The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek (5 Days) is a brief but adventurous journey through the spotlights of the Annapurna region. The euphoric experience it offers at a short duration has made it a favorable trekking plan, with its popularity growing each season.
The trails take you along river banks, beautifully carved settlements, colorful rhododendrons blooms, bamboo forests, terraces, and pastures. You will trek through the resting ground of the tall and most magnificent mountains such as Annapurna I, III, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
The short duration it takes for the trek and well-maintained hiking routes have made it accessible for all. Whether you are on a trip to Nepal or want to add another memorable highlight to your short holiday bucket list, the Annapurna Base Camp (5 Days) Trek is the right fit.
The short 5-day Annapurna trekking itinerary starts with a drive from Pokhara to Jhinu. Stone-paved trails lead you to Chhomrong. After a gradual descent, you'll reach Lower Sinuwa to spend the night. The trekking trail on the second day cuts through green fields and terraces to Deurali, a dreamy place with magnificent cliffs.
On the third day, you'll embark on a gradual climb to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and then to Annapurna Base Camp. You'll spend the night at the base camp itself. This allows you to witness the majestic morning views from the base camp the next day. After an eventful morning at base camp, you will tread the return journey from base camp to Bamboo.
You’ll conclude the trek with a dip into the natural hot springs in Jhinu. By the end of it all, you will leave with vivid memories of the mountains and the endearing hospitality from the brave Gurkha warriors of the Gurung communities.
5 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Magnificent glimpses of Mt. Annapurna I, III, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and more.
- Awe-striking landscapes of Annapurna Conservation Area spanning from lower farmlands at Pokhara and Nayapul to the rugged yet aesthetic terrain of Annapurna Base Camp.
- The Annapurna Sanctuary is home to 27 different plant species and more than 100 mammal species.
- Mesmerizing sunrise view and sunset view over the towering massifs in the Annapurna region.
- Celebrate the unique culture and hospitality of the Gurung, Thakali, and Magar communities.
Why Choose Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
When compared with the standard 12 Days ABC Trek, there are a few reasons that make this short itinerary favorable:
Perfect for Travelers on a Short Holiday
Everybody would love an extended stay in the Annapurna region. Each new day here offers a unique experience to those willing to observe.
However, many travelers to Nepal have a tight schedule and must make brief plans. If you also want to get the most out of everything, the 5-day itinerary will serve you best.
We've carefully planned the itinerary for a meaningful trekking experience without making you feel like something is amiss. You will first trek through the spectacular villages of Jhinu, Deurali, and Sinuwa. You will then reach Annapurna Base Camp on the third day through the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, making it the quickest trekking plan to Annapurna Base Camp.
Avoid Walking on Motor Road
Most sections of the lower Annapurna region have been connected with motor roads. This has made transporting goods easier. On the other side, it causes some trekking plans to include hiking through these roads alongside motor vehicles.
However, the short Annapurna Base Camp Trek for 5 days features a direct drive to Jhinu. By doing this, you’ll avoid having to walk on motor roads. The trail after Jhinu is purely natural with no vehicle interference.
Convenient Access to the Annapurna Region
This is a fairly easy journey that welcomes trekking beginners and enthusiasts. Experienced trekkers choose this trip as a warmup trek or just for the thrill of visiting a new place.
On top of it, ACAP maintains the route for a pleasant experience for everyone. Stone slabs pave more than 60% of the trail as steps. While it does provide the challenge that you wish for, the route is completely safe throughout.
Additionally, you'll get plenty of resting places and running water taps to refill and get hydrated. When not climbing the trail, you can take a breath and interact with the locals.
Elegant Mountain Views
As you trek to Annapurna Base Camp, glorious views of Mt. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Annapurna I, Singu Chuli, and more beautify the trail.
You'll get an undisturbed view of more than 10 peaks from the viewpoint at Annapurna Base Camp. In Autumn and Spring, you can see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. They are popular mountains with elevations ranging from 6,441 meters to 8,091 meters.
Throughout the route, you will get majestic views of Mt. Khangsar Kang, Tare Kang Glacier Dome, Singu Chuli, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal.
Inspiring Landscapes
This journey takes you through one of the most diverse and inspiring landscapes of western Nepal. The best part is that you'll trek through these diverse landscapes in under 5 days.
You'll drive to Jhinu via Nayapul and Ghandruk where you'll get to see the most of terrace farming. You'll witness paddy farming in Autumn and wheat/potato farming in Spring. The fertile terrace farmlands of Chhomrong also show similar traits alongside mesmerizing glimpses of waterfalls and streams.
After crossing Bamboo and Dovan, you'll notice a decrease in the tree line and the landscape becomes more rugged and bare. Past Deurali, you'll witness herds of sheep grazing near the Machpuchhre Base Camp. In Autumn, the tall grasses here turn yellow, garnishing the terrain golden with the scintillating Annapurna massifs on the backgrounds.
After Machhapuchhre Base Camp, past 3,700 meters altitude, there is no vegetation. Winter freezes the high-altitude terrain here and covers it in snow.
Sophisticated Tea House Services
Being one of the most commercial trekking destinations in Nepal, this trek offers you comfortable accommodation services. Tea houses offer clean beds, warm blankets, electricity, internet, hot showers, and meals of your choice.
After a long day of hiking, a warm shower in the evening is perfect for refreshing the body and mind. Routinely washed bed sheets, clean blankets, and pillowcases ensure you get a good night's sleep.
Furthermore, you'll also get locally generated electricity and internet services throughout the tea houses.
Route Map and Altitude Profile
Since this is a five-day trip, you'll have a short itinerary that starts from Pokhara followed by a drive to Jhinu from where the actual hike begins.
The first stop, Pokhara, sits at 822 m (2,697 ft). The second destination, Jhinu, sits at 1780 m (5,840 ft). Jhinu is a beautiful village in Ghandruk Municipality with the famed natural hot spring that trekkers visit after the trek.
Chhomrong, at 2,170 meters (7,119 ft), is a beautiful Gurung settlement in the Annapurna region that comes after Jhinu. Lower Sinuwa, our first overnight tea house, sits over 2,200 meters. Upper Sinuwa sits at 2,360 meters, Bamboo Village at 2,310 meters and Dovan at 2,600 meters.
Similarly, Himalaya sits at 2,900 meters, and our second overnight place, Deurali, sits at 3,230 meters.
The next morning hike for two hours from Deurali takes us to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, commonly known as MBC at 3,700 meters. Another two-hour hike from MBC takes us to our final destination, Annapurna Base Camp, at 4,130 meters.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 5 Days Cost
The cost for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek (5 Days) starts from 380 USD per individual. This includes the cost of food and accommodation, guide and porters, permit fees, and transport, among other things.
Note that the cost per individual goes down if you come with a bigger group. The price for an individual trekker is 490 USD. If you come with a trekking partner, you can only pay 450 USD per trekker. Meanwhile, if you come in a group of three, the cost per individual goes down to 430 USD, and so on.
Refer to the following table for a detailed cost breakdown.
5 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost Table
Group Size | Itinerary Duration | Cost |
1 pax | 5 Days | 490 USD |
2 pax | 5 Days | 450 USD |
3-5 pax | 5 Days | 430 USD |
5-10 pax | 5 Days | 400 USD |
10 and more | 5 Days | 380 USD |
