Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Duration: 5 Days
At a Glance
  • Duration 5 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End Pok/Pok
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Max. Altitude 4130

Highlights

  • A short 5-day trekking itinerary to Annapurna base camp
  • An affordable ABC trek package from Pokhara
  • Explore the lush rhododendron and pine forests along with a wide range of flora and fauna along the trail
  • Cross thrilling suspension bridges over rushing rivers and lovely streams
  • Come across many narrow waterfalls and steep, rugged tracks
  • Spend nights in beautiful villages on the way and get to see the daily lifestyle of mountain communities
  • Witness stunning mountain panoramas and diverse landscapes
  • Enjoy numerous gorgeous sunrises and sunsets during the trek
  • Explore the lap of the tenth-highest mountain in the world and spend a night there
  • Escape from your busy life and unwind and rejuvenate your soul

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 5 Days

The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 5-day long trekking program that starts from Pokhara. It is an easy hike in Nepal if we compare it with the Everest base camp trek or the Annapurna circuit trek. Even though we used the word easy, there will be a considerable amount of challenges given the Himalayan region. On short Annapurna base camp trekking, you will walk through diverse landscapes and come across rich Nepalese cultural heritage.

Note: If you want, you can start and end this trek from Kathmandu as well. That will add two more days to the itinerary, making it 7 days long. Additional cost applies.

Annapurna region is one of the famous parts of the Himalayas, and our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek lets you explore the beauty of this region in a very short time. You will be trekking inside a protected area called Annapurna Conservation Area, home to numerous flora and fauna. The trail goes through lush forests of pine, rhododendron, fir, oak, maple, etc. You will come across a wide variety of vegetation, wildlife (if you are lucky), and birds on this trek.

This package is perfect for travelers bound by time. In 5 days, you will get to witness some incredible mountain vistas and jaw-dropping landscapes. Spend nights in picturesque villages and meet with locals from different communities. Along with the adventure, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek also lets you immerse into the simple mountain lifestyle and have a glimpse of native traditions. The interactions with the locals will win your heart, and their hospitality will leave you in awe.

The short Annapurna base camp trek can be done by trekkers of any age, including 50+ years, who can join us on this trek if they are healthy and can walk 6 to 8 hours a day. The crisp air of the Himalayas and the energy of the mountains will fuel you to move ahead and reach your destination. The view changes every day, and you will come across a new set of challenges. Every day carries a surprise for you on this Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Our usual Annapurna base camp trek is 14 days long, and we also have a special package that combines the Annapurna circuit trek with ABC. If you want to make any changes to the itinerary or customize the package, feel free to get in touch with us.

Reach the Annapurna base camp and return to Pokhara in 5 days

This 5-day package is one of the Shortest Annapurna Base Camp Treks. You can do this trek under USD 600 per head. Following this itinerary, you will be at the base camp of the tenth-highest mountain in the world by day three. If you have some extra days, then you can extend the itinerary to Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages. These two are very famous and beautiful villages in the Annapurna region.

Enjoy trekking in the western Himalayas of Nepal within the Annapurna Conservation Area

Mount Annapurna is located in the western Himalayan range of Nepal. The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek route is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. This protected area spans over 7,600 square kilometers and encompasses some of the world's most spectacular landscapes, including high mountain peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests.

The flora of the Annapurna Conservation Area is incredibly diverse, with a range of vegetation zones due to the dramatic elevation differences within the region. Starting from the rhododendron forests, the trail ascends to alpine meadows filled with a variety of wildflowers and coniferous forests of pine, fir, and hemlock. A variety of species of animals and birds reside in this protective area.

Adventurous trekking route

The Short Annapurna base camp trek route is very adventurous. You will trek through dense forests and rugged hills. The trail ascends and descends continuously. You will cross many suspension bridges over rushing rivers and lovely streams. Likewise, along the way, you will come across many narrow waterfalls and steep, rugged tracks. You have to be careful throughout the trek as the terrain drastically changes with the progress of the trek.

Night stops in beautiful villages resided by multiple ethnic groups

During the Annapurna base camp trek for 5 days, you will spend nights in beautiful villages on the way. We have night stops in Chhomrong, Himalaya, Annapurna Base Camp, and Sinuwa. Apart from these, you will also trek past many other villages. You will get to meet with communities like Chhetris, Brahmins, Gurungs, Magars, etc., along the way.

The locals are very welcoming and kind. The trek provides you the opportunity to see their daily lifestyle and culture. The little interactions with the villagers along the short Annapurna base camp trekking route will make the journey more memorable.

