Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the most popular trekking destination for every traveler who would like to see glaciers and amazing views in the shortest time. If you are wondering how to visit the heart of the Himalayas in a short time, then the 6-day short ABC trek is ideal for you. Short Annapurna Base Camp Hike is highly recommended only for physically fit trekkers and mentally well-prepared to cope with 7 to 8 hours of walking most of the day. During the short trek, you will see amazing mountain scenery, glaciers, and unique culture in the Himalayas.
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins in the beautiful touristic city of Pokhara after a scenic short flight from Kathmandu. Then, drive to Nayapul, Birethanti upward to the Modi Khola bank bottom of the Ghandruk and Landruk via Phedi, Naudanda, Kade, Lumle, and Syauli Bazaar. The road goes further to the Siwai (1230 m) or Matque (45 minutes drive) at the Long suspension bridge just below the Jhinudanda, known as Samrong. Nowadays, Nayapul to Siwai is a good road with a blacktop, where you can drive a cab directly from Pokhara. 3 to 4 people can be accommodated in one taxi. If you drive to Motkyu, you need to walk only an hour to Chhomrong Village; from here, your short ABC trek starts. After driving to Matque, we walk along the Modi Khola bank to New Bridge and ascend through the jungle and scattered settlements, where we cross one of the longest bridges (at Kaski Districts) on Chhomrong Khola to the Jhinu Danda. This 287-meter-long and 135-meter-high freeboard suspension bridge is becoming an additional attraction for trekkers during the Rapid Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Often, you have seen mountain views and amazing landscapes with rice terraces during the trip. Many ups and downs are walking to the Sinuwa, Bambo, Dobhan, and the Himalayas. Most of the village has a mini-hydropower station run by the local community, where you can charge your camera battery. After Sinuwa, the valley becomes narrow between the gigantic mountains of Machhapuchhre and Hiuchuli, but you will peer through the mountain scenery often. Below the Himalaya Hotel, there is a temple known as Pujinima Baraha, where you can see a beautiful waterfall coming from the foot of Mt. Machhapuchre (Mt. Fishtail). The locals believe there are 108 different waterfalls as holy sites. Above this temple is the Annapurna Base Camp, known as the Sanctuary, where sacrifice or killing of any animal is prohibited. Even if any kind of plastic bottle and rubbish are banned in this area, every teahouse sells boiling, filtered water for a drink. Nearby Deurali there is a cave named Hinku Cave, where the porters used to sleep during the early trekking time. During the spring season before Deurali to MBC, there is more risk of avalanches. So, we at Nepal Mother House advise you to cross this part before the sun carefully. In the springtime, it would be better to take alternative trails to avoid this risky area. Sometimes you will encounter Musk Deer, Himalayan Goats, or Jharals near tea houses. Finally, you will get to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), and there are several tea houses for overnight stay. You have a magnificent view of Annapurna III (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre, known as Fishtail (6,643 m), Mardi Himal (5,553 m), etc.
Keep continuing to walk to Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is at an elevation of 4,130 meters from sea level. ABC is just beside the Annapurna Glacier; often you will hear a hound of avalanches and glacier movement. From here to Annapurna Base Camp, it takes 2 hours, The trail offers wonderful Himalaya scenery like Hiunchuli (6,441 m), South Annapurna (7,219 m), Annapurna I (7,219 m), Tent Peak/Tharpu Chuli (5,665 m), Singu Chuli/Fluted Peak (6,501 m), Gangapurna (7,544 m), Gandharva Chuli (6,248 m), Machhapuchhre/Fishtail (6,997m) and Mardi Himal (5,553 m). You will feel like you are on another planet when you get to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), also known as Annapurna Sanctuary. Amazing snow-capped mountains surround you and a masterful view will appear during the sunset and sunrise. After exploring at ABC, you will walk back to MBC, and Deurali will retrace the trail to the Siwa. Then drive back to Pokhara by taxi or Jeep and the next day drive back to Kathmandu for your home destination.
We at Nepal Mother House highly recommend the 5-Day ABC Shortest Trek from Pokhara for adventure lovers who wish to explore the Nepal Himalayas in a short period. We are here to organize your Rapid ABC Trek Itinerary with expert local Guides and Porters according to your holiday schedule and requirements. Some trekking agencies organize a short Annapurna base camp trekking itinerary lasting 7 or 8 days. According to our experience, some of our Guests have done it successfully in 4 Days as well. The best time is autumn (mid-September to November) and spring (mid-March to May) in spring. The weather is favorable during this time.
Transportation for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
To begin the Annapurna base camp short trek, either take a 6 to 7-hour bus drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara or take a 30-minute scenic short flight to Pokhara and then drive 3 to 4 hours to the Samrong Khola, just stone-throwing distance from Jhinudanda. Normally, there is no frequently available public bus/jeep, however, you can hire a reserve there. If you have 4 to 5 people, then it is perfect to hire a jeep for the trip economically.
