Travel Guides

Nepal Trekking Routes

Get Your Trekking Holidays With Short Abc Trek

Get Your Trekking Holidays With Short Abc Trek

Annapurna Base Camp trek is an adventurous and picturesque hiking route extending through various Annapurna Conservation Area environments. 360-degree views of the incredible Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Huinchuli, and many other popular mountains make the trip delightful. This article will explore the short Annapurna base camp trek.

The stunning panorama of the beautiful mountain peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and the amazing view of sunrise on the snow-capped mountains, in fact, make the visitors fall in love with nature.

The breath-catching scenery of the dense and green forest, the pleasant smell of rhododendrons, the sudden encounter of many wild (usually pleasant) animals, the traditional houses of local people, their unique living style with harmony, etc., are the appealing facts that keep the visitors refreshed and delightful eliminating their tiredness of long walk.  

The trail passes through rhododendron woodland, terraced farmland, stunning river valleys, and charming villages of Gurung and Magar and climbs all the way to Annapurna Base camp at an elevation of 4130 meters, offering abundant opportunities to get close to nature. 

Highlights Of the short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

  • Explore magical flora and fauna on the way
  •  The pleasant experience of exploring Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) as a bonus on the same trip
  •  Learn about the distinctive cultures, traditions and lifestyles of local people
  •  360-degree stunning view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli
  •  Hot spring shower at Jhinu Danda while returning back 

Altitude Information Of Major Stations Of ABC Trek

  • Pokhara: 1400 m
  •  Kande: 1850 m
  •  Landruk:2730 m
  •  Chomrong (2140 m)
  •  Himalaya (2870 m)
  •  ABC: 4130 m
  •  Sinuwa: 2300 m
  •  Jhinudanda (1730 m)

Overall Short Glance Of Itinerary

  • Day 1: Pokhara to Kande (drive), trek to Landruk
  •  Day 2: Trek to Chomrong
  •  Day 3: Trek to Himalaya
  •  Day 4: Trek to ABC
  •  Day 5: Trek to Sinuwa
  •  Day 6: Trek to Jhinudanda
  •  Day 7: Drive back to Pokhara

Detailed Itinerary Of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

How long is Annapurna base camp trek? It actually depends on your itinerary. The 7 Days itinerary excludes 2 to 3 days that you require before and after the Trek. Besides the itinerary, you will have a wonderful time in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Pokhara, one of the popular tourist hubs. The important tips about Kathmandu and Pokhara and the options you can choose to travel between these two cities are explained below. 

You can also opt for Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter tour with Himalayan Masters.

Short Annapurna base camp trek
Majestic rocky mountain seen from ABC trek route.

Kathmandu Highlights

The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, includes two more cities (Lalitpur and Bhaktapur). 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including The Boudanath, the world’s biggest Buddhist stupa. The alluring flight into Kathmandu Valley, with the beautiful Himalayas and terraced valley views, drops you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

Kathmandu is such a wonderful valley that it contains seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Boudanath, the world’s biggest Buddhist stupa. Depending on your time and interest, you can visit popular sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swaymbhunath temple—popularly known as Monkey Temple—Pashupatinath temple, and many others. 

If your Trek begins right after the next day, you may have to prepare for your Trek, including gear check, meeting with the company personnel and guide, and taking enough rest to gain fortitude for the upcoming adventure. 

Options To Travel From Kathmandu To Pokhara

Option 1: Airway (25 minutes flight)

  • If you have limited time and get a languor while having a long journey by bus, this option is amazing for you.  
  •  Taking a short flight, you can shorten your trip by one day. 

Option 2: Roadway (5 to 6 hours drive)

  • If you have enough time and are fond of travelling in a luxurious tourist bus, capturing the greenery through the window pane can be the best option for you.  
  •  You get the opportunity to begin your Trek in the fresh morning. 

Pokhara Highlights

Pokhara is one of the world’s most beautiful and mysterious cities, about 200 kilometres west of Kathmandu. It is also the gateway for the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu – the three out of the ten highest peaks in the world.

Sports like trekking, rafting, bungee jumping, etc., are very popular in Pokhara. The mysterious caves, Davis Falls, and beautiful large lakes attract thousands of tourists worldwide every year, making this small valley an important tourist destination. 

Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul (1000 m) (drive), trek to Ghandruk (2012 m)

Pokhara – Nayapul: 1.5 to 2 hrs drive Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hrs.

Total trekking distance: 9 km. Overnight: Ghandruk  

Attractions:

  • Beautiful scenery along the route
  •  Panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Fishtail 
  •  Gurung museum 

Challenges

  • Dusty road
  •  Long and rough trail
  •  Steep ascents 

A short drive from Pokhara takes you to Nayapul, where your short Annapurna trek officially begins. Upon arriving at the bus stop in Nayapul, you need to commence your hike to Ghandruk. Get your permits and TIMS card checked at the Birethanti checkpoint and keep them safe throughout your trip.

You will have to get them checked in many other checkpoints. You will pass through the beautiful villages with nice views of the river, farmland and green forests. Birethanti, Chimrung, Syauli, Kimche, Chane, etc., are the best places to stop for rest or for lunch or snacks. 

