Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 7 days

What is the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?

The ideal seasons to venture out for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trekking are during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), and there are several good reasons attached to it. Firstly, the weather and climatic conditions themselves. The temperature generally ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius, allowing a mild temperature to hike along sunny days, without feeling mentally frustrated and all sweaty due to the continuous heat. While trekking, you will feel a chill rather than being drained, which makes the short ABC Trek 10x times easier than it is.

Secondly, there is less chance of heavy precipitation, or you can say zero rainfall, high snowfall, as these seasons fall right after monsoon and winter here in Nepal, hence, it is the reason why Spring and Autumn are considered as the peak spans of the year due to the smoother trailhead to pass through without being slippery and loose sand gravel in forest section.

While March offers the born of the new, blooming flowers, and in mid-May, these wild flowers thrive beautifully, in the shade of red rhododendrons and white orchids, whereas Autumn provides the crispness of these flowers turning brown and golden, so whatever season you choose between these seasons, it's definitely a win-win situation!

Apart from that, last but not least, the best part is the clear views of the Annapurna Range and Fishtail (Machhapuchare), which can be seen in every step you take within this territory, with no gloominess due to the less rainfall.

While we've mentioned some certain points, why venture out at this trailhead, at peak time of the year, you can even venture out to the 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter and monsoon as well, but with proper preparation ofcourse, to know more in depth, you can check our blog entitled: Ideal seasons for ABC Trek. that clearly explains each seasons and months featuring uniqueness, thrillness and another perspective view of mountains.

What are the Temperature and Weather Conditions like at the Annapurna Base Camp?

The weather and temperature at Annapurna Base Camp partially change day by day, every minute, every second, the weather drastically changing, overall, contributing to the visuality of the mountains, landscapes, and ease of the trip. While venturing out on the Short trek to ABC, in the ideal seasons, which fall under the Spring and Autumn, the overall climate and temperature conditions remain stable, moderate, somewhere between 10 °C to 14 °C during the daytime. Whereas, at night, the temperature takes a massive drop to -5 to -10 degrees Celsius, which is bearable, with the cosy dining heating area at the tea house, and comfortable bedding, with warm blankets.

On the other hand, during the monsoon, from June to August, as it is a peak monsoon and summer time here in Nepal, heavy snowfall, icy terrains, and slippery sections to the base camp are quite expected, hiding the visibility of the peaks at the same time. The temperature usually ranges from 14 °C to 18 °C, during day, it falls, to 2 to 5 degree celsius, while the day humid is high, the night is relatively on the cool side, however, the major challenges becomes the avalanches, at the base camp, hence, being updated with the weather forecast, at this season, is crucial, for the safe and sound adventure.

Meanwhile, the winter season, which starts from December to February, is the coldest time of the year, where the temperature takes a massive drop to 0 to 5 degree celsius at the day, and -12 degree celsius to even -20 degree celsius, at night, which demands all seasonal sleeping bag, to stay warm and intelligent packing consideration such as crampons, extra down jackets, and so on. 

How difficult is the 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek falls under a moderate category in terms of difficulty level, which fits perfectly for those who want to push their limits to their best by reaching the foothill of the iconic peak as soon as possible. As it is realistically a rapid, Short ABC Hike, you can expect some challenges in between if you are a beginner hiker, as you must cover 5-7 hours of hiking to get to the stopping point, to meet the regular route of the classic trailhead. 

The Annapurna Base Camp elevation reaches the highest level of 4310 meters above sea level, which is why prior high-altitude trekking experience is required. However, this rapid version can be done by the beginner as well, but one must have a basic level of fitness just to make it through several ups, downs, and steep sections along the trail.

The most challenging section is on the route to Sinuwa via Chhomrong, where there are some abrupt pathways and stone staircases that include an uphill walk, so it is highly recommended that you to get engage in some sort of physical strengthening activities such as cardio (treadmill, running, swimming) to pass through the strenuous ascent.

