Imagine yourself standing at the almighty Annapurna Sanctuary surrounded by the panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif, along with other surrounding Himalayan peaks and glaciers, within just a week from a bustling city to the highland. This is the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, which takes you on the mystic Himalayas, passing through agricultural farms, Gurung villages including Ghandruk and Chhomrong, hot spring water pool, rich Himalayan flora and fauna, and ascends to Macchapuchare Base Camp and finally attains Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters) in 7 days.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek Overview:
This Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is designed for those adventure seekers who are willing to reach Annapurna Sanctuary within just a week, pushing their limits to get a front row ticket to witness the breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna range. As venturing out on this journey for a straight 7 days means, you get befriended by the heavenly mountains and the front massive view of Mt. Machapuchare (Fish Tail) along the diverse landscapes of six climatic zones and finally attains to Annapurna Base Camp elevation at 4130 m, offering the unparalleled views of 360-degree views of legendary peaks, including the Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and ofcourse Dhaulagiri.
Even though this trek minimizes the long duration standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the route covers the same standard trailhead without missing out on anything, ensuring that it meanders through every highlighted corner of "Annapurna Conservation Area", in a short time.
It is one of the best short treks in Nepal, and a dream-come-true adventure, as it takes you straight to the lap of the world's tenth-highest mountain - Mt. Annapurna (8091 meters) with an exploration of diverse ecosystems and rich cultural villages of Gurung, Magar, Rai, and other communities. However, as it is said that sometimes, the journey is more fascinating and meaningful than reaching just the destination, well, here it is the only Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, winning the heart of everyone, due to the roller coaster adventure that it takes within a short period.
This 7-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary begins from Pokhara with a drive to Nayapul, and is followed by a culturally affluent trek to Ghandruk village, a wide Gurung settlement amid the Himalayas. Ghandruk stands out being a gateway to the Annapurna region, nestled among the Gurung community with traditional houses in similarity, with slatted rooftops and densely surrounded by the highly towering mountains. On the following days, this Short ABC Trek passes by the blooming rhododendrons and woodland, offering an opportunity to gaze over wildlife, river streams, and navigate through the Modi Khola valley, crossing over several suspension bridges in between.
In between, it traverses and stops by notable villages such as Chhomrong, Himalaya, Sinuwa, and finally reaches Macchpuchare Base Camp and then to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters), and surrounds you with the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs - an insight to hold in forever, with the hues of gold and pink painting the tip of the snowcapped thundering peaks. This Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek route then descends to Bamboo, with a day in Jhinu Danda - the natural hot spring to take a dip and relish in after an astonishing 7-day trek. Finally, this trek concludes after driving back to Pokhara.
This short trek to ABC focuses on letting you experience the core ABC experiences, rather than a slow ascent, and avoids the route and ascent to the iconic Poon Hill viewpoint, customized for those, bounded by time, but still crave to unveil the majestic highland of the Annapurna region.
Every day, this trek offers something unique and fresh, following the same pathway but settling in at different local villages, allowing you to experience the diverse cultural mosaic at every stride. Standing in the shadow of the world's top 10 greatest peaks, with each day hustling to reach up there, gives you a thrill of achievement with the most rewarding views.
Note: The trek simply commences from Pokhara, as it is the main point where the route to ABC begins; however, if you haven't arrived in Pokhara yet and are still in Kathmandu, then Destination Himalaya Treks does arrange the transportation facility to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu as a complimentary service. So, do not settle back!
Highlights of Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Get a scenic drive from the wetland city of Lake Pokhara (890 m), witnessing the gradual transition from lush green valley, small local settlements, to the cultural village at Ghandruk
- Explore the ancient Ghandruk, where there is a wide settlement of Gurung communities, known as the paradise in the Himalayas, along with a visit to the Gurung museum
- Reach the foothill and the lap of the world's tenth tallest peak - Mount Annapurna (8091 m), surrounding you with the Annapurna massif panorama and glaciers with other surrounding mountains
- Encounter the locals and learn their culture and traditions of diverse ethnic communities of Gurung, Sherpa, Magar, and Tamang, highly influenced by Buddhist spirituality
- Immerse in the warm hospitality of local people, try their cuisines, made out of love, and befriend some innocent Himalayan kids en route
- Journey through diverse landscapes from sub-tropical forests to glacial terrain
- Relish in the hot spring water at Jhinu Danda - also known as to cure for skin disease - a perfect way to conclude the trip with
What makes the 7-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek special?
Although it is named "short", this Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary ensures that the adventure seekers get to explore every corner of the trekking trail, just like the regular package, without hurrying up and missing out on anything, and this journey will surely not disappoint you. Here are some of the major attractions of this ABC Short Trek that make this Himalayan adventure truly special for 2025 and 2026:
Ghandruk Village - Paradise in the Himalayas
During this 7-day ABC Trek, you get to explore the heavenly-looking Ghandruk village, where the thriving culture, traditions, and historic resilience are still preserved in the local lifestyle, and the warm hospitality of Gurung communities on the very 1st day. Situated within the Annapurna region of Nepal at 2014 meters, Ghandruk serves as one of the best Annapurna panorama points, showing the spectacular sunrise view over iconic Himalayan range such as Macchapuchare - Fishtail, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, which also marks the first close-up view encounter, a visual feast marks as the beginning of this trek.
