Our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the most feasible trek to the world’s tenth tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna. The trek isn’t only about viewing the mountains. It takes us into green woodlands and varying landscapes.
During the trek, we will walk across the Gurung settlement. Ghandruk is a popular Gurung village where lots of tourists visit every year.
During the trek, you will walk into lush jungles of rhododendron, Oats, Bamboos, and many others. Also, there are possibilities of seeing different species of wildlife and birds.
The trek is a short alternative to our Annapurna Base Camp trek. This trek is especially meant for those who are short in time. The Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is a blissful adventure in short time. You can rejoice the amazing Himalayan views along with other sceneries.
Limelights of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- World’s tenth highest Annapurna-I Himal.
- Local Gurung people, their cultures, ethnicities, and lifestyles.
- The mesmerizing Annapurna Himalayan ranges.
- The natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda.
- The sunrise view from the Poon Hill.
- Pokhara, the valley of lakes.
- Several mountains, variable landscapes, springs, and waterfalls.
Day 01: Land in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Free and arrangement day
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft) 6-7 hour.
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (1940m/6,364ft) 5-6 hour.
Day 05: Ghandruk to Sinuwa (2,360m/7,742ft) 5-6 hour
Day 06: Sinuwa to Deurali (3,230m/10,597ft) 6 hours.
Day 07: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,549ft) 5 hours.
Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,340m/7,677ft) 6 hours.
Day 09: Bamboo to Jhinu Hot Spring (1,780m/5,839ft) 5 hours
Day 10: Jhinu Hot Spring to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft) 7 hours.
Day 01: Land in Kathmandu.
You will land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our hotel representative will receive you at the airport. They will then escort you to your hotel in a private car.
Get some rest. You can go on a short tour in the evening. Touring around Thamel Bazar is popular among tourists.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Free and Arrangement Day
Today is a free day in Kathmandu. You can get some trekking accessories if you need them. You can buy or rent the trekking gears in many shops at Thamel.
You can walk around Kathmandu city and visit some tourist destinations if you want to. Or, you can stay arranging gears for the trek and scrolling the internet in your hotel room.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft)
Travel Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Travel Distance: 204km
Max Altitude: 1400m
Early in the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel. We will then take you to the bus station. At the bus station, catch a facilitated tourist bus to Pokhara. The ride is cozy. Tourist buses have facilities of ACs as well.
The bus leaves Kathmandu Valley as it continues towards western Nepal. The bus rolls over Prithvi Highway along the banks of Trisuli River. Enjoy the changing terrains and the vegetation.
The bus will stop for breakfast and for lunch at different stops on the trail. There are no other stops till you reach Pokhara. Pokhara is the city of lakes. It is a small and very beautiful place.
The evenings in Pokhara are enjoyable. You can simply walk along the bright streets or you can explore the Phewa lake area.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Ghandruk (1940m/6,364ft)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 8.6km
Max Altitude: 1940m
We will drive from Pokhara to Nayapul in a private vehicle. The actual trek starts from Nayapul.
Nayapul to Ghandruk is a short and easy trail. The walk isn’t so difficult. The trek route is a part of many popular trekking trails in the Annapurna region. You will meet fellow trekkers who are doing Ghorepani poon hill trek, Annapurna circuit trek, Annapurna luxury trek, Khopra ridge trek, etc
The trek route doesn't involve very high ascents and descents. The trek is full of amazement and joy. We walk across many places like Birethanti, Chumrung, Kimchi, Chane, etc. We will walk past the terraced rice fields.
Rejoicing the beautiful nature and diverse culture along the trail, we will trek to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a small and beautiful Gurung village. These days, Ghandruk is developing into a popular tourist destination for internal and external tourism.
The village is popular for its unique identity and culture. From Ghandruk village we can see some spectacular views of Annapurna Himal, Hinchuli, and Macchapuchre Himal. The lifestyles, traditions, cultures, and warm hospitality is remarkable.
Overnight in Ghandruk.
Day 05: Ghandruk to Sinuwa (2,360m/7,742ft)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 3.7 km
Max Altitude: 2360m
Today, the trek begins with a gentle ascend to Ghandrukkot. It will take us nearly an hour to reach Ghandrukkot. On reaching Komrong Danda, we take a steep descent to Komrong Khola.
From Komrong Khola, the trek route goes uphill again. On ascending the trail, we will reach Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a big village inhabited by Gurung people. It is also a gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary trek.
From Chhomrong, the trail again drops down towards a river and climbs up to Sinuwa. There are lodges at Sinuwa. If the weather is clear, we will see beautiful mountain sceneries.
Overnight in Sinuwa.