Here is a detailed overview of what you should expect regarding the challenges of the Annapura Base Camp Short Trip, daily, which overviews the daily walking hours, terrain conditions, that you have to navigate by, and the distance coverage at the same time:

1st day of trekking: The first day of the trip basically starts with the scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, which covers a 2-hour roadway drive. Whereas the walking trail starts on the very first day towards Ghandruk, covering approximately 3 hours of hiking, and 8 km of distance. The 1st day of the hike is an easy-peasy trek with minimal ascent sections, so you can just stretch your muscles out and not go beyond the limit, as soon as your leg starts to feel the trailhead of the Annapurna region.

2nd day of trekking: Compared to the first day of the hike, the second day is more challenging, with a continuous ascent toward Chhomrong or Sinuwa, which reaches an elevation of 2360 meters. The uphill walk to Chhomrong is a bit demanding, as you must navigate via steep sections and staircases as well. The altitude difference from Ghandruk to Sinuwa is only 380 meters, covering 3-4 hours (8.2 km) of the route, which is intelligently planned; hence, the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) remains very minimal, as the days mark to have a gradual, slow pace ascent. 

3rd day of trekking: The third day of the hike takes a gradual ascent toward Deurali over 3000 meters, gaining an elevation of 860 meters; hence, you can feel the rise of altitude in your body. Lasting for 5-6 hours, covering a distance of 12 kilometres, the third day trekking from Sinuwa is a bit lengthy, yet not so challenging. To relax our bodies, we will stop by at many significant places, and mainly at Dovan for a tea and lunch break.

4th day of trekking: The fourth day stands out as the final ascent to the almighty Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), at 4130 meters, the highest elevation that we will basically gain on these 7 days of adventure. As far as you've come, with the varied terrains we have proceeded so far, your body gets used to the high altitude and walking trails as well, hence, it is a moderate trail that passes by another base camp of Mount Fishtail (Macchapuchre Base Camp) at 3200 meters.

There are several sections of the icy terrains, slippery pathways, while traversing, as you get closer to the alpine section, so ensure to be more cautious, the night is freezing, as at the overnight, we will stay at the tea house at ABC, just make sure to induldge soupy noodles, ginger and garlic soups, and hot water to stay warm.

5th day of trekking: The fifth day, the hike is a complete downhill walk, covering 6 hours of hiking, and 13 kilometres of walking, where there are some descent sections to navigate. Whereas, the terrains are marked with forested areas, and several settlements, retracement of Deurali, Himalaya, Dovan and Hinku Cave.

6th and 7th day of trekking (Final Descend): The 6th day of the trek demands a descent walk, toward Jhinu Danda, which is a lengthy downhill walk, as it covers the distance of 9 km, with 5-6 hours of hiking. On the other hand, the last final day only takes a gradual descent toward Ghandruk Phedi, of 2.5 hours covering 4 kilometres walking distance, and concludes with a drive to Pokhara.

Hence, to conclude, overall, Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, lasting for 7 days straight, is a moderate adventure, which can be easily commenced by beginners to moderate hikers, smoothly, with this well-planned gradual ascent itinerary. However, prior preparations must be made, such as being physically and mentally prepared, with a comprehensive packing list considering all the seasonal variations.

Risk of Altitude sickness during the Rapid Annapurna Base Camp Trip

As this Annapurna Base Camp via Ghandruk hike leads you through an elevation of over 2500 meters each day, it starts with an altitude gain from Pokhara at 860 meters, and reaches the highest at 4163 meters; there is only some kind of risk of altitude sickness throughout the mountainous journey. Especially when you are a beginner and not prepared well, at the same time, navigating through such high elevations each day is not a joke, as each day, the air gets thinner, as higher you ascend.

