Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is 8 days trekking package in the Annapurna region. The trekking package offers fantastic views of Annapurna (8091m), Gangapurna (7454m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Lamjung (6983m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Fang (7647m) among other peaks. The view from Pokhara is the view that will tower 4 000m above you from Base Camp at 4 100m/13 550ft: on Annapurna South’s glacial moraine.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek begins with a scenic flight along the Himalayan panorama to Pokhara. A short drive north leads to Dhampus Phedi for a walk through agricultural farmland and forest to attractive Pothana. Deorali, on a ridge, offers great views back over Pokhara’s Phewa Lake; ahead are dramatic peaks. Attractive Jhinu Danda offers a revitalizing experience in hot springs at the river below the village.
The valley sides become increasingly covered in lush forests of rhododendron, oak and pine through the trekking trails. You will have the opportunity to explore the biodiversity of the Annapurna region, including Himalayan wildlife such as Musk Deer, Rhesus and Langur Monkeys, Leopard, Bear and much more.
Numerous villages perch on ridge tops surrounded by ancient terraced fields. Along steeper sections the trail is well stepped. Above Chhomrong, the pace slows, the path steepens and, towards the entrance to the Sanctuary, forest gives way to alpine scrub as the peaks come into full view.
First is the Machhapuchhare BC, some two stiff hours before the Annapurna Base Camp. Here you are surround by vast and breathtaking wall of rock and Ice U-shaped valley gouge. Out by glacier. Cloud often forms in the late making for attractive glimpses of an ever changing scenery sun rise often and clear offering view morning a surfeit of photo possibilities.
The downward trip requires three night with on spent at Ghandruk, a large, attractive Gurung village that is worth exploring. Visit its museums. A final downhill walk leads to Nayapul – and a car to return you to Pokhara and your hotel. Drive back to Kathmandu through the rural countryside.Our short Annapurna Poonhill Trek for families or trekkers with moderate fitness and limited time.
The best times of the year to perform the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek are during spring (March to May) and autumn (last week in September to mid-December) seasons. During these periods, the weather remains stable and the mountain views are good leading to the best experience. In monsoon, the weather can be unpredictable and the rain can make the trails slippery and perilous. Winter trekking might not be suitable for everyone due to the harshly cold temperatures. However, the trek does provide some amazing views and extra snow and enjoyment to anyone capable of performing it in winter.
This 8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate difficulty trek that takes you up to altitudes of 4130m (ABC). You will be trekking over steep hills and semi rocky terrain for most of the trek. While previous trekking experience is not a necessity, it will certainly make the trek easier. We recommended this trek for people with at least decent physical fitness and stamina. Altitude sickness is generally not an issue due to most of the trail lying at fairly low altitudes.
NRS. 3000 ($30) per person
NRS. 1000 ($10) for organized trekkers
NRS. 2000 ($20) for independent trekkers
After breakfast, transfer to the Domestic Airport for the short flight along the Himalaya Range to Pokhara. A short drive northward through farmland leads to a bus terminal opposite Dhampus Phedi.
Walk up to Dhampus Phedi and continue to a ridge and the large village of Dhampus (1 700m) for lunch. Follow the ridge into a rhododendron forest and climb steadily upwards to the attractive agricultural village of Pothana (1 900m) – with angular views of sacred Machhapuchhare and higher peaks behind. Overnight in Pothana.
The trail ascends through farmland before entering forest and a path over red clay (that is lethal when wet). Trek up to the bustling hilltop village of Deorali (2 100m). Behind are scintillating views over the Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake. Ahead is an absolute view of the Dhaulagiri I (8 167m/26 796ft, highest peak in western Nepal) all the Annapurnas across to its right flank and Manaslu.
A steep and attractive downward trail leads gradually to the ribbon village of Tolka (1 790m). Drop down a long staircase to cross the Tigu Khola, then climb back to a ridge and the Gurung village of Landruk, for lunch.
Beyond the village, a right fork keeps east of the river, leading to New Bridge (1 340m). Cross to the west bank of the Modi Khola and climb steeply up to Samrung. Cross the Kimrong Khola and climb to the attractive ridge-village of Jhinu Danda. Hot spring pools at the river below the village are worth the effort! Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
The day begins with a steep switchback climb, through tiny terraced fields of maize and vegetables, to Taglung (2 190m) on the main ABC trail. A short walk leads up to the wealthy and attractive village of Chhomrong (2 210m): the highest permanent settlement in the valley – and closer views of the giant peaks above. A broad stone staircase drops through the village and down to cross the Chhomrong Khola (1 900m) before ascending though forest to the charming village of Sinuwa (2 340m), for lunch.
Climb through rhododendron forest to enter the upper Modi Khola Valley. Then descend stairs into a dense forest of bamboo: and the hamlet of Bamboo (2 310m). Beyond, climb he side of the canyon through uninhabited forest to Dobhan. Overnight in Dobhan.
With increasing altitude, forest gives way to alpine scrub and grasses. First climb to the hamlet of Himalaya Hotel. Later, explore the cave at Hinku (3 100m) before crossing a ravine and avalanche tracks towards Deorali (3 140m).
The geology of the canyon’s side walls is fascinating. Views into the sacred Sanctuary gradually appear as the trail approaches a ridge and rises to MBC, for lunch.
A further two hours, slow, walk up grassy slopes leads to the ABC hotels built on Annapurna South’s glacial moraine: some 4 000m/13 100ft beneath the peaks that crown the surrounding ice walls. Overnight in Base Camp.
Before dawn walk to the rim of the glacier for remarkable views and photo opportunities. The ring of peaks, clockwise from Hiunchuli, include Annapurna South, the huge ice wall topped by Annapurna I (8 097m/26 566ft) and Singu chuli ( 6501m) Tent Peak ( 5695m) towering above you round, to Gangapurna( 7454m) Annapurna III(7555m) and Machhapuchhare 6993m .( it our holly mountain too) Listen to the glacier grinding below you, in its U-shaped valley.
After breakfast, go back over your steps down to Bamboo and short ascending Sinuwa for a more comfortable and relaxing night. Overnight in Sinuwa.
Descend to the Chhomrong Khola before climbing the stairs back to Chhomrong. Return to Taglung, Descend to the Kimrong Khola. Ascending to the hill top village and Descend prosperous Gurung village of Ghandruk: the village and its museums are worth exploring. Overnight in Ghandruk.
Traverse south, high above the Modi Khola as the trail gradually descends to the villages of Kimche (1 640m) and 500m lower, Syauli Bazaar. The trail is then relatively flat to Birethanti (1 000m) beyond which it drops down a rocky defile towards Nayapul – and the road for our transport to your hotel in Pokhara. Consider a visit to the Mountain Museum.
After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Raimarg which offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery and along major rivers such as the Trisuli Nadi, which rises in Tibet, north east of Kathmandu. The route passes through the lower Gorkha region (beneath Manaslu). Transfer to your hotel.