Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if you want a short trek that still takes you deep into the Himalayas. The trek starts near Pokhara and follows a direct route through forests, villages, and river valleys to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m / 13,550ft.

This trek gives you big mountain views without needing many weeks. At base camp, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South rise directly around you. With guide support, permits, transport, meals, and teahouse stays arranged, your Annapurna Base Camp Trek feels clear, safe, and easy to plan.

Tour Plan

1. Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu

   Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our team members will meet you and take you to your hotel. The drive into the city gives you a first look at Kathmandu's busy roads, temple corners, local shops, and daily life before the trek begins.

   Once you reach the hotel, you can rest and recover from your flight or prepare any missing items for the Annapurna Base Camp route. Later, your guide will meet you to explain the Pokhara transfer, permits, packing, trail conditions, and the short but active trekking plan ahead.

   • Transfer time: 30 to 45 minutes

   Note: Keep your passport and travel insurance ready for the trek preparation.

2. Day 02Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m / 2,697ft) | 6 to 7 hrs

   A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara kicks off your Nepalese adventure. Once you leave the busy capital, the road follows river valleys, green hills, roadside towns, and terraced farmland, giving you a clear first view of Nepal's countryside.

   By late afternoon, you reach Pokhara and check into your hotel. The rest of the day stays relaxed, so you can walk around Lakeside, enjoy the calm setting near Phewa/Fewa Lake, and prepare for the trek that begins the next morning.

   • Drive duration: 6 to 7 hours
   • Maximum altitude: Kathmandu, 1,395m / 4,577ft
   • Sleeping altitude: Pokhara, 822m / 2,697ft

   Note: A short flight option is also possible if preferred.

3. Day 03Drive from Pokhara to Samrung; Trek to Upper Sinuwa (2,345m / 7,694ft) | 10 to 11 hrs

   Leaving Pokhara early, you'll drive toward Samrung as the road winds deep into the Annapurna foothills. You pass cascading fields, rustic settlements, and rushing glacial rivers as the terrain turns rugged. Upon reaching Samrung, you take a short break, meet the trail, and get ready to set off.

   From Samrung, your trek begins with a steady climb toward Chhomrong, a key village on the Annapurna Base Camp route. Having crossed the valley below Chhomrong, the trail rises again through quiet forested paths before you reach Upper Sinuwa for the night.

   • Drive duration: 4 to 5 hours
   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Maximum altitude: 2,345m / 7,694ft
   • Elevation gain: Approx. +1,523m / +4,997ft from Pokhara

   Note: This is a long first active day, so keep your pace steady and carry water in your daypack.

4. Day 04Trek from Upper Sinuwa to Deurali (3,200m / 10,499ft) | 7 to 8 hrs

   From Upper Sinuwa, the trail enters the deeper part of the Modi Khola Valley. The path moves through stone steps, bamboo forests, and shaded woodland as you pass Bamboo and Dovan, with the air getting cooler as you climb.

   Past Dovan, the valley feels narrower and more rugged. You continue through the Himalaya and reach Deurali, where the mountains begin to feel much closer, and the route prepares you for the final climb toward Annapurna Sanctuary.

   • Trek duration: 7 to 8 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 11 to 13 km / 7 to 8 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 3,200m / 10,499ft
   • Elevation gain: +855m / +2,805ft

   Note: Some forest trails and stone steps can be damp, so watch your footing.

5. Day 05Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,550ft) | 5 to 6 hrs

   The trail climbs above Deurali and slowly opens beyond the narrow valley. As you move higher, the trees become thinner, the views grow wider, and the path starts to enter the high mountain bowl of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

   You pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp. At ABC, you stand below Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli, with a massive 360-degree amphitheater of snow and ice rising around the base camp area.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 7 to 8 km / 4.3 to 5 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 4,130m / 13,550ft
   • Elevation gain: +930m / +3,051ft

   Note: Annapurna Base Camp gets cold quickly, so keep your warm layers ready.

6. Day 06Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,300m / 7,546ft) | 7 to 8 hrs

   You wake up at Annapurna Base Camp with the mountains all around you. If the weather is clear, the morning views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and the sharp ridges of Gangapurna are beautiful. Following breakfast, you begin the descent and return past Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali.

