is the comfortable 3 Star standard category hotels or resorts on a twin/double sharing basis in the available places, especially in city areas such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, if you prefer to stay at more standard accommodations or want to have a single supplementary service, we can manage them for you at an additional cost accordingly. During the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek journey, you will be provided with the best available teahouse accommodations with private bathrooms and hot shower services where available, for overnight stays.
Meals during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu
Meals during a journey are never to be compromised as it the source of our health and energy. In our Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek package, we include all breakfasts during the stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara and all meals during the trekking days.
Kathmandu and Pokhara are the top tourist destinations and the most developed cities, which is why there are more than plenty of restaurants to dine in. You can also find menus from different parts of the world depending on places. We can recommend the places to get your lunches and dinners as per your menu interests and budget.
During the trek, you can handpick the available items from the menus of the tea houses/lodges. The menus are not as broad as in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but offer some Western and continental dishes with local and some Asian items.
Breakfasts and dinners are eaten at the same tea houses, while lunch is eaten at the tea house en route to the onward destination.
Drinking Water during the ABC Short Trek
Water is important in daily life, more so during treks in the Himalayas. Finding drinking water in this trek isn’t hard. You can expect spring water that you can treat.
Spring waters have many contaminants. You’d need to filter or use an iodine tablet, or UV treat it before drinking.
The second option is refilling your bottle in tea houses. They boil and filter drinking water, as such, making it 100% contamiant free. The house usually charges a small fee per liter.
The last option is buying bottled water at the small stores on the trail. The prices for the bottle remain reasonable.
Zelda Smith