Guide to Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is a popular choice for those trekkers who don't have much time but still wish to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and terrains in the Annapurna Region. It is an alternate trek option to the classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you through lush rhododendron woods, beside crystal-clear rivers, terraced farmlands, natural hot springs, and culturally rich Gurung settlements, ultimately leading to the majestic Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4130 m / 13549 ft. 

The trekking offers breathtaking views of majestic snow-capped peaks, like the Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchre, Khangsar, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli.

The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a fantastic option for those with limited time. For a deeper dive into what makes the full Annapurna Base Camp trek a must-do, read my article 12 Reasons Why You Must Trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

Highlights of Short Anapurna Base Camp Trek

• Explore two distinct famous mountain base camps: Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).
• Embark on a journey to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary to witness incredible natural beauty.
• Communicate with friendly local villagers and learn about their rich culture in remote alpine communities.
• Relaxing hot springs at Jhinu Danda.

7 Days Short ABC Trek Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days journey starts at Kimche. You can reach Kimche within a 2-hour drive from Pokhara. You will walk through a path that leads you through thick rhododendrons and bamboo forests, breathtaking terraced fields, and suspension bridges to the authentic Gurung villages, ultimately arriving at Ghandruk - the designated target for the initial day.

During the second day of the short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will pass through verdant woods and grassy meadows that gradually lead into rugged mountain passes and cliffs, ultimately leading you to Chomrong. While traveling to Chomrong, one may relish the breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and the majestic Machhapuchre peak, also known as the fishtail.

The following day, you depart from Chomrong and proceed towards the Himalayas. You will feel the slow increase in elevation along your path as it passes through an increasing number of rhododendrons and bamboo forests.

By the fourth day of your Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will arrive at Annapurna Base Camp, which is situated at an elevation of 4,130 m / 13,550 ft. Along the route, you will also cross Machhapuchre Base Camp. The route to Annapurna Base Camp via the Modi Khola Glacier Valley. The Annapurna Base Camp offers panoramic vistas of Hiunchuli, the Annapurna mountains, which include Annapurna I (8,097m / 26,566ft), Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, and Macchapuchre. You will be lodging in Annapurna Base Camp overnight.

Following a night's stay at the Annapurna Base Camp, the descent commences on the fifth day of the 7-day Annapurna Base Camp short trip, concluding at Bamboo.

On the next morning, you depart from Bamboo and proceed towards Jhinu Danda. Upon arrival at Jhinu Danda, you can unwind in the adjacent natural hot springs. On the final day of the walk, you will hike from Jhinu Danda to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi. From there, we will transport you by car to Pokhara, marking the end of this 7-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is an alternative to the 11-day Annapurna Base Camp trek, offering a relatively simpler experience with additional intervals for rest and exploration. This journey is one of the shortest treks to Annapurna Base Camp.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary - 7 Days

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul / Syauli Bazaar / Kimche (1,784 m / 5853 ft). Trek to Ghandruk (1940m / 6,364ft ).

From Pokhara, you will drive to Kimche through Nayapul and Syauli Bazaar. Your trek starts from Kimche and ends at Ghandruk for the day. On the trail, you will witness incredible terrain, terraced farms, humongous mountains, and subtropical forests.

Ghandruk village contains cultural Buddhist monasteries and is rich in traditional customs and lifestyles. From Ghandruk, you can witness the spectacular mountain views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and the Hiunchuli. 

Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk (1,940 m / 6,364 ft ) to Chomrong (2,170 m / 7119 ft).

Today, you trek from Ghandruk, descend steeply to the Kimron River, and ascend to Chomrong. From Chomrong, you will witness the breathtaking views of Annapurna South and the majestic Fishtail Mountain, which appear stunning during the early morning hours. Chomrong is situated on a mountainside, nestled behind the imposing Annapurna massif.

Day 3: Trek from Chomrong (2,170 m / 7119 ft ) / Sinuwa (2340 m / 7677 ft) to Himalaya (2,890 m / 8481 ft) / Deurali ( 3,174 m / 10413 ft).

You trek from Chomrong to the Himalayas through Sinuwa. After leaving Chomrong, you will pass through a verdant forest along a stone pathway until you reach the crossing point of Chomrong Khola. 

The trail takes you to the dense vegetation of bamboo and rhododendron forest, till you arrive at the Himalayas.

Day 4: Trek from Himalaya (2,890m) / Deurali (3174m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft) by Machhapuchchhre Base Camp (3720m).

Today, you leave the Himalayas and follow a route that passes through the Modi Khola glacier valley past the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which ultimately takes you to the Annapurna Base Camp.

