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.