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8 days
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Annapurna
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Moderate
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4,130 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) inside the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Sunrise over Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre
- The Gurung village of Chhomrong
- Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara to save two days
Overview
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you into the Annapurna Sanctuary in eight days. You fly to Pokhara, drive to Jhinu Danda and walk up through Chhomrong and the forested Modi Khola gorge to the base camp at 4,130 m, surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
On the way down you can relax in the hot springs at Jhinu Danda before flying back to Kathmandu. The ascent is faster than on our 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which also visits Poon Hill, so this version suits fit trekkers with limited time.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom.
Winter (December to February) is cold at the base camp and there can be avalanche risk between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp after heavy snow. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud, and we do not recommend it.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek with five to seven hours of walking on most days and a high point of 4,130 m. The ascent is fast, with about 1,200 m gained on the day to the base camp, so good fitness and a healthy pace are important.
Your guide watches for signs of altitude sickness and adjusts the plan if needed. Training with long walks, stairs and cardio exercise before the trip makes the trek far more enjoyable.
Permits
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A short morning flight takes you to Pokhara, with views of the Annapurna range. A drive of around three hours brings you to Jhinu Danda, from where a steep climb of two to three hours leads up to the Gurung village of Chhomrong, facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Overnight in a teahouse in Chhomrong (2,170 m).
The trail drops to the Chhomrong Khola, then climbs through Sinuwa and Bamboo into the bamboo and rhododendron forest of the Modi Khola gorge. A long day of six to seven hours ends at Himalaya. Overnight in a teahouse in Himalaya (2,920 m).
The valley opens up as you pass Deurali and reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m). A final climb of one to two hours brings you into the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. The day takes five to six hours. Overnight in a teahouse at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
Wake early to watch the sunrise light up Annapurna I and the peaks surrounding the Sanctuary. After breakfast, a long descent follows the Modi Khola gorge back down to Bamboo. Overnight in a teahouse in Bamboo (2,345 m).
The trail climbs back to Sinuwa and Chhomrong before a steep descent to Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon you can walk down to the natural hot springs and soak tired legs after the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Jhinu Danda (1,780 m).
A short walk and a drive of around three hours take you back to Pokhara, where you board the flight to Kathmandu. The evening is free to rest or explore. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
