An incredible hike with an amazing group of people. Badri managed to get us in and out of Lukla on days when we thought flights may not be possible and he tried his very best to accommodate the needs of the group. The team of porters supporting Karen Darke were out of this world and did an incredible job, with big smiles. Wonderful people. The trek itself was incredible and we had fantastic weather during the whole trip. Although the ‘B Team’ snail ed it, we had an excellent adventure thanks to Badri and his very supportive team.
Travel Nepal
Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek – 7 Days from Kathmandu
The Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek is a fast and scenic 7-day trekking package from Kathmandu. It is made for travelers who want to reach Annapurna Base Camp in a short time.
This trek starts in Kathmandu and ends in Kathmandu. First, you travel to Pokhara. Then, you drive to the trekking route and walk through Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp.
The trek takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. You will see forests, rivers, waterfalls, stone steps, Gurung villages, and high Himalayan valleys.
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130m / 13,550ft. The route also passes Machhapuchhre Base Camp at around 3,700m before reaching ABC. The Annapurna region is one of Nepal’s most diverse trekking regions, with routes from short treks to long adventures.
The Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek – 7 Days from Kathmandu is suitable for fit beginners, experienced hikers, students, couples, photographers, and short-time travelers.
This is a fast itinerary. So, good fitness is important. If you want a slower pace, choose the 10-day or 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Why Choose Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek is perfect for travelers who want to reach ABC in one week from Kathmandu.
It is shorter than the classic ABC route. However, it still includes the main highlights of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Also, the trek starts and ends in Kathmandu. Therefore, it is easy for international travelers.
This trek is ideal for travelers looking for:
• A 7-day Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu
• A fast trek to Annapurna Base Camp
• A guided ABC trek with Kathmandu and Pokhara connection
• A scenic route through Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Deurali, MBC, and ABC
• A short Annapurna Sanctuary trekking experience
• Views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna
• A tea house trekking experience in the Annapurna region
• A shorter alternative to the 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek
• A trek for fit beginners and short-time travelers
• A package for travelers from the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia, and worldwide
Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek Highlights
• Start and end the trek package in Kathmandu
• Travel through Pokhara, the gateway to Annapurna trekking
• Reach Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130m / 13,550ft
• Visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp at around 3,700m / 12,139ft
• Enter the beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary
• Enjoy sunrise and mountain views from Annapurna Base Camp
• See Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and other peaks
• Walk through Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali, MBC, and ABC
• Trek through forests, rivers, waterfalls, cliffs, and alpine valleys
• Experience Gurung and Magar village culture
• Enjoy the natural hot spring area near Jhinu Danda, if time allows
• Stay in local tea houses and mountain lodges
• Complete the ABC trek in only 7 days from Kathmandu
Best Time for Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek
The best time for the Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek is spring and autumn.
Spring, from March to May, is one of the best seasons. The weather is warmer. Also, the rhododendron forests can bloom beautifully.
Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent season. After the monsoon, the sky is often clear. Therefore, mountain views are usually sharp.
Nepal Tourism Board lists March–May and September–November as the best seasons for the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Winter is possible with warm gear. However, ABC can be very cold. Snow may also affect the trail near Deurali, MBC, and ABC.
Monsoon is less recommended. Rain, leeches, clouds, slippery trails, and landslide risk can affect the lower route.
Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek is a moderate to challenging trek.
You do not need climbing skills. However, you should be ready for steep climbs, stone steps, forest trails, downhill sections, and long walking days.
This 7-day itinerary starts and ends in Kathmandu. Therefore, the trekking days are fast and active.
The route climbs from low villages to Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130m. So, altitude can affect some trekkers.
You should walk slowly, drink enough water, and follow your guide’s advice.
This trek is suitable for fit beginners. Still, previous hiking experience is helpful.
Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek Permits
The Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, trekkers need the correct permits.
For this trek, travelers normally need:
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit / ACAP
• TIMS Card as per current trekking rules
• Licensed trekking guide
• Registered trekking agency support
NTNC’s official e-permit page lists the conservation area entry fee as NRs. 3,000 for foreigners and NRs. 1,000 for SAARC nationals, tax included. It also says the permit must be carried during the whole trip and shown when requested.
Nepal Tourism Board says specific protected-area routes require trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide and carry a trekking-agency-issued TIMS Card. It also lists TIMS charges as NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for others.
Your trekking agency should arrange permits, guide, transportation, accommodation, and full trek support before the trip starts.
Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
• Day 01: Drive or Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
• Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and Trek to Chhomrong / Sinuwa
• Day 03: Trek from Chhomrong / Sinuwa to Deurali
• Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Day 05: Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp and Trek to Bamboo
• Day 06: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda and Drive to Pokhara
• Day 07: Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Drive or Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
After breakfast, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can go by tourist bus, private vehicle, or flight.
