The field notes
A journey with rhythm
Private guiding, thoughtful pacing, and enough room to absorb each place rather than simply pass through it.
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Journey overview
The experience at a glance
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days is a short and rewarding Himalayan trip for those who want to see the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary in a less long journey with no more than 7 days’ time. Starting and ending in Pokhara, this route takes you through traditional mountain villages, deep forested valleys and dramatic alpine landscapes to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
Unlike a long Annapurna Base Camp itinerary that includes Ghorepani and Poon Hill, this '7-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek' is a more direct route through Chhomrong and Modi Khola Valley. It is a great option if you have limited time in Nepal but still want to visit one of the most celebrated high-altitude trekking camps in Nepal.
Your journey starts with a beautiful drive from Pokhara to the trailhead, followed by a beautiful walk to Chhomrong, a traditional Gurung village overlooking the Annapurna region. From there, the path opens into the narrow valley that leads to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Bamboo, rhododendron and oak forests and small mountain settlements such as Bamboo, Dovan and Himalaya are among the places you are walking through.
As you climb up, the scene changes a little bit. The dense forests become less dense, and rocky slopes, waterfalls and more impressive views of the faraway Himalayan peaks become more prominent. You are on your way to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), located under the formidable summit of Machhapuchhre or Fishtail Mountain.
One of the most memorable moments of the trek is when you walk from MBC to the great natural amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary. With the high mountains covered in snow, you finally arrive at the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. From here, the view includes Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre. The morning light is what makes the climb worthwhile when looking at these huge Himalayan peaks.
After base camp, the trip descends through Modi Khola Valley towards Bamboo and then on to Jhinu Danda, where one can relax after a week of mountain walking. The journey then returns to Pokhara, completing an adventurous week in the Annapurna region.
This is a short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, but that is not an easy walk. The path up is relatively straight, and there are a number of long walking days, stone steps, and continuous ascents and descents. Some experience with hiking is helpful, but you don’t have to be very good at it at all. Good physical preparation and steady walking speed will make the journey much more pleasurable.
For those looking to do a short ABC Trek from Pokhara, the 'Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days' is the perfect mix of time and experience. It is the perfect one-week tour from green Himalayan foothills to the Annapurna Sanctuary in a short amount of time, and you can walk under some of Nepal’s highest and most beautiful mountains for a day.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m: Sit at the heart of the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary surrounded by the vast mountains, and the mountains of Annapurna.
- 02
Sunrise in the Annapurna Himalayas: Annapurna Base Camp will be an unforgettable Himalayan sunrise from which you will get the best views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
- 03
Short 7-day ABC Trek from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp is perfect for those who have limited time and want to be on a real Himalayan trekking adventure.
- 04
Trek through the rich Himalayan forests of rhododendron, bamboo forests, mountains and alpine landscapes on the classic Annapurna Sanctuary trail.
- 05
Jhinu Danda Natural Hot Springs – It is a great feeling to be on the high mountains and to be down and around the famous Jhinu hot springs for 7 days in the mountains.
Places covered
Destinations on this trip
The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.
Kathmandu
Pokhara
Chhomrong
Himalaya
Annapurna BC
Jhinu (Hot Spring)
Day by day
7 days
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek begins in Kathmandu to Pokhara. The short flight provides good views in the mountains and foothills on clear days.
Once in Pokhara, you get to your hotel and check in; then you relax and go on your trek. You can walk along the Lakeside, see Phewa Lake, and check your trekking equipment with your guide.
This relaxed first day also allows you to prepare for the five-day trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara Meals: Breakfast
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Altitude
- 820m
NoteElevation: Pokhara - 820 m. Flight duration: 25-35 minutes. Flight distance: Approx. 145 km by air. Walking: Optional
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara towards Siwai, the base camp for this Annapurna Base Camp trek. The journey follows winding mountain roads through the lower Annapurna foothills, passing villages, terraced farmland and forested hills.
From Siwai, begin trekking toward Chhomrong, one of the most important settlements on the Annapurna Base Camp route. The trail passes through traditional villages and terraced hillsides before moving steadily toward Chhomrong.
At 2,170 m, Chhomrong offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). It is also the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Overnight: Teahouse in Chhomrong Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 70 km
- Altitude
- 2,170m
NoteStarting Elevation: Pokhara - 820 m. Trekking Elevation: Chhomrong - 2,170 m. Driving Distance: 50-60 km. Driving Duration: 3-4 hours. Walking Distance: 9-10 km. Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours. Elevation Gain: 1,100 m
After breakfast, climb up the stone steps towards Chhomrong Khola and cross the suspension bridge. From here the trail descends through beautiful rhododendron, oak and bamboo forests.
