Trip Overview

If you're seeking an escape from the chaos of everyday life and have always dreamed of trekking to the foot of the majestic 8000-meter peaks, our 8-day Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Short Trek with a return helicopter ride is the perfect adventure for you. This trek is one of the most beautiful and accessible routes in Nepal, allowing you to reach the base of Annapurna, one of the world's most iconic mountains at 8091 meters.

The Annapurna region offers two base camps: the northern ABC, which is a more challenging route at 4190 meters, and the southern ABC, located at 4130 meters. The southern ABC is famous for being the site of the 1970 British Expedition, led by Chris Bonington, Dougal Haston, and Don Whillans, who successfully climbed Annapurna from the south. We will follow the trail of these legendary mountaineers, exploring the southern base camp, and surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

The region offers close-up views of Annapurna I, III, and South, as well as Gangapurna, Hiun Chuli, Fish Tail, Tarke Kang, Khangsar Kang, Gandarva Chuli, Singu Chuli, and Tharpu Chuli, all towering majestically in the distance. Along the way, you'll trek through the Modi Khola Valley and the Annapurna Conservation Area, passing through traditional villages of Gurung, Chhetri, Magar, and Brahmin communities, before reaching the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) base camp.

After an exhilarating week of hiking, you'll have the opportunity to relax and soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, offering a well-deserved break for your muscles. To top off this extraordinary journey, you'll return to Pokhara via helicopter, flying over the stunning landscapes and mountains you've just trekked through, providing an unforgettable aerial perspective.

This trek is suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness and can be completed year-round, offering a perfect introduction to Nepal’s awe-inspiring mountains and culture.

Join us for the ultimate Annapurna Base Camp experience with the added thrill of a helicopter return!

Itinerary

Here’s the complete itinerary for your Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek in a day-wise format in normal English:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, the gateway for mountaineers! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the Hill Sherpa team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Rest and recharge after your journey.

In the hotel lobby, your tour guide will meet you, brief you on the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, and explain the necessary equipment. If you need any items, the guide will assist you in renting them at reasonable prices.

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city. Kathmandu is known for its lively streets, delicious food, and unique atmosphere, which will surely captivate you.

Duration: 30-minute drive to hotel
Max Altitude: 1350 m
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara to Jhinu and Trek to Chhomrong
After an early breakfast, we’ll head to TIA’s domestic terminal for our flight to Pokhara. The flight offers breathtaking views of the landscape and snow-covered peaks like Fishtail and Annapurna.

Upon arriving in Pokhara, we’ll drive to Nayapul (New Bridge), which takes about 1-2 hours. From there, we’ll take a jeep to Jhinu Danda, shortening the trek. After a short break, we’ll begin our hike to Chhomrong Village, known for its stunning mountain views, including Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and others.

Duration: 3 hours
Max Altitude: 2250 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local teahouse

Day 03: Trek to Himalayan Hotel
After breakfast in Chhomrong, we begin trekking through the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail descends to a steel bridge over Chhomrong Khola, then ascends through Bhanuwa and Sinuwa villages into the Modi Khola Valley. We’ll pass through bamboo and oak forests, eventually reaching the dense bamboo forest near Khuldighar and Bamboo. The trail continues through rhododendron forests to Dovan.

The route then becomes steeper, leading us to the Pancha Barah Temple, with a stunning waterfall nearby. We’ll continue steeply upward to the Himalayan Hotel for the night.

Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Altitude: 2920 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local teahouse

Day 04: Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
This is the highlight of our trek—reaching Annapurna Base Camp. After breakfast, we start the trek, gradually gaining altitude. We’ll pass Hinku Cave, cross another steel bridge, and ascend to Deurali at 3230 m. Continuing, we’ll pass Bagar, where we’ll enjoy views of Gangapurna.

We’ll then head toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m), where we’ll enjoy views of the sacred Fishtail Mountain and the Annapurna peaks. After a brief stop, we continue on a 3-hour hike to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m), surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the world.

Duration: 5-6 hours
Max Altitude: 4130 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local teahouse

Day 05: Return to Bamboo
We’ll rise early to capture the stunning sunrise over the snowy peaks, then descend back toward Bamboo. The route retraces our steps, passing Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Dovan, then continues through the dense bamboo forest.

Duration: 4-5 hours
Max Altitude: 2310 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local teahouse

Day 06: Jhinu Danda and Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast in Bamboo, we begin our descent, passing through Sinuwa, Bhanuwa, and reaching the bridge over Chhomrong Khola. From there, we continue downhill to Jhinu Danda, famous for its natural hot springs. We can relax in the hot springs to soothe our tired muscles.

Afterward, we’ll take a jeep from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, then a drive to Pokhara, where we’ll unwind by the lakeside and enjoy the unique charm of the city.

Duration: 4-5 hours of trekking, then 1.5-hour drive
Max Altitude: 820 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Local teahouse

Day 07: Pokhara to Kathmandu
After a wonderful trek, we’ll take a short 30-minute flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu, enjoying the mountain views along the way. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer back to our hotel. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore some of the historical sites in Kathmandu, such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Basantapur.