Witness breathtaking mountain panorama and a wide range of landscapes

The major highlight of the short Annapurna base camp trek is the stunning mountain panoramas. On this trekking route, you will come across many outstanding views of the majestic snow-capped Himalayan mountains, such as Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft), Annapurna III (7,555 m/24,787 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), etc.

The landscapes also change as the elevation rises. From lush green hills and rivers, you will see barren hills and narrow streams. At the base camp itself, you will be surrounded by towering mountains and blankets of snow. Likewise, you will have numerous opportunities to witness gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.

Spend a night at the Annapurna base camp

Usually, you do not get to spend the night at the base camp of any other mountain in Nepal, unless you are not climbing that mountain. However, the Annapurna base camp trek allows you to spend the night here because there are a few lodges in the surroundings of the base camp. This is a lifetime experience. You will witness the extremely gorgeous night sky full of stars with towering mountains around you. Similarly, the glorious morning with a sip of delicious coffee/tea and the view of nothing but mountains is phenomenal.

Escape and unwind, relishing the tranquility and fresh air of the Himalayas

If you are looking to unwind and have a digital detox, then our short Annapurna base camp trek is the quickest gateway in Nepal. You will spend just the right amount of time in the wilderness and the serenity of the mountains. The fresh air and cold environment will rejuvenate your soul. Likewise, the remoteness of the region will disconnect you from the internet for good and let you enjoy nature.

Short Annapurna base camp trek difficulty

The short Annapurna base camp trek is moderate. This trek demand demands some physical fitness or previous trekking experience. Any healthy individual can do a short Annapurna base camp trekking with us, Outfitter Himalaya. Our team guides you through all the difficulties and makes the journey hassle-free. The trek involves constant ascents and descents. You will trek through lush forests and moraines. The later part of the trail gets steep and rugged.

Altitude sickness on Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Our 5 days Annapurna base camp trek itinerary does not include acclimatization days but has a steady rise in elevation. It will provide you ample time to acclimatize to the altitude. There are risks of altitude sickness during this trek, however, you can avoid it by adopting a few simple preventive measures.

Drink plenty of water during trekking and avoid smoking or any alcoholic drinks. Take it slowly and maintain your pace. You do not have to rush. Similarly, take proper rest during hiking and get adequate sleep. If you see symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc., inform your guide.

The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek preparation

To prepare for the short Annapurna base camp trek, go on daily long walks. You can run, jog, swim, or cycle if you wish. It will help you build stamina and endurance. Likewise, if you prefer going to the gym, build your leg muscles and core strength. You do not need to do any strict exercise routine to prepare for this trek. Light but regular body movements will be enough.

If you already have an old pair of trekking boots, then no worries. However, if you are going to buy new trekking boots, buy them early and use them to avoid blisters during the trek. Other than that, you can buy or rent all trekking clothes and gear in Kathmandu, Nepal. So, you do not have to bring everything from your home.

Availability & Last Minute Booking

We at Outfitter Himalaya have opened the booking for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the trek is available on any date of the year. You can look at the right bar of the page, select your date and book on any date. However, we suggest you to contact us first if your trek date is less than 7 days of your booking date.

Guide and porter

Outfitter Himalaya always advises to do the guided trek in Nepal. Most of the trekking routes in Nepal are in the high Himalayas and there is always a risk on the trail when traveling along. Our guides are trained and know about the trail well and have been on the routes multiple times. A local trekking guide is included in the package that we have offered and the porter is not included in the price, however, you can add on a porter if you need it when you are making a booking.

You'll Experience

Annapurna Base Camp

Itinerary

The short Annapurna base camp trek starts with a short drive from Pokhara to Siwai. From Siwai, we will begin trekking through lush rhododendron forests and small villages to Chhomrong (2,170 m/7,120 ft). The trail then descends to Chhomrong Khola and crosses it. From here, follow a series of staircases and trek through settlements like Bamboo (2,310 m/7,579 ft) and Dovan (2,600 m/8,530 ft) to Himalaya (2,890 m/9,481 ft).

The trail then gradually ascends and enters Annapurna Sanctuary. You will trek past Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m/12,139 ft) and follow a steep, rugged trail via a moraine to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,551 ft). Unlike the EBC Trek, you will spend the at ABC, and the next days, follow the same trail back to Siwai, where the trek ends. A short two-hour jeep ride will take you back to Pokhara.

