Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

After breakfast, meet your driver and travel from Pokhara toward the trailhead in the Annapurna region. The drive usually follows the road toward Jhinu Danda or Samrung, with the exact starting point depending on current road conditions and the operating itinerary. From the trailhead, begin trekking through settlements, cultivated slopes and forested sections alongside the Modi Khola valley. Cross suspension bridges and follow stone steps as the trail climbs toward Chhomrong and continues to Lower Sinuwa. This first day combines road travel with a substantial uphill walk, so allow time for breaks and maintain a steady pace. On arrival, settle into a teahouse and prepare for the longer ascent toward Deurali.

Driving: Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours from Pokhara to the trailhead, depending on the starting point, road conditions and traffic.
Walking: Approximately 4–6 hours, depending on the trailhead, pace and stops.
Altitude: Pokhara, approximately 820 m; Lower Sinuwa, approximately 2,300–2,360 m.
Meals: Breakfast in Pokhara if included, followed by lunch and dinner during the trek according to the confirmed package.
Accommodation: Teahouse or lodge at Lower Sinuwa.

After breakfast, continue uphill through the forest toward Upper Sinuwa and Bamboo. The trail rises and falls along the valley, passing bamboo groves, moss-covered trees and shaded woodland. Continue toward Dovan and the Himalaya area, where the valley becomes narrower and the surrounding terrain more rugged. As you gain elevation, the air becomes cooler and the climb may feel more demanding. Follow your guide's pace, drink water regularly and take breaks as needed. The route continues toward Deurali, a high mountain stop beneath steep slopes and rocky cliffs. Because this itinerary gains altitude quickly, report any headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue to your guide rather than pushing on without discussion.

Walking: Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on pace, weather and trail conditions.
Altitude: Lower Sinuwa, approximately 2,300–2,360 m; Deurali, approximately 3,200 m.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Teahouse or lodge at Deurali.

Begin the day's trek toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp and the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail follows a high mountain valley where vegetation becomes more sparse and the landscape increasingly rocky. Depending on conditions, sections may be affected by snow, ice, falling rocks or seasonal trail changes, so follow your guide's instructions closely. Pass through the area around Machhapuchhre Base Camp before continuing into the broad natural basin surrounded by the Annapurna range. As you approach Annapurna Base Camp, the views expand to include Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. After reaching base camp at approximately 4,130 meters, take time to appreciate the mountain setting, photograph the surrounding peaks and rest. Your guide will assess weather and trail conditions before deciding the safest schedule for the following descent.

Walking: Approximately 5–7 hours, depending on conditions and pace.
Altitude: Deurali, approximately 3,200 m; Machhapuchhre Base Camp, approximately 3,700 m; Annapurna Base Camp, approximately 4,130 m.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, subject to teahouse availability and the confirmed package.
Accommodation: Teahouse or lodge at Annapurna Base Camp, subject to availability and safe operating conditions.

Wake early if the weather allows and enjoy the changing light over the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After breakfast, begin the descent from Annapurna Base Camp, retracing the trail through the Sanctuary toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali. The descent offers a different perspective on the valley, with views of steep mountain faces, rocky slopes and the route followed the previous day. Continue downhill through the Himalaya area and Dovan before reaching Bamboo. Although the lower elevation generally makes breathing easier, a long descent can be tiring on the knees and legs. Use trekking poles if helpful, take care on wet or uneven sections and allow enough time to reach the overnight stop before dark.

Walking: Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on pace, weather and trail conditions.
Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp, approximately 4,130 m; Bamboo, approximately 2,310 m.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Teahouse or lodge at Bamboo.

After breakfast, begin the final trekking stage through forested paths toward Sinuwa and Chhomrong. The route includes repeated ascents and descents, including stone stairways, so the final day can still be physically demanding despite the overall loss of altitude. Continue toward Jhinu Danda or the confirmed roadhead, where your vehicle will meet you for the return journey to Pokhara. If time, access and your schedule allow, you may ask your guide about visiting the natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda; this is an optional activity and may require additional time and an entry fee. Drive back to Pokhara, where the five-day trek concludes.

Walking: Approximately 5–7 hours, depending on the chosen trail and roadhead.
Driving: Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours from the roadhead to Pokhara, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Altitude: Bamboo, approximately 2,310 m; Jhinu Danda, approximately 1,780 m; Pokhara, approximately 820 m.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch during the trekking day; dinner in Pokhara is not included unless specified.
Accommodation: Not included in Pokhara unless arranged as an add-on.

Itinerary note: This is a fast-paced five-day itinerary. The trailhead, walking times and overnight stops can change with road access, weather, lodge availability and local trail conditions. The guide should assess the group's condition daily, and the itinerary may need to be adjusted for safety. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp is not guaranteed in unsafe conditions.