For those looking for a short but thrilling adventure in the Himalayas, the Annapurna Base Camp short trek is a perfect choice. The trek is not just a journey but also a rich cultural, and rewarding experience. The Annapurna Base Camp, which lies within the Annapurna Sanctuary, is one of the classic trails in Nepal. In fact, it is Nepal’s second-most popular trek destination. The trek starts from Pokhara, the popular tourist hub and gateway to the Annapurna region. Its trekking trails go through diverse landscapes within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, the trek allows you to experience the raw wilderness of Nepal. If you are lucky, you may catch sight of some rare wildlife along the way.
The ABC short trek takes you from dense subtropical forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and firs to alpine meadows and arid landscapes. En route to the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, we will cross the Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 m. You will also cross diverse landscapes, traditional villages, terrace farms, and ancient monasteries. The trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and more. Gurungs and Magars mostly reside in the region. Hence, you can witness their unique culture and experience their warm hospitality. The Annapurna Base Camp short trek is a complete package for a memorable time in Nepal. Experience the adventurous trails of the Himalayas, along with the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and the warm hospitality of the locals.
The trek begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Kimche. We will pass through Nayapul and Syauli Bazaar before reaching the starting point. The trail from Kimche goes through subtropical forests, small settlements, and terrace farms. The mountain panoramas also gradually come into view as we reach Ghandruk. It is a relatively short trek, and we will stay overnight in Ghandruk. The picturesque Ghandruk is a Gurung village famous for its rich culture and traditions. It also offers gorgeous views of Mount Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, and Hiunchuli.
Trek Time:
2 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
30 km (18.7 miles)
Trek Distance:
2.5 km (1.6 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
2,012 m (6,601 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner (L.D)
Place:
Ghandruk
We will wake up with the gorgeous view of the mountain panoramas at Ghandruk. After breakfast, we will resume our trek and start the steep descent towards the Kimrong River. The trail begins to ascend, and we will pass several small settlements and terrace farms. Similarly, we must also climb up narrow pathways to get to the Chomrong village. The beautiful Chomrong village lies on top of a hill and in the lap of the Annapurna massif. It is a Gurung village that offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchre. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Chomrong.
Trek Time:
6–7 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
12 km (7.4 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
2,170 m (7,119 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Chomrong
After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Annapurna Base Camp. We will start by ascending on the stone-paved staircases and head towards Chomrong Khola. Climbing the stone staircases will require some stamina as we will climb over 1000 stairs. The trail also goes through dense forests of rhododendrons, bamboo, britches, and firs. We will first reach Sinuwa village, from where we will again enter dense verdants. From here, we will trek alongside the Modi River and through little canyons. After ascending on a varied terrain for some time, we will finally reach the Himalaya village. We will stay overnight at a lodge in the Himalaya.
Trek Time:
7–8 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
12–14 km (7.4–8.6 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,175 m (10,417 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Deurali
Today is the most exciting day of our trek. We will finally ascend to the Annapurna Base Camp. We will leave the Himalayas, following the trail through the Modi Khola Glacier. First, we will reach Deurali village. The trail starts to get trickier from here. Similarly, the mountain views also begin to get closer. After trekking for a while, we will come across Machhapuchre Base Camp. It sits right below the towering Mount Machhapuchre. We will begin trekking to the north and close to the Annapurna Glaciers. After hiking on rocky and icy fields for a while, we will reach Annapurna Base Camp. The up close and breathtaking view of Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Machhapuchre, Gangapurna, and other surrounding peaks will greet you.
Trek Time:
6–7 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
8 km (4.9 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,130 m (13,549 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Annapurna Base Camp
We will enjoy a grand sunrise view from the Annapurna Base Camp, with snow-capped peaks in the background. After breakfast, we will start descending from the Annapurna Sanctuary. It is mostly a downhill climb as we retrace our steps back to Bamboo Village. The village sits amidst dense green bamboo forests. We will rest our tired bodies here for the day.
Trek Time:
7–8 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
16.7 km (10.4 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
2,350 m (7,710 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Bamboo
We will continue climbing downhill as we leave the serene Bamboo Village. The trail enters dense forests of rhododendrons and oaks. We will retrace our steps to Chomrong village and then take the trail towards Jhinu Danda. The picturesque village of Jhinu Danda is famous for its natural hot springs. We will stay overnight at a lodge at Jhinu, so you can take this opportunity to dip in the hot spring in the evening. The water from these hot springs is believed to have healing properties. It will help soothe our tired muscles and help us relax.
Trek Time:
5–6 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
8.5–12 km (5.2–7.4 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
1,780 m (5,840 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Jhinu Danda
On day 7, you will hop on the jeep to return to Pokhara. That means you don’t have to walk today. But, from Jhinu Danda, you need to first walk downhill from the lodge to the long suspension bridge over the Modi Khola. After crossing the bridge, you will reach the road where the jeep is waiting to take you back to Pokhara. Note that the jeep drive from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara isn’t smooth throughout.