Expand AllCollapse All

Our short Annapurna base camp trek begins from Pokhara. We will leave the city early in the morning and drive to Siwai. On the way, we will drive past small towns and villages like Birethanti. This is around a two-hour ride. From Siwau, the trek begins, crossing a few suspension bridges over Marsyangdi Khola.

The trail gradually ascends to Chhomrong via lush rhododendrons and pine forests. We will come across waterfalls and streams on the way. The views of mountains like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli are superb on this day. Chhomrong is a lovely Gurung village.

  • MealsL, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2170

From Chhomrong, our next stop is a small settlement called Himalaya. Following a series of stone staircases for an hour, we will descend to Chhomrong Khola. We will use a suspension bridge to cross the river and continue trekking, following another series of stone stairs for a couple of hours. Soon, we will reach Sinuwa and take a short lunch break.

From here, the trail goes through the dense forest of rhododendrons, oak, and bamboo. We will keep ascending via a forested path and pass by small settlements like Bamboo and Dovan before reaching Himalaya for the night stay. On the way, we get to see stunning landscapes and surreal mountain views.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2920

On the third day, we will reach the Annapurna Base Camp. After having a delicious breakfast, we leave Himalaya and trek, following an uphill route that gradually ascends out of the forest. In two hours of trekking, we will enter the Annapurna Sanctuary and follow a steep, rugged terrain to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. From here, we get to see outstanding views of snow-capped mountains like Gangapurna, Mt. Annapurna, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and many others.

After a short break here, we will continue trekking along a moraine for two hours and reach the Annapurna base camp. Located at 4,130 meters, the Annapurna base camp will welcome us with its powerful energy and jaw-dropping views. We will spend the night at the base camp in one of the lodges. The views of Mt. Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Gangapurna, Annapurna I, and numerous others are breathtaking.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4130

From today onwards, we will begin trekking back to Siwai, from where the trek had started. After a warm breakfast with an excellent view, we will begin our day descending from Annapurna base camp following the same trail back. Trekking through the moraine, we will pass by Machhapuchhre Base Camp and steeply descend to Himalaya.

Further, we will trek past Dovan and Bamboo settlements. The trail goes through lush rhododendron forests, offering excellent mountain vistas to Sinuwa. This is where we will spend the night today.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2170

We will wake up early, leave Sinuwa, and trek back to Siwai. We will be retracing our steps, enjoying beautiful landscapes and mountain views. Today is also the last day of the trek, so enjoy it as much as you can. Leavin Sinuwa, we will descend using stone stairs for two hours to Chhomrong Khola.

Crossing the Khola, using a suspension bridge, we will ascend along another series of stone stairs. From here, we will continue trekking, relishing views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, etc. The trail crosses a few suspension bridges and leads us to Siwai, where the trek ends.

From Siwai, we will drive back to Pokhara. It is a two-hour drive following small villages and rough hillsides. Upon reaching Pokhara, the guide will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free in the city.

  • MealsB, L

Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

Looking for a customized itinerary? Reach out to our experts.

Map & Altitude Graph

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek map

Inclusions

  • Private transfers from Pokhara to Suwai and return
  • Four nights of guest house accommodation on trek
  • Annapurna conservation and TIMS permits
  • A guide
  • Meals (4 breakfast, five lunches, and four dinners)
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by travel insurance company)
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets if necessary and return after the trek

Exclusions

  • Your personnel expenses, water, hot and cold drinks & bar bills
  • Laundry, telephone, hot shower & internet charge
  • Tips for the guide
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Add-Ons & Options

Reaching Pokhara

The Best way to reach Pokhara is by taking a short flight from Kathmandu or there are options to go by a tourist bus or hire a private vehicle.

Please find add-on options if you want to book a flight to Pokhara or return and consult if you want to go by a tourist bus or private vehicle, we can also book these transports for you.

Add a Porter

A trekking porter carry about 22-22 Kg and we suggest to hire a porter for each 2 trekkers which cost US $100.00 for the trek.

Essential Info

Alternative treks in Nepal

Nepal has many adventurous trekking options that range from moderate to strenuous. You can use a trek as per your fitness. These are some of our top trekking packages in Nepal- Everest Gokyo Lakes Renjo La Pass trek, Everest three high passes trek, Langtang Valley trek, Mardi Himal trek, Manaslu Circuit trek, and Upper Mustang trek.

You can also combine trekking and climbing. One of our most loved packages is the Island peak climbing with the EBC trek. We also have a wide range of climbing and tour packages. You can trek without any worries with us, as our team will take care of all the details for you. Feel free to share your dream trek in Nepal with our team. They will help you make it come true!

Similar Trips

You may also like

Ask a Question