Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 7 days

Welcome to Kathmandu! Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Meet your trek leader at the pre-trip meeting held later in the day. A briefing by your trek leader on your Annapurna adventure will follow.  Listen carefully as your trek leader describes in detail the trail and what to expect during the trek.

Further, check your gears for the final time. If you have forgotten an item, you can buy or hire it from any shop selling trekking gear. Again, get suggestions from your trek leader. Later, head to the lively tourist hub of Thamel. We recommend you schedule your arrival in Kathmandu in the morning or during the day to enable you to attend the group briefing. After the meeting, you can take a stroll around Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist hub. 

Overnight in Kathmandu.

You can fly into Pokhara from Kathmandu, It takes only about 25-30 minutes to reach Pokhara by flight. Your trek begins with a delightful ride from Pokhara to the village of Matque, where the trailhead is located. It is a scenic drive filled with views of the green hills, paddy fields, and farms. Once you arrive in Matque you follow your guide and head to Chhomrong. The walk to Chhomrong is filled with amazing views of the Annapurna mountains. Machhapuchhre or the Fishtail Peak and the Annapurna Massif look grand and majestic. You follow an uphill and downhill trail.

Though the walk is tiring, the abundance of nature feels refreshing. Walking to the sounds of birds and other wild creatures in the forest feels therapeutic. You are in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project zone, where plastic mineral water bottles are banned. You will find filtered drinking water booths en route where you can fill your water bottles.

Annapurna South looms over Chhomrong, a picturesque village with cute cottages. Soak in the views from the patio of your teahouse once you reach Chhomrong.

Overnight at a teahouse in Chhomrong.

The early morning views of the peaks are inspiring. After breakfast, make your way down the village, passing traditional whitewashed houses. The sights give you a glimpse of the village lifestyle and Gurung culture. The trail leads you to more ascents and descents on stone steps.

Walk past a dense forest of rhododendron and oak: Cross Bamboo, a popular stop for trekkers with a couple of teahouses. Hike up a shady trail covered by thickets of bamboo.  Stop for a quick rest in Dovan, a beautiful small settlement with a micro hydropower plant and a small local shrine. Walk across the Modi Khola and cascading waterfalls before reaching Himalaya, your overnight.

Overnight at a teahouse in Himalaya.

Today you have been waiting for, and you can't help feeling excited about the prospect of finally walking up to Annapurna Base Camp. A flight of steps takes you to the famed Hinku Cave used as a camp by the first western explorers in the Annapurna Region.

The Fishtail Peak or Machhapuchhre rears right above as you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. It is a sacred peak and one of the few peaks where climbing is banned. As the locals worship this mountain, no expedition groups are allowed on this peak. You stop for lunch at Machhapuchhre Base Camp and enjoy the views before continuing your ascent to Annapurna Base Camp.

The majesty of the Annapurna Massif, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli stuns you with their grandeur as you reach ABC. You walk slowly to your lodge, enjoying the awe-inspiring sights.

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the best sites in the Himalayas to stargaze. The Milky Way appears very close, and you can gaze at the constellations at night. Create a time-lapse of the night view in your camera and share it on your social media pages. You are sure to get a whole load of likes and shares.

Overnight at a teahouse in Annapurna Base Camp.

Wake up before sunrise and head to Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial valley surrounded by Annapurna I (10th highest peak in the world), Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. The sight of the snow-covered peaks changing color from orange to golden as the sun rises will stay in your memory forever. Capture this beautiful sight in your camera and head down to your teahouse. After breakfast, head down to Bamboo. It is a long descent, and your knees feel thankful to reach the teahouse where your room is booked.

Overnight at a teahouse in Bamboo.

The final leg of your trek brings you to Matque. The return trek, though long and tiring, is filled with heartwarming views. You stop at intervals to take in the views for the last time. After reaching the highway at Matque you board a vehicle and drive to Pokhara. On reaching the lakeside city, check-in at your hotel and rest your tired muscles.

Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Your trip ends with a fly from Pokhara  to Kathmandu. Booking a flight will shorten your journey. It takes only 25-30 minutes to reach Kathmandu by flight.

Next, you will be driven to the airport in due time to catch your flight (three hours prior to the scheduled departure). If you want you can extend your trip and explore more of the country. Choose from our vast range of itineraries or allow us to customize a tour for you. Bid goodbye to Nepal!