Short ABC Trek | 10-Days

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Kathmandu for the scenic overland journey to Pokhara (820 m), the gateway city to the Annapurna region. The drive follows the Prithvi Highway westward through a landscape of terraced hillsides, subtropical river valleys, and bustling roadside bazaars. Along the way, the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers accompany the road, their blue-green waters cutting through gorges draped in lush vegetation. After approximately seven to eight hours of driving, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges suddenly appear on the horizon as you descend into the Pokhara valley, a dramatic and memorable first sight of the peaks you will soon be walking among. On arrival, transfer to your hotel on the shores of Phewa Lake. The evening is yours to explore Lakeside, sample local food, and rest well before the trek begins tomorrow. Arrange for any last-minute gear or trekking supplies in the market nearby.

After an early breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazaar (1,220 m), a small roadside settlement at the edge of the Annapurna Conservation Area, taking roughly one and a half to two hours by jeep. At Birethanti, we stop to collect our ACAP and TIMS permits before the trail begins in earnest. From Syauli Bazaar, the path climbs steadily through dense forest and terraced farmland, passing through the village of Kimche (1,640 m), where rhododendron trees shade the stone-paved trail. As the altitude rises, the forest gradually opens up, and the first dramatic views of Annapurna South (7,219 m) and the iconic fishtail silhouette of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) emerge against the sky. A final steep stone-stepped ascent brings you into Ghandruk (1,940 m), one of the largest and most celebrated Gurung villages in Nepal. The stone-and-slate houses, ancient Buddhist gompas, and the Gurung Museum make this village a cultural highlight. Sunset views over the Annapurna range from Ghandruk are unforgettable.

The day begins with a sunrise spectacle over Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, a privilege unique to Ghandruk's elevated ridge position. After breakfast, the trail descends from Ghandruk through terraced fields and oak-rhododendron forest, losing elevation steadily down to the Kimrong Khola river (1,480 m), where a suspension bridge marks the valley floor. From here begins a steady, lung-testing 500-metre climb back up through dense forest and small clearings, passing through the settlement of Komrong Danda on the ridge before descending slightly and then ascending the final stone steps into Chhomrong (2,170 m). Perched dramatically on a hillside spur with commanding views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, Chhomrong is the largest and last well-developed village before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary. It has an ACAP checkpost where permits are verified. It serves as a key junction on the Annapurna trail, from where the route drops steeply to the Chhomrong Khola and then climbs again through lush bamboo and rhododendron forest to reach the peaceful ridge settlement of Sinuwa, a quieter stopover with basic teahouses and sweeping views of the valley below.

Leaving Sinuwa, the trail descends briefly through quiet forest before crossing the Chhomrong Khola once again and then begins a steady climb through dense bamboo and rhododendron woodland. The route passes Bamboo (2,310 m), a small cluster of teahouses nestled deep in the gorge, often surrounded by the sounds of the rushing Modi Khola river and occasional sightings of Himalayan wildlife. The path continues onward to Dovan (2,600 m), where the valley narrows, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly raw and dramatic, with moss-covered cliffs and constant river roar below. From here, the ascent becomes more gradual but sustained, as the forest starts to thin and the air turns noticeably colder. Passing the Himalaya Hotel (2,930 m), the trail enters a more alpine environment before finally climbing up to Deurali (3,230 m), a quiet and exposed settlement tucked beneath towering cliffs, often misty, colder, and marking the final stop before entering the upper Annapurna Sanctuary. This is a good elevation to rest and acclimatise before the high-altitude days ahead.

Today, the landscape transforms dramatically as you leave Deurali (3,230 m) behind and enter the true high-altitude sanctuary of the Annapurna region. The trail narrows as it follows the Modi Khola gorge, where the surroundings quickly shift from sparse alpine vegetation to glacial moraine and bare, rugged rock. As you ascend, the valley opens up, revealing increasingly vast amphitheatre-like scenery encircled by towering Himalayan giants. The route gradually climbs over rocky terrain, with snow patches often appearing depending on the season, as the air becomes thinner and colder. Continuing onward, Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) appears as a cluster of teahouses set beneath the dramatic north face of the sacred Machhapuchhre, offering a truly awe-inspiring mountain panorama with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli framing the horizon. From here, the final push to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) follows a wide, open valley that feels like a natural stadium of ice and stone. As you arrive at ABC, you are surrounded 360° by some of the highest peaks on Earth. 

An early start is recommended from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) as you begin retracing your steps through the heart of the Annapurna. The descent initially follows the wide glacial valley, offering one last look at the surrounding giants, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, as the morning light slowly softens the icy walls of the mountains. The trail then descends steadily back to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), where the terrain begins to transition from stark alpine moraine to more defined rocky paths. From here, the route continues down through Deurali (3,230 m), passing the narrow gorge sections where waterfalls and cliffs dominate the landscape. As you lose altitude, the air grows thicker and warmer, and the trail re-enters the dense bamboo and rhododendron forest. Passing through Himalayan Hotel (2,930 m), Dovan (2,600 m), and Bamboo (2,310 m), the descent becomes a long but rhythmic journey alongside the Modi Khola river, with its constant roar accompanying the path. Eventually, the trail climbs briefly and then drops again through familiar terrain before the final ascent to Sinuwa (2,340 m), a quiet ridge settlement offering a comfortable resting point after a long descent from the high Himalaya.

The mood on descent days is light, the hard work is done, and the body moves freely with the aid of gravity and more oxygen. At Sinuwa, the trail branches toward Chhomrong, climbing the stone steps back into the village for a well-earned lunch stop with mountain views. After Chhomrong, a quieter side trail descends steeply to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m), a small riverside settlement famous throughout the trekking world for its natural hot springs. Just a fifteen-minute walk below the village, three rock pools of naturally heated geothermal water sit beside the Modi Khola, the perfect reward after seven days of hard trekking. Soak sore legs and tired muscles to your heart's content. After this restorative stop, a jeep from Jhinu Danda drives via Syauli Bazaar and Birethanti to Pokhara, arriving in the evening. Check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved lakeside dinner.

After a relaxed breakfast in Pokhara with possible final views of the Annapurna range across Phewa Lake, we begin the return journey to Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle. The approximately seven-to-eight-hour drive follows the same scenic Prithvi Highway, but now the mountains feel familiar, a reminder of what you have just accomplished among them. Alternatively, a short thirty-minute domestic flight from Pokhara airport delivers you to Kathmandu with aerial views of the Himalayas. On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel in Thamel. The evening is free for a celebratory dinner, souvenir shopping along the Thamel lanes, or simply resting after the exertions of the trek. Reflect on the days of extraordinary Himalayan experience, from the temples of Kathmandu to the snows of the Annapurna Base Camp.

After a final breakfast at the hotel, our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be a few hours for last-minute exploration of Thamel, Asan Bazaar, or a peaceful visit to Boudhanath or Swayambhunath for a quiet moment of reflection. This marks the conclusion of your Annapurna Base Camp adventure, a journey through Gurung culture, ancient forests, glacial valleys, and the world's tenth-highest mountain.