Day 06: Sinuwa to Deurali (3,230m/10,597ft)
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 10.9 km
Max Altitude: 3230m
Early in the morning, you get to watch out for the distant views. During clear weather, you will see a very beautiful mountain vista from Sinuwa. After having a nice breakfast, we will set off to Deurali.
We will start trekking by climbing up through the jungles. After a climb and a descent, we will reach Bamboo (2335m). From Bamboo, we will walk uphill to reach Dovan to Himalaya village before reaching Deurali.
In the evening, we will enjoy sightseeing. The mountains are lovable, and the atmosphere so serene.
Overnight in Deurali.
Day 07: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,549ft)
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Trek Distance: 7.7 km
Max Altitude: 4130m
Today is the day! We will visit the Annapurna Base Camp. We will start the day by gently ascending through the vast pastures on the lap of towering hillocks.
The uphill trail takes us to Macchapuchre Base Camp in around 2 or 2.5 hours. We will get an astounding vista of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Gandharva Chuli, etc.
We will continue further to the Annapurna Base Camp. Reaching the Annapurna Base Camp is an experience of mixed emotions. The feeling of finally standing at the base of Mt. Annapurna. It’s exciting!
During winter, a thick layer of snow piles around the base camp area. Keep yourself warm. The experiences at the Annapurna Base Camp are amazing.
Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,340m/7,677ft)
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 8 km
Max Altitude: 2340m
You will wake up early in the morning for a beautiful sunrise view. The view when the sun shines upon the Himalayas is amazing. We will see very nice views of Annapurna I, Barahi Shikhar, Tent Peak, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Gandharva Chuli.
After enjoying the splendid sunrise views, we will have breakfast at the Annapurna Base Camp. The trek today is a complete descend through the Bamboo and Rhododendron forests.
We will trek all the way down to Bamboo via Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Himalaya, and Dovan.
Overnight in Bamboo.
Day 09: Bamboo to Jhinu Hot Spring (1,780m/5,839ft)
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Trek Distance: 8.5 km
Max Altitude: 2340m
To reach Jhinu Danda from Bamboo, we descend through the Sinuwa and Chhomrong village. The descent involves a lot of steep ascents too. Today, the walk can be tiresome.
The trail from Bamboo goes steeply up to Kuldi Ghar. From Kuldi Ghar, the trail is quite flat till we reach Sinuwa. From Sinuwa, the trail gradually descends to Chhomrong Khola.
The rest of the trail to Jhinu Danda is a stone staircase. We will walk for about an hour to reach Jhinu Danda.
At Jhinu Danda, there is a famous hot spring. It is a natural hot water spring. There you can relax under the hot water which is a perfect refreshment to tired muscles.
Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
Day 10: Jhinu Hot Spring to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft)
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours walk and a 3 hours drive
Trek Distance: 12 km
Max Altitude: 1780m
We will trek from Jhinu Danda to Siwai. On the trail, we can enjoy the local villages, terraced fields. We will also meet with some cheerful locals who are ready to say “Namaste, with warm smiles, always!”
We will take a drive from Siwai to Pokhara. Getting back to Pokhara after a walk into remoteness is a different feeling.
Enjoy the city lights and cheerful evening in Pokhara. A cozy stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Are you satisfied with our Short Annapurna Base Camp trek Itinerary? Please let us know. Also, you can contact us, if you have any queries regarding our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Trip Cost US$ 715 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Pick up from the airport and Final drop to the airport by private vehicle.
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- All your standard meals like, Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner, during the trek with A cup of tea or coffee during the breakfast.
- Seasonal fruits.
- Tea house Accommodations during the trek.
- equipment like the Sleeping bag, down Jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be returned after trip completed).
- All ground transportation.
- Well, English speaking guide, friendly, experienced, with government license holder.
- A Strong Porter among the two trekkers ( one porter sharing among two member ) including all his expenses including full insurance during the trek.
- Monastery fees.
- Emergency helicopter rescues arrangement if in case, pay by your travel insurance company.
- Insurance of Guide.
- A trekking route map.
- Annapurna conservation area fee.
- TIMS (trekkers’ Information Management System.)
- Two-night standard accommodation on B/B in Pokhara Before and After the trek.
- First aid kit box, Normal medical supplies, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
Cost Excludes:
- All kind’s of Drink’s like Mineral water, beer Juice, Coke, fanta, other alcoholic hard drink’s, ETC.
- Sweet things like chocolate and others
- Your personal expenses.
- Extra night hotel in Kathmandu.
- Activities in Kathmandu.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Trekking to a new place can always be nerve-wracking disregard of the number of times you might have done it. Every place has its own culture, non-verbal norms and values, government policies and so on.
Having even the basic knowledge about the place can boost your confidence and give you a positive anticipation of the experience you can gain from the place.