Duration: 25-minute flight
Max Altitude: 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local teahouse

Day 08: Departure
Your Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek comes to an end. We will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your flight back home.

Max Altitude: 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included

This is a detailed day-wise itinerary for your Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek! Let me know if you need further modifications or additional details.

Includes & Excludes

Inclusions:

• Airport pick-up and drop-off by private car.

• Round-trip flight Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu.

• Jeep transportation from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and back.

• 3-star hotel accommodation (2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast).

• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

• Fresh fruit after dinner.

• Tea house accommodation during the trek.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card.

• English-speaking, government-licensed guide.

• Staff wages, food, drinks, accommodations, and insurance.

• One Sherpa helper and one porter (for 2 clients).

• Trekking first aid kit and water purification tablets.

• Helicopter service (covered by travel insurance in case of emergency).

• All government taxes and official expenses.

• Trekking equipment: sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and trekking poles (returnable).

• Oximeter for AMS monitoring.

• Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more.

• Trip certificates.

Exclusions:

• International airfare tickets.

• Nepal entry visa fee (obtained upon arrival).

• Extra accommodation, food, drinks, and laundry in Kathmandu.

• Personal medical and travel insurance.

• Desserts, sweet items, and extra drinks during the trek.

• Excess baggage (10-15 kg limit).

• Charges for hot showers, mobile charging, and Wi-Fi during the trek.

• Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fees ($30 USD per person).

• Tips for guide and porter.

Trip Information

Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

• Spring (March to May):

  • Ideal for snowy peaks and green hills.

  • Rhododendrons in full bloom (red/pink).

  • Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.

  • Night temperature drops to 0°C to -10°C at higher altitudes.

• Autumn (September to November):

  • Drier climate, sunny days.

  • Steady, warm weather with temperatures between 10°C to 15°C.

  • At higher altitudes, night temperatures can drop to -5°C to -10°C.

• Winter (December to February):

  • Bright, clear days but colder mornings.

  • Possible chilly nights at Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

• Summer (June to August):

  • Avoid due to heavy rainfall, mosquitoes, and leeches.

  • Rivers become swollen and difficult to cross.

Elevation and Distance

• Total Trek Distance: 115 km round trip.

• Highest Elevation: 4130 m at Annapurna Base Camp.

• Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp Distance:

  • 37.1 km from Pokhara Airport.

  • 166 km from Kathmandu.

• Trekking Distance per Day:

  • On average, 11 km per day.

  • Maximum elevation on Day 4, reaching 4000 m.

Walking Duration

• Average Daily Walk: 4 to 6 hours.

• Easiest Day: Day 2, only 3 hours from Jhinu Danda to Chhomrong Village.

• Longest Walking Day: Day 3, 6-7 hours from Chhomrong to Himalayan Hotel.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

• Difficulty Level: Low; suitable for beginners.

• No Mountaineering Skills Required: The paths are well-laid, with steps in steeper sections.

• Acclimatization: Gradual altitude gain to avoid severe altitude sickness.

  • Day 4 (Annapurna Base Camp) is the only day with a sudden altitude increase.

Can a Beginner Do It?

• Yes, it’s beginner-friendly.

  • Road access and jeep services reduce trekking time.

  • Modern lodges with necessary amenities (Wi-Fi, separate bathrooms, etc.).

  • Porters carry your luggage, lightening your load.

Preparation and Training

• General Fitness Required:

  • Moderate hiking fitness, no need for extreme conditioning.

  • Cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, squats, push-ups, etc., are beneficial.

Alternate Routes

• Newly Discovered Northern Annapurna Base Camp Route (2019):

  • Less developed with fewer tea houses.

  • Route includes Tatopani, Ghasa, Lete, and Thulo Bugin.

  • Cross Thulo Bugin Pass (4400 m) and reach the northern Annapurna Base Camp.

Altitude Sickness

• Less Likely to Occur:

  • Gradual ascent allows proper acclimatization.

  • Symptoms like mild fatigue, headache possible, especially on Day 4.

  • Diamox can help alleviate symptoms.

  • If symptoms persist, descend to lower altitudes (e.g., Bamboo Village).

Transportation, Accommodation, Meals, and Drinks

• Transportation:

  • Private car pick-up and drop-off at TIA (Kathmandu).

  • Round trip flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

  • Private car and jeep for transport to Nayapul and Jhinu.

• Accommodation:

  • Comfortable 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

  • Tea house lodges during the trek.

• Meals:

  • All meals included during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

  • Varied cuisine options (Nepali, Indian, Italian, Tibetan).

Communication, Charging, and Internet

• Mobile Coverage:

  • NCELL works well in most villages along the trek.

  • 4G service available, fast internet in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

• Charging:

  • Charging available in most lodges for a fee (approx. $2-3).

  • Power banks recommended for use at higher altitudes (limited charging in ABC).

• Wi-Fi:

  • Free Wi-Fi in Kathmandu/Pokhara, chargeable ($3-$4) in villages.

Permits

• Required Permits:

  • TIMS Permit (Trekkers’ Information Management System).

  • ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).

  • Permits will be secured by the trekking agency.

Thank You