Throughout the journey, you will be hiking close to the Annapurna glaciers. From Annapurna Base Camp, you get awe-inspiring 360-degree view mountain views including Annapurna I (8,097 m/26,566 ft), Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare. 

Day 5: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,550 ft) to Bamboo (2,350 m / 7,700 ft).

After exploring Annapurna Base Camp, you start your trek that will eventually take you out of Annapurna Sanctuary. However, you first retrace your trail out of Modi River Valley to reach Bamboo Village - your destination for the day.

Day 6: Trek from Bamboo (2,350 m / 7,700 ft) to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m / 6,393 ft) and nearby natural hot springs.

Today, Your trek continues from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda. You descend to Kimrong Khola, and from there, the path ascends and passes through the green lush forest, rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests, ultimately leading to the village of Chomrong. 

However, you continue until you reach a small peaceful settlement called Jhinu Danda. This village has nearby riverside hot springs, where you relax your tired muscles. You will be staying at Jhinu Danda for the night.

Day 7: Trek from Jhinu Danda (1,780 m / 6,393 ft) to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1,150m / 3,770ft) drive to Pokhara (820m ) via Nayapul (1050m).

Today marks the final day of the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Departing from Jhinu Danda, you proceed down the road close to the Mardi Khola. Hiking for around 3 to 4 hours, you arrive in Siwai / Ghandruk Phedi. 

Starting from Ghandruk Phedi, your route takes us to Birethanti and then Nayapul, ultimately leading to Pokhara.

When is the Best Time For a Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn season is one of the most favorable seasons for the short ABC trek. It is popular because of the favorable and perfect weather conditions. Autumn is well known for the clearest skies, great mountain views, and best visibility. During the day, the temperature fluctuates from 10°C to 20°C, while at night, the temperature falls to minus temperature. Be prepared for the cold climatic conditions if you are trekking in the Autumn season.

Spring (March to May)

Spring season is another popular and favorable season to trek in the Annapurna region. As the snow melts, the landscape bursts into bloom with colorful wildflowers. The entire wildlife and flora come back to life after harsh winter conditions.

The spring sky is beautiful with clear visibility. The weather remains good and the temperature remains moderate.

Winter and Monsoon Seasons

While autumn and spring shine, winter and monsoon present their own set of challenges for trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp. The Winter and Monsoon seasons are less popular for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. During these seasons, the weather can get extreme.

During the Monsoon season (June to August), rainfall is frequent which makes the trail wet and slippery. The weather can get misty making the mountain views cloudy. There is a huge risk of landslides which can obstruct the trail route.

During the winter months (December to February), the region experiences cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, making the trails more dangerous. The trails can get slippery due to snow so you must be very careful throughout the trail. Although the weather is cold and snowy, the winter skies are usually very clear, and mountain views are at their best with snow caps.

While it’s still possible to trek during these seasons with proper precautions, it’s essential to be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, it's important to know the best times to go. Read my guide on the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek to plan your trip accordingly.

Useful Information on 7 Days ABC Trek

Foods

The food on the ABC trek is convenient and has a pretty wide variety of food items in the tea houses, which are prepared by the local community of the Annapurna region. 

You can get several cuisine options including Asian and Western. For breakfast, you can get Tibetan Breads, Chapati with Cheese (dry bread- a local wheat bread), Oatmeal, French toast with jam, honey, and peanut butter, Corn Flakes, Hashed brown, fried, Scrambles, and boiled eggs, pancakes, porridge with milk, Muesli, Vegetable items and hot drinks are available except espresso, Americano.

For lunch and dinner, you can get a variety of food options like Thukpa (noodle soup), Dal and Bhat (a popular Nepalese local meal), Momos ( dumplings), Tibetan / chapati bread, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, a variety of soups, steaks, potato items, Sandwiches, Pizza, spring rolls, burgers, yak steak, and desserts items.

You will also have the option of non-veg items on menus. However, it is not recommended because the meat in the mountains and high altitudes is not sanitary and healthy.

Accommodation

Various cozy accommodations are available along the trail, such as tea houses, mountain lodges, and homestays, specifically designed to meet the requirements of trekkers. 

Accommodation will not be a challenge at the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Nevertheless, during the peak season, you will need to make prior bookings. However, during the peak trekking season, trekkers may sometimes be required to spend the night in the dining hall due to a lack of available rooms.

Accommodation on the trek is simple but cozy for your stay. The rooms usually come in double occupancy with a wooden bed, blankets, mattresses, pillows, and attached bathrooms (not everywhere).

