Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 5 days

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Short Trek is a 5-day adventure that offers a condensed version of the traditional Annapurna Base Camp trek, designed for trekkers who are fit and have limited time. This trek takes you through various landscapes, from subtropical forests to high-altitude alpine regions. The trek culminates at Annapurna Base Camp, which sits at 4,130 meters and offers an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of Himalayan giants like Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. It's an ideal trek for those looking for a rewarding adventure within a short time frame.

No, prior trekking experience isn't required for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. While the route is manageable for those new to trekking, the high altitude and continuous walking can be demanding. If you are in good shape, you can complete the trek successfully, especially with a guide and proper acclimatization.

The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is moderate to challenging. Although the trek is shorter than the traditional route, it involves several days of continuous hiking, often 5-7 hours a day, including some steep ascents and descents. The altitude, reaching 4,130 meters, can also make breathing a bit more difficult, adding to the challenge. 

The highest point of the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is Annapurna Base Camp itself, which stands at an elevation of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) above sea level.

On average, you’ll trek for 5 to 7 hours daily, depending on your pace, terrain, and weather conditions. Some days may involve longer hikes, while others could be shorter. The terrain is interspersed with gradual inclines and steeper ascents, particularly as you approach higher altitudes. 

You should be normally fit to undertake the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. The trek involves continuous walking over several days, often on uneven and steep terrain. You don't need to be an athlete, but a solid fitness base will help you enjoy the trek more. Remember, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek.

Focus on cardio and strength training exercises. Start with regular aerobic activities like jogging, hiking, or cycling at least 2-3 times a week to build your stamina. Practice stair climbing into your routine, as this simulates the inclines you'll encounter during the trek. Leg and core strengthening exercises, such as squats, lunges, and planks, will help you handle the physical demands of trekking.

Yes, beginners can join the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, as long as they are fit and mentally prepared for the challenges. It’s not necessary to have prior trekking experience, but being in good health and having the right mindset are crucial.

Acclimatization days are typically not included in the 5-day short version of the trek. However, our itinerary allows for gradual altitude gain to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Be attentive to how your body reacts as you ascend. If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s important to tell our guide.

The recommended pace is steady, and moderate which allows you to acclimatize properly and enjoy the journey. It's important not to rush, especially as you approach higher altitudes. A slow and steady pace will help prevent altitude sickness and conserve your energy for the more challenging parts of the trek.

For the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, you will need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. Both are mandatory in the Annapurna region.

You can obtain the ACAP and TIMS permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the respective offices. If you book the treks with us, we will acquire these permits for you as part of our service.

Yes, permits are included in our trekking packages. We will handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure your permits are in order before you start the trek.

Yes, permits can be obtained on the spot either in Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, we can arrange them in advance to avoid delays or complications.

Yes, there are different costs for permits depending on your nationality. Generally, permit fees for foreign nationals are higher than for Nepali citizens or SAARC nationals.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. Trekking in the Himalayas involves inherent risks, such as altitude sickness, injuries, and unexpected weather changes. Comprehensive travel insurance must include emergency helicopter evacuation and treatment costs.

The policy should cover emergency medical expenses, and helicopter evacuation up to the highest trek altitude (4,130m), Be sure to check with your provider that trekking and altitude are explicitly included along with helicopter evacuation, as not all standard travel insurance covers high-altitude helicopter evacuations.

Yes, all nationals, except Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or apply in advance at a Nepali consulate or embassy. You will need a passport, two passport-sized photos, and visa fees. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. The visa fees depend on your length of stay. Currently, the application fee is USD 50 for a 30-day stay.

You can obtain a visa upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. The process is straightforward, requiring you to fill out a visa form and pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the duration of your stay (15, 30, or 90 days). Alternatively, you can apply for a visa online before arriving in Nepal.

Yes, but only if your travel insurance policy explicitly covers emergency helicopter evacuations. Many insurance providers offer policies that include helicopter rescue, which is crucial in the event of a severe injury, illness, or altitude sickness. Call your insurer to verify that your insurance policy covers helicopter evacuation up to 4,130m.

The Nepal Government has made it mandatory to have a guide for trekkers heading to Annapurna Base Camp as of 1 April 2023. A guide ensures that you stay on the correct route, helps with altitude issues, and enhances your overall experience by sharing local knowledge about the region’s culture, flora, and fauna.

Our guides come from remote Himalayas and are experienced, licensed, and well-trained in high-altitude trekking. They are knowledgeable about the terrain, local culture, and safety protocols. Guides are also trained in handling altitude sickness and emergencies, ensuring your safety throughout the trek.

We assign one porter for every two trekkers and porters can carry up to 18 kg of luggage. Hence, your trek luggage limit is 9 kg. This allows you to trek more comfortably with just a daypack for your essentials like water, snacks, and a camera.