   The trail slowly moves from open mountain views back into the green valley. As you go lower, the air feels warmer, and the path becomes more forested. You pass Himalaya and Dovan before reaching Bamboo, where you can unwind from the long descent.

   • Trek duration: 7 to 8 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 14 to 16 km / 8.7 to 10 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 4,130m / 13,550ft
   • Elevation loss: -1,830m / -6,004ft

   Note: Downhill sections can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are useful.

7. Day 07Trek from Bamboo to Samrung; Drive to Pokhara (822m / 2,697ft) | 9 to 11 hrs

   The final stretch of the trek takes you back through rhododendron forests, traditional stone-paved villages, and warmer valley terrain. You retrace your steps past Chhomrong Khola and continue toward Samrung, where your trekking route ends.

   From Samrung, you meet the vehicle and drive back to Pokhara. Once you arrive in the lakeside city, you can check into your hotel, take a shower, and enjoy a relaxed evening near Phewa Lake.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Drive duration: 4 to 5 hours
   • Maximum altitude: 2,345m / 7,694ft
   • Elevation loss: Approx. -1,478m / -4,849ft to Pokhara

   Note: Keep your important items close during the drive, as certain stretches of the road can be rough.

8. Day 08Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,395m / 4,577ft) | 6 to 7 hrs

   You leave Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu, following the main highway through river valleys, terraced hills, and lively roadside towns. The journey is scenic and relaxed, with a few stops along the way for tea, snacks, and short breaks.

   You arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon, check into the hotel, and enjoy a free evening to rest or explore nearby areas like Thamel for shopping. Your short Annapurna Base Camp journey ends here.

   • Drive duration: 6 to 7 hours
   • Drive distance: Approx. 200 km / 124 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 1,395m / 4,577ft

   Note: Road traffic and construction can affect the travel time, so keep this day flexible.

9. Day 09Final Departure from Kathmandu

   Your airport transfer is arranged according to your flight time. Before leaving the hotel, you can finish packing, check your travel documents, or take a short walk nearby if time allows.

   Our driver will then take you to Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle. The trip ends in Kathmandu with the successful completion of your short Annapurna route through Pokhara, the Modi Khola Valley, and Annapurna Base Camp.

   • Transfer time: 25 to 30 minutes for airport transfer

   Note: Reach the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight.

What’s Included & Excluded

Packing List for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The route moves from warm city areas to cold mountain villages and high base camp terrain. Pack light, but bring enough warm clothing for early mornings, evenings, and Annapurna Base Camp.

Route Map & Seasonal Conditions

Seasons & weather

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Spring runs from March to May and brings warmer weather, clearer mountain views, and blooming rhododendron forests along the lower sections of the trail.

Autumn runs from September to November and is the most popular time. The sky is usually clearer after the monsoon, with good mountain visibility during the morning.

Winter is possible, but it gets cold near Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp. Snow may also affect the upper trail. Monsoon is less ideal because rain can make stone steps slippery, and clouds may obscure the peaks.

Teahouses & meals

During the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you stay in local teahouses run by local families. The rooms are basic, with simple beds and shared bathrooms, but they provide a comfortable place to rest after each trekking day. Lower stops usually feel more comfortable, while places near Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp have fewer services because of the higher altitude.

Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging are available at some teahouses for an additional fee. These services are not always stable on the upper trail, so bring a power bank and enough cash. Warm clothes are also important, especially for Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp.

Meals are simple and made for trekkers. Dal bhat is the most common choice because it gives you enough energy for long walking days. You may also find noodles, soup, fried rice, potatoes, pasta, pancakes, eggs, tea, and coffee. Food options become limited higher up, so carry light snacks for the trail.

Fitness & altitude

The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is moderate to challenging. You do not need climbing skills, but you should be ready for uphill climbs, stone steps, forest trails, and long walking days.

The trek reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m / 13,550ft, and the itinerary gains altitude quickly over a short number of trekking days. Walk at a steady pace, stay hydrated, and tell your guide immediately if you develop headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or breathing difficulty. Trekkers who prefer a slower pace or more time to adjust to altitude should consider a longer Annapurna Base Camp itinerary.

This trek is best for travelers who want to reach Annapurna Base Camp quickly. Fit beginners can do it with a bit of training, guide support, and a steady pace. Trekkers who prefer a slower pace can choose our 10-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek or 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek.