Trek Highlights
- Reach the spectacular Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
- Trek through the beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
- Explore traditional Gurung villages including Ghandruk and Chhomrong.
- Walk through lush rhododendron, bamboo and oak forests.
- Experience the dramatic Modi Khola valley and mountain landscapes.
- Visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp at around 3,700 meters.
- Relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after the trek.
- Experience local mountain culture, food and traditional village life.
- Complete one of Nepal's most popular short Himalayan treks in just 9 days.
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 9 Days is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the Himalayan mountains within a limited time. The trek takes you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary, where spectacular mountain peaks surround the trail.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you travel toward the trekking trailhead and begin walking through beautiful villages, terraced farmland, forests and mountain valleys.
The route passes through Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. The final approach follows the Modi Khola valley into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
After enjoying the sunrise and spectacular mountain scenery at ABC, you descend through the same sanctuary toward Bamboo and Jhinu Danda. The natural hot springs at Jhinu provide a relaxing way to finish the trekking section.
This 9-day itinerary is designed for trekkers who are reasonably fit and want a compact Annapurna experience without the longer duration of the Annapurna Circuit.
Pokhara Flight & Transportation Information
Kathmandu to Pokhara: Travelers can reach Pokhara by tourist bus, private vehicle, or domestic flight depending on the package arrangement and preference.
Pokhara to Trek Starting Point: The journey from Pokhara to the Annapurna trekking trailhead is completed by road using a private or shared vehicle, depending on the itinerary.
Return to Pokhara: After completing the trek, transportation is arranged from the trekking endpoint back to Pokhara.
Pokhara to Kathmandu: After the trek, you can return to Kathmandu by domestic flight or tourist vehicle. Flight schedules and availability may vary depending on weather and operating conditions.
Online Trip Briefing
Before starting the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 9 Days, our trekking team provides an online trip briefing to help you prepare properly for the journey. The briefing can be arranged through an online meeting or communication platform before your arrival in Nepal.
During the briefing, your guide or trip representative will explain the 9-day itinerary, trekking route, daily walking hours, accommodation, meals, transportation, permits, weather conditions, altitude, safety procedures, and essential packing requirements.
The online trip briefing covers:
- Complete Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 9 Days itinerary
- Daily walking distance and estimated trekking hours
- Trek difficulty and physical preparation
- Altitude information and acclimatization
- Accommodation and meal arrangements
- Transportation details from Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Required permits and travel documents
- Recommended trekking equipment and packing list
- Weather and trail conditions
- Altitude sickness prevention and safety guidelines
- Emergency procedures and communication
- Guide and porter arrangements
- Final preparation before departure
Plan Your Trek Schedule
Pick Your Start Date
Click any date below to select your departure day. The calendar will automatically highlight your full 9-day trip window. Use the arrows to browse months.
Detailed Itinerary
Your Annapurna Base Camp adventure begins with the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The scenic route follows winding mountain roads alongside rivers and green hills.
After reaching Pokhara, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. If time permits, you can explore the lakeside area and enjoy views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
What is Included in This Package
Transportation
- Kathmandu to Pokhara tourist bus/vehicle.
- Pokhara to trekking starting point by private vehicle.
- Jhinu Danda/trek ending point to Pokhara transportation.
- Ground transportation according to the agreed itinerary.
Accommodations
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
- Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Accommodation based on twin-sharing arrangements.
- Basic lodging facilities throughout the trekking route.
Food& Drinks
- Breakfast during the trip.
- Lunch and dinner during the trekking days.
- Tea or coffee with meals where available.
- Standard trekking meals from local tea houses.
Guide & Porter
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- Porter service according to the package arrangement.
- Guide and porter food, accommodation and insurance.
- Staff salary and applicable allowances.
Permits & Fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- TIMS/trekking registration as applicable to the current regulations.
- Applicable local entry fees.
What is Excluded from This Package
Transportation
- Domestic flights unless specifically mentioned.
- Transportation not included in the agreed itinerary.