Carry on through Sinuwa, Bamboo and Dovan to the Modi Khola valley and into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The surroundings become more mountainous with elevation.
The trail eventually reaches Himalaya (2,920 m), a small mountain settlement surrounded by steep Himalayan slopes.
This is an important acclimatization day as you continue to get higher elevation to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
Overnight: Teahouse in Himalaya Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 13 km
- Altitude
- 2,920m
NoteWalking Duration: 5-6 hours. Elevation Gain: 750 m
Today the trail continues deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The landscape changes dramatically as dense forests gradually become alpine vegetation and rugged mountain terrain.
Walk through Deurali and continue toward the narrow valley leading to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. We encounter more and more beautiful sights of the surrounding peaks along the way.
After several hours of trekking, reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), commonly known as MBC. From there, you can enjoy spectacular views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I and surrounding peaks.
The atmosphere is colder, and at this altitude the landscape seems more dramatic.
Rest and prepare for the following morning’s early hike to Annapurna Base Camp.
Overnight: Teahouse in MBC Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 10 km
- Altitude
- 3,700m
NoteWalking Time: 5–6 hours. Elevation Gain: 780 m
Wake early in the morning and start the short but amazing hike from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
The trail enters the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by some of Nepal’s most spectacular Himalayan peaks. As you approach ABC, the mountain amphitheater becomes more impressive.
At Annapurna Base Camp, enjoy the spectacular view of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna and the peaks surrounding it.
After observing sunrise and taking photos, start the long descent. Follow the trail through MBC and Deurali, then through Dovan towards Bamboo (2,310 m).
This is the longest and most physically demanding day of the itinerary because it combines the early hike to ABC with a substantial descent.
Overnight: Teahouse in Bamboo Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 17 km
- Altitude
- 2,310m
NoteHighest Elevation: 4,130m | Walking Duration: 6-7 hours | Elevation Gain: 430 m | Elevation Loss: 1,820 m
After breakfast, keep going through the beautiful forests toward Jhinu Danda.
The trail follows the Modi Khola valley and passes through lush vegetation and small mountain settlements. You will eventually reach Jhinu Danda at about 1,780 m.
Jhinu Danda is famous for its natural hot springs located beside the Modi Khola. If time and energy permit, take a relaxing walk to the hot springs and soak in the forested hills.
After several days at high altitude, this is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the warmer climate.
Overnight: Teahouse in Jhinu Danda. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 12 km
- Altitude
- 1,780m
NoteWalking Duration: 5–6 hours. Elevation Loss: 530 m
After breakfast, begin the final section of the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. Trek downhill from Jhinu Danda to Siwai and enjoy the last views of the Annapurna foothills.
After around 2–3 hours of walking to Siwai, your private vehicle will meet you. Drive back to Pokhara Airport, which takes about 3-4 hours depending on road conditions.
Catch a late-afternoon flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, return to your hotel or continue with your travel.
Your 7-day Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek concludes in Kathmandu.
Note: If you prefer to stay overnight in Pokhara instead of Kathmandu, we will arrange your hotel accommodation in Pokhara and provide a transfer to Pokhara Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu the following day.
- Meals
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 70 km
- Altitude
- 1,400m
NoteWalking Distance: approx. 6–7 km. Walking Time: 2-3 hours. Driving Distance: approx. 50–60 km. Driving Duration: 3-4 hours. Flight Duration: Approx. 25-35 minutes
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Kathmandu
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- Return flight tickets between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Domestic Airport Transfers – Arrival and departure pick-up and drop-off, including international airport transfers upon request.
- 2-night deluxe accommodation Pokhara or Kathmandu with Breakfast
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the Annapurna base camp short trek
- Accommodation in teahouse or lodges during trekking for 5 nights
- Private transportation between Pokhara and Siwai
- English speaking license holder trekking guide and his accommodation, meals, salary, insurance, and other related expenses.
- 1 Porter for every 2 trekkers, including the porter’s accommodation, meals, salary, insurance, and other related expenses. (A porter supplement applies for a single trekker)
- TIMS card, National Park/Conservation Area permit fees, and all applicable government taxes.
- International Flight and Departure Tax
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal gear and clothing such as a sleeping bag, walking sticks, etc.
- Travel/Medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
- Personal expenses caused by weather, laundry telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, tips and etc.
Before you go
