Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek- 5 Days

The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek – 5 Days offers a fast-paced adventure into the core of the Himalayas, located in north-central Nepal. Reaching an elevation of 4,130 meters, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree view of some of the tallest Himalayan giants, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. Uniquely positioned within a glacial amphitheater surrounded by towering mountains above 7,000 meters, ABC is one of Nepal’s most striking high-altitude trekking destinations.

This 5-day short Annapurna trek is ideal for fit trekkers with limited time who want to witness the full spectrum of Himalayan beauty—from subtropical valleys to alpine glaciers. The journey progresses quickly from lowland farmlands to dense rhododendron forests, and finally to snow-covered landscapes. This trek allows you to explore Nepal’s rich biodiversity, mountain terrain, and cultural heritage in a condensed itinerary.

The trip kicks off with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Samrung, passing terraced fields and traditional Gurung villages along the way. From there, the trail ascends toward Sinuwa and Deurali, winding through vibrant forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. The forested trails offer shade and comfort, making your climb smooth and enjoyable despite the gain in elevation.

As you move closer to the Annapurna Sanctuary, the environment begins to shift. The lush greenery gives way to rocky ridges and glacial valleys. After a brief stay at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), you continue to Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by dramatic snowy peaks and pristine Himalayan silence. The entrance between Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli creates a mystical portal into one of the most iconic mountain basins in Nepal.

You’ll spend a night at Annapurna Base Camp, soaking in panoramic views and the serene atmosphere. On the following day, the trail leads you back through Deurali, Sinuwa, and Samrung, and ends with a return drive to Pokhara. This compact yet incredible trek is perfect for those looking for a high-altitude experience without a lengthy itinerary.

Note

We highly recommend arriving in Kathmandu by at least 3:00 PM, one day before your Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek departure. This gives you enough time for essential last-minute preparations, including packing, trip briefing, and meeting your trekking guide.

If you are already in Kathmandu, you have the option to take a 20-minute scenic flight to Pokhara for an additional cost. This short domestic flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan range and saves you time before your trekking journey begins.

Online Trip Briefing

Our online trek briefing is designed to answer all your questions and prepare you for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. This virtual session will cover everything you need to know—from the detailed itinerary, daily trail expectations, and weather conditions to the trekking gear checklist.

Once your trek booking is confirmed, we will send you an email with the available dates and times for the trip orientation session. As soon as we receive your necessary documents—such as a copy of your passport and travel insurance—we will schedule the briefing session online to ensure you’re fully ready for the Trek.

Depending on the trekking season, you may need to adjust your clothing and equipment. However, this is a necessity list we have compiled. Please bring only the essentials as the luggage limit is 9 kg per trekker. We assign one porter to carry no more than 18 kg of luggage. Hence, team up with a fellow trekker and pack your things in a duffle bag of over 60 liters capacity.

Head

• Sun hat (wide-brimmed)
  
• Beanie (for warmth)
  
• Buff or neck gaiter (for sun protection and warmth)
  
• Lightweight headlamp (with adjustable brightness)
  
• High SPF sunscreen
  
• Lip balm with SPF
  
• Sunglasses with UV protection
  
• Face wipes
  

Upper Body

• Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
  
• Thermal base layer (for colder conditions)
  
• Fleece jacket and down jacket **
  
• Lightweight puffy jacket (for extra warmth)
  
• Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  
• Raincoat
  
• Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt
  
• Polypropylene underwear (four pairs)
  

Hands

• Insulated gloves or mittens (for cold weather)
  
• Waterproof gloves (for wet conditions)
  

Lower Body

• Quick-drying pants/trousers (convertible or full-length)
  
• Insulated pants (for colder conditions)
  
• Lightweight cotton pants
  
• Thermal leggings or long underwear (for colder weather)
  
• Two pairs of thermal/trekking trousers (pants)
  

Feet

• Thick wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks (4 pairs)
  
• Waterproof, ankle-supportive broken-in full hiking boots (with good traction)
  
• Sandals (for camp use or river crossings)
  
• Gaiters (for protection against mud, water, and debris)
  

