7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Best Season for 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Our Annapurna Base Camp short trek can be done every season in Nepal. However, if you want to truly appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the Annapurna region and its majestic peaks, it’s best to plan your journey during the fall or spring.

The autumn months of September through November bring warmer weather, clear skies, and dry conditions, making it the most favored time for the trek. The warmer heat, the exceptionally beautiful mountains, and the enchanting beauty of the forest will just make your trek worthwhile.

The spring months of March through May welcome hikers with the bright colors of the rhododendron forest that create a unique contrast against the white snow peaks. But there can be some leftover snow at MBC and ABC.

Trekking in these seasons however means bustling trails, and fully booked lodgings.

December through February is the winter time in the Annapurna when the snow, cold, and bright sunshine welcome the visitors. The track will be mostly empty but the night heat can be tremendously cold. The presence of the warm lodges however make the stay at ABC quite welcoming.

June through August, Annapurna experiences summer time as well as heavy rain which often turn the paved and dirt trail into muddy and slippery ones often cutting of the track to the ABC.

However, our journey is only of a week so with careful planning, the rainy days can be avoided and this short Annapurna base camp trek can be undertaken.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route Difficulties and Challenges

Our short Annapurna Base Camp trek is classified as a category three and class B hiking adventure that lasts only a week and offers a moderate amount of challenge.

The trek covers a relatively short distance so it may seem less challenging than it actually is. The short Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary begins with a brief thirty minute hike to Ghandruk from Pokhara.

It is then followed by an ascent to the Annapurna Base Camp entrance at Chhomrong. From here, it will trace the Modi Khola that ultimately reaches 4130 m altitude.

The daily trekking segments are also not overly lengthy, and the altitude changes usually stay within 1000 meters, except for one day. However, the significant shifts in the heights can be tough for some especially if the temperature rises.

Likewise, when we are at Deurali and ABC, the condition can be quite harsh due to wind, cold, and sporadic snowfall. Additionally, the tough terrain of the mountain also adds to the challenge of the trek.

However, the technical difficulties on the Annapurna base camp trek are almost zero. But there are steep slopes, long stone stairs, rivers, and high-hanging bridges to be crossed so good health and fitness are prerequisites for the short Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Who can take part in our short Annapurna Base Camp trek 7 days Journey?

Our short Annapurna Base Camp trek 7 days journey is a thrilling experience taking place at an altitude of 4130 m which is considerably easy when compared to other hiking trips in Nepal.

The days are also very short with each day walking stage spanning around 4 to 6 hours. Since the establishment of well-built roads, the majority of hiking will occur on easy and gentle slopes.

Similarly, with just two days spent above 3500 elevation, so no participant should experience altitude problems. Additionally, our skilled and expert guide will always point you the easy way to reach the Annapurna Base Camp whenever possible.

You also don’t need to experience the chilly nights under the ten when staying overnight at the ABC. Instead, you will be inside the protective shelter of the warm lodges.

We also have our porters to lighten your load when walking so our 7 days Annapurna Base Camp trek is a trip suitable for the participation of newcomers, friends, families, children, and seniors but all of them should be able to handle the medium walking along the varied landscape.

In fact, this trek will prepare you for more adventurous journeys in the mountains of Nepal such as under Everest, around Manaslu or Kanchenjunga.

Our short Annapurna base camp trek route is considered safe for most, but we still advise anyone with heart, lung, or kidney problems, along with those suffering from asthma, to discuss their plans with their doctor before joining this adventure.

Probability of Altitude Sickness in our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Acclimatization during our 7 days Annapurna Base Camp trek will take place very slow so no one would have the significant impact of altitude. Still, we truly cannot guarantee the absence of Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS or altitude sickness in this trip.

Especially those who are not accustomed to high altitudes and engage in strenuous walking on the trek may face the problem. However, with proper precautions, most symptoms will be mild and temporary.

For the prevention of AMS, we have implemented a gradual ascent in our short Annapurna base camp trek itinerary limiting the elevation  gain less than 1000 m each day.

You on your part should maintain a steady pace to avoid breathlessness, and stay well-hydrated. Dehydration can lead to AMS so aim for at least 5 liters of fluids daily.

