Annapurna Short Trek – 11 Days

Best Time

The best time for the Annapurna Short Trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings color to the trail as rhododendrons flower, and clear skies give marvelous mountain views. Autumn has stable weather, cool temperatures, and good visibility, so it is the busiest trekking time.

Summer/monsoon (June to August) sees heavy rainfall, resulting in slippery trails, leeches, and landslides, which can be inconvenient and less enjoyable. Winter (December to February) offers a less busy trail and winter scenery but at the cost of cold temperatures and occasionally snow-covered trails, which make some sections difficult to negotiate.

Although spring and fall are ideal for comfort and scenery, off-season treks in winter or monsoon offer solitude and a unique type of beauty for serious trekkers who are well-equipped to deal with unpredictable weather. Each season has beauty, but planning and timing are necessary to get the most out of the Annapurna Short Trek.

Elevation and Distance

The Annapurna Short Trek is approximately 50–60 kilometers in total trekking length and is perfect for trekkers with limited time to spend. The highest point of the trek is 4,165 meters (13,661 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp, where you have the privilege of viewing the stunning Himalayan view itself.

The maximum height is 850 meters (2,789 feet) in Pokhara, the starting and end point. It begins with a drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and then ascends through Chhomrong, Himalaya, and finally to Annapurna Base Camp. The descent is through the same path, and you go through Bamboo and Jhinu Danda.

This rise and fall in elevation create a rich experience of changing landscapes—from dense green forests and agricultural farmlands to alpine areas and glacial valleys. Although a shorter trek, a rise in altitude needs good physical condition and appropriate acclimatization, especially over 3,000 meters. This 11-day trek features scenic beauty, culture, and moderate effort.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

The Annapurna Short Trek is classified as moderate in difficulty, and hence it is suitable for the average physical fitness of trekkers. The trek involves daily 4- to 8-hour treks with easy ups and downs through forests, stone steps, and high-altitude terrain.

The highest altitude is 4,165 meters at Annapurna Base Camp, where there is a small risk of altitude sickness, especially if you ascend too quickly or don’t stay hydrated. Symptoms may be headache, nausea, or dizziness.

However, the itinerary is nicely spaced, and there is ample time for acclimatization as we slowly gain altitude from Pokhara (850m) to Chhomrong (1920m), and then to Himalaya (2960m), and finally ABC.

Hydration with plenty of water, no booze, and slow hiking are primary preventions. While not a highly technical climb, the extreme altitude and variable trail conditions—especially in cold weather—require preparation, proper gear, and understanding one’s limits to have a safe experience.

Maximum and minimum walk per day

On the Annapurna Short Trek, the longest day of walking is Day 5, when we trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya, a 7- to 8-hour trek. This is a day of steady climbing through dense forest and rocky ground.

The most abbreviated walking day is Day 4, which is a 4-hour walk from Jhinu Danda to Chhomrong via a short drive. Trekking days are typically 5 to 7 hours of walking, depending on the trail and individual pace.

Typically, the walking duration along the trek per day is around 6 hours. The trek has slow ascents and descents, along with many stone steps in between.

While the walking hours are manageable, a good level of fitness and mental readiness is essential for consistent daily trekking. Frequent breaks, proper hydration, and a steady pace make the walking experience more enjoyable and help in acclimatization as we ascend toward Annapurna Base Camp.

Alternative Routes

For trekkers seeking alternatives to the Annapurna Short Trek, the Annapurna region offers some interesting routes of varying interests and lengths.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: An ideal trek for those with limited time, this trek offers panoramic sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill (3,210m). It’s an easy trek, passing through rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Tadapani.

Mardi Himal Trek: A less-trekked trail that ascends to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) with close-up views of Machapuchare and the Annapurna range. The trek passes through dense forests and alpine landscapes, with lots of solitude and unspoiled nature.

Khopra Ridge Trek: This is a less crowded trek that travels to Khopra Ridge, offering stunning vistas of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri. It also goes to the sacred Khayer Lake and offers a more secluded experience than the main paths.

Tilicho Lake Trek: For adventure-seekers, this trek goes to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the world’s highest lakes. The trek provides spectacular mountain scenery and can be combined with the Annapurna Circuit for a longer trek.

All of these treks highlight the varied beauty of the Annapurna range, from cultural villages to towering mountain views, to suit various interests and trekking periods.

Can a beginner join this trek?

Yes, a beginner can definitely go for the Annapurna Short Trek with proper preparation and supervision. The trek is graded moderate; that is, it doesn’t demand any experience in trekking but does need moderate fitness.

Walking hours daily range from 4 to 8 hours, with good trails and teahouse lodges along the route. The beginner must be ready for climbing up hills and stone steps and trekking at higher altitudes, with the highest altitude of 4,165 meters at Annapurna Base Camp.

Acclimatization is built into the itinerary, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. A guide or guided tour is highly recommended for novices, as it offers security, support, and information on the local area.

With some training, such as walking or hiking a few weeks before the trip, staying hydrated, and taking suitable gear, novices are able to enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscapes and cultural richness of this unforgettable Himalayan trek.

