Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 8 Days

The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and rewarding experiences in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. This Short Trek takes you to the base camp of the 10th highest peak in the world, through the lush green forests of Rhododendrons, oaks, and pine trees. 

This trek is all about life experiences to explore the unique diversity, culture, and geographical aspects of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The classic Annapurna Base Camp is renowned for natural beauty, unique Gurung and Lama Cultures, and its diverse ecosystem. This Short trek to Annapurna Base Camp takes you to the maximum altitude of 4,130 meters above sea level at the base camp with a pristine and sheltered destination surrounded by the towing peaks with the panoramic views of Annapurna I, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhhre, and so on. 

The Short Annapurna Trek offers an awe-inspiring atmosphere making it a cherished location for trekkers and climbers. The Short ABC trek itinerary depends on your schedule where the trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna Ranges despite its short duration. This trek takes around 7- 10 days according to the pace of the trekker, physical fitness, and especially on the itinerary you choose. 

The Shortest Route to Annapurna Base Camp typically begins with a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a unique and touristic city and also the starting point of the trek. On the same day, you will take a 1-hour drive to Matkyo Village passing through the Landruk village route. You will then have to trek for 1-2 hours to reach the Chhomrong Village, a neighborhood of Ghandruk, famous for accommodation and stopovers for trekking in the Annapurna Region. As you trek through Chhomrong, you can observe the gradual ascend on the altitude and trails. Similarly, you will trek through Dovan, and Deurali and finally reach Annapurna Base Camp via the MBC route.

This Shortest Route to Annapurna Base Camp is for those who are short in time and still desire to experience the trails of the Annapurna Sanctuary. You can experience the amazing trails, glacial rivers, waterfall cascades, and many more. 

Major Highlights of Short ABC Trek

Chhomrong Village

After a 1 hour hike from Matkyo, you will finally reach the gorgeous Chhomrong Village. Nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayan Range, Chhomrong is a picturesque village located at an altitude of 2,170 meters above sea level. 

This village is a primary settlement for the Gurung Community which adds unique charm, and authenticity and serves great hospitality. Surrounded by thriving forests and terraced fields with a peaceful and serene atmosphere, the Chhomrong Village is the best highlight of the Short Annapurna Trek.

Chhomrong offers the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna Range dotted with Rhododendron and Bamboo Forests creating a vibrant and colorful environment, especially during Spring and Monsoon. 

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)

The  Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. ACA is the first protected area of Nepal that has allowed residents to live and own their properties within the boundaries. The ACAP protects the rich biodiversity and showcases diverse landscapes including forests, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and terraced fields, spanning the vast area.

As you will be trekking in ACAP, you can encounter various endangered species like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and so on. Annapurna Conservation Area lets you interact with different Gurung, Magr, and Thakali ethnic groups with their unique traditions, languages, and lifestyles. 

You need to know that you must obtain a special ACAP permit to enter the Annapurna Region which provides you safety and tracks your movement throughout the trek. Acap adds significant value to the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek by offering a well-preserved natural environment, cultural insights, and an opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts.

Pokhara City Tour

The Short Annapurna Trek includes the Pokhara City Tour which includes an early sunrise at the Sarangkot Viewpoint that serves you the sunshine landscapes of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.

World Peace Pagoda, located at the hilltop of Pumdikot, offers you fresh and vibrant views of Pokhara City and Phewa Lake. Tal Barahi is a temple situated on a small island within Phewa Lake famous for boating. The boating around Tal Barahi sets you off on a peaceful journey across the Lake. The Lake is surrounded by Lush Green hills serving the breathtaking views of Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. The calm waters reflect the natural beauty, creating a picturesque setting for your journey.

Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave are other famous destinations in Pokhara that are linked together. As you go deeper under the Gupteshwor Cave, you will come across a viewpoint where you will witness the resurgence of Devi’s Waterfall.

The International Mountain Museum is a protected area that teaches you about the Himalayas, Mountaineering History, and the culture of the Mountain Communities.

Highlights of Short ABC Trek

• Scenic and Picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara,
• Experience the stunning views of beautiful snow-capped mountains like, Annapurna I, Manaslu, Tukuche Peak, Machhapuchhre, and many more,
• Soak in the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda,
• Encounter different wild lives like Danfe, Himalayan Tahr, and Red Panda, in the Annapurna Conservation Area,
• Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayas,
• Fresh flowing rivers and pristine waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides,
• Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Gurung and Lama communities and their cultures,
• Observe and experience the traditional farming practices in the terraced fields,
• Experience Modern Luxury and lavish hospitality in Pokhara,
• Pokhara City Tour, including Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev, and so on.

Best Time for Short ABC Trek

Spring (March-May) and Autumn( September to November) are the best time for Short ABC Trek. Spring offers a moderate temperature and clear skies with the fresh visibility of the majestic peaks. Landscapes are enhanced and decorated with vibrant rhododendron forests.

Whereas, the Autumn Season serves mild temperatures during the day and slightly cooler during the morning and night. The weather remains stable with clear skies.

However, the Short ABC Trek is an easy-to-moderate trek with comparatively less risky trails than other treks in the region, which is why any time of the year is a good time for this trek.

Difficulty on Short ABC Trek

The Annapurna Short Trek is a moderate-level trek where you will be covering a total distance of approximately 76 Km, a round trip from the trailhead. You will be trekking 7 days out of 10 days of trek which means if you walk for 7-8 hours a day, you will cover an average of 10.8 Km (6.7 miles) per day to reach the highest altitude of 4,130 meters.

The trek can sound difficult due to the number of days spent hiking and exploring nature. Besides from it, the uphills and downhills of the trails, from Chhomrong might be difficult,

Fitness for Short ABC Trek

It is important to have some level of physical and mental fitness to undertake the Short Trek to ABC. You should focus on cardiovascular exercises and leg strength through cycling, hiking, squats, and lunges.

Your muscle flexibility can also be helpful to reduce the risk of muscle strains during the trek. Additionally, it is also very essential to be aware of the potential risks of altitude sickness during high-altitude trekking. It is highly recommended to include proper rest and acclimatization days in your itinerary, stay hydrated, and eat enough carbs to avoid any sicknesses.