- Extra private vehicles requested outside the itinerary.
Accommodation
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Accommodation before or after the scheduled package.
- Room upgrades or additional services.
Food & Drinks
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Bottled water, soft drinks and personal beverages.
- Extra snacks and specialty foods.
Personal Expenses
- Nepal tourist visa fee.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal medicines and medical expenses.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Hot shower charges where applicable.
- Phone calls and other communication costs.
Guide& Porter
- Tips for guides, porters and other trekking staff are not included.
- Tips are normally given at the end of the trek according to service and personal satisfaction.
Other Info
- Emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Rescue costs.
- Expenses caused by natural disasters, bad weather or unforeseen events.
- Personal expenses not specifically listed under inclusions.
Required Equipment List
Headwear
Clothing Layers
Footwear & Handwear
Personal Gear
Toiletries & Medicines
Important Documents
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 9 Days — Important Trip Info
Physical Preparation
The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is generally considered a moderate Himalayan trek, but the nine-day format requires reasonable fitness.
Prepare by:
- Walking regularly before the trek.
- Including uphill and downhill walking in your training.
- Building cardiovascular endurance.
- Practicing with your trekking shoes.
- Training while carrying a light backpack.
- Strengthening your legs and core.
- Staying hydrated and eating well.
The route includes repeated ascents and descents, particularly around Chhomrong and the approach to the sanctuary.
Weather & Climate
Spring: March to May
Spring is one of the most popular seasons for ABC trekking. Rhododendron forests can be especially attractive during this period.
Summer/Monsoon: June to August
Heavy rainfall can make trails wet and slippery. Clouds can also reduce mountain visibility.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn generally provides favorable trekking conditions with good mountain visibility.
Winter: December to February
Higher sections can become very cold, and snow may affect the trail around the sanctuary. Warm clothing is essential.
Currency & Payment
Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are the standard currency used in Nepal.
Carry enough cash for personal expenses because card and digital payment facilities can become limited in mountain villages.
Keep additional money available for:
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Hot showers
- Wi-Fi
- Charging
- Tips
- Emergency expenses
Permit Rules & Fees
The Annapurna Base Camp trek falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the required conservation-area documentation must be arranged before trekking.
Current 2026 sources report an ACAP fee of NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, with different rates for SAARC nationals, while TIMS requirements and fees should be confirmed with your registered trekking agency before departure because regulations can change.
Nepal Arrival & Visa Information
Most international visitors need a valid Nepal tourist visa to enter Nepal.
General requirements
- Passport valid for the required period.
- Completed visa application.
- Passport-size photograph where required.
- Applicable visa fee.
- Valid travel documents.
Important
The Nepal tourist visa fee is not included in this trekking package unless specifically stated in the booking agreement.
Visa rules, fees and entry requirements can change, so travelers should verify the latest requirements before traveling.
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek
The best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 9 Days are generally spring and autumn.
March to May offers pleasant trekking temperatures, blooming rhododendrons and improving mountain visibility.
September to November is another excellent period, with generally stable weather and clear Himalayan views.
Winter can be very cold at higher elevations, while the monsoon season can bring rain, muddy trails and reduced visibility.
Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is generally a moderate trek.
You do not need technical climbing experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on consecutive days.
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m. The main challenges are:
- Long walking days
- Steep stone staircases
- Repeated uphill and downhill sections
- High-altitude conditions
- Cold temperatures around ABC
- Potentially slippery trails during rain or snow
What our travellers say
“The Manaslu trek is incomparable. It's suitable as a first trek in the Himalayas — plenty of time for acclimatisation and such captivating views that spending time on "altitude sickness" would be a pity. And it's a special pleasure to walk with Krishna. He is a knowledgeable, reliable and brave guide, and a very pleasa…”
Kafle
Senior Himalayan Specialist
“Namaste! I have been guiding in the Himalayas for over 15 years. Contact me directly to customize your itinerary or check live trail conditions.”
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