How Many Trekking Permits Are Needed for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Two different Permits are required for this trek; [I] Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and [II] Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. ACAP permits can be obtained from the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Office in Kathmandu and Pokhara after filling out the online form or manual from the present guests themselves. But for the TIMS Card, you can only get it from an authorized trekking agency. To obtain both permits, you need to submit trekker name details according to your passport and permit fee. For more details about Short ABC Trek permits, kindly go through the trekking permit fees in Nepal.
The Attraction of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The final destination of this trek is the lap of Annapurna I, “the tenth highest mountain in the world,” at 8,091 meters (26,545 ft.) above sea level.
Here are some attractions for trekkers while trekking in Annapurna Base Camp.
Natural Hot Springs
During the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will pass through the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, where trekkers can relax and soak in the hot water. It is within 15 to 20 minutes of walking distance from Jhinu Danda at the Bank of the Modo Khola.
Chhomrong Village: Chhomrong is a traditional Gurung village that offers a glimpse into the local culture and way of life. This is the last village for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Modi Khola
While trekking in Annapurna Base Camp, the trail follows the Modi Khola River all the time, which is a beautiful and picturesque river that originated from the Annapurna Glacier.
Annapurna Sanctuary
Annapurna Sanctuary is a high-altitude glacial basin that provides a natural habitat for a range of species, including the snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and various bird species. Likewise, it is also home to different types of plant species, including rhododendrons “Nepal’s National flower”, orchids, primulas, etc. Annapurna Sanctuary is a protected area within the larger Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) established in 1992 with an area of 7629 sq. km., which aims to protect the biodiversity and natural resources of the region. It also promotes sustainable eco-tourism and empowers the locals for community development through responsible tourism.
Annapurna Base Camp
The Annapurna Base Camp is located in the north-central part of the country as a natural amphitheater with an elevation of 4,130 meters, surrendered by massif towering peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). From where mesmerizing mountain views can be seen, especially sunrise and sunset time is best with golden color. Machhapuchhre Base Camp is another attraction of the Annapurna Base Camp short trek that offers stunning views of Machhapuchhre itself, also known as Fishtail. It is known as Holy Mountain and is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the world, but no one has yet climbed it in Nepal's tourism history. According to the Hindu’s sacred book Gandaki Mahatmya, “Machhapuchhre is known as two horns of the fish; it is a symbol of Nar (Male) and Naari (Female). Two saints named Nar and Naari used to mediate in this cave, which is located in a very isolated area at the bottom of the Machhapuchhre. It is home to Mahadev and Parvati, so this cave, known as Mahadev Pravati Cave, does not have access for humans to get in. Only spiritual power can get there.
Annapurna Glacier
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a natural amphitheater in the Annapurna region of Nepal, located in the north-central part of the country. It is a high glacial basin surrounded by the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). The Sanctuary is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is the largest conservation area in Nepal and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Sanctuary is a popular trekking destination in Nepal and is accessible from the towns of Pokhara and Nayapul. The trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary is a challenging but rewarding trek that takes trekkers through traditional villages, lush forests, and high mountain landscapes, culminating in the stunning views of the Annapurna range from the Sanctuary.
Annapurna Glacier
There are several glaciers in the Annapurna region, according to their watershed area. However, one of the most noticeable glaciers in the region is the South Annapurna Glacier, which flows from the southern slopes of Annapurna I and Annapurna South. It is the main source of the Modi Khjola River and follows the Annapurna Conservation Area as a lifeline for local people. The South Annapurna Glacier is the main rule for the ecosystem: providing pure drinking water, irrigation on the farm, providing nutritious food, and hydropower generation. It is not only for local people and the ecosystem; it is the main attraction for thousands of nature lovers every year.
Herd of Sheep and Goat
While trekking in the ABC short trek, you will see a herd of sheep and goats with their playful lambs and headers' livelihoods. This is the best grassland for the sheep and goats; during the summer season, they move towards the Annapurna Base Camp and drop around the Chhomrong in the wintertime. The treks are much more fun when you see a herd of sheep.
What Kind of Accommodation Can Be Expected During the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Accommodation during the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek typically involves staying in the tea houses at Annapurna Base Camp. Most of the tea houses have private rooms with common toilets and bathrooms, where you can get net and clean bed sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. Several accommodation facilities depend on places and teahouses; Jhinudanda and Chhomrong have a basic room with an attached bathroom, whereas there is the most common bathroom and dormitory room above the Chhomrong. After the Sinuwa to Annapurna base camp, the entire tea house is controlled by Annapurna sanctuary; the tea house owners cannot build the hotel by themselves. They need to get permission from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) before constructing the tea houses. So, the accommodation at the base camp is very basic but clean. The cost of the accommodation will range from NPR. 500 to NPR 1500, depending on the hotel and its facilities.
For more information about accommodation, trail, trekking permits, weather, and transportation, please refer to the Complete Guide of Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
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