Our guides speak English fluently, and some may also know basic phrases in other languages like Spanish, or Japanese. In addition, they are fluent in Nepali and local dialects, which helps when interacting with villagers along the trail.

Accommodation during the trek is in teahouses or guesthouses, which offer basic, clean, and comfortable rooms. These usually consist of twin beds with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Most teahouses are family-run, providing a warm atmosphere, although amenities are minimal.

Yes, hot showers are available in most teahouses along the trek, but they come at an extra cost, which increases as you ascend to higher altitudes. 

Wi-Fi is available in some teahouses, though the connection may be slow and unreliable, especially at higher altitudes. There is often a small fee for using Wi-Fi. It’s advisable not to rely too heavily on internet access during the trek and to inform your family in advance about the limited connectivity.

Teahouses are basic but comfortable, offering all the essentials you need for rest after a day of trekking. Rooms are simple, with twin beds, shared bathrooms, and limited heating. Some may offer common areas with wood stoves to keep warm in the evenings.

Yes, most teahouses offer charging facilities for electronics like phones and cameras, but they charge a small fee. Charging is usually done in common areas, and access to electricity may be limited, especially at higher altitudes, so it's advisable to bring extra batteries or a portable power bank.

The food along the Annapurna Base Camp trek is typically simple but nutritious. You can enjoy Nepali staples, like rice, lentils, and vegetable curries (dal bhat), along with Tibetan-style dishes such as momos (dumplings) and noodle soups. Western options like pasta, pancakes, and omelets are also available at most teahouses.

Yes, vegetarian options are widely available, as many locals follow a vegetarian diet. We can also provide you with vegan options, but it’s good to clarify with the teahouse staff, as some dishes may include ghee (clarified butter) or other animal products. 

Yes, safe drinking water is available during the trek. Though you can buy bottled water in the trek regions, for ecological reasons, we advise you to bring a water bottle and buy boiled/filtered water from the en-route teahouses. We also recommend you use water purification pills and avoid local water sources, such as taps, wells, and rivers.

Yes, snacks like biscuits, chocolate bars, and energy drinks are available at teahouses and small shops along the trail. However, as you ascend to higher altitudes, the prices for these items increase significantly, so it's a good idea to bring your snacks if you have specific preferences.

It’s not necessary to bring your food supplies, as meals are provided at the teahouses. However, you can bring some personal snacks such as energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruits as these can be helpful for quick energy boosts during the trek.

The best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer the most stable weather, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making for the best trekking conditions. The views of the surrounding mountains look stunning during these times.

At higher altitudes like Annapurna Base Camp, temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially during the winter months. Nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing, sometimes reaching as low as -10°C (14°F) or lower. Even in spring and autumn, it can get quite cold, so it’s essential to have warm layers for the evenings.

Altitude sickness is a common concern when trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. If you experience symptoms, like headaches, nausea, or dizziness, you should immediately inform your guide, slow down, and rest. In more severe cases, our guide may decide whether to descend immediately or, if necessary, arrange for helicopter rescue (funded by insurance).

Yes, our guides carry basic first aid kits, including bandages, antiseptic, and medicines for common issues like headaches or stomach problems. However, you should also bring personal medications and a first aid kit if possible.

In a medical emergency, the guide will assess the situation and provide immediate first aid. If evacuation is necessary, the guide will coordinate a helicopter rescue, provided that your insurance covers it. Trekkers are advised to follow the guide’s instructions and inform them of any health issues early on.

You will need sturdy trekking boots, moisture-wicking clothing, warm layers for the cold, a down jacket, a good-quality sleeping bag, a headlamp, trekking poles, and personal items like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a water purification system. Don't forget a first-aid kit and any personal medications you may need. Please see our packing list for more information.

You can find sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles for rent or purchase at reasonable prices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, it's advisable to bring your boots and personal clothing for comfort and fit.

Our package includes 9 kg of luggage per trekker, which is carried by our porters. You only need a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.

You can book the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek from this website (page). We recommend you book the trek early to ensure the availability of guides, porters, and accommodation in busy trek seasons.

The trekking package includes accommodation, meals, permits, guide and porter services, transportation to and from the trailhead, and airport pick-up and drop-off. Please look at the what is included section for details.

We have a cancellation and refund policy, please read our terms and conditions policy.

Transportation during the trek, such as the road journey from Pokhara to the trek regions, is generally reliable. However, weather conditions or roadblocks can sometimes cause delays, especially during the monsoon season. The local bus or jeep services are basic but functional, ensuring you reach your destination safely.

Yes, our trekking packages include free airport pick-up and drop-off services, ensuring that you are greeted upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport and safely transferred back to the airport at the end of your trek.