Mild symptoms such as headaches, difficulty in breathing (just fast-paced breathing), loss of sleep and appetite (insomnia), are quite expected, whereas, if you aren't prepared well, then, severe symptoms such as loss of breathing, dizziness, nausea, blood vomiting, skin turning pale, then, inform the guide, who will assist, you as soon as possible. 

Meanwhile, as our Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7-day itinerary is well-crafted and planned well, with a gradual ascent of only 300-400 meters, altitude gain, the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) remains minimal. At the same time, as higher you reach, your body gets used to the rising elevation and adapts to the high altitude gain; however, it is crucial to follow the major preventive guidelines to stay safe.

• Fuel up your body with soupy items, such as tomato, veg soup, mushroom soup and consider having hot water at nighttime, to stay warm and cosy. Also, having 3-4 litres per day is highly suggested to avoid mouth dryness.
• Make sure to inform us or the guide if you are allergic to something or some kind of food items, so that the meals can be arranged accordingly at the trailheads.
• Maintaining your pace level is one of the crucial factors that you should consider on the very first hand, walk at your pace, and do not go limit (follow the itinerary that has been planned). 

Pro Tip: For your safety, we will provide you oximeter as well, to get updated with your pulse rate, so make sure to check in every stopping point and stay updated. If you see any significant changes or any symptoms,  then inform the guide immediately.

How can I be prepared for the Short ABC Trekking?

Even though this 7-Day ABC Short Trek is a safe adventure that can be easily commenced by beginners and families with kids, being prepared is required to undertake this journey smoothly. As the adventure starts from Pokhara, demanding 4-6 hours of hiking and a distance coverage of 6 to 10 kilometres per day, one must be physically prepared and ensure that their body is ready to undertake such a long hike, above the altitude of 3000 meters, daily. On the other hand, as this trip goes through a remote section, with less accessibility to medical lines, other considerations, such as mental readiness, research, balancing diets, and being prepared for emergency matters, stand out to be important aspects as well.

Here is some detailed guidance for the preparation required for the Short trek to Annapurna Base Camp in 7 days:

Physical Preparation

• Engage in cardiovascular exercises such as running on a treadmill, cycling, running at the treadmill with an incline of 6 and 8, with a speed of 8 to 10 mph. What it does is that it helps in hiking at higher elevations, controlling your breathing at the same time.
• If possible, try to engage in weight-lifting exercises, such as leg workouts, like the leg press, deadlifting, and back workouts, which help greatly to take an uphill ascent.
• If the gym is not your forte, then, undergo short hikes, or just up and downhill walks, on the staircase, completing 10,000 steps per day, as close as you can get to starting the trip.
• While undergoing physical exercises, make sure to carry a backpack with a load of 8-12 kgs, so your back gets strong and used to the weights

Mental Readiness

• As this trip goes through the remote areas, if you are a beginner, then the remoteness and basic amenities might be shocking to you, and sometimes, it gets difficult to adjust, as well, so make sure to do research or search YouTube videos, what the trek is actually like.
• Build a strong mindset with positive enthusiasm, and ensure that your body cooperates well with your mind as well, hence, building a positive and great confidence, make the trip 10x times easier.
• Learn meditation, basic yoga practices to build your concentration level and stay firm throughout the journey
• Download the podcasts, your favourite music, story bedtime, to give you a good nap, at a completely different tea house, from your daily cosy homely bed.

Balance your Diet Plan

• Throughout the trek, try to maintain a good, balanced diet, consisting of all the nutrients, such as fibre, protein, and daily carbs, to keep you engaged and energised throughout the trip
• If you are vegan or vegetarian, inform the guide, or the tea house, or allergic to some items, then let us know beforehand
• Carry protein bars, or small chocolate packs like Snickers, granola bars, Milky Bars, to keep you feeling full even at the trailhead

Travel Insurance

• With the limited accessibility to the health lines or the medical facilities, travel insurance remains one of the most important factors for your trip, saving hundreds of dollars and providing easy access to the emergency evacuation
• While opting for your insurance, make sure to thoroughly check what is included and excluded. The best option is to grab the policy from your home country, from a renowned company
• Make sure that the insurance includes all the requirements, such as theft, baggage lost or stolen, minor injuries, medical coverage and most importantly, the helicopter evacuation over 3000 meters.