If you are looking forward to trek in Nepal, this article will indeed be of great use to refer to. Answered below, are some of the most frequently asked questions about trekking in Nepal.
1. Is trekking difficult?
The difficulty level of the trek entirely depends upon the trek you chose.
If you happen to be trekking for the first time, or your physical condition does not permit you to (because of age or other medical conditions) you can always look for easy treks.
Easy treks have shorter number of days, less distance to be walked in a day, and relatively lower altitudes. You do not have to have prior experience or knowledge to trek to these places.
If you are adventurer and are looking for some thrill, you have plenty of options to choose from. Difficult treks have longer number of days. You will have to walk for 5-7hrs a day on an average and these treks are mostly situated in high altitudes. These treks also demand a good level of physical fitness.
Unlike other product, trekking is not about more for better. The difficulty level has got nothing to do with the experience you can gain from a trek.
Go for what you want to and what your physical ability will allow you to. Do not push yourself too hard. Trekking is not a competition. Its relaxation.
2. Is trekking expensive?
This entirely depends upon how much you are willing to spend on your trek. You can trek luxuriously by spending lavishly or you can backpack. It all depends upon how much your bank balance allows you to.
You will get accommodation for as less as 3-4$ per night, or you can pay up to 60-1004 per night for luxury resorts. On an average, you will need not more than 10$ for a meal. If you are looking for economical places, you can eat 3 meals for 10$! But eating at such places come at a great cost of low hygiene rate.
Bottom line: Nepal is not an expensive place when it comes to tourism. It is probably one of the places you can have the most economical luxury trek comparing to what a luxury trek would otherwise cost in your country!
3. What preparations should I make before trekking?
It is always a good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. Not that you have to be all athletic and muscular to trek. An average level of physical fitness will make the journey less stressful.
Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand.
Start exercising at least a month before the trek. You can do cardio exercises like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to it. Gym work out can be a good option too. Just don’t over-do it.
If you are going on an easy trek, you need not be very physically fit. But prior exercising is still a good option. You will only make your journey more comfortable.
4. What are the things I need to pack?
There are a long list of things you will need for trekking. The things you carry can affect the entire experience of your journey. So make sure that while purchasing any gear, make no compromisation on the quality or the brand of the equipment.
To know about the things you require, refer to the following link-
5. Do I need special permission to trek?
You will not need trekking permits in any of the treks in the Everest region, the Annapurna region and also in the Langtang region. But you will have to pay entry fees while entering a conservation area or a national park.
Trekking permits are a must for trekking in the restricted regions. The permits are available for purchase in the department of immigration located in Dillibazaar, Kathmandu. For further information, refer to-
http://www.taan.org.np/pages/trekking-permit-fees
6. Is drinking water easily available?
Availability of drinking water is not the problem. The problem is the cost of it at higher altitude. As you gain height, the price of water rises up to 2-3$ per liter.
An alternative way of getting drinking water is by having your water bottles filled in tea houses. Tea houses will provide you boiled water for about 0.4-0.7$ per liter. They are completely safe for drinking.
Therefore, do not forget to take at least two water bottles with you.
7. What kind of food is available during trekking?
Food is not of any concern while trekking. You will get all kinds of cuisines. For breakfast, tea houses will provide you with eggs cooked in your preferred style along with pan cakes, bread butter, roti, and so on.
Various other dishes like pizza, pasta, momo, chowmein and many more are also available. The most preferred dish is Dal Bhaat. It is a typical Nepali meal. Rice is served with vegetable curry, lentils, tomato chutney and meat curry. The best part- an extra helping will no cost you extra! The meal is highly nutritional. It will also keep you fueled for long walks.
8. What kind of accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation depends upon the type of trekking you are going for. There are two types of trekking
1. Tea house trekking:
You will be spending your night in tea houses. Tea houses are local lodges and hotels. They are small and comfortable enough. Most rooms are shared with two small cots that have mattress, pillows and sheets. If you need spare blankets, you can always ask for it. The rooms have attached bathroom, western flush designed and shower. You will have to pay for hot shower and electricity.
Dormitories are also available and a very low cost of about 3-4$ per night. These come with common toilets and bathrooms.
The cleanliness of the rooms may not live up to your expectations. Bring your own pillow if possible. Conjunctivitis is a common case you might fall sick of.
2. Camp treks
In this type, you will spend your nights in tented camps. Such treks mostly lie in the restricted regions. These regions do not have enough facilities to accommodate many people.
9. What are the risks associated with trekking?
Trekking is an extreme sport and does come with a lot of risks. Some unavoidable risks are avalanche, heavy rainfall, earthquake, landslide and other such natural calamities.
