Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Short Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty

The short Annapurna Base Camp trek is a bit challenging than the standard Annapurna Base Camp trek. The daily walking hours are a little long on the short ABC trek. Let's say you will walk around 2-3 hours extra daily.

Rugged terrain, high altitude, and uphill and downhill walking demands good fitness. On top of that, you walk more each day, so you cannot compromise on your fitness.

Short Annapurna Base Camp trek distance

The short Annapurna Base Camp trek distance is around 55 kilometers.

High altitude guidelines that will help you avoid altitude sickness

• Trek slowly and do not rush.
• Keep a uniform pace. It will preserve your energy.
• Keep yourself hydrated.
• Eat and sleep well. You need good energy to walk 6 hours a day.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking.
• If you feel sick or uncomfortable, inform your guide and get first aid as needed.

Short Annapurna Base Camp trek in different seasons, and the best time

If you want to have the best weather and climate conditions, trek in the spring or autumn seasons. These are peak trekking seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Note that you will see many other trekkers in these two seasons.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the rhododendron season in Nepal. It is the national flower. In spring, rhododendrons bloom all over the Himalayan foothills, making the trekking route exceptionally beautiful.

Lush hills, terraces, and rhododendron blooms backed by snow-capped Himalayan mountains present mesmerizing scenery that attracts thousands of trekkers to the Annapurna region in spring.

Summer/monsoon (June to mid-September)

The trail is not in good condition when the monsoon begins. The weather is quite erratic, and the climate is hot and humid. Mountain views may be blocked on gloomy/cloudy days.

However, the ABC trail remains empty between June and mid-September. The rivers, streams, waterfalls, and vegetation are also in great condition.

Autumn (late September to November)

Autumn is the second most famous time of the year for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The weather, climate, visibility, and views are perfect in autumn. On top of that, you may also get to be part of Nepalese festivals.

Winter (December to February)

Although winter trekking is not famous, it is seeing appreciation. If you can deal with the cold, you will love trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in winter. The region is peaceful, and once the snow begins to fall, the landscapes get quite magical.

Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp trek route

There are lodge accommodations available for trekkers on the Annapurna Base Camp trek route. Lodges are simple mountain homes. Rooms are shared between 2 or 3 trekkers. We book twin shared rooms.

Single rooms are very limited and cost extra money. Rooms are small but clean and comfortable to spend the night. Services like charging, WiFi, and hot showers are available in most lodges but come at a small fee.

These personal expenses trekkers have to bear by themselves. Likewise, most lodges have Western-style toilets these days. However, make sure to pack toilet paper and other essentials.

Food

Food arrangement is also great on the Annapurna Base Camp route. From fresh fruits, bakeries, to different Nepali and Western dishes are available.

Our short Annapurna Base Camp trek package includes three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We recommend trekkers pack snacks and bars for the trail.

Likewise, they also purchase more food and beverages on their own during trekking. We generally eat dal bhat at least in one meal (for lunch mostly).

In addition to that, options such as fried rice, curry, meat dishes, thukpa, noodles, pasta, momo, thenduk, porridge, soups, panacake, etc, are also available.

Transporation

Following our short Annapurna Base Camp trek package, you will start and end the journey in Pokhara. Jhinu Dana is the starting/ending point of the trek. We provide a comfortable local jeep to drive between Pokhara and Jhinu Danda.

Travel Insurance

You will need a helicopter evacuation coverage in your travel insurance for a short Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is a mandatory requirement for all tourists. Travel insurance allows us to provide immediate rescue in case of an emergency.

Communication and charging

NTC (Nepali SIM) works better in the Annapurna region, but the mobile signal is not stable everywhere. Likewise, WiFi is also weak.

Charging stations are separately built around the reception area in the lodges. You may have to pay Nrs 100 to Nrs 300 per device to charge your device.

Short Annapurna Base Camp trek packing list

You will need the following things for the short Annapurna Base Camp trek:

*You can rent many trekking clothes and gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.

Clothes:

• Breathable underwear, base layer (trekking t-shirts and pants), and thermal layer
• Long-sleeved hiking shirt and hiking shorts or leggings
• Fleece jumpers
• Waterproof/rainproof jacket and pant
• Down jacket
• Liner socks, fuzzy socks, liner gloves (touch screen compatible), thermal gloves, beanies (2), scarves
• Neck gaiter and sun hat

Trekking gear:

• Trekking boots
• Normal shoes or slippers to wear in the lodge
• Trekking poles
• Daypack
• UV Sunglasses
• Duffel bag
• Water bottle
• Water purifying tablets

Miscellaneous:

• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Toiletries, including wet wipes, toilet paper, hand wash, shampoo, etc
• SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, comb, pocket mirror
• Pocket torch and knife (optional)
• Snacks
• Camera, spare batteries, power bank, Universal adapter
• Journal and pen (optional)
• Ziplock bag to store used clothes and food
• Dry towel

Documents:

• Passport-size photos
• Passport (at least six months of validity)
• Nepali tourist visa
• Credit/debit card
• Cash
• Travel insurance document
• Emergency contact and address