The upper part of the jeep ride from the Jhinu side down towards Siwai is rough and bumpy. The road runs high above the river, with views of forests, steep hills, stone houses, and waterfalls. And as you go lower, the road gets better and passes farms, small villages, tea shops, and more suspension bridges used by trekkers. After reaching Nayapul, the jeep joins a paved road. From here, the drive is smooth and fast. You will get views of villages, temples, and green hills as you enter Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Drive Time:
4 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
50 km (31 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
830 m (2,723 ft)
Accommodations:
Not Included
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch (B.L)
Place:
Pokhara
We understand that everyone enjoys Pokhara in their own way; some prefer lakeside luxury, while others love cozy boutique stays. That’s why accommodation in Pokhara is optional on our trek package, allowing you to choose the hotel that feels right for you. But, if you would prefer us to handle the arrangements, we are happy to assist and can include the stay as an add-on upon request. Simply let us know your preference (3-star, 4-star, or 5-star) while booking the trip.
Dates for 2026
Our Annapurna Base Camp short trek begins with a short and scenic drive from Pokhara to Kimche (1,740 m). We will reach Kimche by driving through Nayapul and Syauli Bazaar. It is about 2-hours drive. After arriving at Kimche, we will begin our trek. We will pass by small villages, terrace farms, and subtropical forests to reach Ghandruk (2,012 m). The first day of our trek takes only around two hours.
For our second day’s trek, we will leave Ghandruk early in the morning. The trail first descends towards the Kimron River and then starts ascending. We will trek mostly through dense subtropical forests, passing small streams and rivers. We will continue our journey until we reach Chomrong (2,170 m).
The following day, we will leave Chomrong and enter the forest trail. We will climb up and down varied terrains, including stone-paved pathways. Similarly, we will cross Chomrong Khola and trek through deep bamboo. En route, we pass notable villages like Sinuwa (2,340 m) and Deurali (3,175 m). Finally, after ascending for a while, we will reach the Himalayas (2,890 m).
On the fourth day, we will leave the Himalayas and begin our exciting climb to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). The trail passes through the Modi Khola Glacier Valley. First, we will reach the Machhapuchre Base Camp (3,700 m) and start trekking north. We will trek close to the Annapurna glaciers while enjoying the stunning views of the Annapurna ranges. Then, we will reach the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
The next day, we will enjoy a stunning sunrise over the towering Annapurna range and other surrounding Himalayas. Then, our downhill descent began. We will trek back on the same trail and head to Bamboo Village (2,350 m). We will mostly climb downhill through dense bamboo forests to reach the village.
The sixth day of our Annapurna trek begins with a downhill descent to Kimrong Khola. We will also have to climb uphill through dense subtropical forests. We will follow the trekking trail that takes us to Chomrong Village and then to Jhinu Danda.
On the final day of our ABC journey, we will leave Jhinu Danda by jeep and follow the drive road along the Mardi Khola to return to Pokhara. The road from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara gives a fast exit from the mountains, but it still offers plenty of scenery along the way. You move from steep river gorges and terraced hillsides back to wider valleys and views of the mid-hills around Pokhara.
The Annapurna Base Camp short trek is a moderate journey suitable for healthy and physically fit trekkers of all levels, including beginners. However, it is not an easy venture. To reach the base camp, trekkers must conquer high altitude, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather. Successful completion of the trek requires both physical and mental fitness.
During the 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you must climb uphill and downhill on steep and narrow trails. The terrains are rough and rocky. Similarly, you must climb up and down over 3000 stone staircases. The average trekking hours per day is 4 to 6, depending on the day’s destination. Hence, it is a physically demanding journey. Climbing to high altitudes while trekking on rough terrains is not an easy feat.
The high altitude also exposes trekkers to altitude-related sickness. The higher you go, the lower the oxygen level becomes. As a result, trekkers may experience various symptoms, such as headache, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and shortness of breath. Trekkers must take adequate acclimatization to minimize the risk. Likewise, the weather also starts to become unpredictable as you move higher. It can make trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp more challenging. The trek is moderately difficult and requires proper preparation.
The trekking trails of Annapurna Base Camp lie within the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is the largest conservation area inhabited by rare and endangered wildlife species. Many ancient heritage also lie within the area. Hence, trekkers must obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit or ACAP. The costs of ACAP are as follows:
| Nationality | Cost (per person) |
| SAARC National | NPR 1000 |
| Non-SAARC National | NPR 3000 |
If you want to see the entire forest trail in bloom, spring is the perfect time. The season has one of the best weather conditions, with clear blue skies and sunny days. Similarly, the days are longer, and the temperature is moderate. The temperature can be slightly chilly in early spring but soon gets warmer. The average temperature of the Annapurna Base Camp is between 8 and 12°C. Meanwhile, the nighttime temperature drops below 2°C.
