What are the highlights of the Short ABC Trek?

Major highlights include: Standing at the foot of Annapurna I, one of the world’s highest peaks Passing through lush bamboo and rhododendron forests Stunning views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Annapurna South Overnight stays in cozy tea houses with mountain backdrops The experience of entering the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater of 7,000m+ peaks

When is the best time to do the Short ABC Trek?

The best seasons are: Spring (March to May): Warm temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendrons. Autumn (September to November): Cool, dry weather and excellent mountain visibility.

What permits are required for the trek?

You’ll need: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Duration

11 Days

Trip Type

Lodge Trek

Grade

Moderate

Max. Elevation

4130 m.

Transportation

Bus / 4WD Jeep

Min. Group Size

2 or more

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

For those short on time but still yearning to experience nature at its most exotic and pristine, this Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is for you. The Annapurna Base Camp (4130m.), also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, offers a moderate trekking experience. Its combination of easy walking paths and breathtaking scenery makes it one of the most popular treks in Nepal.

During the Short ABC trek, you will enjoy stunning mountain views, walk through lush bamboo and rhododendron forests, and experience a diverse blend of cultures that are unique to this region of the Himalayas.

The Annapurna Base Camp is a high-altitude glacial basin located north of Pokhara. This magnificent natural amphitheater is referred to as a "sanctuary" due to its serene beauty and the divine presence of the Hindu goddesses Annapurna and Gangapurna. This secluded circle of peaks is accessible by a single route — a deep gorge that cuts through the fortress-like mountains between Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. Many of these peaks rise above 7000 meters, including the iconic twin-peaked Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and III, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and the Glacier Dome.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Costs

The cost of an 8-day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek encompasses various essential components, including trekking permits, guide and porter services, accommodations in hotels and lodges, as well as meals.

Day to Day Itinerary

Arrival

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our airport representative. You will be greeted traditionally with flower garlands and then transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll around and visit shops. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu – Pokhara

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

914 m.

Early morning around 7 am, you will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) that takes about 7 hrs. Following hotel check-in, you can explore beautiful city of Pokhara. Pokhara is a tourist's paradise full of natural and cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Pokhara – Jhinu Danda - Chhomrong

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2170 m.

Early morning drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda (1780m.) via Nayapul and Siwai by private vehicle takes about 3 hours and then trek to Sinuwa (2340m.) takes approximately 3 hours. The journey begins with a scenic drive through beautiful countryside landscapes, terraced farmlands, traditional villages and alongside the Modi Khola valley. Upon reaching Jhinu Danda, famous for its natural hot springs, the trekking trail ascends gradually through lush rhododendron and bamboo forests. From Jhinu Danda trek to Chhomrong (2170m.) takes another 3 hours. Chhomrong is the entry point for Annapurna Base Camp. Stay overnight at lodge.

Chhomrong - Dovan

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2600 m.

Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m.) takes approximately 5 hours. The trail in the beginning descends until you cross a small bridge. From here, it’s a long steep ascent up to Sinuwa. The path heads through bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests. Enjoy local farming in terraced landscapes all around. Stay overnight at lodge.

Dovan - Deurali

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

3200 m.

Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3200m.) takes approximately 5 hours. The trail gradually ascends all the way to Deurali along the Modi Khola. The region is rich in biodiversity and full of bamboo and rhododendron forests. Stay overnight at lodge.

Deurali – Machhapuchhare Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

4170 m.

Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4170m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) takes about four hours. This is one of the places where you can enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path follows through an alpine forest. After a short trek, you begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp (4170m.). From here, you can see the panoramic views of several peaks. Stay overnight at lodge.

Annapurna Base Camp - Bamboo

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2310 m.

Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp takes about six to seven hours. The trail gradually descends passing through bamboo forests. Stay overnight at lodge.

Bamboo – Jhinu Danda

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

1780 m.

Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m.) takes about five hours. Descend through Sinuwa and Chhomrong. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa. Your trek gradually descends to the Chhomrong Khola, and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhomrong. 1 hr further down will take you to Jhinu Danda. You can visit a natural hot spring in Modi Khola, which is a 20-minute hike from Jhinu Danda. Stay overnight at lodge.

Jhinu Danda - Pokhara

Food/Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

914 m.

Trek from Jhinu Danda (1750m.) to Mithu Danda takes about 1 hour and on the same day drive from Mithu Danda to Pokhara by 4WD jeep that takes another 3 hours. The trail gradually descends down to Mithu Danda. Drive from Mithu Danda to Pokhara via Nayapul takes 3 hrs. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Pokhara - Kathmandu

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

After early morning breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields, and people being engaged in their daily life activities. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Departure

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Our representative will transfer you to the international airport as per your flight schedule.

Price includes the following services

a) Kathmandu

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private car
2 night hotel accommodation with breakfast
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening

b) Trekking

Trekking guide/s
One porter for every 2 trekking participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trekking
Accommodation in lodges during the trek
Trekking equipment: Sleeping bag, down jacket, duffle bag, and trekking poles if required
Entry Permit for Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
All land transportation: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by AC deluxe bus; Pokhara-Jhinu Danda-Pokhara by 4WD jeep
2-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara
Meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment for all guide
First aid kit
Tax, VAT, and our service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional Rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment costs.

Service Excludes

Personal expenses (telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, or any alcoholic beverages)
Travel/Medical insurance
Tips for guide and porters
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Explore the route

Altitude & route map

Select a preview to open a large, zoomable view.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude Graph

Frequently Asked Questions for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Short ABC Trek usually takes 6 to 8 days, depending on your fitness level and the itinerary. A common route starts from Jhinu Danda or Siwai, passing through Bamboo, Deurali, and Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) before reaching Annapurna Base Camp. The return journey follows the same path, with possible variations.

Yes, it is suitable for fit beginners with some hiking experience. Although it’s shorter in duration, the trail involves steep climbs, stone steps, and high altitude, so good physical preparation is important. Since you’ll ascend quickly, proper acclimatization and rest are essential to avoid altitude-related discomfort.

The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp (4130m.). While this is not extremely high by Himalayan standards, some trekkers may experience mild altitude symptoms like headache or fatigue due to the fast ascent. Staying hydrated, walking at a steady pace, and spending a night at MBC (3700m.) before ascending further helps with acclimatization.

Major highlights include:

Standing at the foot of Annapurna I, one of the world’s highest peaks
Passing through lush bamboo and rhododendron forests
Stunning views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Annapurna South
Overnight stays in cozy tea houses with mountain backdrops

The experience of entering the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater of 7,000m+ peaks

The best seasons are:

Spring (March to May): Warm temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendrons.
Autumn (September to November): Cool, dry weather and excellent mountain visibility.

You’ll need:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

Yes, independent trekking is allowed and common on this trail. The route is well-marked and busy, especially in peak season. However, hiring a licensed guide enhances your experience with local insights, navigation support, and cultural exchange. A porter can also help if you prefer to trek light and enjoy the journey more comfortably.

Yes! Many trekkers stop at Jhinu Danda on the way back to enjoy the natural hot springs located about a 20-minute walk from the village. It's a wonderful way to relax sore muscles after the high-altitude hiking and wrap up your trek on a soothing note.

The Short ABC Trek offers maximum reward in minimal time. In under a week, you’ll reach one of the most iconic base camps in the Himalayas, surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks. It’s more dramatic than shorter options like Poon Hill or Mardi Himal, and still logistically simple—no flights or high passes involved. If you’re looking for a short trek with big mountain payoff, ABC is a perfect choice.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Short Annapurna base camp trek. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.