# Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek > The Annapurna Base Camp short trek takes you from Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary and back in just 7 days. Drive to the road head below Jhinu Danda, climb through the Gurung village of Chhomrong, follow the Modi Khola gorge through bamboo and rhododendron forest to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), and reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.On the way back, relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu. Graded moderate, it is ideal for fit trekkers with a week in Pokhara. ACAP permit, licensed guide, porter, teahouses, meals on the trek and transport from Pokhara are included. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 7 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 4,130 m / 13,550 ft (Annapurna Base Camp) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Oct–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$590 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/annapurna-base-camp-short-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=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](/annapurna-base-camp-trek) and [Poon Hill and ABC trek](/poon-hill-annapurna-base-camp-trek) are more relaxed. ### At a glance Trip factDetailsDuration7 days from PokharaMaximum altitudeAnnapurna Base Camp, 4,130 mGradeModerateStart and finishPokhara (jeep to the road head near Jhinu)PermitAnnapurna Conservation Area permitBest timeMarch–May, October–NovemberCostFrom US$590 per person### 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. ## Highlights - Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) in just 7 days from Pokhara - Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) - Gurung village of Chhomrong - Bamboo and rhododendron forest in the Modi Khola gorge - Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Drive from Pokhara, trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) Drive about 3 hours up the Modi Khola valley to the road head and walk up to Jhinu Danda. _Walking: 2–3 hours · Altitude: 1,780 m · Meals: Lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 5 km_ ### Day 2: Trek to Bamboo (2,310 m) Climb to Chhomrong, descend to the Chhomrong Khola and walk through Sinuwa into the bamboo forest. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 2,310 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_ ### Day 3: Trek to Deurali (3,230 m) Climb through Dovan and Himalaya Hotel up the gorge. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,230 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via MBC Walk to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and on into the sanctuary to ABC. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,130 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 5: Sunrise at ABC, trek to Bamboo (2,310 m) Watch sunrise on the sanctuary, then descend the gorge to Bamboo. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,130 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 17 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) Climb back to Chhomrong and descend to Jhinu. Afternoon at the hot springs. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,170 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 7: Trek to the road head, drive to Pokhara A short walk to the road and a drive back to Pokhara. _Walking: 1–2 hours · Altitude: 1,780 m · Meals: Breakfast · Distance: 4 km_ ## What is included - Pick-up from your hotel in Pokhara and drop-off after the trek - Jeep Pokhara – road head – Pokhara - Annapurna Conservation Area permit - Teahouse accommodation during the trek (6 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek (from lunch on day 1) - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with wages, food, lodging and insurance - All government and local taxes ## Not included - Accommodation and meals in Pokhara - Transport between Kathmandu and Pokhara (can be added) - Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porter ## Useful information ### 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. ## Packing list ### 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 ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I do the ABC trek in 7 days? Yes, from Pokhara, by driving to the road head near Jhinu Danda. ### How high is Annapurna Base Camp? **4,130 m**. ### How difficult is the short ABC trek? **Moderate**, with 5–7 hour days and many stone steps. ### How much does it cost? From **US$590 per person** from Pokhara. ### Is 7 days enough for acclimatisation? For most fit trekkers, yes; the altitude gain is gradual. We can add an extra day. ### Are there hot springs? Yes, at **Jhinu Danda**. ### When is the best time? **March–May** and **October–November**. ### Do I need a permit? Yes, the **ACAP permit**, included.