To know more regarding the preparation list, comprehensive guidelines, you can take a deeper dive into our updated article, regarding how to be prepared for the ABC Trip, with some useful tips to follow thoroughly, for a hassle-free adventure.

Essential Packing List required for the Annapurna Base Camp 7-day trek

To do the ABC Short Trek, you must consider some of the packing essentials to tackle the rapid weather and climatic conditions, and ensure to pack light and intelligently for a smooth and hassle-free journey. As the trailhead is remote, with limited facilities, some things must be considered beforehand to avoid the challenges of high altitude, precipitation (high rainfall and snowfall), and high humidity and cold temperature at higher elevations. Here are some of the gears and essentials, a checklist for packing for the short trip trekking to Annapurna Base Camp:

Clothing Items

• Moisture Wicked T-shirts or Dry Fit T-shirts (3-4)
• Full or long-sleeved T-shirts (2-3)
• Breathable Hiking Pants 
• Hiking Shorts (2-3)
• Fleece Thermal T-shirt and pants
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Down Jacket or Puffer Jacket 

Foot Wear

• Hiking Boots - Gore-Tex ones with a tight grip ( 1 pair)
• 2 pairs of comfortable shoes
• Flip Flops or Slippers (1-2 pairs)
• Long socks - 4 to 5 pairs

Head Wear

• Sun Hat and Brimmed Hat - for daytime
• Warm hat for morning and evening
• Scarf and Buff or a head cover from dust and low altitude
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Head Lamp, with extra batteries 

Equipments

• Warm gloves with a touchscreen for morning and evening
• 1 pair of trekking poles (adjustable ones)
• Backpack (35 L to 45 L) - Duffle Bag (will be carried by a strong porter)
• Day Backpack (15 L to 20 L) - to fit in personal essentials 
• Waterproof gloves - light ones
• Sleeping Bag - optional but required for the winter season
• Waist Bag - to fit in the gadgets, permits, and cash

Miscellaneous Items

• Power bank and extra charger
• Travel Documents - permits, travel insurance, passport-sized photo
• First Aid Kit - oximeter - to check the oxygen level, and water purification tablets
• Toiletries - Bio-degradable soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, brushes, wet wipes, hand sanitiser, towels, etc.
• Skin care - Moisturisers, Lip Balms, Sunscreen SPF 40+, etc.

Accommodations during the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days, you will be provided the best tea house available at each stopping point as facilitated as possible, covering all days along the trekking route. However, take note that the accommodation simply varies the higher you ascend, for instance, the lodges at Sinuwa - the starting point of the trek are private with cozy, comfortable rooms, whereas on the following days at Deurali, ABC, and Bamboo - 3 nights, the rooms are basic but, cozy and well maintained to settle in comprising of comfortable mattress, blankets, beds, and shared washrooms (as private washrooms are rare after crossing 3000 meters).

Every tea houses has the WIFI, electric sockets (in dining room at the high section), and laundry facilities and hot shower (extra charges), offering the premium amenities even at such high trails, however, you must pay extra to use these services as it is run by solar panels, so it is limited and can be used only for a fee. However, our Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek package does cover the lodging charges, but for extra facilities, you must bear them yourself, as it is charged by the tea houses.

Food and Drinking Water during Short ABC Trek

Annapurna Base Camp route tends to cater to the taste of every visitor along the trail, from western, asian to local and international cuisine, this trailhead simply meets the preference of each individual. During this, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, the menu will be provided to you for standard meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, and as per your choice, the meals will be prepared by the locals. You simply do not have to worry about veg, non veg or vegan options, just mention it beforehand, and it will be made accordingly, considering what kind of food options you prefer. The meals are no doubt A-rated and freshly cooked, with fresh vegetables.