Toiletries

• Biodegradable bar soap
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Medium-size drying towel
  
• Wet wipes or hand sanitizers
  
• Toilet paper (in a Ziplock bag)
  
• Feminine hygiene products
  
• Travel-sized shampoo
  
• Nail clippers
  
• Small mirror
  

Backpacks

• Duffle bag (capacity of over 60 liters) for porters** (One duffle bag for two trekkers)
  
• Backpack or daypack (capacity 20-30 liters) for yourself
  

Accessories

• Adjustable and lightweight poles (preferably collapsible)
  
• Water bottle or bladder with a capacity of at least 2 liters (insulated for cold weather)
  
• Water purification system (tablets, filter, or UV purifier)
  
• Sleeping bag (-10 to -15 degrees is best) **
  

Extra Items

• Camera/smartphone (extra memory cards and batteries)
  
• Extra batteries or rechargeable power bank (for charging devices)
  
• Two-pin charging plug
  
• Basic first aid supplies (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, Diamox)
  
• Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  
• Few passport-size photos
  
• Passport photocopies
  
• Notebook and pen
  
• Binoculars
  
• Swiss army knife or multi-tool (with scissors, can opener, etc.)
  

We can provide you with a (used, nonwaterproof) duffle bag, (used) down jacket, and (used) sleeping bag if you do not have your own.

Arrival, Welcome, and Trek Commencement
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from our team will warmly welcome you, holding a placard with your name for easy identification. You will receive a traditional marigold garland as a symbol of hospitality before being escorted to your hotel via private transportation.

We recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least one day prior to the trek’s scheduled departure—ideally by 3 PM—to allow sufficient time for final preparations. The trek commonly begins in Pokhara, which can be reached by bus (approximately seven hours) or by domestic flight. From Pokhara, a private vehicle will transport you to Samrung, a four-hour drive, where your trek officially begins with a four-hour hike to Sinuwa.

Accommodation
During the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, accommodations are arranged in comfortable lodges featuring twin-sharing rooms. You will spend four nights lodging in Sinuwa (two nights), Annapurna Base Camp, and Deurali. Facilities such as hot showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi are available in trekking areas for an additional fee.

Meals
To sustain your energy throughout the trek, wholesome meals are provided. Given the high-altitude setting, food options become more limited and prices tend to rise as you ascend. We carefully select lodges that offer hygienic and appetizing food, including a variety of traditional, Asian, and Western dishes, although menu choices may reduce at higher elevations.

The trek package includes full-board meals consisting of five breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners (main courses). To help prevent altitude sickness, we recommend focusing on fresh vegetables and hydrating beverages such as garlic soup, lemon tea, and ginger tea. Consumption of non-vegetarian items, dairy products, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks is discouraged during the trek.

Please be advised that beverages and personal snacks, including alcoholic and soft drinks, as well as tea and coffee, are not covered under the package.

Luggage
Porters are provided to assist with luggage transportation, adhering to a limit of 9 kilograms per individual. Each porter carries luggage for two trekkers, with a maximum combined weight of 18 kilograms. We encourage travelers to pack minimally, taking only essential items to ensure comfort and ease. For convenience, complimentary luggage storage is available at our office for any excess belongings.

Certainly! Here is a polished, formal version of your Facilities and Essentials and related sections for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, suitable for professional use:

Facilities and Essentials

Water
We recommend carrying a refillable water bottle and purchasing boiled or filtered water from lodges or tea houses during the trek. If you do not have your own, we provide water purification tablets for your convenience. Please avoid drinking untreated water from taps, wells, or rivers, as it may pose health risks.

Communication
Local SIM cards are available for purchase in Kathmandu. However, mobile network coverage at higher altitudes can be inconsistent depending on your provider. Our team maintains daily communication with all trekking groups to ensure safety and smooth progress. We are also fully prepared to respond promptly to any emergencies.

Travel Essentials

Visa
Most foreign nationals (except Indian citizens) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are typically obtainable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport; however, some nationalities must apply prior to arrival. To obtain an on-arrival visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months, accompanied by a passport-sized photograph and the visa fee. The current fee for a 30-day visa is USD 50. For the latest information, please visit the official Nepal Immigration website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Ensure your policy includes medical coverage and emergency helicopter evacuation up to the highest trek altitude of 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp.

Currency Exchange
The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the official currency, with an approximate exchange rate of 138 NPR to 1 USD. Exchange services are widely available in Kathmandu and Thamel; however, no currency exchange facilities exist in trekking regions. We recommend exchanging sufficient funds before your trek at authorized money changers. International ATM withdrawals are possible in Kathmandu, though fees may apply. Please carry clean, undamaged currency notes, as worn or torn notes may be rejected.

Additional Expenses
While the trek package includes most essentials, personal expenses such as accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, extra food items during the trek, visa fees, travel insurance, beverages, snacks, tips, and souvenirs are not included. We suggest budgeting approximately USD 10–20 per day for these costs.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is accessible year-round; however, the prime trekking seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather offers clear skies, moderate temperatures, and minimal rainfall. Winter (December to February) can be cold with snowfall, and summer (June to August) coincides with the monsoon season, which may result in slippery trails and frequent rain.

Typical temperature ranges at high altitudes are as follows:

• Autumn: 0°C to 10°C
  
• Summer: 10°C to 23°C
  
• Spring: 5°C to 20°C
• Winter: 0°C to -10°C
  

Spring is renowned for vibrant rhododendron blooms, while autumn brings festive Nepali cultural celebrations.

• Your day begins early with a warm breakfast around 7 am.
  
• Trekking usually lasts 4–6 hours before a midday lunch and a one-hour rest.
  
• Afterward, you continue trekking to your day’s destination.
  
• Evenings are free for exploration or relaxation.
  
• Dinner is served around 7 pm, followed by a briefing from the guide for the next day.
  
• Before bed, you can socialize, play games, or learn Nepali words.

Farewell Dinner and Feedback
After your trek, we organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate your journey and share feedback. You will receive a trek achievement certificate. If you enjoyed your experience, we encourage you to post a review on the travel portal.

Departure
We provide complimentary airport drop-off services. Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport on your departure day. We hope you enjoyed your trek and return for more adventures.

Private Treks
We only organize private treks for a personalized experience. No strangers will be added to your group. We accommodate all group sizes and offer discounts for larger groups. For groups of 12 or more, an assistant guide is added.

Safe Trek Bookings
Everest Destiny trek is a Nepal government-licensed trekking company with over 12 years of experience. We are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Book your trek with confidence.

• A 10% deposit of the trek cost is required to confirm your booking.
  
• Payments can be made via credit card, bank transfer, Western Union, or Wise.
  
• The remaining balance is due upon arrival in Kathmandu and can be paid in cash.
  
• We will email payment details and request your essential documents within one week of booking.

Last-Minute Bookings
Last-minute bookings require 100% payment 24 hours before the trek departure. Although we arrange treks at any time, we are not responsible for delays caused by uncontrollable factors like weather or lodge availability.

Flexible Schedule
If the scheduled departure date does not suit you, let us know. We can organize the trek on a date convenient to you.

Trip Extension

After your trek, if you have extra time in Nepal, we can arrange additional activities such as rafting, sightseeing, paragliding, or another trek based on your interests and schedule.

At Everest Destiny Trek, we value our clients as family, placing safety, satisfaction, and cultural connection at the heart of every trek. Our team members come from the high Himalayas, bringing authentic local knowledge.

Our guides are officially licensed by the Nepal government, highly experienced, and trained in rock climbing and wilderness first aid to ensure your safety throughout the journey.

We believe that only happy people can make others happy. Therefore, we strive to keep our staff well-supported by providing fair wages and covering their meals, accommodations, and insurance during treks.

Sustainability guides all our operations. We actively minimize waste, support local communities, and promote environmentally friendly trekking to protect Nepal’s natural beauty for future generations.

We also partner with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize ecology-focused treks that foster awareness and care for the environment

Tipping is a customary and appreciated gesture in Nepal for good service. We recommend pooling your tips and presenting them collectively to your guide and porters at the end of the trek, based on your satisfaction with their support and care throughout your journey.