Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek
Nepal · 9 Days · Moderate
Short Trek From US $1,000 Mantra Adventure
Trip at a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Difficulty
Moderate
Activity
Trekking
Transport
Drive + Car
Group Size
Max 16 People
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max Altitude
4,130m / Annapurna Base Camp
Overview
The iconic Annapurna Sanctuary experience in 9 days — Nepal's most loved high-altitude destination.
Trip Highlights
- Maximum altitude: 4,130m / Annapurna Base Camp
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Expert English-speaking certified guide
- All meals during the trekking
- All permits and TIMS card arranged
- Airport transfers included
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag provided
Package Pricing (Per Person)
| Package | Includes | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quality accommodation & core services | US $850 |
| Comfort Recommended | Boutique hotels, private guides | US $1,000 |
| Luxury | Ultra-luxury, full butler service | US $1,230 |
Group Discount Pricing
| Group Size | Standard | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US $850 | US $1,000 | US $1,230 |
| 2 - 3 Pax | US $760 | US $900 | US $1,110 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US $710 | US $830 | US $1,020 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US $650 | US $760 | US $930 |
| 14+ Pax | US $600 | US $700 | US $860 |
All prices are per person. Larger groups receive progressive discounts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
📍 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your Mantra Adventure guide. Transfer to Thamel hotel for check-in and evening orientation briefing. This shorter ABC route uses the direct trail via Chhomrong and Dovan — reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary in just 9 days while still delivering the full emotional impact of the 360-degree amphitheatre. Welcome dinner included. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara (822m)
📍 Pokhara
Morning flight or 6-hour bus to Pokhara — Nepal's second city, situated on the shores of Phewa Lake with Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Range reflected in the water. After arriving, take a lakeside stroll or rent a paddleboat to acclimatise to the Pokhara pace before tomorrow's trek start. Meals: All included.
Day 3
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Tikhedunga (1,540m)
📍 Tikhedunga
Short drive to Nayapul trailhead, then begin trekking through terraced farming villages and sub-tropical forest in the Modi Khola valley. Tikhedunga — a small river settlement — is an easy first day. Walking time: 2–3 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 4
Day 4: Tikhedunga to Ghorepani (2,860m)
📍 Ghorepani
One of Nepal's great climbing days — a sustained ascent of over 1,300 metres through dense rhododendron forest. In spring the forest explodes with pink and crimson blooms. Ghorepani on its high ridge offers dramatic sunset views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range, the two largest massifs in Nepal separated by the world's deepest gorge. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 5
Day 5: Ghorepani to Chhomrong (2,170m)
📍 Chhomrong
Rise at 4:30am for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill — Nepal's most famous sunrise viewpoint. The Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli all visible simultaneously. Return for breakfast then descend through Tadapani and down to Chhomrong — a classic Gurung village and the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Walking time: 6–7 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 6
Day 6: Chhomrong to Dovan (2,600m)
📍 Dovan
Enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and descend into the deep Modi Khola gorge. The trail passes through Sinuwa and Bamboo, threading through sections of bamboo forest and dense rhododendron. Dovan sits in the upper gorge where the vegetation begins its transition to alpine. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 7
Day 7: Dovan to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
📍 Annapurna Base Camp
The definitive day — entering the Annapurna Sanctuary. Past Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) and across the glacier moraines to ABC at 4,130 metres. The moment the amphitheatre opens around you — Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre all towering in a complete circle — is one of the most powerful in all Himalayan trekking. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 8
Day 8: ABC to Jhinu Hot Springs (1,780m)
📍 Jhinu Danda
Long descent day from the ice world of the Sanctuary back through the gorge, past Chhomrong and down to Jhinu Danda — famous for its natural hot springs on the Modi Khola river bank. After days of cold teahouse showers, soaking in the thermal pools while listening to the river is deeply therapeutic. Walking time: 6–7 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 9
Day 9: Drive to Pokhara, Return to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
Walk to Nayapul (1.5 hours) then drive to Pokhara. Fly or drive back to Kathmandu for your international departure. End of Mantra Adventure services. Meals: Breakfast.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Domestic transport per itinerary
- All accommodation during the trip
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking certified guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, max 15kg)
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- TIMS card
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag
- First aid kit
✗ Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa (USD 30-100 on arrival)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, personal items
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Travel Tips & Useful Information
➤ What is the best season for this trip?
The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather; Autumn offers crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility. Nepal trips in these windows deliver optimal mountain views.
➤ How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?
This trip is rated Moderate. Suitable for beginners with basic fitness — walking 3-4 times per week for 4-6 weeks is adequate. No technical experience needed.
➤ Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities get Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for USD 30 (30 days). Indian nationals do not require a visa.
➤ What permits are required?
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (USD 30) + TIMS card. Arranged by Mantra Adventure. No extra hassle for you.
➤ What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers; domestic flights/transport per itinerary; all trek accommodation; all meals during trek; English-speaking guide; porters (1 per 2 trekkers); all trekking permits; Mantra Adventure duffel bag. Not included: International flights; Nepal visa; personal travel insurance (mandatory); personal gear; tips.
➤ What fitness level is required?
For Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek (Moderate): Regular walking or swimming 3×/week for 6 weeks is sufficient. You should be comfortable walking 5-6 hours on uneven terrain.
➤ Is altitude sickness a concern?
Maximum altitude is 4,130m / Annapurna Base Camp. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days and our guides carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox can be taken as prophylaxis — consult your doctor. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.