Preparation and Physical Conditioning

Good preparation and physical conditioning are the essence of the safe and comfortable completion of the Annapurna Short Trek successfully. Although the trekking is not tiring, trekking 4 to 8 hours a day on diversified terrain of stone steps and gradual slopes does need it.

To train, initiate training at least 4–6 weeks prior to the trip, with a focus on cardio conditioning through walking, hiking, cycling, or jogging. Training in leg and core strength will contribute to staying power on uphill and downhill terrain. Condition yourself walking with a pack to become accustomed to carrying your equipment.

Mental preparation is also required since trekking at high altitude (up to 4,165 meters) is physically and mentally demanding. Acclimatization, hydration, and good pacing are all the secrets to success. No technical skills, but a good attitude, good stamina, and some minimal trekking gear will make it safe and enjoyable in the stunning Annapurna region.

Gadget charging, Internet, and communication

Yes, batteries can be charged, and there is internet on the Annapurna Short Trek, but the facilities are primitive and incur an additional cost.

There are charging facilities at most teahouses, typically in shared areas, for $2 to $5 per item. Electricity is more reliable at lower altitudes, but high-altitude lodges may use solar power, and thus it may be limited. It’s advisable to carry a power bank or solar charger to ensure your devices remain charged throughout the trek.

Wi-Fi is prevalent in the majority of teahouses, especially those in lower areas like Chhomrong, but typically comes at a price. As altitude increases, however, access to and the reliability of Wi-Fi degrade, with little to no signal at Annapurna Base Camp. Mobile phone signals are intermittent; Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell offer better coverage at lower altitudes, but at higher altitudes the signals are spotty.

Purchasing a local SIM card with a data package before the trek can provide additional connectivity choices. Satellite phones are occasionally carried by guides for emergencies. Instructing family and friends on potential communication limitations during the trek is recommended.

Permit

There are two permits required for the Annapurna Short Trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card.

The TIMS card guarantees the security of trekkers and tracks their activity in the area, assisting when needed. The ACAP is necessary for entrance to and trekking in the protected areas of the Annapurna Conservation Area, assisting in environment conservation and community development efforts. Both cards need to be carried by every trekker, and checkpoints along the route will ask for verification.

You don’t have to bother with the paperwork—our complete package will take care of it for you. From forms to processing, our team will ensure all necessary permits are taken out before the trekking program. This will allow you to focus entirely on taking in the stunning views and cultural awareness of the Annapurna area without any hassle or time lost.

Transportation

For Annapurna Short Trek, we will be arranging comfortable tourist-standard transportation at every point along the journey so that your travel will be really very smooth and trouble-free. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be picked up from the airport by private car to your hotel in Thamel.

To and from Pokhara, you will travel by tourist bus, private car, or minibus, depending on the size of the party. The drive is scenic and over the countryside and is about 6-7 hours.

Local transportation in the form of jeep travel can be used along the trek for individual legs of trekking, especially for trailhead access such as that of Jhinu Danda. Transport from Pokhara back to Kathmandu on return will again be accomplished in a comfortable vehicle suitable for the size of the group.

Regardless of whether you go alone or in groups, we ensure the vehicle will be comfortable and appropriate to your needs, sacrificing neither comfort nor safety.

Insurance

Yes, travel insurance is required for the Annapurna Short Trek, as it gives one the necessary protection against unforeseen circumstances. Proper and comprehensive insurance covering most aspects related to the trek is essential in ensuring safety and a calm mind.

The insurance should cover medical emergencies like hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and repatriation, if necessary, from altitude sickness or accidents. It should include trekking cover, which is trekking above 2,500 meters specifically.

On top of that, the insurance needs to cover delayed or canceled flights, especially when it comes to domestic flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu. It also needs to cover trip interruption or cancellation should you be forced to cancel or cut your trek because of something unexpected. The insurance needs to cover property theft or loss too so that your personal belongings such as luggage and trek gear are covered.

We recommend purchasing insurance covering these features and informing your provider of your specific trekking itinerary and activities.

What to Expect

Annapurna Short Trek is a wonderful mix of nature, culture, and trekking adventure that is appropriate for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. Be prepared to experience stunning panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges, complete with snow-topped mountains, green forests, and rolling valleys along the route.

The trek will introduce you to picturesque Gurung villages like Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda, where you can interact with the locals and their culture.

You will also visit Annapurna Base Camp, where you will get a stunning 360-degree view of the mountains around. The trek introduces you to the diversity of Nepal’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the terraced fields to the dense forests and high-altitude lands.

Anticipate moderate level of difficulty with 4 to 8 hours of walking each day. The trek is well-arranged with good rest lodges and hence a fulfilling and pleasant experience.

Accommodation in Annapurna Short Trek 11 Days

During the Annapurna Short Trek, trekkers have the option to stay in teahouses or lodges along the route. These accommodations provide basic facilities such as a bed, blanket, and a shared bathroom. The teahouses offer a cozy and warm atmosphere, giving trekkers a chance to relax and recharge for the next day’s trek.

Food and Drinks

Food is readily available on the Annapurna Short Trek. The teahouses and lodges offer a variety of meals including traditional Nepali dishes, as well as international cuisine. Trekkers can enjoy a warm meal and replenish their energy with locally sourced ingredients. It is important to stay hydrated and fuel your body with nutritious meals during the trek.