Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 6 Days – 06 Days

Your adventure begins with a road trip from Pokhara to New Bridge (1.5 to 2 hours), along twisting mountain roads and river valleys. When you get there, you put your boots on and go. The trek to Chhomrong is a gradual ascent with your first breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Chhomrong is the last major Gurung village before the Sanctuary and by the time you arrive, you will already know this treks  means  the business.

Today the trail gets serious.  You descend the renowned stone staircase from Chhomrong — almost 2,000 steps cut into the mountainside — cross the Chhomrong Khola river, then ascend once more through stunning bamboo and rhododendrons forests of  Sinuwa. The valley walls rise as you venture further into the gorge, and the sound of the Modi Khola river keeps pace with you all the way to Dobhan. A tough but profoundly satisfying day.

We will have a cup of tea, and after that, we will hike up for an hour to Ghandruk which leads to Kidron River. After having an easier walk for an hour, and steep climbing towards Chomrong, we will observe the great view of forest with rhododendron, various flora, and faunas, Annapurna South, Fishtail mountain. Chhumrungroming provides the very beautiful view of the Annapurna. Then we will head to Chomrong to stay a night there which is a great place for Annapurna massif. We will have all the breakfast, lunch and dinner there.

This is the day you have been  waiting for. The trail from Deurali now leaves the jungle and the path opens onto a broad alpine plain that stretches across snowfields and glacial moraine as the Annapurna Sanctuary unfolds before you. You initially arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3,700m) — with the iconic Fishtail Mountain looming directly overhead — prior to the final ascent to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). To stand inside the Sanctuary, boxed in by Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Annapurna South (7,219m) is a moment that words simply cannot do justice.

After one final sunrise at base camp — and believe us, you want to get up for it — it’s time to make your way back down. The air grows warmer and richer with every step, and the descent seems to fly much faster than the climb. You re-trace your steps through  Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)  and Deurali and then descend into the stunning bamboo and rhododendron woodland below. Your legs will be tired when you reach Bamboo but your heart will be full and there’s nothing like it.

On the last day, you make your way down on a long but satisfying descent through forest to New Bridge where your vehicle is  waiting. The trail re-crosses old ground — but it’s not the same on the way out, it’s quieter and more contemplative. Once you reach New Bridge you have a relaxing drive of 1.5 to 2 hours back to Pokhara. That hot shower, cold drink, and lakeside dinner at Phewa Lake? You really have earned it.