Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
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Trip Duration 5
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Max, Altitude 4,130 meters (ABC)
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Type Trekking
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Best Season Sept - May
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Meals Included
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Accommodation Guest House
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Activity Trek & Hike
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Difficulty Moderate
- Trek provides breathtaking panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 meters) and Machhapuchhare (6,993 meters), also known as the “Fishtail Mountain”.
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp, located at an altitude of 4130 meters in 5 days.
- Enjoy the vistas of Annapurna I, II, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare peaks.
- Wander through vibrant rhododendron forests and fertile terraced fields en route the trek.
- Recharge at Jhinu Danda’s natural hot springs after your trek.
- Experience a friendly welcome in the beautiful Gurung and Magar villages in Chhomrong.
- Stay in the warm teahouses, which serve up great local Nepali dishes.
- Moderate-level trek, which is good for beginners and short breaks.
- Explore unique Himalayan wildlife and gorgeous mountain flora.
- Take the most efficient route and still see the best mountain views.
- Great for travellers short on time but long on adventure.
- At Annapurna Base Camp, you will see amazing sunrise and sunset views.
- Walk through quiet trails that surround towering snow-capped mountains.
If you don’t have much time but would still like to experience the Annapurna region, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is what you should do.
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 5 Days Itinerary brings you into the amazing Annapurna Sanctuary in a few day’s time.
This Short ABC Trek route is for travellers who prefer to enjoy the mountains without a 2-week trip.
You pass through picturesque villages, rhododendron-filled forests, and terraced fields on your way to the foot of great Annapurna I (8,091m), which is the 10th highest mountain in the world.
What sets this Short ABC Trek apart is the great diversity of the scenery. In just a few days, you transition from very green and wet terrain to high alpine, which is covered in snow and high mountain peaks.
You will see the great hospitality of the Gurung, taste local food at homey teahouses, and rest your tired muscles in natural hot springs.
Whether you are a first-time trekker or a regular mountain goer, this 5 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek gives you a full taste of the Himalayas in less than a week. It is short, sweet, and an unforgettable experience.
Why choose 5 Days Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The 5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary is perfect for the person who wants to experience the magic of the Himalayas without a great deal of time to devote to it.
It is an efficient time put aside for an in-depth look at the Annapurna region, which also does not sacrifice beauty, culture, or excitement.
Here is what makes this ABC trip perfect for you:
Ideal for Busy Travelers
Not all have the time out of work or study. This Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 5 Days Itinerary is for those who are short on time but still wish to see Nepal’s great mountain scenery.
Timesaving Without Missing the Best Parts
You will be on a carefully designed route that takes you right to Annapurna Base Camp and back in a shorter time. We go past the less scenic detours but still include all the best parts of the trail.
Breathtaking Mountain Views
In just a short while, you will be in the middle of great mountains like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli and others. At base camp, the views are also just incredible.
A Complete Himalayan Experience
Though it may be a short trek, there will also be a chance to see traditional Gurung villages, walk in forests full of rhododendrons and Bamboo and enjoy quiet time at the river’s edge in the mountains.
Suitable for Beginners
ABC Trek trail is of moderate difficulty, and we find it doable for beginners with a base level of fitness. Also, it doesn’t go to very high altitudes, which in turn makes it a safer and more comfortable trip for many.
Natural Hot Springs
After the tiring Annapurna Base Camp, you can relax in the hot springs at Jhinu Danda, a great way to care for your tired legs and round out the adventure.
Budget-Friendly
Of short duration, this also means it is a great value trip that will save you money on food, accommodation and guide fees, thus a great budget option.
Year-Round Accessibility
The ABC Trek route is open throughout the great majority of the year. But what we see as the best times to visit are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather plays out just right and the views are at their best.
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
The cost for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek varies based on the number of people in your group. As for solo travellers, it goes for $580.
The Short ABC Trek cost includes all basic elements like accommodation in teahouses, meals during the trek, guide and porter services if required, permits, and transport to and from the start point.
When you travel alone, you tend to pay more as some of the expenses do not get split.
For groups from 2 to 4, we see a drop in Short ABC Trek cost per person out to as low as $450 each.
In the group trekking option, you can share in the cost of things like guide fees, porter charges, and transport, which in turn makes it a more budget-friendly option.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is for your comfort while at the accommodation we provide; included also are meals that we prepare for you along the trail.
Himalayan Trekking and Tours will help you with permit issues and have experienced guides to see to it that your trip is safe and enjoyable.
How Difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, which is of short duration, typically takes 5 days. It is a great challenge which, at the same time, is meant for persons of moderate fitness who are ready to put in some steep climbs.
At the start of the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking, which is day one, you will do the hike from Jhinu Danda to Chhomrong, which is the hardest part.