Other side trips include nature walks, enjoying the picturesque rhododendron forest, participating in gurung cultural music and dance, and a visit to the famous Gurung museum, where you can try the local traditional gurung attire, jewels, and see the historical background of the village and locals as well.
Unparalleled Mountain Views
Get ready to be accompanied by several unparalleled views of iconic mountains right from the start, where the journey lets you befriend the great Himalayan peaks such as Gangapurna (7457 m), Macchapuchare, Hiunchuli, and many others. Whereas, reaching the ultimate destination - Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 meters, the 360 degree close-up panorama views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range will awestruck you, along with other snow-capped peaks such as Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7216 n), Himchuli (6443 m). The vista also stretches to its surroundings, to glacial moraines and open Himalayan meadows, along with the holy Fishtail mountain range.
Diverse Cultural Exploration
This Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek passes through the traditional villages, where the local people have been residing from ancient times, with an existence of their rich Tibetan Buddhism culture, passed from generation to generation, showing you a distinct side of the Himalayas. Throughout this trip, you'll be accommodated in diverse local settlements of Gurung, Magar, Rai, and Tamang, as the tea house is the only accommodation option along the trekking trail, grab the opportunity and try local cuisines and learn their languages to enhance the journey and get a unique perspective of the mountain treks, which connect you with the Himalayan rural lifestyle even more.
Spot Himalayan Wildlife and Pristine Landmarks
As this trek meanders within the untamed and protected Annapurna Conservation Area, traversing through the diverse landscapes, from woodland (forested section), with thriving red rhododendron forest, you might get to encounter rare elusive wildlife, especially, when trekking at peak seasons, such as red panda, himalayan tahr and other migrant himalayan birds at the same time. The trailhead, then, slowly opens up with terraced farms of locals, and hill sides, along with river streams, cascading waterfalls, suspension bridges, and showcases the drastic transition to the alpine meadows, glacial moraines, and the panoramic Himalayan range.
There are basically thousands of reasons that make this short trek to Annapurna Base Camp 7 days a noteworthy Himalayan adventure, which leads you on a mountainous voyage with an exploration of diverse settlements and a rich tapestry of culture. To know more, you can check our recently updated blog: 10 Reasons to trek ABC in Nepal for 2025-26.
Is this Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking right for you?
If you are wondering whether this short ABC trek is ideal for you, or not, then it depends on your personal preferences, experiences, and the kind of exploration that you are looking forward to. Here are some of the things that we at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition highly suggest you take an overview of before venturing on this short trek to Annapurna Base Camp 7 days:
- Activate Hikers with Bounded Time: This trek is genuinely customized to those who are limited by time but crave to explore the best out of the Himalayas, and reach the Annapurna Sanctuary feeling a sense of realm and accomplishment. As this expedition cuts off the regular itinerary of 12 to 14 days, to a week, you must have a basic level of fitness to venture out for a straight 5 to 6 hours with a coverage of 8 to 12 km of distance approximately.
- Trekking Experience: Even though it is named as a "short" Himalayan adventure, the overall trek is considered a moderate trip, which can be commenced by anyone at any time of the year. Even for beginners who have experience with short hikes of 2-3 days, they can attain the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), as the route is well-maintained; however, it is expected to be in good shape.
- Maximum Altitude: The highest elevation that this trek leads you at 4130 meters, with a slow ascent, which means the risk of altitude sickness remains minimal. However, as the journey takes an uphill walk each day over 3000 meters, it is highly suggested to follow the preventive guidelines to avoid AMS (acute mountain sickness), and grab a good travel insurance policy.
- Budget Friendly: Shortening up the itinerary and starting from Pokhara, you can also consider this as a Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which fits your estimated budget, however, lets you cover every highlighted aspect of the Annapurna region at the same time.
- Family Friendly Trip: As this Annapurna Base Camp Trek is tailored with a gradual ascent, letting you adopt to the rising high elevation considering safety, at the same time, it fits every pace of hikers, from beginners, to any age kind from kids to senior citizens with the assistance of our pro expert experienced licensed guide being medically equipped.
Overall, this Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek fits perfectly for those who crave to explore one of the best short trekking routes, that lets you unveil the untamed beauty of the highland, with a deep exploration of cultural villages, and create a momento or self reflection by attaining to one of the eighth thousander in the world to exist in Nepal - Mount Annapurna (8091 m), covering every aspects of the iconic trekkking trail.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek Cost for 2025 and 2026
The cost of the 7-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek is slightly lower than the classic regular route of the ABC Trek due to the deduction or compression of several hiking days. At Destination Himalaya Treks, we offer standard prices starting from 399 $ to 699 $ per person and also offer transportation facilities and assistance from Kathmandu to Pokhara, as a complimentary service, if you haven't arrived in Pokhara yet.