If you drive, the route follows rivers, hills, towns, and countryside views. If you fly, you reach Pokhara quickly and get more time to rest.
Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. After arrival, you can check your trekking gear and prepare for the next day.
• Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,300m / 4,260ft
• Altitude: Pokhara – 820m / 2,690ft
• Travel Time: Drive approx. 6–7 hours or flight approx. 25–30 minutes
- Lodging: Hotel in Pokhara
- Inclusions: Breakfast
Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and Trek to Chhomrong / Sinuwa
After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda or the nearest available road point. The drive passes hills, villages, rivers, and terraced fields.
After reaching the road point, your trek begins. You will cross the bridge near Jhinu and climb toward Chhomrong.
Chhomrong is a beautiful Gurung village. It is also the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Depending on your pace, you may stay in Chhomrong or continue to Sinuwa.
• Altitude: Jhinu Danda – approx. 1,780m / 5,840ft
• Altitude: Chhomrong – approx. 2,170m / 7,119ft
• Altitude: Sinuwa – approx. 2,360m / 7,743ft
• Drive Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
• Trek Time: Approx. 3–5 hours
- Lodging: Tea House / Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Trek from Chhomrong / Sinuwa to Deurali
After breakfast, the trail continues through forest, stone steps, and riverside sections.
You will pass Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya, and Hinku Cave area before reaching Deurali. The route becomes cooler as you gain altitude.
This is a long walking day. So, you should walk at a steady pace.
Deurali is an important overnight stop before Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
• Altitude: Bamboo – approx. 2,310m / 7,579ft
• Altitude: Dovan – approx. 2,600m / 8,530ft
• Altitude: Deurali – approx. 3,230m / 10,597ft
• Trek Time: Approx. 6–7 hours
- Lodging: Tea House / Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Today is the most exciting day of the trek. After breakfast, you will walk toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
The trail follows a high valley with beautiful mountain views. You should walk carefully, especially in snow or avalanche-prone sections.
After reaching MBC, the route continues to Annapurna Base Camp. The final section opens into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
At ABC, you will be surrounded by huge Himalayan peaks. You can see Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and other mountains.
• Altitude: Machhapuchhre Base Camp – approx. 3,700m / 12,139ft
• Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp – approx. 4,130m / 13,550ft
• Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
- Lodging: Tea House / Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp and Trek to Bamboo
Wake up early for sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp. The morning light on Annapurna and Machhapuchhre can be unforgettable.
After breakfast, you will begin the descent. The trail returns through MBC, Deurali, Himalaya, and Dovan.
Because this is a long downhill day, you should walk carefully. Trekking poles are useful.
You will stay overnight at Bamboo.
• Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp – approx. 4,130m / 13,550ft
• Altitude: Bamboo – approx. 2,310m / 7,579ft
• Trek Time: Approx. 6–8 hours
- Lodging: Tea House / Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda and Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast, the trail climbs back toward Sinuwa. Then, it descends and climbs toward Chhomrong.
From Chhomrong, you will descend toward Jhinu Danda. If time allows, you can visit the natural hot spring near the river.
After reaching the road point, you will drive back to Pokhara. In the evening, you can relax near Phewa Lake.
• Altitude: Jhinu Danda – approx. 1,780m / 5,840ft
• Altitude: Pokhara – 820m / 2,690ft
• Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
• Drive Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
- Lodging: Hotel in Pokhara
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 07: Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will return from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You can travel by tourist bus, private vehicle, or flight.
The drive follows river valleys, hills, towns, and rural landscapes. If you fly, the journey is much shorter.
After arrival in Kathmandu, your 7 Days Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu ends.
You can also extend your stay with Kathmandu sightseeing, Chitwan tour, Pokhara extra night, or another Nepal trekking package.
• Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,300m / 4,260ft
• Travel Time: Drive approx. 6–7 hours or flight approx. 25–30 minutes
- Lodging: Not Included unless extra night is booked
- Inclusions: Breakfast
Cost Details
Cost Includes
• Kathmandu to Pokhara transport as per package policy
• Pokhara to Kathmandu transport as per package policy
• Pokhara hotel accommodation as per itinerary
• Pokhara to trek starting point ground transfer
• Trek ending point to Pokhara ground transfer
• Tea house / lodge accommodation during the trek
• Breakfast in Pokhara
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking days
• Licensed trekking guide
• Trekking staff support as per group size
• Porter support as per package policy
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit assistance
• TIMS Card assistance as per current rules
• Basic first aid support
• High-altitude safety guidance
• Trekking route support
• Government taxes and official service charges as per package policy
Cost Excludes
• International airfare
• Nepal visa fee
• Kathmandu hotel unless added
• Airport arrival and departure transfer unless added
• Kathmandu sightseeing unless added
• Private vehicle or flight upgrade unless mentioned
• Travel insurance
• Personal trekking equipment
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless mentioned
• Drinks, snacks, hot shower, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and personal expenses during trek
• Tips for guide, porter, and trekking staff
• Extra hotel nights caused by early arrival, late departure, road delay, flight delay, or weather condition
• Additional cost caused by landslide, rain, snow, political strike, road blockage, or natural events
• Emergency rescue, medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, or insurance claim cost
• Any cost caused by itinerary change due to altitude sickness, weather, or trail condition
• Any cost not mentioned in the Cost Includes section
FAQ
Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek
Does this 7-day trek start from Kathmandu?
Yes. This updated Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek – 7 Days starts from Kathmandu and ends in Kathmandu.
Is Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek good for beginners?
Yes, it can suit fit beginners. However, this is a short and fast ABC itinerary. So, good fitness is important.
How many days is this Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek package?
This is a 7-day Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek package from Kathmandu. It includes Kathmandu to Pokhara travel, trekking to ABC, return to Pokhara, and return to Kathmandu.
How high is Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp is around 4,130m / 13,550ft. It is the highest point of this trek.
How high is Machhapuchhre Base Camp?
Machhapuchhre Base Camp is around 3,700m / 12,139ft. It is on the way to Annapurna Base Camp.
What is the best time for Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek?
The best time is spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. These months usually give better weather and clearer mountain views.
What mountains can I see during the trek?
You can see Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and other peaks of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Is Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek difficult?
It is moderate to challenging. The route has steep climbs, stone steps, forest trails, long walking days, and high altitude near ABC.
Do I need permits for Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek?
Yes. You need ACAP and TIMS Card as per current rules. NTNC lists the ACAP fee and permit rules, while Nepal Tourism Board lists guide and TIMS information.
Do I need a guide for Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek?
A licensed guide is strongly recommended. Nepal Tourism Board says specific protected-area routes require a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS Card.
What kind of accommodation is available?
Accommodation during the trek is in local tea houses and lodges. In Pokhara, accommodation is arranged in a hotel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It should cover trekking, medical care, trip delay, and emergency evacuation.
Can travelers from USA, Australia, Canada, and Europe book this trek?
Yes. Travelers from the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia, and worldwide can book this trek as a private or group joining package.
Can I book a private Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek?
Yes. This trek can be arranged as a private guided package. It can be customized based on your date, budget, fitness level, and group size.
Can I customize this 7-day itinerary?
Yes. You can add Kathmandu hotel, airport transfer, Pokhara extra night, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, or extra rest days.
Is 7 days enough for Annapurna Base Camp from Kathmandu?
Yes, it is possible for fit trekkers with fast road transfers and a guided plan. However, it is a short itinerary. If you want more comfort, choose a 10-day or 12-day ABC trek.
Cost & Date
| Departure Date | Duration | Availability | Cost | Booking |
|---|
Route Map
Client Reviews
Mitchedberg
Vicky S
Date of experience: March 2025
Clare B
Date of experience: March 2025
-
USD 700Per Person
- Book Now
- Inquiry
An amazing experience – went trekking with 14 others in March / April 2025 and had a wonderful time. A big thank you to Badri and his crew for taking care of every logistical detail; flights, hotels, transportation in Kathmandu, transportation to and from the airport, money exchanges, restaurant reservations, sightseeing, optimal route pacing, gear transportation, and 100 other small details that would have left me flummoxed.
He and his team allow for a trek that’s as simplified as possible, you can focus your energy on getting to base camp, and they do everything else. They even bring you hot towels and lemon ginger tea at the end of each day (every morning too). I can’t say enough good things about the porters / guides, they were unbelievable, true heroes of our trip. We had some very unique challenges in our group, and without expert guides and porters we would absolutely not have had the same high quality experience. When I go back to Nepal for a second trek, I’m calling Badri. Badri is the guide you want – generous, personal, and you can tell he and his team deeply care about the well-being of their clients.
One more thing: Not once, but twice, Badri got our entire group flown from Kathmandu to Lukla (and back) on days when the weather was uncooperative. Both times, there was only a brief window when the clouds cleared — just enough for a single plane to make the journey — and guess whose plane was first in line? Even more impressive: while we were waiting at the airport, Badri already had a backup helicopter option lined up, just in case the planes didn’t fly. This kind of foresight and preparation gave us total peace of mind.