Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek- 7 Days

• Our trek will be in a very beautiful part of the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Expect to trek about 6-7 hours daily or about 10-15 Kms per day. It is recommended that you prepare for the trek by suitable training such as climbing hills or stairs, jogging, and spending some time in the gym to improve your stamina for a few months prior to the trek. If you are quite fit and do sufficient training prior to arriving in Nepal the trek will be enjoyable, and it is suitable for fit people in to their early 60’s. This trek is the most popular trek for those wishing to get wonderful views of the Himalayan peaks.

Short Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty & altitude sickness

The short Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty is moderate. It is an adventure hiking via rugged terrain and lush forest. Fit individuals can do the short Annapurna Base Camp trek. There are two main requirements for this trek- first, you should be able to walk 6 to 7 hours a day and second, you should be fine with high altitude.

The trek starts through dense forests. The trail ascends and descends constantly and enters the Annapurna Sanctuary. From her onwards, you will traverse steep, narrow tracks. Likewise, glacier walking is also required. No technical climbing skill is needed, but you will need good stamina, strength, and endurance.

Similarly, there is also the risk of altitude sickness during the short Annapurna Base Camp trek. The trail ascends to 4,130 meters (13,550 ft) in 3 days. As you gain high altitude in a short time, you may see symptoms of altitude sickness if not acclimated properly.

Acclimatization day is not necessary if you are strong and well prepared. For further precaution, keep yourself hydrated and have lots of good food to avoid altitude sickness. Be aware of symptoms like insomnia, vomiting, headache, nausea, difficulty in breathing, etc.

Is travel insurance needed for the short ABC trek?

Travel insurance is compulsory for the short Annapurna Base Camp trek. It should cover emergency air evacuation along with medical bills. As the Annapurna Base Camp short trek sees high altitudes and involves the risk of injuries or unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance is important to provide you with needed assistance on time.

This trek goes above 4,000 meters, so your insurance policy should cover overage for such altitudes. Further, you can also include flight cancellations and lost, stolen, or damaged personal items in the travel insurance.

Carefully read the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. Be aware of any exclusions, limitations, or specific requirements, and ask your insurance provider for clarification if needed.

Accommodation and meals during the trek

The accommodation during the short Annapurna Base Camp trek is the lodge. It is a simple accommodation with basic facilities. Twin shared rooms are common, with mainly shared washrooms. Single rooms and private washrooms are only available in a few villages. You will need a sleeping bag for this trek. The rooms are small but clean.

The rooms will be shared between two trekkers. They are nothing special but simple and convenient. We will book the best available lodges for you. You will get a clean bed and blanket to spend the night. A sleeping bag is recommended for extra comfort.

In meals, you will get a good variety of food like dal bhat, thukpa, fried rice, rice and curries, momo, noodles, burgers, pasta, porridge, soup, pancakes, etc. The breakfast menu ranges from toast, eggs, oats, muesli, chapati, and sandwiches. You will also get bakery items. Vegetarian food is widely available.

Boiled drinking water is widely available. You can use water purification for extra safety. Likewise, a variety of tea, coffee, and energy drinks are available throughout the trail. We highly recommend having lemon tea, ginger tea, and hot lemon with honey daily to keep yourself hydrated.

What is the best time to do the short Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

For the most favorable weather conditions for short Annapurna Base Camp trekking, we recommend doing this trek in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is generally stable, with warm temperatures during the day and cool nights in these two seasons. Likewise, clear skies provide excellent visibility, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

The temperature ranges from 0°C to 20°C in these months. From March to May, the trail blossoms with rhododendrons. The scenery is wonderful in the spring season. Likewise, if you wish to feel the warmth of Nepali festivity, trek between September - November (autumn). These months are the peak time for the short Annapurna base camp trek, and the trail is also quite crowded.

Short Annapurna Base Camp trek in winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August)

The short Annapurna Base Camp trek in winter and summer/monsoon is a good time to do this trek but it will be cold in winter season and in Monsoon season it will be rainy. Winter brings colder temperatures and snowfall. If the weather is clear you will be able to enjoy the clear view.  

Guide and porter during the short Annapurna Base Camp trek

Guide and porter make the short Annapurna Base Camp trek doable. They will support you during the trek. From showing the trail to making sure you are safe and arranging all the logistics, they will ensure a hassle-free trek. You will trek with a native from a native region.

Our mountain guides have numerous years of expertise. They are reliable and friendly travel companions who will make the short Annapurna Base Camp trek journey memorable for you. Likewise, you will also trek with porters. They carry duffel bags, which allow you to travel freely.

Some helpful tips

• Each trekker has a 10 kg weight limit for the duffel bag and a 5 kg weight limit for the day pack.
• Tip guide and porter at the end of the trek. Usually, trekkers tip 10-15% of the package cost.
• You have to get a Nepali travel visa by yourself. It is easy to obtain. You can apply for it at the Nepalese Embassy in your country or upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Make sure to check the updated travel visa status.
• Expenses like shopping, tips, travel insurance, additional food and drinks, international flight tickets, etc, are not covered in our short Annapurna Base Camp trek cost. Budget these expenses accordingly and also keep some emergency funds aside.
• Payment via cards is accepted in Kathmandu and Pokhara in malls, hotels, restaurants, and bis shops. However, you will need to carry a Nepali rupee to use in the local market and during trekking. Make sure to check the exchange rate before exchanging your money at a bank or money exchange center.