Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek overview

Quick answer: the Annapurna Base Camp short trek takes 7 days from Pokhara, reaches 4,130 m and costs from US$590 per person, including transport from Pokhara, the ACAP permit, a guide, a porter, teahouses and meals on the trek. It is graded moderate.

This is the fastest sensible way to reach ABC. A road now goes up the Modi Khola valley, so the trek starts close to Jhinu Danda and skips the lower villages. The climb is still steady, with many stone steps around Chhomrong, but the altitude gain is gradual enough for most fit walkers. If you have more time, our 12-day ABC trek and Poon Hill and ABC trek are more relaxed.

At a glance

Avalanche safety

The trail between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp crosses avalanche-prone slopes after heavy snow, mainly in late winter and spring. Our guides check conditions every day and will wait if it is not safe.

Fitness and preparation

Expect 5–7 hours on your feet most days, often on steep stone steps. Two or three months of regular hill walking, stairs and cardio will make a big difference, and wear your boots in at home, not on the trail.

Altitude sickness

You will reach 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip.

Weather and temperatures

Spring brings rhododendron blooms and afternoon cloud; autumn is clear and cool. Nights at ABC are around −5°C to −10°C and colder in winter.

Permits

The Annapurna Conservation Area permit is included.

Money, charging and Wi-Fi

Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful.

Drinking water

Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle.

Travel insurance

We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 4,500 m and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel.

Visa

Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits.

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Fleece jacket or mid-layer
• Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
• Trekking trousers and shirts
• Warm hat, sun hat and buff
• Liner gloves and insulated gloves
• Trekking socks

Footwear

• Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
• Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges

Equipment

• Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us)
• Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
• Trekking poles
• Head torch with spare batteries
• Water bottles and purification tablets
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Power bank and charging cables
• Swimwear for the Jhinu hot springs

Personal items

• High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal first-aid kit and medication
• Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
• Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
• Passport, insurance details and copies

More trip options, quoted on request:

• Extra day at ABC or Chhomrong.
• Helicopter return from ABC.
• Kathmandu – Pokhara transport by bus or flight.