Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

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Country Nepal

Duration 5 Days

Difficulty Medium

Max-Altitude 4130m

Meal Full Board Meals

Best Season Whole Year

Transportation Private Vehicles

Accommodation Tea Houses and lodges

Want to have a great mountain trek without wasting all your holiday? Welcome! The five days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is yours! In just five days, you get to see stunning views, villages with sceneries of loveliness, and the world’s greatest mountains, and reach a decent altitude of 4,130 meters. Worry less about being super fit – if you’re prepared for moderate trekking, you’ll be okay on these stunning trails. With the stunning Himalayan mountains and open local culture, this’s one experience you won’t soon forget.

Explore Annapurna Base Trek with Bold Himalaya

The Annapurna Base Camp trek fits so much magic into only five days! You’ll pass through emerald green rice terraces, rainbow-colored rhododendron forests, and through typical Gurung villages where you’re guaranteed warm smiles. Each turn of the trail holds out the promise of a visual treat – Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the fish-tail ridge of Machhapuchhre among towering peaks will leave you gasping for breath. The trek is just the right mix of adrenalin-pumping adventure and serene natural splendor.

You start out in charming lakeside town Pokhara, hiking to trailhead at Jhinu Danda or Ghandruk. Dense forest and picture-perfect villages you’re walking through have friendly locals sending huge smiles in your direction. You’re overnighting in best trekking lodges along the way, scoffing down fabulous Nepali foods that will keep your strength up. The gradual climb lets your body acclimatize naturally at the high altitude, so this trek is ideal even if you are new to mountain hiking.

The moment you spend at Annapurna Base Camp will stay in your memory all your life. Imagine yourself to be in a bowl of nature giants with a cap of snow! Sunrise at this place golden-hued colors the mountains, and you see a view which no photos will ever be able to do justice to. You’ll be looking up to 4,130 meters to Annapurna I (8,091m), the 10th highest mountain on the planet. To be here in this lofty paradise, far from the stress and din and bustle of everyday life, will calm your soul beyond anything you can imagine.

This trek offers you so much more than mere trekking – you’ll exchange conversation with warm locals, observe yaks feeding along the trails, and bask in the awe-inspiring peace that only the mountains can offer. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or this is your initial trek, the ABC trek crams a life-changing experience into a short number of days. With professional guides, effortless organization, and spectacular trails, Bold Himalaya guarantees your adventure to be safe, comfortable, and utterly life-changing!

Highlights of the ABC trek

See the dawn break over Annapurna and the legendary Fishtail peak from Base Camp
Hike through stunning forests of pink rhododendron and giant bamboo trees
Greet friendly Gurung and Magar villagers and sample their wonderful hospitality
Visit charming mountain villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong with their unique traditions
Soak your tired muscles in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
Cross rivers, waterfalls, and hike over spectacular glacier landscapes
See stunning 360-degree views of the mountains that will leave you gaping
Spot wild mountain goats, monkeys, and tropical birds on the trails
Stay in comfortable trekking lodges with mouth-watering local and international food
Be guided at a great pace that’s ideal for beginners and experienced hikers alike

Why to choose this trek?

Short but Breathtaking: Discover the best of Annapurna in this short five-day trek – perfect if you’re short of time but have a big appetite for adventure!
Up-Close Mountain Majesty: Stand nose-to-nose with giants like Annapurna I (8,091m) and stunning Fishtail mountain from the middle of the sanctuary.
See It All: Experience green forest, terrace fields, boulder-strewn trails, and glacier scenery on a daily basis.
Cozy Mountain Stays: Rest at warm teahouses where friendly hosts treat you to hot meals and you’ll become friends with fellow travelers from the world.
Possible and Adventurous: The gradual climb and descent trails make this hike possible for a beginner and provide an unparalleled Himalayan experience.
Natural Hot Springs: Reward yourself with a soak in the healing hot springs at Jhinu Danda – absolute bliss after multi-day treks!
New Wonders Daily: Wake up to a new stunning view every day as you rise from flowered woods to stunning glacier landscapes.
Real Mountain Life: Visit traditional villages where locals welcome you with smiles and introduce you to their unique mountain lifestyle.
Trek Any Time: While spring flowers and clear fall weather are ideal, this trek can be completed almost year-round but be careful and alert during heavy monsoon months.
Safe and Well-Supported: With established trails, plenty of accommodation, and supplies along the way, this is one of Nepal’s safest and most organized short adventures.

Your Journey, Step by Step

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Day 1

Drive to Siwai (1,240m/4,068ft) from Pokhara and hike to Sinuwa (2,340m/7,677ft)

Your trek begins with a 2-3 hours drive from Pokhara to Siwai. You drive over rolling green hills, tilting farm fields, and friendly villages, and tempting glimpses of the huge Annapurna and Fishtail mountains along the way. You arrive in Siwai on the Modi Khola River, and you begin on well-used trails to Chhomrong, the largest village in the area.