It takes about 3 hours, and you will be climbing up a large set of stairs. Also, this area is very tiring due to the continuous climbing.
From the village of Chhomrong to that of Deurali, what you mostly see are long staircases that put a strain on your knees and legs.
Although going downstairs may seem easier than going up, it still puts a lot of stress on your muscles and joints.
In the days to come, you will do a lot of steep climbing up and down as you get near Annapurna Base Camp.
Daily walk time is for 4 to 6 hours in ABC Trekking, which is typical, but what you add in terms of stairs and rough terrain can leave you sore, especially on the return trip when tiredness kicks in.
At an altitude of around 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), Annapurna Base Camp is which is high but, in general, considered to be a moderate altitude.
The trek also gives your body time to adjust. That said, do watch for signs of altitude sickness and go slow if you need to.
In that which regards safety, some sections of the trail do see high levels of avalanche risk in the winter and after heavy snowfall. It is very important to check in with local weather reports and to travel with a guide who is very familiar with the area.
How to get to Jhinu from Pokhara or Kathmandu
To get from Pokhara or Kathmandu to the starting point of ABC Trek, Jhinu, you can follow the below options:
From Pokhara to Jhinu:
Jhinu, which is the starting point for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 5 Days Itinerary, is 35 km to the west of Pokhara. To get there, the easiest option is to take a local jeep or bus from Pokhara’s tourist bus park.
The time from Pokhara to Jhinu usually is 1.5 to 2 hours duration, which may be on a hilly, at times bumpy road. Also, we have the option of hiring a private taxi for a more comfortable and flexible trip.
From the point of Jhinu, there is no road access, so you will have to use a suspension bridge and then begin your 5-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
From Kathmandu to Jhinu:
From Kathmandu, you will have to go to Pokhara. The fastest way is to take a 30-minute domestic flight from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to Pokhara Airport.
Also, you can take a 6-to-8-hour tour by bus or private car, which runs along the scenic route between the cities.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, follow the road which was described above to get to Jhinu. Also, some travellers opt to hire a private vehicle from Kathmandu directly to Jhinu, which is a long trip of about 7 to 9 hours by road.
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The best season to do the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, you get the best mountain views, stable weather, and very pleasant temperatures for trekking.
In the spring, the trails come to life with blooming rhododendrons and colourful forests; at the same time, in the fall, the skies are usually very clear, which in turn gives you great views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare.
Also, these seasons see less rain and fewer reports of flight delays or weather-related issues.
While during winter (December to February), you can go on a trek, it does get very cold at times, especially at the base camp.
Monsoon season (June to August) is out of the question for most as the rain is heavy, the paths very slippery, and visibility poor.
So, the spring and fall are the best times to go on the ABC trek, which also happens to be when Annapurna’s beauty is at its peak.
Itinerary of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
In the early morning, after breakfast at your Pokhara hotel, you will head out around 7 AM.
Your Shortest ABC Trek itinerary starts out with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda, which takes in the range of 2 to 2.5 hours by jeep or bus.
The drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda goes through small villages and into large green fields, which give you a feel of rural Nepal.
Since you cannot travel via road across Jhinu, you must bid bye to the jeep and start trekking after crossing a suspension bridge at Jhinu.
At Jhinu Danda, you begin your trek, which includes a moderately difficult uphill climb to Chhomrong.
From Jhinu to Chhomrong, this part of the trip, which goes for about 3 hours, includes steep stone staircases that will test your legs but which, in turn, will give you great views.
Most of the people find this route the hardest among the whole treks. It is steep uphill and surrounded by beautiful rhododendrons around the stairs.
At midday, we stop at a local teahouse, which will have simple lunch options, usually dal bhat or noodles.
After which, you will arrive in Chhomrong, a very pretty Gurung village known for its culture and amazing mountain views.
Here at the tea house, we will spend the night and have a warming dinner, which will also set the pace for the days to come.
After having an early breakfast, which is in Chhomrong, we set off for a 45-minute descent, which is quite steep, via stone steps to cross the Chhomrong River via a suspension bridge.
Along the stairs you will see beautiful Gurung Houses made with stone and painted beautifully. The locals seem being engaged in daily household activities.
You will cross the river on a swing bridge, then go up a very long hill to Sinuwa, which at times may take an hour. Take it easy here; the ascent is steep.
From in between the ranges of Sinuwa, the trail becomes gentler, which winds through thick rhododendrons and bamboo forests.
Sinuwa is also divided in two parts: Upper Sinuwa and Lower Sinuwa. There are plenty of teahouses at Sinuwa.
Then the route from Sinuwa to Bamboo can be said as the easiest route during this trek. The path is flat and will cross one beautiful stream on the way too.
