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This Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek trekking package of 6 days is the shorter version of Classic Annapurna Base Camp trekking, designed for trekkers short on time. It offers views of the breathtaking mountain vistas including Annapurna (8091m), Gangapurna (7454m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Lamjung (6983m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and more; same as the classic ABC trek. The Base Camp is built on the glacial moraine directly beneath the ring of towering peaks: between Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare as seen from Pokhara.
The Annapurna Base Camp Short trekking starts after a quick drive north of the city to Dhampus Phedi; and the start of a trek that gradually ascends the Modi Khola Valley. The slopes are covered in lush forests of rhododendron, oak and pine. You might encounter some of the Himalayan wildlife residing in the region including Musk Deer, Rhesus and Langur Monkeys, Leopard, Bear and more. Numerous villages perch on ridge tops surrounded by ancient terraced fields.
The trail of Annapurna Base Camp trekking package climbs from village to village – with plenty of places for tea. This opens up the opportunity to closely interact with and experience the indigenous culture and lifestyle of the locals, including the Gurung, Magar and Thakali people. Along steeper sections it is well stepped. Above Chhomrong, the pace slows, the paths steepen and, towards the entrance to the Sanctuary, forests give way to alpine scrub as the peaks come into full view.
First comes the Machhapuchhare base camp, which lies some two stiff hours before ABC ( 4130m/13,550ft), but the sheer drama of the entrance to this gigantic basin is amazing. The walk continues as the ice peaks begin to enclose you; clouds often obscures view from 9 am but sunset and sunrise offer stupendous photography opportunities.
The return journey is faster – and almost all downhill. This Poon Hill – Annapurna Base Camp Budget Trek offers the most comprehensive budget trek of the region.
The best times of the year to perform the Annapurna Base Camp Short 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 6 Days Annapurna Base Camp Short 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
A short drive northward from your hotel leads to a bus terminal opposite Dhampus Phedi.
Walk up to the Phedi and continue to a ridge and the village of Dhampus (1 700m) for lunch. Follow the ridge into a 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) across to its right flank all the Annapurnas 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 stays east of the river, leading to Himal Pani and 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 and enter the upper Modi Khola Valley. Then descend stairs into a dense forest of bamboo: and the hamlet of Bamboo (2 310m). Beyond, climb the side of the canyon, passing several avalanche chutes, 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 border of the glacier for memorable view and photo opportunities. The ring of peaks, clockwise from Hiunchuli, include Annapurna South, the huge ice wall top by Annapurna I (8 091m/26 538ft) and Singu chuli , Tent Peak towering above you round, to Gangapurna , Anapurna III Machhapuchhare. Listen to the glacier grinding below you, in its U-shaped valley.
After breakfast, go back over your steps down to Bamboo short ascending to the 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, Jhinu Danda and New Bridge. Stay on the west bank and follow the trail along the river to Ghandruk Phedi for lunch.
From here, an hour’s jeep drive leads to Nayapul for the car back to your hotel in Pokhara.
