Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.