Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 10 Days

Embark on a venture to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek while exploring and experiencing the diverse terrain and the enthralling mountain vistas.

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the most famous trekking destinations in Nepal, offering a highly anticipated adventure suitable for both seasoned trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

With its diverse landscapes, terraced fields, traditional villages, rich cultural heritage, natural waterfalls, and panoramic mountain vistas, this trek offers a truly rewarding experience for trekkers, showcasing beauty of the Annapurna region.

The Short ABC trek, within the Annapurna Sanctuary rewards you with breathtaking views of the Annapurna Massif and an unforgettable experience of snow-capped Himalayan peaks along the lush green forests.

This stunning Short Annapurna trek takes you through unique terrains beyond the Himalayas, gradually ascending from the Gurung village of Ghandruk through picturesque settlements like Sinuwa, Doban, Himalaya, and Deurali.

The 10-day ABC trek typically begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, leading you through charming Gurung and Magar villages before ascending to high-altitude settlements like Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.

Nestled at an altitude of 4,130 m (13,550 ft), the iconic Annapurna Base Camp marks the highest point of the trek. It is an ideal spot to witness a breathtaking sunrise, capture stunning mountain views, and create lifelong memories.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Annapurna Massif, including Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), the 10th highest peak in the world, Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,457 ft), and many other towering Himalayan peaks.

On the descent, we head toward Jhinu Danda (1,780 m/5,839 ft), a refreshing natural hot spring, perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating after the trek.

After a well-deserved rest, we take a scenic drive through alpine meadows, returning to Pokhara, marking the completion of the iconic Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The journey concludes with a thrilling return to Pokhara and then Kathmandu.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Experience Kathmandu and Pokhara’s bustling energy and stunning landscapes.
• Explore a traditional Gurung village including Ghandruk, and enjoy warm hospitality and authentic cuisine.
• Trek through lush rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and alpine meadows rich in biodiversity.
• Spend a night at Annapurna Base Camp, stargazing under the Himalayan sky.
• Witness breathtaking views of Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
• Relax and unwind in the natural hot springs near Jhinu.

Short Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) and transfer to hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 02 : Drive to Pokhara (820 m/2,690 ft) in a Tourist bus, a major tourism hub – 6 to 8 hours. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Lakeside.

Day 03 : Drive to Syauli Bazaar (1,220 m/4,002 ft) from Pokhara – 2 to 3 hours and Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m/6,365 ft) – 2 to 3 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 04 : Trek to Sinuwa (2,310 m/7,579 ft) from Ghandruk – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 05 : Trek to Deurali (3,230 m/10,597 ft) from Sinuwa – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 06 : Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,550 ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m/12,139 ft) from Deurali – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 07 : Trek to Bamboo (2,310 m/7,578 ft) from Annapurna Base Camp – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 08 : Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m/5,839 ft) from Bamboo – 4 to 5 hours and Drive back to Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft) – 3 hours. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 09 : Drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) from Pokhara in a Tourist bus– 6 to 8 hours. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 10 : Transfer to the International Airport for your final departure

Note

Please be advised that extensive road construction along the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, trekkers’ health conditions, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situation’s possible solutions allow the trekking to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility.

It is advised you arrive one day before the trip start date so you can rest, and it also gives you time to buy clothing, equipment, and gear required for the trek. Also, it is best if you book your flights with spare days in Nepal for this trek in case of any flight delays or cancellations. Moreover, you have options to customize this trip where you can add on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, Pokhara, other adventure sports, or day trips around the country before or after the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Package Includes

Accommodation

• Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights) including breakfast. (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
• Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region for 5 nights

Meals & Drinking Water

• All your standard meals during the trek (5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, and 5 Dinners) including seasonal fruits
• A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
• Purified drinking water during the trek using water filter or water purification tablets.

Transportation

• All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
• Tourist bus transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Private tourist vehicle from Pokhara to Syauli Bazaar and from Jhinu to Pokhara

Guide and Staff

• Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited Hikefree Nepal trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people)
• Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
• Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff

Permits

• Annapurna Conservation AreaPermit
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card

Benefits and Takeaways

• 1 Hikefree Nepal duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (Neck Gaiter)
• A comprehensive first aid kit, including an Oximeter to check pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains
• Trip completion certificate

Administrative & Taxes

• All administrative expenses and government taxes

Price Excludes

• Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara

• International flight fare and airport departure tax
• Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)

• Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage

• Any beverages including bottled and boiled water

• Tips to trekking staff and driver

• Personal trekking gear and equipment
• Any expenses other than the Price Include section

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara in a Tourist Bus

Day 03: Drive to Syauli Bazaar and Trek to Ghandruk

Day 04: Trek to Sinuwa from Ghandruk

Day 05: Trek to Deurali from Sinuwa

Day 06: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp from Deurali

Day 07: Trek to Bamboo from Annapurna Base Camp

Day 08: Trek to Jhinu Danda from Bamboo and drive back to Pokhara

Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara

Day 10: Transfer to the International Airport for your final departure

Short ABC Trek Packing List

Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the Annapurna base camp hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.

General

• Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)
• Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
• Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
• Sleeping bag liner

Upper Body

• Sun hat or cap (We’ll provide you with a free Hikefree Nepal baseball cap.)
• Knitted hat/Beanie
• Scarf or neck gaiter
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses

Torso

• Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
• Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
• Waterproof, windproof shell
• Fleece jacket or pullover

Lower Body

• Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
• Hiking pants (2)
• Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
• Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants
• Hiking shorts

Hands

• Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
• Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)

Feet

• Wool or technical fabric warm socks
• Hiking socks
• Liner socks (optional such as silk)
• Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
• Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes (For trekking from November to March, it’s recommended to include Ice Cleats/ Micro Spikes to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
• Casual shoes
• Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)

Undergarments

Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.

• Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
• Sports bras (women)
• Pajamas or sleeping clothes

First Aid Kits and Medications

• (Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• ointment

Other Essentials

• Passport
• Extra copies of passport-sized photos
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletry kits
• Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
• Hydration bladder
• Towel
• Pillowcase
• Toilet paper (2 rolls)
• High protein snacks (such as protein bars or nuts)
• Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
• Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)
• Earplugs
• Trekking poles

Optional

Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.

• Power bank or extra batteries
• Cameras and mobile phone
• Cards/book
• Pee bottle/ pee funnel for women
• Whistle
• Thermos for hot water

Important Information

• We give you a free duffel bag and baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies.
• For every two participants, we assign one porter. The duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg/22 lbs, will be carried by the porter throughout the walk.
• To carry your daily necessities like cash, crucial papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, clothing, etc., you must have your own daypack (with a waterproof cover).
• You can store your luggage (non- trekking items) at the hotel in Kathmandu.
• Down jacket with a hood is a must for altitudes above 4,000 m to keep warm. You can rent a down jacket for USD 35. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you need to reimburse the cost of USD 200 per item.
• You can rent a 4-season sleeping bag for USD 35. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you need to reimburse the cost of USD 200 per item.

Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.