Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Overview

• Region: Annapurna, Nepal

• Duration: 5 to 9 days (customizable)

• Max Altitude: ~4,130m (ABC)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best Seasons: March–May (spring) & September–November (autumn)

• Starting Point: Nayapul or Ghandruk

• Permit Required: Yes (ACAP + TIMS)

Trek Summary:

Highlights

✅ Stunning close-up views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and more
✅ Lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung villages
✅ Relaxing natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
✅ Sunrise view from Poon Hill (optional detour)
✅ Manageable for beginners with decent fitness

Best Time!

Spring Season (March to May)

• Weather: Warm days and cool nights.

• Skies: Mostly clear with great mountain views.

• Highlights:

  • Rhododendrons in full bloom — the forests are magical!

  • Stable weather and longer daylight hours.

• Temperature at ABC: Day ~10°C, Night ~-5°C

• Crowd Level: Moderate to high

Perfect for: Clear views + nature lovers

Autumn Season (Mid-September to November)

• Weather: Crisp, dry, and stable — ideal for trekking.

• Skies: Crystal clear with the best Himalayan views.

• Highlights:

  • Fresh, clean air after the monsoon.

  • Peak visibility of Annapurna, Machapuchare, and surrounding peaks.

• Temperature at ABC: Day ~10°C, Night ~-10°C

• Crowd Level: High (very popular season)

✅ Perfect for: Photographers + clear skies

Day 1: Pokhara – Drive to Jhinu Danda – Trek to Sinuwa

• Drive Time: ~3 hours (Pokhara to Jhinu Danda)

• Trek Time: ~4-5 hours (Jhinu Danda to Sinuwa)

• Elevation:

  • Pokhara: 827m

  • Jhinu Danda: 1,780m

  • Sinuwa: 2,340m

Highlights:

• Early morning scenic drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda via Nayapul and Siwai.

• Start the trek from Jhinu Danda, crossing suspension bridges and passing through beautiful villages.

• Steady ascent through lush rhododendron and bamboo forests to reach Sinuwa.

• Stunning views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) on the way.

Overnight: Tea house in Sinuwa

 Day 2: Sinuwa to Deurali

• Trek Time: ~6-7 hours

• Elevation: 2,340m to 3,230m

Highlights:

• A peaceful walk through dense bamboo forests and waterfalls.

• Pass through Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya villages before reaching Deurali.

• Keep an eye out for langurs and colorful birds along the trail.

• The air gets cooler and thinner as you gain altitude.

Overnight: Tea house in Deurali

 Day 3: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC)

• Trek Time: ~5-6 hours

• Elevation: 3,230m to 4,130m

Highlights:

• Trek through rugged alpine terrain to reach Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700m.

• Breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Fishtail.

• Final stretch to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), the heart of the sanctuary.

• Sunset views over the Annapurna massif – truly unforgettable!

Overnight: Tea house at ABC (4,130m)

 Day 4: ABC to Bamboo

• Trek Time: ~6-7 hours

• Elevation: 4,130m to 2,310m

Highlights:

• Early sunrise over Annapurna I – a golden moment!

• Descend back through MBC and Deurali, retracing your steps.

• Easier on the lungs but tough on the knees – trekking poles are helpful!

• Overnight at the peaceful forest village of Bamboo.

Overnight: Tea house in Bamboo

 Day 5: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs!)

• Trek Time: ~5-6 hours

• Elevation: 2,310m to 1,780m

Highlights:

• Hike down through Sinuwa and Chhomrong – steep stairs both down and up!

• Reach Jhinu Danda, a lovely village perched above the Modi Khola.

• Reward yourself with a soak in the natural hot springs just a 15-minute walk below the village.

Overnight: Tea house in Jhinu Danda

 Day 6: Jhinu Danda to Pokhara (Drive)

• Trek Time: Short 30-45 min walk to Siwai or Samrung

• Drive Time: ~3 hours back to Pokhara

Highlights:

• Last morning in the mountains – take in the fresh air and final views.

• Easy walk to the road and a scenic jeep drive back to the lakeside city of Pokhara.

• Celebrate with some rest or maybe a lakeside dinner!

Permits Needed

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – NPR 3,000 (~$25 USD)

2. TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) – NPR 2,000 (~$17 USD)

Accommodation

• Type: Teahouses / guesthouses

• Facilities: Basic beds, shared toilets, hot showers (for a fee), simple meals

• Food: Dal Bhat, noodles, momos, tea, pancakes, etc.

 Packing List (Essentials)

• Warm sleeping bag (can be rented)

• Down jacket, thermal layers, rain jacket

• Trekking boots, gloves, hat, sunglasses

• Reusable water bottle + purification tabs

• First-aid kit, snacks, sunscreen, headlamp

• Trekking poles (optional but helpful)

Tips for a Safe Trek

• Acclimatize properly (this route is fast—go slow!)

• Stay hydrated (3L+ water daily)

• Avoid alcohol at altitude

• Hire a guide or porter if unsure

• Start early each morning (weather is best early)

 Optional Itinerary Tweaks

• 5 Days: Skip ABC and only go to MBC or Jhinu Hot Springs

• 6 Days: Hike faster but more strenuous days

• Add Poon Hill: Combine with Ghorepani for sunrise views (adds 1–2 days)

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