Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate 11 days trek program which is suitable for all kinds of people regardless of their experience or age. Anybody who has desire to do trek and physically fit to walk 5-6 hours each day can accomplish this trek. The normal itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp trek usually takes 14 days to complete. So, 11 days Short Annapurna Base Camp trek can be the best alternative and perfect choice to enjoy the Annapurna Base Camp trek for those who have time constraint.
The trek starts from Ulleri and ends in Jhinu Danda, and pops along some of the major points of interests including Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp. On your way back you will also be spending time in Jhinu Danda enjoying hot spring bath. At the end, you will spend a night in Pokhara city of lake, the gateway to Annapurna region.
Short Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate trek suitable for anyone with little or no experience of hiking. The best seasons for Short Annapurna Base Camp is Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November). Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition provides highly professional and friendly trekking guides and porters to assist you in every step. Contact us for further details including price.
After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After early morning breakfast, drive from Pokhara (914 m.) to Ulleri (2070m.) takes approximately 3 hours. Then trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2675 m.) passing through dense forest of oak and rhododendron.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3210 m.) takes about one hour. Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint to see sunrise/sunset and majestic views of tallest Himalayan peaks. After spending sometime in Poon Hill, hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue trekking towards Tadapani (2630m) which takes about four and half hours.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170 m) takes about 5 and half hours. For the first part, the trail descends by way of rhododendron forests till Kimrung Khola. Once you cross the Kimrong Khola, the trail moves uphill for some time before it plateaus. En route you will pass through Gurjung village and from here it takes 2 hrs to reach Chhomrong. Chhomrong is the entry point for Annapurna Base Camp.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m) takes approximately 5 hours. The train 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 in lodge.
Trek Dovan to Deurali (3200 m) takes approximately 5 hours. The trail gradually ascends all the way to Deurali along the Modi Khola. The region is rich in bio diversity and full of bamboo and rhododendron forest. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) 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 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 Annapurna Guest House.
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.
Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m.) takes about five hours. We will descend through Sinuwa and Choomrong. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the KuldiGhar and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa. You trek gradually descends to the ChhomrongKhola 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 20 minutes hike from Jhinu Danda.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Drive from Jhinudanda (1780m.) to Pokhara (914m.) takes about 4 hour. You will drive to Pokhara by 4WD jeep. This is a scenic drive passing through villages, jungle, river and farm land.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about six hours. En route, you will enjoy the beautiful mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable gardens and locals getting engaged in their daily chores.
This trek typically takes 9 to 12 days, depending on your pace, acclimatization needs, and transport options. The itinerary can be slightly adjusted to shorten or extend based on your preferences, fitness, and time. Despite being “short,” it covers a lot of scenic ground in a rewarding way.
Yes, but with a bit of preparation. While the trek doesn’t involve technical climbing, it includes long walking days, thousands of stone steps, and some high-altitude exposure. With good physical fitness and a positive mindset, even first-time trekkers can complete it. Beginners are encouraged to go with a guide for safety and support.
The classic ABC trek often goes directly via Chhomrong, skipping Poon Hill. This short version via Poon Hill adds a few extra days at the beginning, allowing trekkers to enjoy the famous sunrise from Poon Hill and the picturesque villages of Ghorepani and Tadapani. It offers more cultural and scenic diversity, making the overall experience richer and more varied.
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp (4130m.). Although this isn’t extremely high, you’ll still be above 3,000m for a couple of days, so mild altitude symptoms like headache or shortness of breath can occur. Staying hydrated, ascending gradually, and listening to your body are key. Spending a night at Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) before ABC helps acclimatize properly.
Absolutely. Poon Hill (3,210m) is renowned for its sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On clear mornings, the sun lights up Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, and more. The pre-dawn hike is steep but short and very rewarding. It’s a highlight of the entire trek.
You’ll need two permits:
The ideal seasons are:
Spring (March–May): Rhododendron blooms, mild temperatures, clear mornings.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, excellent visibility, stable weather.
This combined route gives you the best of both treks. You get the cultural villages and sunrise views of Poon Hill, followed by the dramatic glacier basin at Annapurna Base Camp. It offers greater scenic diversity, more acclimatization time, and deeper immersion into both natural beauty and local culture—all within a short and efficient itinerary.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill. 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.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Kaggan
Dear Nava Raj and Donna, Thanks for the great hospitality. Never thought we could make it happen in 8 days. The trek was amazing. Specially thanks to Raja Ram and Gopal who made it even a better trip. Love you guys!!! ...
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