The trek goes up smoothly through forest and old Gurung villages like Jhinu Danda with its famous hot springs. After reaching well above Jhinu, you will be at Chhomrong (2,170m) with panoramic views of Annapurna South and Fishtail Mountain. You will climb stone steps over Chhomrong Khola stream and go up gradually up through the pink rhododendron and giant bamboo forests. Your peaceful day concludes in tranquil Sinuwa, where you sleep with soothing forest noises to rock you to sleep.

Day 2

Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali(3,230m/10,597ft)

You travel further today along holy Annapurna Sanctuary, with the trail up and down amidst the rhododendon and bamboo forests. You start the day by trekking to Upper Sinuwa, where Fishtail Mountain scenery is even more stunning. You trek on a beautiful forest trail to Bamboo (2,310m), a tiny village surrounded by towering green hills. The trail then continues upward through dripping, moss-covered forests that amount to wading through a fairy-tale forest.

After Bamboo, the trail becomes steeper as you trek on to Dovan rest camps and then Himalaya (2,920m). As you ascend higher, the forest gives way, and the sound of churning Modi Khola river reverberates in the valley below. After Himalaya, the forests give way to rocky, craggy sections. A final steep ascent leads you to Deurali, a breathtaking vantage point with cliff faces towering above and moraines of glacial chiseling an ethereal topography. Get out the camera – this nation is just beautiful (though it can have avalanche risks in winter and early spring).

Day 3

Hike to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,549ft)

This is the day you have waited for! Your day begins by climbing gently up the Modi Khola, alpine pastures, and rocky ground. You will see the air thicken and vegetation turn into bushes and tufts of hard mountain grass. You will reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) after some hours of walking, with wonderful views of Fishtail Mountain, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

From MBC, the trek proceeds with a gentle climb to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via glacier moraines and open valleys. As soon as you reach ABC, you will be at the heart of a beautiful 360-degree natural amphitheater of Himalayan giants. This is the pinnacle of your trek, where you will be awed standing in front of Annapurna I (8,091m), the 10th highest peak on earth. Golden dawn and twilight sparkle on these gigantic snow-crowned monoliths will be an etching in your mind.

Day 4

Trek to Bamboo (2,310m/7,579ft)

Coming down the mountain once more after an evening to remember at Annapurna Base Camp, your morning descent trek is on the same route through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali but offers completely different views of the valley you ascended a day before. Changing light brings these mountains entirely different scenes of picture opportunity. The down trail is extremely easy and offers an opportunity to see these dramatic views at an even more leisurely pace.

Going through Himalaya and Dovan villages once again, you go back through the dense forest tract. This cool trail brings your feet under cool shade formed by bamboo and rhododendron trees. Smooth bird songs and waterfall sounds offer you a peaceful background to your trek. Down trekking for several hours will leave you at Bamboo, a small village deep in the valley, where you stay overnight in a tiny teahouse, sharing experiences with fellow trekkers.

Day 5

Trek to Siwai and Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,713ft)

Your final day of trekking finds you walking familiar terrain as you head downwards towards Chhomrong. You start with a steep climb from Bamboo to Sinuwa, then downhill gradient to the Chhomrong Khola. A challenging climb up leads to Chhomrong village, where you may rest and enjoy the last of the mountain views. From there you head down the steep trail to Jhinu Danda, where a detour will have you soak your exhausted muscles in the famous natural hot springs of the Modi Khola – a wonderful reward after weeks of walking!

The final leg is along a twisting, scenic riverside road to Siwai. From Siwai, you leave the trekking trails and drive your vehicle back to Pokhara. The drive provides a last view of the rolling hills, villages, and massive Annapurna range in the distance. You’ll be back in Pokhara by mid-afternoon with a camera memory card full of pictures, happily fatigued legs, and memories to last a lifetime.

Inclusions

What’s Covered in Your Adventure

Includes

All ground transportation (including airport pick up/drop from Pokhara) by private tourist vehicles.
Standard trekking lodges in Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route.
Some necessary equivalents sleeping bag & Down jacket (if you need one, return after the trek).
Full meals during trekking as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ).
Essential First Aid medicine items.
Annapurna Conservation Area Trekking permit & TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System).
Professional guide (1 guide = 6 trekkers) their salary, accommodation, meals, and their insurance, Duffle Bag, T-shirt, and Trip certificate.
Our government/Local taxes and official expenses

Excludes

Dessert & any types of drinks during the trip.
Your international air ticket & travel insurance.
Tips for the trekking crew members

Good to Know

Things to remember

1. Trek Difficulty and Physical Condition

Perfect for people with normal physical conditions! You will be walking 5-7 hours a day with the occasional hill climb, but do not worry if you’re a trekking beginner. A bit of walking beforehand or gentle exercise and you will be good. Elevation is done gradually so that your body adapts to it without putting too much pressure on you. Just ensure to take plenty of water, rest whenever needed, and listen to your body. With positive attitude and steady speed, even beginners can reach Annapurna Base Camp and enjoy this amazing experience!

