Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 6 Days

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 6 Days
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 6 Days
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 6 Days
Quick Overview
Duration6 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude4,130
Group Size1-12
StartsKathmandu
EndsPokhara
ActivitiesTrek
Best TimeAutumn and Spring

Highlights

  • 6 days Annapurna Base Camp is perfect for you if you want to explore Nepal’s Himalayas in a short time. 
  • The route to Annapurna Sanctuary is through rhododendron and bamboo forests, stone houses, local villages.
  • The trek is in the Annapurna Conservation Area, so wildlife can surprise you any time on the trail. You can see Langoors, birds, pandas, and even a Himalayan goat if you’re lucky.
  • You’ll reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) before Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Can visit two base camps in one trek.
  • Watching the beautiful sunset and sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp is majestic.
  • Relax in the Natural hot springs at Jhinu Dadaafter the trek. Your body feels good. 
  • Interact with Gurung and Magar villages. Their food, songs, culture, and hospitality. You feel like part of the family.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

If you are short on time, but still want a Himalayan refreshment, then Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the best option. In just 5-6 days you’ll make your dream come true. It is the best way to save your time and recharge your soul at the same time.

This 6-day Annapurna Base Camp starts from Matkiu Village, which is 3 hour drive from Pokhara. And this is exactly from where our trek begins. This trek is not too easy, not too brutal. Both beginners and experts can do this trek. The trail takes you through dreamy rhododendron forests, local Gurung and Magar villages with stone houses, and rocky mountain paths. On the way, you’ll also see stunning Himalayan peaks. So close. So big. Those mountains can make your heart skip. And while descending, the best feeling is in Jhinu Danda, where your body feels warm and relaxed in the natural hot spring after a tiring trek. 

Arriving Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at 4,130m is the moment you have waited for, which is the final destination of the trek. Every step you took feels worth it now. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, all surround you. They have jaw-dropping beauty and feels unreal. Sunrise in ABC is so beautiful. The mountain turns golden and pink. It is something that only your eyes can capture, and no photos can do justice to it. It’s not just a sunrise, it’s the celebration of the journey, the effort, and the reward. 

ABC is truly one of the best treks in Nepal. It is more than just a trek. It touches your spirit. When you’re up there, you’ll forget about the world you came from. You just stand, breathe, and watch. Then you realize this wasn’t just a trek. It was a journey you’ll carry for a lifetime.

What is the best time for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The best time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek is during the Spring and Autumn seasons. In spring, from March to May, the trail is full of rhododendron and wildflowers. It is the best season for photography. Days are warm and nights are pleasant during this season. 

In autumn, from September to November, the season offers clear skies, fresh air, and everything feels alive. You’ll get the best views of the mountains. Days are warm, but nights get a little cold. 

Nowadays, people prefer to go ABC trek in December. You can go in winter, i.e., December to February, if you can bear the cold. Trekkers must be well prepared with proper gear if they are planning to go in winter. There is less crowd, and one of the best scenes is seen during this season. 

Avoid the monsoon seasons, from June to August, due to heavy rainfall and slippery paths.

 

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

You will arrive at  Kathmandu Airport. Representative of Himalayan Partner will pick you up from the Airport and drop at your Hotel. You can explore Kathmandu this day. In the evening, our guide will meet you for the short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

 

Max Altitude: 1,400m Accommodation: Hotel

Flight duration: 25mins

Drive duration: 3-4 hours

Trek duration: 3-4 hours

Short morning flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we’ll take a jeep ride to Matkiu. From where our trekking trail starts. The trail is through the suspension bridges, rivers, and the local villages. By the evening, we’ll reach beautiful Chhomrong village.

 

Max Altitude: 2,170m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

This day the trek starts with steps. The trail is full of Rhododendron and Bamboo forests. You’ll pass villages like Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Dovan. And finally Himalaya Hotel.

 

Max Altitude: 2,920m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

This is the main day of your trek. This day hits different. After breakfast, you start your walk. You’ll pass Deurali, then climb up to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The fish tail peak really looks majestic. 

And then after some time you finally climb up to ABC. Silence and Peace. Surrounded by huge and stunning snow-covered mountains. They look unreal. The mountains turn gold and are beautiful during sunset. And the night feels like a galaxy with the stars everywhere. 

 

Max Altitude: 4,130m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

 After the magical sunlight at ABC, you descend. Pass through the same trail MBC, Deurali, Himalaya, Dovan, Bamboo. Overnight at Sinuwa.

 

Max Altitude: 2,340m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

Drive duration: 3-4 hours

Last day of the trek. Descend to Jhinu Dada to enjoy the Natural hot spring. It really heals your body. Then walk to Matkiu, where our jeep is ready to pick you up. Then the ride to Pokhara begins. Same jeep ride, but it feels different now. You’ve created a lifetime memory for yourself.