The air is cool and fresh. Also, you’ll pass through Bamboo and Dovan, which are very popular for lunch stops.
Most travellers stop in at Bamboo for lunch, as it is between Sinuwa and Himalaya.
After lunch, we go on the trail, which includes both uphill and flat parts, but we will always stay by the river. We will pass by waterfalls, small wooden bridges, and very tranquil forests.
Post lunch, we will still be on the go for another couple of hours as we head uphill, which will bring us to the beautiful, quiet spot of the Himalayas that is away from the crowds.
The trail is rough going; do take your time. At Himalaya, you will relax, have dinner, and get a good rest for the next long day.
Himalaya is just a teahouse area; no other people have their local houses at Himalaya.
Today is a different kind of day. You’re heading to the heart of the Himalayas, Annapurna Base Camp.
The climb begins at the start of the trail, which heads to Deurali, which is a key stop. Between the Himalaya and Deurali are areas that see a lot of avalanches, particularly in late winter and early spring.
You will be trekking at your own risk, please do so slowly and steer clear of areas that may see an avalanche. If you are with a guide, they will take you on the safe path.
From within Deurali, the forest begins to thin out, and you will step into an open valley. The climb will be continuous, though not at a great incline. Slowly, in the distance, you will see the large snow-capped peaks drawing closer.
After we are out for 2.5 hours, we will reach the Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700 meters. You may stop here for lunch or tea.
We are already treated to great views of Fishtail Mountain, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna, which tower over the trail.
From MBC, the trail goes for a further 2 hours to Annapurna Base Camp. You will walk through a large alpine meadow that has glaciers and streams, surrounded by the great Himalayan peaks. The air is thin here, and you will feel the altitude, so do take your time.
Machhapuchhare Base Camp is a very beautiful teahouse area hosting 5-6 teahouses just surrounded by huge mountains.
At last, you will reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). At 4,130 meters, it is a natural setting of mountains. You’ll be surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and many other peaks. At sunset here, it is magical.
Stay the night in a tea house, have a hot meal, and sleep well.
On the morning, you will rise early to see the mountains at Annapurna Base Camp.
You will see the entire Annapurna range in all directions, and it will leave you in awe.
Rising early to see the sunrise over the Annapurna range is an experience you won’t forget.
It won’t take a long time to return from ABC to MBC since it is an easy descent. Although it is easier on the lungs downhill, that doesn’t mean it is easy on your knees and legs.
We pass through MBC and Deurali, which require you to pay close attention to slippery and uneven sections.
You will have lunch at midday, which you may choose to do in either Himalaya or Dovan based on how fast you are going.
After lunch, the trail heads down through the forest and small villages, which at times go up as well as down before we reach Sinuwa in the afternoon or early evening.
Here at this spot, you will find a place to rest and recover from that long day. We have the tea house, which serves up local foods to get your energy back.
On the last day, we will have breakfast at Sinuwa, then head out for our trek back to Jhinu Danda.
After walking a bit of descent we will need to prepare ourselves for the steep ascent of Chhomrong stairs. It might look mighty from distant like hard but take step one by one with long breath.
That section runs for 3 hours; mostly, we are on a downhill, and what’s great is that we pass through the areas very much known to us.
At Jhinu Danda, you may rest in the natural hot springs, which is the perfect way to ease tired muscles.
After a while, we will get you a vehicle for the ride back to Pokhara, which may take 2 to 3 hours at the time we are seeing.
You will arrive in Pokhara by the afternoon at the very latest, at which point the trek comes to an end. You may go back to the hotel or proceed with your travel.
Price includes
- Round Trip Sharing Local Jeep from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek
- A cup of Tea or Coffee in each meal time
- Twin Sharing accommodation during the trek
- An experienced and licensed Trekking guide and his daily wage, meal, and accommodation
- A porter to carry your backpack for the trek and his daily meal, wage, and accommodation ( 1 porter will be assigned for 2 person)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee
- Insurance for the trekking guide and porter
- Seasonal fruits in every dinner time
- Proper and quick assistant service for emergency case
- Himalayan Trekking’s T-shirt and Cap ( free)
- Duffle bag and sleeping bag (Refundable)
- Government Tax
Price Excludes
- Airfare to and from Nepal
- Transportation to and from Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Travel Insurance ( Must coverage your emergency evacuation)
- All Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee ( $ 30 for 15 days)
- Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, Mineral Water and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee), extra porters, etc
- Tips for guide and porter
- Additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control, like landslide, weather condition, Political unrest.
Have any Questions? Check out FAQ'S
Trip Essential Information
Accommodation and Food During the ABC Trekking
Along the Annapurna Base Camp route, we stay in tea houses and small lodges, which are owned by local families.