2. Best Time to Trek

The magic of Annapurna is at its best during:

Spring (March-May): Vibrant rhododendron forests in full bloom and pleasant temperatures
Autumn (September-November): Pristine mountain scenery with clear, stable weather
Winter (Dec-Feb): Possible but very cold higher up with snow
Monsoon (June-August): Not advisable since rain, leeches, and cloudy scenery ruin the view

3. Altitude and Health

Although the trek sees you rise to 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp, the gradual ascent keeps altitude sickness less common than on some other Himalaya treks. Your body is also given the opportunity to acclimatize naturally because you can climb slowly step by step. You have to be sure to keep an eye out for symptoms of headache, dizziness or nausea. Prevention is simple: climb slowly, stay hydrated with plenty of water (3-4 liters minimum every day), do not drink alcohol, and rest well. If you fall ill, do not push on higher – report your guide immediately. Rest or descending to lower altitude cure most minor illnesses.

4. Accommodation and Food

You will be staying in cozy teahouses with:

Simple but adequate rooms with simple beds and blankets
Shared toilet facilities
Hearty meals like dal bhat (unlimited refills!), noodle soups, and momos
Hot drinks available all day – try the local ginger tea for warmth
Prices increase with altitude (bring extra cash)
Wi-Fi available at most lodges (for a fee)

5. What to Pack

Packing smart makes all the difference on the trails! Your daypack will contain water, snacks, camera, rain jacket and extra layer, while your full pack (carried by you or a porter) needs your essentials. Layers instead of bulk garments – mornings are chilly, afternoons warm up while walking, then cool again at evening. Don’t overpack! Teahouses provide blankets, and you can buy missed items in Pokhara or along the trail. Break in those trekking boots most of all before you arrive in Nepal!

6. Guides and Porters

A good guide turns your trek into so much more than a hike. Guides inform you about mountain culture, identify distant peaks, warn you about wildlife you might otherwise miss, and handle all the arrangements so you can leave the logistics to them and just enjoy the experience. If you don’t mind hiking easily, get your main pack portered (around $20-25/day). Not only will you save energy to enjoy the scenery, but you will also be providing much-needed employment for the mountain villages.

7. Staying Connected

All teahouses have Wi-Fi, which is paid for ($2-5/day)
Local data SIMs are okay below high altitudes
Network reduces or drops above Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Charging available on an additional fee (around $2-5 per device)
Carry a power bank as an emergency charge
Notify family you will have less connectivity at higher altitudes

8. Insurance and Safety

Travel insurance is not only recommended – it is mandatory! Make sure your policy includes detailed coverage for high-altitude trekking (over 4,000m) and helicopter evacuation. While the majority of treks are free of issues, mountain weather can be unpredictable and medical facilities scant along the trek. A good policy gives you peace of mind and financial protection in the event evacuation is necessary. Emergency helicopter evacuations in Nepal cost $3,000-5,000, so don’t skip this important preparation step. Leave your itinerary and insurance details with someone at home before you depart.

9. Document required for ABC short trek

Here’s a list of essential documents to carry:

Passport
VISA
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS)
Travel Insurance

No need to worry, we will manage those two permits for you.

10. Alternative trekking options in the Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region in Nepal offers a multitude of trekking options beyond the famous Annapurna Base Camp trek. Here are some popular alternative trekking routes:

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FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

1. What is the best time to do this trek?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) provide you with ideal blue skies, ideal weather, and stunning mountain views.

2. Do I need a porter and guide?

They’re not required, but your trip is facilitated and secured by a local guide who knows what he’s doing, and a porter carries your heavy backpack so you can just sit back and appreciate the wonderful scenery!

3. Will I become ill at high altitude?

Risk is very low since the trek is a gradual ascent, but do drink plenty of water, walk slowly, and tell your guide if you get a headache or feel dizzy – simple precautions are all it needs.

4. What are permits that I will require?

Two only: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card. Both are very simple to get at Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek.

5. Can I have my phone charged during the trek?

Yes! You can get charged at nearly every teahouse for a small fee ($2-5), but do bring a power bank too – you’ll be smiling while taking a whole lot of fantastic photos!

6. How difficult is this trek?

It’s moderate – perfect for beginners who have a so-so fitness level. You’ll walk 5-7 hours per day with some inclination, but the views are so stunning, you won’t even care!

7. Are there ATMs on the trail?

Nah! Once Pokhara, no cash in sight. Bring enough rupees to last you throughout your trek – enjoy on hot showers, Wi-Fi, and those well-deserved post-hike snacks!

8. Can I rent trekking equipment in Nepal?

Yes! Kathmandu and Pokhara are full of shops where you can hire or buy fairly acceptable-quality gear for a few times less than back home in Western countries.

9. How high will I go?

You will trek to the spectacular Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m (13,549ft) among the best peaks on Planet Earth – something you will never forget!

10. Will I need to buy travel insurance?

Yes! Have your policy cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. Something you’ll never likely have to use but always be thankful for if you do.

11. Can I customize my trek?

Of course! You can always add on the sunrise vantage point from Poon Hill, off-the-beaten-path Mardi Himal trek, or other such great vantage points in the Annapurna landscape.

12. What happens in an emergency?

Inform your guide immediately or locate the nearest owner of a teahouse. Treatment for altitude sickness is normally initial descent to lower altitude. Only as a last option is helicopter evacuation performed.

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