Day 2: Trek to Chhomrong (2140 m)

Distance: 9 km Time: 3.5 to 4 hrs

Ascent: 928 m Descent: 426 m

Stops: Himalpani (1400 m), New Bridge (1500 m), Jhinudanda (1730 m) Overnight: Chhomrong

Attractions:

  • Amazing suspension bridge
  •  Hot spring at Jhinudanda
  •  Stunning landscape along the trail
  •  Panoramic views from Chhomrong

Challenges

  • Lots of rough ascents and descents between Landruk and Jhinudanda

This is a short hiking day. You just need to walk a maximum of 4 hours to reach Chhomrong. The second half of ascending the trail is more challenging than the trail before the long suspension bridge.  

Short Annapurna Base Camp trek
Chhomrong, a beautiful village on the ABC trek route.

Day 3: Trek To Himalaya

Distance: 14 km Time: 4 to 5 hrs

Overnight: Himalaya Accommodation: Teahouse

Stops: Lower Sinuwa (2220 m), Upper Sinuwa (2350 m), Bamboo (2300 m), Dovan (2500 m)

Attracts:

  • Beautiful forests, rivers and waterfalls along the trail
  •  Stunning views from Chomrong
  •  Amazing views from Sinuwa

Challenges:

  • The steep descent from Chhomrong to the river
  •  Steep ascent to Himalaya
  •  Steep ascent to Upper Sinuwa from the river
  •  Steep ascent from Bamboo to Dovan

After having a pleasing breakfast at the teahouse, you start the Trek to the Himalayas, the day’s destination. You have to walk on the descent trail until you cross the Chhomrong River Nepal. The route heads up to upper Sinuwa and then to Bamboo after you cross the Chhomrong River, where you pass through the lush green forest with a number of waterfalls, big rocks, and wildlife. 

The trail from Bamboo to the Himalayas is quite tough uphill. The trail here goes through the forest, offering you a variety of wildlife and vegetation. 

Day 4: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Distance: 15 km Time: 4 to 5 hrs.

Overnight: Annapurna Base Camp Accommodation: Teahouse

Attraction

  • Stunning Mountain views from MBC and ABC
  •  Diverse landscape along the trail

Challenges

  • Steep and long ascent from Himalaya to Deurali
  •  Possibility of avalanches before ABC

Today is the special day of your short Annapurna base camp trek. You are spending tonight at Annapurna base camp at an elevation of 4130 meters, which is also the central point of the trip. There are two different ways to reach ABC. Depending on the season of your visit, you need to choose the best one. If you are trekking through Himalayan Masters, our guide will decide the best way for you.

These areas are quite dangerous as there is a high possibility of avalanches. Finally, you reach the final destination, ABC. The breathtaking views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, and many other snowcapped mountains will give you the impression of heaven. Those views are more stunning in the morning. 

Day 5: Trek To Sinuwa

Distance: 19 km Time: 5 to 6 hrs.

Ascent: 406 m Descent: 2131 m

Attractions:

  • Alluring mountain views from ABC
  •  Stunning landscape and rhododendron forest on the way
  •  Fascinating views from Sinuwa
  •  Charming villages along the trail

Challenges:  

  • Steep and long descent
  •  Slippery trail due to snowfall 
  •  Extreme cold

After you cherish the morning panoramic views from Annapurna base camp, you need to descend down to Machhapuchhre base camp, Dovan, and then to Sinuwa. The trail moves forward through rhododendron forest, and finally, you reach Sinuwa, from where you will be almost intoxicated by the magnificent mountain views.

Day 6: Trek To Jhinudanda

Distance: approximately 17 km Time: 5 to 7 hrs

Overnight: Jhinudanda Accommodation: Teahouse

Attractions:

  • Natural hot shower (probably the next morning)
  •  Mostly downhill trail
  •  Diverse landscape 

Challenges:

  • Long and tiring descent
Short Annapurna Base camp trek
Jhinu Danda Suspension bridge.

While returning from the short Annapurna base camp trekking, our guide will lead you to the shortcut route so you can travel a shorter distance than you normally expect. Since most parts of the trail are to be descended, it is easier than to ascent for you. After the 5 to 7 hours walk, you will reach Jhinudanda, where you will spend a night in one of the best teahouses.

The next day, you will be getting the amazing experience of taking a natural hot water shower. You will really be perplexed seeing the hot water running on the natural spring.    

Day 7: Drive to Pokhara

It is a special day to have a hot spring shower!

Now, it is time to be satisfied after completing the successful short Annapurna base camp trekking over the Annapurna region. You will have a relaxed breakfast and spend some hours in Jhinudanda, which has the perfect views and sightseeing. Our guide will manage a private car or a jeep to return to Pokhara, where you can spend the rest of the day exploring as many magical spots as you can.

Leave Your Comment

Author

Himalayan Masters has been established by travel and trekking experts with several years of experience. Our consultants have travelled extensively and have in-depth knowledge of the region you will be traveling in.

UNSURE WHERE TO GO? WE CAN HELP

Based on your preferences, location, timeframe, and budget, our team can design your dream trek based on our extensive knowledge and experience of the Himalayas. Get in touch with us for detailed information and assistance planning your dream trek. With our 97% success rate on trekking and climbing trips in 2022 and 2023 spring season, we will answer any questions you may have and guide you for an unforgettable experience.
Index