ABC Trek tea houses present basic yet cozy rooms that have clean linens, warm blankets, and shared bathrooms.
Although the facilities are simple, they put forth a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere, which in turn gives you a chance to experience the local hospitality at its best.
Food along the trail is mostly what is traditional in Nepal, which includes Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), Momo (dumplings), noodles, and soups. Also, you will see a great choice of snacks, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit at the tea houses.
Most of the food is prepared fresh with local ingredients, which may vary from time to time based on what we find in our nearby area.
Power and Wi-Fi are sometimes provided in larger villages, but not always; it’s a good idea to have a power bank for your gadgets.
Packing List for ABC Short Trek
If you are ready for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking be ready to follow the below given packing list. Remember not to overpack.
Clothing
- 1 cold weather jacket (for those chilly nights)
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket or raincoat
- 1 fleece or thermal mid-layer
- 2–3 quick-dry trekking t-shirts
- 1 pair of trekking pants
- A pair of warm trousers (for evenings)
- 2–3 pairs of trekking socks
- Inner thermal wear (top and bottom)
- Thin gloves on the inside, warm gloves on the outside
- Woollen hat/beanie
- Sun hat or cap
- Buff or neck gaiter
Footwear and Sleeping
- Fine-Spikedhiking boots (broken in)
- 30–40-day backpack (for personal use)
- Duffel or large backpack (to be carried by porter if hired)
- Rain covers for your backpack
- Sleeping bag, which is rated for -5 to -10 degrees Celsius.
- Sleeping bag insert (which is optional but increases the warmth)
Toiletries & Personal Items
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Small towel & soap
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Toilet paper or tissue
- Face moisturizer
First Aid & Medicines
- Personal medicines (if any)
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention)
- Band-aids, blister plasters
- ORS or electrolytes
Electronics & Accessories
- Power bank (very handy; charging may be an additional cost).
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera or smartphone
- Charging cables (Type-C or Micro USB)
- Universal adapter
Other Essentials
- Reusable water bottle (1–2 litres)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Energy bars/snacks/dried fruits
- Trekking sticks are great for steep ascents and descents.
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Small lock for your bag
- Trekking permits (ACAP + TIMS)
- Passport & a few passport-sized photos
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, prior trekking experience is not required for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. The trek is suitable for individuals with a moderate level of fitness.
While not mandatory, hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended for a smoother and more enjoyable trekking experience.
We recommend packing warm clothing, comfortable trekking gear, a good pair of hiking boots, a sleeping bag, and essential personal items. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
Yes, trekkers need to obtain necessary permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card, which can be arranged with our assistance.
Accommodation varies from basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges along the route. We will arrange the best available options for your comfort.
The Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is 5 days, which is great for travellers with limited time but who still wish to experience the Himalayan beauty. It features the best of what the region has to offer without the long acclimatization days.
Yes, those with good fitness may do this one. But the trek does include steep up and down stairs, which is best for those that have some walking in their past. For first-timers, we recommend hiring a guide.
The highest altitude we reach is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. Also, we see a fast ascent, which in turn puts you at risk for altitude sickness, which you should watch for, and break, which you may need to.
It is of a moderate to difficult grade, which we attribute to the steep climbs, for example, from Jhinu to Chhomrong, and to the long trekking hours. We see legs aching during the return journey.
From Jhinu Danda, you start the trek, which is also accessed by road from Pokhara. On completion, you return the same way, which in turn simplifies logistics for what is a short trek.
You may use a private car or a jeep from Nayapul, which then is a short ride to Jhinu. Also, it is advised to leave early in the day to avoid the afternoon traffic and to enjoy the trek while it is still light.
A local staple dish in Nepal is dal bhat. Also, you will find momo, noodles, soups and some Western options. It is important to drink bottled or purified water to avoid illness.
In spring and in the autumn, you will see clear skies and mild weather. In winter, it is very cold with heavy snowfall; also, during the monsoon season, which is June to August, you will get heavy rains and slippery trails.
Some lodges offer Wi-Fi and charging at a cost, but the quality of the connection may be poor. We recommend you bring a power bank in case the electricity is not reliable or is limited.
Yes, as you gain altitude fast. Symptoms are headache, nausea, and dizziness. To minimize risk, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and see about taking Diamox, which is to be discussed with your doctor.
Solo ABC trekking is possible, but we see that having a guide increases safety, which includes in emergency situations and when the weather turns. Also, it is a great idea to join a group for the company and support.
The ABC Trek cost is $580 per person, which includes permits, accommodation, and meals. The use of a porter or guide, which you may pay for separately, will increase the total. By going through a good trekking agency, you ensure smooth planning and local support.
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