The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek takes you on the quickest route to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal’s most famous trekking destination, get an experience of ethnic Gurung culture while relaxing in the stunning Himalayan surroundings. Stay in a teahouse owned by a welcoming local family, enjoying freshly prepared meals made with ingredients from an organic garden.
This Annapurna Base Camp trek offers a short hike through remote towns, fairy-tale woods cut by gushing rivers, glaciers, cross mountain pastures, natural Himalayan hot springs, and turquoise peaks as they shine beneath the stars to witness the incredible beauty of the unique Himalayan terrain, with some of the best trekking routes and tea houses in the country.
Once you get to Annapurna Base Camp, walk among Annapurna I, the world’s 10th highest peak, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. It’s magical to explore the Annapurna Sanctuary, a sacred glacial basin where residents believe their gods dwell, a sight to behold surrounded by towering ice-covered peaks. This is the trek for you if you’re looking for a great adventure.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment list:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, and torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries
- Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirt.
- Long sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner cloths as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands, anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments
Itinerary
Duration: 6-7 Hours (200 km) Take a flight from Kathmandu which usually takes around 25 – 30 minutes or follow the winding roads of the Prithvi highway to reach the city of lakes Pokhara, after you check in on your accommodation you'll have plenty of time to explore the city.
Your journey starts with a scenic bus ride from Pokhara to Nayapul, where the trailhead is located. It's a scenic drive with views of the hillside, rice fields, and farmland. Once you arrive at Nayapul, make your way to Chhomrong. The Annapurna mountain range is visible from the hike to Chhomrong. The Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre, often known as the Fishtail Peak, appear grand and powerful. The richness of nature seems rejuvenating, even though the hike is exhausting. Walking in the woods to the melodies of birds and raging rivers. Annapurna Conservation Area Project zone restricts the use of plastic mineral water bottles, so along the way, there are filtered drinking water outlets from where you can fill your water bottles. Chhomrong, an enchanting settlement with picturesque dwellings, is shadowed by Annapurna South. Once you reach Chhomrong, unwind on the terrace of your teahouse and enjoy the scenery.
The views of the peaks in the early morning are gorgeous. Make your way down after breakfast, passing traditional whitewashed cottages, meeting the inhabitants which provide an insight into rural life and Gurung culture. After walking for a couple of hours across Bamboo, a popular trekking stop with a handful of teahouses, passing through a dense forest of rhododendron and oak, hike along a shaded trail lined by bamboo. Stop at Dovan, a lovely small settlement with a mini-hydropower plant and a modest local shrine, for a brief break. Before arriving in a Himalayas you'll cross the Modi Khola and cascading waterfalls.
Today will be the day you've been looking forward to, and you can't help but be thrilled to finally reach Annapurna Base Camp. The famous Hinku Cave, used as a camp by the first western explorers in the Annapurna Region, is reached via a winding staircase. As you near Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the Fishtail Peak, appears above you which is a sacred peak and climbing is prohibited. Before continuing your hike to Annapurna Base Camp, you'll stop for lunch at Machhapuchhre Base Camp and enjoy the surroundings. As you approach ABC, the majesty of the Annapurna Massif, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli dazzles you with their grandeur, take your time walking to your accommodation, absorbing the gorgeous views. One of the greatest places to stargaze in the Himalayas is Annapurna Base Camp, the Milky Way looks to be incredibly close, and you may gaze at the constellations.
Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacier valley encircled by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli, is a great place to start your day. The sight of the sun rising over the snow-covered peaks transforming color from orange to golden is a sight to behold. Take as many as pictures of this lovely scene and return to your teahouse, head down to Bamboo after breakfast. It's a long and tedious drop, and your knees will be delighted once you arrive at the teahouse at Bamboo.
The sixth and final part of your journey will take you to Matque. The return journey, however long and exhausting, is full of wonderful landscapes, pause at regular intervals to take in the scenery one final time. You join a car and go to Pokhara after reaching the highway at Matque. Check into your hotel when you arrive in the lakeside city and relax your sore muscles.
Your journey concludes with a drive down the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. Taking a flight is a convenient choice. Booking a flight will cut your trip time in half. The flight to Kathmandu takes approximately 25-30 minutes. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