Due to the warm weather, the flora and fauna also become active. Therefore, the rhododendron-adorned trails bloom in red, pink, and white shades. Other colorful wildflowers also bloom, coloring the entire landscape. During the trek, you can also catch sight of some rare wildlife. The visibility is also brilliant during spring, so you can witness a clear view of the mountain panoramas without obstruction. As spring is one of the best trekking seasons, many trekkers are on ABC trails.
Summer is not ideal for trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp. The monsoon season coincides with summer, which brings heavy rainfall across the country. As a result, the forest trails in the lower region are muddy and slippery. There is also the risk of landslides and mudslides. But there are very few trekkers on the trail.
The average daytime temperature is between 10 and 23°C during summer. Hence, it is also hot and humid, and trekking in such hot weather is uncomfortable. The nighttime temperature is around 5 to 10°C. The heavy rain and rain clouds obstruct the views. It also causes flight delays and cancellations. Therefore, it is best to avoid summer for ABC Trek.
Autumn is the best and peak season for trekking. It has the most stable and favorable weather conditions. The monsoon exits the country by mid-September, and the weather becomes drier. The rain from the monsoon cleanses the surrounding landscapes and vegetation. Similarly, the days are warm, but the nights are a little colder. The air is crisp, and the skies are clear. It makes trekking in autumn enjoyable and comfortable.
The daytime temperature at Annapurna Base Camp is 5 to 15°C, while the nighttime temperature can drop to 5 to 8°C. Autumn is also one of the best times to enjoy crystal-clear views of the mountain panoramas and vibrant landscapes. The autumn foliage enhances the scenery, and the clear weather offers unobstructed views. However, autumn is peak trekking season, so the trails are crowded and busy.
Winter is the off-season for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. However, it is the best time to enjoy the tranquil trail to yourself, as there are only a few trekkers on the trails. It snows in higher regions, covering the landscapes with a white snow blanket. As a result, the white landscapes give them a snowy wonderland look. The days are often warm, and the trails are dry. However, the temperature starts to drop significantly.
The average daytime temperature at Annapurna Base Camp is 8 to 12°C. Similarly, the nighttime temperature drops below freezing. Due to the extreme weather conditions, trekking in winter becomes more challenging. The trails of higher altitude regions are icy and covered with snow. Moreover, the high mountain passes can be blocked. Trekking in winter is more adventurous and more suitable for seasoned trekkers. It is the best time to enjoy the snow-covered mountain vistas and breathtaking scenery.
Teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses are the common types of accommodation available along the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. They are affordable stays that locals run. Due to the remoteness of the trekking route, these accommodations only offer basic facilities and limited amenities. There are no luxurious hotels or resorts available along the trek route. You can find a few standard hotels in the lower regions of the trekking route.
These accommodations usually have dormitory-style rooms or sharing rooms. They will provide you with beds, blankets, and pillows. However, the rooms are poorly insulated, so it is best to carry a sleeping bag to keep yourself warm at night. The bathrooms are usually communal and located at the end of the hall. Similarly, the dining halls are also communal. The higher you go, the more basic the facilities become.
For the meal option, you will have a variety of Nepalese cuisines as well as international dishes. The staple Nepalese Dal Bhat, which consists of rice, lentil soup, veggies, pickles, and salad, is found everywhere. Other than that, you can find food menus like Tibetan bread, cornflakes, oatmeals, toast, eggs, jam, butter, momo (dumplings), chow mein, thukpa, stew, soup, salad, noodles, spaghetti, pasta, sandwiches, hamburgers, etc. You will also find drink options such as tea (black/ milk/ green), coffee, soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages.
Clean water is essential for health and hydration. Tap and stream water may carry bacteria, so always purify it before drinking. Teahouses provide boiled water or filtered water for a small fee, with prices increasing at higher altitudes. Bottled water is available but expensive and discouraged due to plastic waste. Carry a reusable bottle and a purification method for safety.
Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to at least 4,500 m, ideally 6,000 m, and include emergency helicopter evacuation, which can cost USD 1,000–5,000. It should cover medical treatment, hospitalization, and altitude sickness. Trip cancellation and lost baggage coverage are also important due to unpredictable weather and flight delays. Always carry proof of insurance.
Most foreign trekkers can get a tourist visa on arrival in Nepal at Tribhuvan Airport or major land borders. Indian nationals do not need a visa but must carry a valid passport or voter ID. Visas are available for 15 days (USD 30), 30 days (USD 50), or 90 days (USD 125). You need a passport with six months’ validity, passport photos, cash in USD, and a completed arrival card. Filling out the online form before arrival can save time.
Saying “Namaste” (hello/goodbye) with palms together and a slight bow shows respect. Use “Dhanyabad” for thank you, “Hajur” for yes, and “Hoina” for no. Polite phrases like “Tapailai kasto chha?” (How are you?) helps you connect with locals. Your guide can teach proper pronunciation and new phrases during the trek.
While packing for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, it is important to pack only the basic and necessary items. This will not only reduce your backpack weight but also help you complete the ABC trek without any problems. Here is a comprehensive packing list that you can refer to.
Here is the updated list without bullet points, directly written out:
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