We highly recommend, you choose the vegetarian options as they are fresh and hydrating, and healthy foods such as garlic soups, mushroom soups, chicken soup, green tea, and ginger soups (if you aren't allergic) that boost your stamina, nourishing your body at the same time. You can even have the non-veg options, if they are fresh. Please remember, most of them are a few days old, so for hygiene and health purposes, it is suggested to avoid them in higher altitudes.

For the drinking facilities, from cold drinks such as Coca Cola, Fanta, Diet Coke, to any kind of soups, juice, or even alcoholic beverages are available at every tea house. For drinking water, you can get boiled water to drink to keep yourself warm, and along the trail, you can buy bottled water, or refill the bottle from water taps, river streams, using the water purification tablet.

Is the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek safe?

Even though it is one of the shortest routes to Annapurna Base Camp, as it is completed just within a week, there is nothing to worry about, how the trip goes by, as this Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days itinerary is set with a gradual ascend without rushing, hence, you can safely undertake this expedition easily, with bare minimum risk of altitude sickness (AMS).

Also, take note that this trailhead passes by some of the challenging sections, through landslide-prone areas and avalanches at the higher altitudes, so navigate with the trekking guide, and hike along the safe area. The route does meander by the steep climbs and several ascents and descents, but there is nothing to worry about, as it is manageable with side poles to take support while ascending.

On top of that, our trekking guides are surely highly experienced and have been to the Annapurna region for many years, or even more remote trails, so you can hike this journey with ease, without panicking about what might happen in case of emergency, as they are medically equipped and trained as well. Hence, this Short ABC Trekking is safe, easy, and can be completed by any age group and fitness level of hikers.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Permits

To do this, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days, you will require two permits, which must be attained through the Government of Nepal: firstly, the main permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and secondly, the TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System Card).

The costing of a permit simply depends on 2 factors, that is, seasonal expedition and the nationality of hikers and also, on the duration of hiking you are opting for, well as it is just a 7 days trek, without any combined expedition, there is no such thing called additional cost, but yes! if you extend the trip somehow, and stay here in annapurna region for more than 15 days, then, extra costing and elongation of the permit date must be done. To simplify, here are the costs of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit based on nationality and duration of the trek.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Cost (ACAP): The ACAP costs around 3000 (NPR- Nepalese Currency), i.e, USD 28, for foreigners and NPR 1000, i.e, USD 8 for SAARC citizens, whereas the additional cost is incurred if you are hiking for more than 15 days in this region.

TIMS Card costs around NPR 2000 and remains the same for every foreign hiker and SAARC nationality, and even Nepalese citizens.

Note: After your booking is made with us, Destination Himalaya Treks arranges all the required permits for the trek

How to Secure Your Booking Safely for this trip?

To secure your booking with Destination Himalaya Treks, the booking is simple, easy, and doesn't require hassle-free booking procedure and can be done just within a minute with a safe booking procedure. The payment can be done through several modes of payment gateway, through Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and online payment. After the payment is successfully made, we will send you a notification (notify you), through email or any possible way, and send you a receipt of the details.

To confirm this short trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you just have to pay 10% of the total trip cost, which is only used to arrange all the logistics required for the expedition. The remaining amount can be paid after you arrive here in Nepal (Kathmandu or Pokhara), in person. As we are affiliated with TAAN ( Trekking Agency Association of Nepal) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), you can make a booking with a free mind, with a safe payment method. 

Is Last Minute Booking Possible?

If you are already late, to confirm your booking, prior to peak season, then do not settle back, as we do offer the last booking option to the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek or any other regional trek that you see on our website. To confirm your booking, you must confirm it before 48 hours, so we can arrange all the requirements, right before the trip commences, and also, with the best facilitated options along the trailhead, as possible. To book this trip, you can email us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com or just give us a ring at +977 9851016814 anytime, 24/7.