Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 6 Days

The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with a half hour drive from Pokhara to Phedi. The actual trekking begins here as you climb up the ridge to the village of Dhampus (1700m). Briefly stop for lunch at Dhampus before resuming on the trail through the rhododendron forest. Pothana (1990m), our stop for the night, is a little further ahead. You will have good views of Machhapuchhare (6997m) from Pothana as long as the weather is favorable. 

After breakfast, ascend through forests and farmlands to Deorali (2100m), which offers impressive views of Pokhara, Phewa Lake and various peaks of the region. Then, continue on the trail through the Modi Khola valley to Tolka. From Tolka, trek through terraced pathways to the pleasant Gurung village of Landruk. Stop for lunch and rest at Landruk and maybe spend some time to explore the settlement and interact with the locals. Once you’re refreshed, resume on the trail to Jhinu (1750m), which lies shortly further ahead. The hot springs below the village are another refreshing attraction.

Embark on the pleasant forested trails laden with rhododendrons on your way to Chhomrong (2040m). The beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong is a gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Have some delicious breakfast at Chhomrong amidst views of Annapurna South and Fishtail. Then, descend from Chhomrong through the stone staircase and cross a suspension bridge over the Chhomrong Khola. Pass through Sinuwa (2340m) and Bamboo (2310m) as you ascend and descend through the upper Modi Khola Valley. Finally, trek shortly further to arrive at your destination, Dovan. Rest early to prepare for the tough trek tomorrow.

Head out from Dovan after an early breakfast and make your way through the gradually changing sub alpine landscape towards Himalaya Hotel. Ascend further past a ravine towards Deorali (3140m). After trekking through the Modi Khola valley for a few hours, you’ll eventually arrive near the Machhapuchhare Base Camp (M.B.C). The area is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary because of the panorama of mountains surrounding it. A vast amphitheater encased by a solid wall of snow-capped peaks which include Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli and the Fishtail. Stop briefly for lunch and rest here before resuming the climb to Annapurna Base Camp (A.B.C). You will trek through terraced slopes and pleasant meadows for a couple of hours to reach the Annapurna South Base Camp. Spend some time at the base camp, relishing in the breathtaking scenery around you. Enjoy viewing the panorama of snowcapped peaks and click some pictures with the Annapurna massif. Finally, explore the base camp further if time permits and head back to a hotel nearby for the night. 

Enjoy your breakfast amidst the glorious scenery surrounding you which comprises of Hiunchuli, Annapurna Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare and more. Then, begin your steady descent to Bamboo, followed by a short ascent to Sinuwa. As you have a lot of descending to do today, your knees might have a rough time. So feel free to use a supporting staff if necessary. Rest comfortably overnight at a lodge in Sinuwa.

After an early breakfast, head out for the final day of the trek. Descend to the Chhomrong Khola and retrace your steps through Chhomrong, Jhinu Danda and New Bridge. After following the trail along the river’s west bank for a while, you’ll reach Ghandruk Phedi. Have some lunch there before catching a ride back to Pokhara via Nayapul. The overall journey on jeep will take you around 2-3 hours and ends with your arrival at your hotel in Pokhara.