The price of lodging fluctuates based on the hiking season and the elevation reached during the journey. The cost of staying at lower elevations during peak travel season ranges from $3 to $5. 

However, when you ascend to higher altitudes, the expenses for accommodation rise and eventually reach a range of $7 to $10. During the low season, lodging at lower elevations ranges from $2 to $ 3. However, as you ascend to higher levels, the fee escalates to approximately $5 to $7.

Water and Electricity

Water is easily available at each tea house or en-route shop throughout the trail. You can buy a bottle of mineral water costing between $1 - $ 3 per liter. The teahouse charges some amount for hot water if you want to fill the water in your thermal flask.

You can find numerous water sources on the trail. The water obtained from these sources is safe to drink, although it is advisable to use water purification tablets. It is recommended to consume at least 2-4 liters of water per day to maintain proper hydration.

Solar-powered electricity is used in every tea house where you will be staying at high altitudes. You can recharge your electronics from these teahouses by paying a small fee. While the rooms do not have charging ports, a charging station will be available in the common area for charging your phones, camera batteries, power banks, torches, and other equipment.

What are the Permits and Fees For Short ABC Trek?

The short ABC trek requires two permits to enter the trek route. Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card

TIMS card is to ensure the safety, and security of trekkers and to control illegal trekking operations.

Cost of TIMS Card

The cost of a TIMS card for SAARC citizens is NPR 1000 per person.
The cost of a TIMS card for foreign nationals is NPR 2000 per person.
No TIMS card is required for Nepali citizens.

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

ACAP is a mandatory permit for every trek in the Annapurna region. It is a national park permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Cost of ACAP

The cost of ACAP for SAARC citizens is NPR 1000 per person.
The cost of ACAP for foreign citizens is NPR 2000 per person.
The cost of ACAP for Nepali citizens is NPR 100 per person.
ACAP is free for a child below 10 years as a child discount.

What are the Packing Lists for the Short ABC Trek?

Your packing list for the 7-day ABC trek depends on the season you are trekking. You need different gear or clothing for ABC Trek, but here is a list I have compiled for you.

Headwear

• Sun hat or scarf (1 set)
• Winter hat, insulating hat, or a wide-brimmed hat (1 set)

Bodywear

• Hiking T-shirts
• Hiking Pants.
• Hooded rain jacket
• Down Jacket.
• Fleece jacket
• T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)
• Waterproof jacket and pants

Footwear

• Good pair of hiking boots with spare laces.
• Thick woolen socks
• Thin light socks
• Flipflops or sandals (For your tea house stay)
• Warm thermal hiking socks (2 or 3 pairs of thick socks).

Gear and Additional Accessories

• Rucksack with Rain Cover.
• Raincoat.
• Trekking Poles.
• Sleeping bag (if you are trekking in winter seasons).
• Reusable Water Bottles.
• Thermal Flask to Store Warm Water
• Trash Bags.
• Power Bank.
• Local SIM card.
• Extra cash in Nepali currency.
• Camera and Binoculars (optional).
• Head Torch. 
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Crampons (Essential for the winter season).

Extras and Medical Supplies

• Sunscreen.
• Sanitizer.
• Deodrants.
• Moisturizer creams.
• Lip Balms With SPF.
• Water purification tablets.
• Vaseline (You can use it on your feet to reduce friction).
• Games and books.
• Bandages.
• Antiseptic Cream.
• Pain Relievers.
• Blister Plasters
• Painkillers
• Anti-Diarrhoea Tablets.
• Tablets for Cold and Gastric.
• Diamox for altitude sickness (only after consultation with a medical professional).
• Anti-inflammatories.
• Rehydration sachets.
• Throat Lozenges (like Strepsils).

Toiletries

• Medium-sized quick-drying towel (Biodegradable recommended).
• Toothbrush (Biodegradable recommended).
• Toothpaste.
• Biodegradable soap.
• Nail Clipper
• Toilet Paper.
• Shave Kit (Optional)
• Small Mirror (Optional)
• Wet Wipes.

How Difficult is the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4, 130 meters / 13,549 ft above sea level is one of the most popular and beautiful trekking trails in Nepal.

You start the trek from Pokhara which is at an altitude of 2,760 ft and reach an altitude of 13,549 ft in a matter of 6 days. This low start and a quick elevation gain make any trekker susceptible to altitude sickness in the first couple of days.

The trek is considered moderate-difficult in terms of difficulty level making it a perfect fit for beginner trekkers. The descent after ABC is a long walk of almost 9 hours which makes the trek a moderate-difficult one.

You do not have to be a fitness pro or advanced climber to complete this trek. Trekkers with basic physical fitness can do the trek.

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