The Short ABC Trek is a high-impact, 8-day adventure designed for travelers who want to reach the heart of the Himalayas on a tight schedule. This trek leads you through the lush Annapurna Sanctuary to the foot of the world’s 10th highest peak, Annapurna I (4,130m). Experience a breathtaking 360-degree mountain panorama, vibrant Gurung culture, and soothing natural hot springs in one condensed, unforgettable journey.
Trip Facts
Duration
8 Days Days
Max. Altitude:
4132m.
Group size
01-15
Best Time for Visit
September October,November and march,April,may,june
Activity
Trekking
Meals
B/L/D
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
LOCATION
Annapurna Base Camp (4130m.)
Trip Ends
Kathmandu,Nepal
Highlights
- Iconic Base Camp Reach: Standing at the foot of Annapurna I (8,091m), the world’s 10th highest peak.
- The Annapurna Sanctuary: Walking into a natural glacial amphitheater surrounded by a wall of towering Himalayan giants.
- Machhapuchhre Views: Get up close with the sacred, unclimbed "Fishtail" mountain from Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
- Cultural Immersion: Exploring the stone-paved villages and unique hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities.
- Natural Hot Springs: A therapeutic soak in the riverside natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda to soothe your muscles after the trek.
- Diverse Flora & Fauna: Trekking through the UNESCO-recognized Annapurna Conservation Area, featuring dense bamboo and blooming rhododendron forests.
- Efficient Itinerary: Experience the full glory of the Himalayas in just 8 days with this specially crafted Short ABC Trek.
- 360-Degree Panorama: Witnessing one of the world's most famous sunrises where the first light hits the Annapurna massif.
The Short ABC trek is one of the most popular and rewarding trekking experiences in Nepal, offering incredible Himalayan views in a relatively short time. It is an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region without committing to a long expedition. This classic trek takes you deep into the mountains, surrounded by some of the most stunning peaks in the western Himalayas.
Short ABC trek passes through a wide range of landscapes, starting from green forests and traditional villages and gradually moving into high alpine terrain. The journey leads to the breathtaking Annapurna Base Camp, where you are completely surrounded by towering mountains. Along the way, trekkers enjoy close views of peaks such as Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and the iconic Machapuchare. These peaks form a natural amphitheatre known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, creating one of the most memorable mountain settings in the world.
Another highlight of the short ABC trek is the route along the Modi Khola. This river, fed by snow and glaciers from the Annapurna range, flows through a deep gorge before opening into a wide and fertile valley. As you walk along the trail, you will notice the dramatic change in scenery, from steep rocky cliffs to peaceful farmland and settlements.
Short ABC trek is also flexible and can be extended to include nearby regions. Many trekkers combine it with routes toward the Kali Gandaki Gorge or visit the sacred site of Muktinath for a richer travel experience.
Itinenary
Altitude
822m (Pokhara)
Meal
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Along the way, enjoy views of rivers, terraced fields, and rural villages. Relax in Pokhara and prepare for the trek ahead.
Altitude
2,340m (Sinuwa)
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Lodge
Drive to Siwai, the trek starting point, passing through Nayapul. Begin your trek through lush forests and traditional villages, gradually ascending to Sinuwa, surrounded by serene mountain landscapes.
Altitude
3,230m (Deurali)
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Lodge
Today’s trail takes you deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Walk through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, crossing streams and enjoying dramatic valley views before reaching Deurali.
Altitude
4,130m (ABC)
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Lodge
A highlight of the trek! Ascend through alpine terrain to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). Surrounded by towering peaks like Annapurna I and Machapuchare, this is a truly unforgettable experience.
Altitude
2,310m (Bamboo)
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Lodge
After witnessing a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas, begin your descent. Retrace your steps through the sanctuary down to Bamboo, enjoying changing landscapes along the way.
Altitude
822m (Pokhara)
Meal
Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation
Hotel
Trek down to Jhinu Danda, where you can relax in natural hot springs beside the river. Afterward, drive back to Pokhara for a well-earned rest.
Altitude
1,400m (Kathmandu)
Meal
Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
Return to Kathmandu by road, enjoying your final views of Nepal’s countryside.
Altitude
1,400m
Meal
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Annapurna region.
Include
- Transport: Ground transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return via tourist bus.
- Local Transfers: Private Jeep/Vehicle from Pokhara to the trekking trailhead (Siwai) and back from Jhinu Danda.
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a standard hotel (Kathmandu/Pokhara) and 5 nights in mountain guest houses (Tea Houses) during the trek.Tea house and Lodge Accommodation Notice During the peak trekking seasons (mid-March to the end of May and mid-September to the end of November), tea houses located in popular areas like the Himalayas, Deurali, MBC, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo usually provide shared accommodations, typically with 4–5 beds per room. Due to the high demand during these times, private rooms are rarely available. We encourage you to be prepared for shared lodging, as this is the standard arrangement in these busy regions.
- Meals: Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trekking days.
- Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.
- Staff: Professional Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (usually 1 porter for 2 trekkers).
- Safety: First aid medical kit carried by the guide and oximeter to monitor oxygen levels.
- Taxes: All government taxes, VAT, and official service charges.
Exclude
- International Travel: International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees.
- Insurance: Personal travel and high-altitude medical insurance (including emergency helicopter evacuation).
- City Meals: Lunch and dinner while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Personal Gear: Trekking equipment like boots, down jackets, and sleeping bags (though these can be rented).
- Trail Luxuries: Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging fees at the tea houses.
- Beverages: Bottled water, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and specialty coffees.
- Tips: Gratuities for the trekking guide, porters, and drivers.
- Extra Costs: Costs arising from flight delays, landslides, or road blockages beyond the company's control.
Equipment
General
- Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for rent
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available form an additional cost
- Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap
- Knitted hat/Beanie
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
Torso
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Fleece jacket or pullover
Lower Body
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Hiking pants (2)
- Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants
- Hiking shorts
Hands
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
Feet
- Wool or technical fabric warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional such as silk)
- Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes (For trekking from November to March, it's recommended to include Ice Cleats/ Micro Spikes to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
- Casual shoes
- Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
Undergarments
- Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
- Sports bras (women)
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes
Optional
- Power bank or extra batteries
- Cameras and mobile phone
- Cards/book
Peak climbing gear
- Climbing boot
- Crampons and harness
- Hiking boot,slippers
- Carabiners 4 pes (2 lock 2 onlock)
- Ascending device jumar
- Descending device ACT and figure of 8
- Helmet ,ice axe and sleeping bag
- Hiking sucks and warm wool sucks
- Warm expedition gloves and thin treking gloves
- Wind proof pant and jacket
- downsuit,expedition bag 50 ltrs for more then 7000 mt
- expedition down jacket for more then 7000 mt
Customer Reviews
Exprince Trek guide help to safe travel Mar 2026 • Friends It was grate experience with always Himalaya trek,Mr. Sitaram Karki and Mr. Kumar rai, they are well organized and informed, which is help Read more
Santa U
Nepal
Best Trekking experience in my life Oct 2025 • Friends I did the Mera Peak trek with Always Himalaya Trek and it was an amazing experience. From the start, everything felt very personal and well orgRead more
Conal higney
united kingdom
Best Trekking company I have been on 3 treks with Sitaram; Langtang, Annapurna Circuit, and Mera Peak, all of which have been amazing. My most recent Trek was to the top of Mera Peak, the higheRead more
Gerard Melly
Ireland