 

Max Altitude: 822m Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
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Cost Details
Includes

Meals and Drinking Water

  • All your main meals during the trek. 5-Breakfast, 5-lunch, and 4-dinner.
  • Purified drinking water

Transportation

  • Airport Pick-up Service at Kathmandu International Airport.
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Zeep from (Pokhara-Matkiu-Pokhara)

Guide and Porter

  • Government-licensed trekking guide from Himalayan Partner.
  • Porter to carry your bag. (2 people =1 porter)

Accommodations

  • One-night stay at a 3-star hotel of Kathmandu
  • 4-Night stay at tea houses or lodges

Trek Permit and Expenses

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses

Medical Assistance

  • Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions. (funded by travel insurance)
  • Medical kits

Benefits and Takeaways

  • Duffle bag, trekking map, emergency kit bag, down jackets, and sleeping bag if needed. 
  • Free excess luggage storage in Kathmandu or Pokhara
  • Himalayan Partner T-shirt as a souvenir
Excludes
  • International flight tickets
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Travel and Health Insurance, which covers emergency rescue
  • All accommodation and meals that are not mentioned in the package  
  • Tips for the guide and the porter
  • Personal Expenses
  • Airport drop during an international flight schedule
  • Any additional meals beyond the itinerary
  • Other optional activities not mentioned in the package
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Essential Information

Foods and Accommodations During the Short Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

You don’t need to worry about the food during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner, everything is covered. You’ll be served with the famous Nepali Dal, Bhat, and tarkari (Rice, Lentils, and veggies). It tastes like heaven when you’re hungry. Tea houses also have other dishes like noodles, momo, chowmein, pancakes, fried rice, and several varieties of fruits too. Many of the tea houses also serve snacks like chocolates and chips. Safe drinking water is available during the trek. Most of the teahouses offers you boiled water too. But you can carry purification tablets to avoid waterborne illnesses. 

Accommodations in Annapurna Base Camp are in Tea houses or lodges. The tea houses are run by the locals. It is basic yet cozy and comfortable. The rooms are twin-sharing. But after a long walk. Nothing matters. Some tea houses have hot showers, electricity to charge devices, and internet, while others may not. 

Accommodation in Pokhara is in a standard hotel with a private bathroom and modern comforts. If you need more comfort and luxury, then a private room and bathroom, food according to your taste, can be arranged at an additional cost if you inform us earlier.

Cost for 6-Day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The cost depends on you. It’s totally on your hands. If you want a luxury trip or a low-budget travel. We can organize anything you want. The cost also varies depending on the number of people in your group. Here’s the cost breakdown on a per-person basis:

Number of Trekkers Package Price (USD)
1-1 $699
2-2 $599
3-6 $580
7-12 $509

Permits required during the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

If you are planning to go Annapurna Sanctuary trek, then two permits are required. They are:

  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

           This card is like your ID for the trail. It is for the safety of the trekkers. 

  • ACAP Permit ( Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

           Since the ABC trek is in the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, you need to pay. It is for the preservation of nature and the trials.

Permits are arranged by our company, so no need to worry.

Trek Difficulty and Preparation for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary isn’t an extreme trek, but not easy either. The trail keeps changing. You’ll be walking 5-7 hours a day. Some days may be a chill walk, while other days may be hard for you. When you climb higher, your breathing gets heavier. It will push you mentally and physically a bit. Some physical and mental preparation should be done before the trek.

Physical Preparation: During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you need to walk mostly uphill and downhill. So, some fitness is needed. 

How to prepare:

  • Go for walks or short hikes
  • You can do cardio exercises like running and cycling.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator to increase your metabolism
  • Eat healthy food and drink lots of water

Mental Preparation: Mental preparation is equally important for the ABC trek. Challenges may occur. Some days might be hard and challenging. But staying positive and flexible makes everything easier.

  • Don’t stress if  the plan changes
  • Don’t be hard on yourself, and rest when you need to 
  • It’s okay even if you go slow

Your preparation really makes the trek easier. So, try to prepare as much as you can.

Annapurna Base Camp trekking essentials

Having the proper trekking essentials not only makes your trek easier but keeps you safe, happy, and ready too. Think about packing less but smartly.The trekking essentials are listed below:

Clothes

  • A warm down jacket because the night gets cold
  • Thermal tops and bottoms for a base layer
  • Light-tshirt
  • Avoid jeans and wear trekking pants
  • Rain jackets
  • Scarf
  • Woolen hat for warmth and a cap for shade 

Footwear

  • Good trekking boots
  • Slippers 
  • Woolen socks

Bags

  • Backpack (35-45L) with rain cover
  • Small day bags 
  • Dry bags or zip locks to keep your stuff dry

Trekking Gear

  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses for UV rays
  • Headlamp for nights
  • Water bottle and purification tablets
  • Maps or GPS offline

Toiletries and other necessary items

  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • Lip bams
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer
  • First aid kit: Band-Aids, painkillers, Diamox
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, minimal skincare

Extras

  • Power bank
  • Snacks: Energy bars, chocolates, dry fruits
  • Passport and permits. Keep copies too

Altitude Sickness and Prevention Tips during Short Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Trek reaches an altitude of 4,130m. At this altitude, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is normal. It can hit anyone. No matter how fit you are or how much you prepare for it. Common symptoms are:

  • Headache 
  • Dizziness 
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and shortness of breath

If you feel anything like this, it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It just means your body needs some time. So walk slowly and stay hydrated.

Some of the precautions for AMS are:

  • Walk slowly: Avoid rushing and walk slowly.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water per day.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking
  • Eat well: Consume more carbohydrates because energy matters the most.
  • Sleep well: Don’t skip sleep
  • Consult a doctor and carry Diamox
  • Listen to your body: Don’t ignore chest tightness, confusion, or shortness of breath.
FAQs

Yes, if you’re fit and okay with long trekking hours, then 6 days is enough for ABC trek.

The short Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered moderate to difficult because the trekking hours are long and the resting hours are short.

The highest Altitude in Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 meters.

Yes, beginners can do a short Annapurna Base Camp trek with proper physical preparation.

The accommodation during the ABC trek is in a simple tea house or lodge with wooden rooms, thin walls, and warm blankets.

Yes, two permits are required during this trek, i.e., Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System Card(TIMS).

There is network in the Annapurna Base Camp trek but it is not reliable.