Our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trekking cost simply covers all the requirements, starting from basic logistics such as accommodations, meals to permit arrangements, and an experienced licensed trekking guide. With this pricing, it takes care of everything. Hence, plan with ease, hike enjoyably, and thrive in the mountain zone with our trek planners.
| No. of Hikers | Standard Price (In USD) |
| 1-1 | 585 per person |
| 2-3 | 485 per person |
| 4-6 | 455 per person |
| /-9 | 435 per person |
| 8-11 | 395 per person |
Why do this Short ABC Trek with Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition
Having operated for more than 15+ years, we at Destination Himalaya Treks always look forward to focusing on 3'S: Safety, Sustainability, and top-notch service to every adventure seeker willing to conquer the land of the Himalayas, and create a momento that are worth keeping forever ever and ever, so when you aged beautifully, you can flex, about how many trekking you did, mountains that you passed by and reach to the launch pad of the legendary peaks.
Having said that, no one can takes you to the places or give you insights untill and unless that truly faced it themselves, our DHT Team are highly experienced not only, at technical section, but also practical parts about what can you expect, what to do and what not to do on the trailhead, ensuring safety at highest level by crafting packages with gradual ascent and safe trailheads.
Our trekking guides are extensively experienced and know every corner of the Annapurna region, hence letting you cover the highlighted sections without missing anything, being fully medically equipped at the same time, prioritizing your health, and following emergency protocols.
Besides, if our 7-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek package doesn't match your preferences, timing, and budget estimation, then you can customize it as per your wish! Of course! You will be your planner, but we tend to be the helping hand, so you can tailor your packages, as you choose! To make your trip even more fascinating, we do offer additional benefits for early bookings for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek in 2025 and 2026:
- Free Staycation at our own company- Hotel Bihani, "if you are here in Kathmandu for a day".
- Complimentary Tourist Bus Transportation to Pokhara from Kathmandu - if you haven't arrived in Pokhara, the starting point of the trip, yet
- 24 hours of communication along the trail, to convey urgent messages immediately via WhatsApp, Viber, or direct Call at +977 9851016814 or email at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com.
- Trip Briefing through online before confirming the trip, and an In-Person Briefing after arrival in Nepal (Pokhara or Kathmandu)
- Free Excess Luggage Storage as long as you want
- Destination Himalaya Treks Duffle Bag and Cap, also Sleeping Bag (if required, must be returned)
- Easy and Safe Payment Gateway
6 Days Alternative Outline Itinerary of the ABC Trek from Kathmandu
If you are short on time and want a fast pace, the shortest route to Annapurna Base Camp from Kathmandu, then you can complete this trek within 6 days from Kathmandu, in and Out, which is highly suggested for experienced hikers. This itinerary simply overtakes one step up through some 100-200 meters of additional elevation gain, but still covers every corner of the Annapurna region, as the trailhead is the same.
Day 01: Take a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (830 meters), or take a Flight of 25 to 30 minutes to Pokhara
Day 02: Drive to Siwai and the trek to Chhomrong village (2190 meters), 4-5 hours
Day 03: Ascend from Chhormong to Himalaya (2920 meters), 5-6 hours
Day 04: Trek from the Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters) through Macchapuchare Base Camp, Overnight in ABC
Day 05: Trek from ABC to Sinuwa (2360 meters), 6-7 hours
Day 06: Trek to Siwai and take a Drive back to Pokhara, and either take a night bus or a Flight to Kathmandu or stay overnight in Pokhara
Note: If you are already here, in Pokhara, then you can directly opt for the 5-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek starting and ending in Pokhara; if not, then we can customize the package as per your demand, as already mentioned!
Can I combine this Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek with any other trails too?
If you are looking forward to exploring more out of this legendary trailhead and discover what this small continent of Asia, Nepal, has to offer you and want to reach Annapurna Sanctuary at the same time, then you shall choose the combined expedition, which takes you to other iconic destinations and Annapurna Base Camp itself.
If you do not have ample time, but still have 2 weeks, in total, then, without any doubts, blind foldedly, you can opt for ABC with Mardi Himal Trek, which takes you to another iconic trailhead within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The best part about this combo is that, it takes you to the diverse landscape demonstrating the unqiue perspective as it shows the 6 climatic zones and also the panorama of other additional peak of Annapurna range through less crowded section without missing out taking you to the lap of the world's 10th heighest mountain in the world at the same time. Or else, for a more remote adventure, choose going for a combined trip of Khopra Ridge and ABC!
Either way, every journey along this Annapurna Base Camp route promises to offer you something unique, that has a distinct feature and a whole lotta memories to keep within forever!
