How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

The trek is rated moderate to strenuous. It includes daily hikes of 5–7 hours on mountain trails with several ascents and descents. A reasonable level of fitness is required, but no prior trekking experience is necessary.

How cold does it get at the base camp?

Temperatures at ABC can drop below freezing, especially in the morning and night. Expect -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) in colder months. Warm clothing is essential.

Do I need permits for this trek?

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)Your tour company will arrange these for you.

What kind of food is available on the trek?

You’ll find a variety of meals including dal bhat (rice, lentils, curry), noodles, pasta, soups, eggs, and tea/coffee. Vegetarian options are widely available.

Can I do this trek solo?

Yes, solo trekking is allowed, but hiring a licensed guide or porter is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and a better cultural experience.

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, 10Days

Transportation
Domestic Flight & Private Vehicle
Group Size
1-16
Maximum Altitude
4,130 m ( 13,550 ft)
Meals
Full board during the trek
Accomodation
4* Hotel in Kathmandu, 5* Hotel in Pokhara & Lodge during the trek
Best season
Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) & Winter (Dec-Jan-Feb)
Difficulty
Moderate to Strenuous
Tour type
Private Trip
Group Size
1 - 16
Destinations
Annapurna Region
Activities
Cultural Tours, Trekking
Trip Type
Budget Travel
Difficulty
Medium

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is an adventurous and condensed version of the classic ABC trek, specially designed for trekkers with limited time who still want to experience the grandeur of the Himalayas. This 10-day journey takes you to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 meters, offering spectacular views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and other towering peaks.

This route cuts down the duration without compromising on the core highlights — terraced fields, lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung and Magar villages, and serene high alpine landscapes. With a carefully planned itinerary, you’ll experience the full variety of terrain and culture, reaching the majestic base camp in a shorter time without feeling rushed.

Perfect for moderately fit trekkers who want a taste of the Himalayan highlands, this trek begins and ends in Pokhara — Nepal’s vibrant lakeside city. Along the way, enjoy cozy mountain lodges, warm hospitality, and dramatic scenery that will leave you breathless.

Highlights

Reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) in just 10 days
Panoramic and closed views of Annapurna massif,
Explore in the valley
Unobstructed sunrise and sunset view over the Himalayas.
Picturesque villages.
Experiencing with life style and culture of Gurung people who is very famous for Gorkha arm,walking in the narrow and stone paved trail.
Ancient Monastery, old tradition Gurung Museum, waterfalls.
Scenic mountain flight to and from Pokhara,explore lake city of Pokhara.
Walking through dense Rhododendron forest and even more beautiful in Spring.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu 1338m

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our staff
member will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in
Kathmandu.

Day 02 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (8/9 hrs) and drive to Kimche (1640m/3 hours) by Private Jeep and trek to Ghandruk 1940m/1-2 hours

We drive to Pokhara early in the morning .We take a short drive to Kimche from
Pokhara via Nayapul. From Kimche, we start to trek towards Ghandruk, which is
the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region. We ascend towards
Ghandruk walking on stone steps, enjoying the beautiful landscape in the
background. Ghandruk offers a great view of Annapurna South (7219m) and
Machhapuchhre Himal (6993m). Overnight at a lodge in Ghandruk.

Day 03 :

Trek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa (2340m/6-7 hours)

Leaving Ghandruk behind, today we trek towards Chhomrong passing through
several villages and small streams. We then ascend through a stone staircase
that leads us to Kimrung Danda, which offers an up-close view of Annapurna
South (7219m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), and Hiunchuli (6441m). From there,
we descend to Kimrung Khola through a forested path filled with oak and fir
trees. After crossing the suspension bridge, we make a steep climb up to the
ridge to finally reach Chhomrong. After lunch, we will move downhill on a stone
staircase and cross Chomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, and then climb out
of the side valley through the forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. We
ascend alongside Modi Khola to arrive in Sinuwa. Overnight at a lodge in
Sinuwa.

Day 04 :

Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali (3230m/5-6 hours)

We ascend through the forest of rhododendron, decorated with orchids and
ferns, on a stone-paved trail. We then go downhill on a steep and slippery stone
stairway into the deep bamboo and rhododendron forest until reaching Bamboo
village. Then, our trail leads us to cross tributary rivers on narrow bridges, and
crossing several waterfalls we reach Dovan. We ascend on a stony trail through
the forest, then up a steep gorge to Hinku Cave. We walk through large rocks
surrounding Hinku Cave to arrive in Deurali. Overnight at a lodge in Deurali.

Day 05 :

Trek from Deurali to ABC (4130m/4-5 hours)

The trail goes to the east side of the gorge to escape a hazardous avalanche
area as we ascend through the rare mix of bamboo and birch. We continue to
move uphill, pass a moraine, and go downhill to a stream. Then, short ascends
lead us to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m). We keep ascending uphill on
the moraines of South Annapurna Glacier until we reach Annapurna Base Camp
(ABC). There is a marvelous view of the south face of Annapurna rising above
the sanctuary to the northwest. After lunch, we will move towards a player-flag
wrapped viewpoint to enjoy the breath-taking view of the mountains of
Annapurna region along with the surrounding glacier. Overnight at a lodge in
ABC.

Day 06 :

Trek from ABC to Dovan (2505m/5-6 hours)

Early in the morning, wake up for an unobstructed sunrise view over the
mountains. We will witness a mesmerizing view of the sun rays touching the
mountains that have filled up our skyline. We then retrace our trail as we trek
down on the moraines towards MBC. Retracing our trail to Deurali and then
trekking through the rhododendron and oak forest, we arrive in Dovan. Overnight
at a lodge in Dovan.

Day 07 :

Trek from Dovan to Chhomrong (2170m/5-6 hours)

We move along the rhododendron and bamboo forest until reaching Bamboo.
Then, we ascend on the rocky trail through the bamboo and rhododendron forest
until reaching Sinuwa. After lunch, we walk on the rocky trail till we cross the
bridge over Chhomrong Khola. Then, we move up on a stone staircase until we
arrive in Chhomrong. We get to relish remarkable views of Annapurna South

(7219m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m) from our lodge in Chomrong. Overnight at
a lodge in Chhomrong.

Day 08 :

Trek from Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda (1780m/2-3 hours) and drive to Pokhara (820m/4 hours) by Private Jeep

Today the trail descends steeply to Jhinu Danda, which is known for its natural
hot spring. We continue to descend steeply to the small stream and cross New
Suspension Bridge. Then we take Jeep for driving to Pokhara which takes about
4 hours drive via Nayapul. Overnight at a 5-star hotel in Pokhara.

Day 09 :

Drive back to Kathmandu 7/8 hrs

Day 10 :

Departure from Kathmandu

Your trip comes to the end after breakfast in hotel. As per your international flight
schedule, our representatives will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport to
fly back home.