You might fall and injure yourself or catch some viral flue. The deadliest risk of trekking is AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. This sickness occurs when a great altitude is gained and the body fails to adjust to the changing pressures associated with it. Anyone can fall a victim of the sickness and if not treated in time, it can be fatal.
10. How to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
There is absolutely nothing you can do to prepare your body for altitude sickness. But yo can take few precautionary measures to avoid it. They are-
- Attain height gradually and slowly
- As you cross over 2000meters, reduce your number of walking hours and walk slow
- Drink plenty of water
- Take ample rest. Take more rest if you feel like your body is asking for it
- Eat high caloric food
- Avoid smoking or drinking
11. How to diagnose AMS?
In order to detect AMS, you need to be aware of the symptoms of them. They are-
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Feeling unsteady
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
If you notice any of the symptoms, take immediate precautionary measures such as:
- Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
- Descend to a lower altitude if possible
- Take complete rest until you feel well
- Do not exercise
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of water
- Take external oxygen supply if necessary
- Take anti-sickness medicines
If you see no further improvement in your heath within the next 48 hours, you will have to be deported to Kathmandu in a helicopter. Therefore, do not forget to issue and insurance that will cover you helicopter reuse cost.
12. Do I need a guide/porter to trek?
There is no such hard and fast rule that you must have one. But it is highly advisable to travel with them. Some of the treks cannot be trekked without a guide most of them are the restricted ones.
A guide is someone who will help you with navigations. He will also have a better idea about the places to live in and eat at can negotiated prices for you. They will also help you during medical emergencies.
A porter is someone who will carry your load for you so that you can enjoy long walks.
In case you hire them, you are entirely responsible for providing them with trekking gears, food and accommodation and other medical facilities.
Guide/porter as also available these days. These are people who play the role of both a guide and a porter. Hiring them will save you from bearing an additional cost.
13. Can I trek solo?
To some places, yes. But trekking solo in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.
A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.
Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.
14. What is the difference between trekking independently and trekking with an agency?
Trekking independently means trekking without an agency. You can hire a guide or a porter if you want to. You may also have a trekking partner. But the entire journey depends upon the way you want to take it.
In treks organized by agencies, they will have a well-planned schedule designed for you which you will have to strictly follow. Most of the times, you will be travelling with a group. The agency will also provide you with a guide and a porter. Trekking with an agency will be a little more expensive than trekking independently or solo.
15. Which is the best season to trek in Nepal?
Every season as its own charm. However, the best seasons are spring lasting from April to May and autumn lasting from September to November.
In these two season, Nepal sees the maximum number of tourists who come to trek. These are the busiest months of the year. The weather is highly pleasant and favorable for long walks. The trails are blossoming with fresh leaves and flowers. The clear skies allow you to get a great view of the magnificent Himalayas.
Conclusion
The above information covers up almost everything you need to know about trekking. If you happen to have any queries, please feel free to leave a comment below or inbox us at [email protected]
Best Time for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November) are the best time for trekking in Nepal. This is valid to Short Annapurna Base Camp trek also. The Annapurna region is at its best during these seasons.
The sky is clear, and the distant views are easily visible. There is the least chance that the enchanting vistas get covered up due to bad weather. Autumn and Spring have the most stable weather and climate in the region.
The temperatures during the day are suitable for pleasant walks. The nights aren’t too cold or unbearable. This makes Spring and Autumn the peak seasons for Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Trek Difficulties During Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Short Annapurna Base Camp route covers a total distance of 115 km in seven days. The trek can be tedious if you are a pro. To those who have previous trekking, experiences might not have as much difficulty as of the beginners.
The frequent ups and downs during the Annapurna Base camp can be difficult for those having serious knee problems. Make sure you prepare for the trek by doing exercises and/or short altitude hikes earlier.
One of the most challenging tasks during Short ABC trek is conquering the 3300 steep stone stairs. The long and steep stair path is hard. Take breaks and walk slowly.
Food and accommodation during peak seasons are difficult to manage if not booked earlier. There is a huge inrush of trekkers in the ABC region during the peak seasons. The lodges and teahouses might not have vacant rooms. So, make sure you book for food and accommodation before you reach your destination.
The risk of Altitude Sickness during Short ABC trek is a low scale than in Everest treks. But still, there are chances that you might be a victim of it. Read about altitude sickness. Consult your physician before your trek.
Drinking contaminated water while trekking can cause diarrhoeal Illnesses. Make sure you drink pure water. Buy bottled water or carry your own water bottle along with water purifiers. Drink water frequently in order to hydrate your body properly.
Weather and Temperature can vary drastically in the Annapurna region. So, you need to prepare well, pack proper gear for any weather changes and challenges.