You should opt for water, tea, soup, and broth, and avoid alcohol. You should also consume enough calories, particularly carbohydrates while limiting salt intake.

Also, remember to breathe deeply and fully, but be cautious of hyperventilation. You can also take Diamox (acetazolamide), a diuretic that will help you with adaptation by improving oxygen absorption during sleep.

Please be attentive if you have weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, digestive issues, nausea, poor sleep, loss of appetite, slight dizziness, and mild swelling in the hands, feet, or face.

If you have these conditions, ensure you take adequate rest but you don’t have to necessarily stop ascending. Only if the conditions turn severe or persist, a relatively small descent of 500 to 1000 m should take place.

Our guides can recognize the symptoms well through experience and will take the necessary measures. If necessary, extra rest days can be scheduled to acclimatize.

Preparation and Training for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days Journey

The shortness and the simplicity of our Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days journey makes it one of the most approachable route in the mountains of Nepal. So if you are already physically active, then this trek will be very easy for you.

However, if you have been a couch potato, then consider prepping for your adventure 2 months before the trip joining date. Please begin with aerobic activities such as walking and running.

Running will be more beneficial for you which will help not only to build muscle strength and endurance but will also enhance your lung capacity, which is vital at high altitudes where oxygen is very less.

You should also consider increasing your upper body strength with weight lifting and chest press. On the other hand, swimming will also benefit you which will improve breathing while being gentle on your joints.

As for the mental prep, the trek is mostly a comfortable lodge trek so you will not face any strong discomforts. However, the unpredictability of the climate will be present along with the changing and challenging terrain.

So readiness to face any type of discomfort along with the attitude of teamwork and coordination will help you in the journey.

Alternate Approach to the Annapurna Base Camp

Almost all the short or long or traditional Annapurna Base Camp trek lead trekkers to the base of the southern wall of Annapurna I. However, the base under the northern wall of Annapurna is also equally beautiful and deserve exploration.

This base camp was first used by the 1950 French expedition led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal. It is slightly higher than its southern counterpart and reaches 4190 m elevation.

This site offers the spectacular views of some of the lesser known Himalayas of Nepal such as North Nilgiri (7,061 m), Khangsar Kang (7,485 m), Nilgiri South (6,839 m), Annapurna I, Varaha Chuli, Nilgiri Central (6,940 m), and Tilicho Peak (7,134 m).

However, this will be tougher and longer taking you through the virgin lands of Ghasa, Lete, and Thulo Bugin across the 4400 m Pass towards 4130 m Miristi Khola, entering the pristine glacial expanse of northern ABC.

On the other hand, if you are more of a fan of the southern trail, then you can also add another week to walk to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Or, you can just walk around Annapurna along its circuit trail.

Accommodation, Dining Options, and Transportation

Throughout our week journey of short Annapurna Base camp trek, we will stay in best selection of guesthouses and mountain huts available along the trek, commonly referred to as tea houses or lodges.

These lodges have seen significant improvement in recent years and now the newly built ones also provide its guests with WiFi, hot shower and private bathroom.

Our Annapurna base Camp trek 7 days expedition package also includes meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with three servings of hot tea or coffee daily, as well as fresh fruit during the trek.

Most of the lodge menu in the Annapurna will offer you Dal Vat Tarkari, pizza, potatoes, soups, pasta, eggs, noodles and many more.

Regarding transportation, the transfer from Pokhara to Bikash Danda and from Samrung Khola to Pokhara will occur in a local sharing jeep or transport.

Obligatory Permits for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route

To completely walk along the short Annapurna Base Camp trek route, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card are obligatory.

The TIMS Permit is priced at NPR 2000 per person, and the ACAP Permit is priced for NPR 3000 per person. We provide full-service management of all fees and the entire permit application process.

Travel Insurance

Our 7 days Annapurna Base Camp trek is both very rewarding and challenging at the same time. Although very short, the threat during the trek comes from the inclined paths with sharp climbs and descents. The altitude also present another medical challenge of AMS that may sometime need the emergency transport to the medical facility.

Therefore, travel insurance is advisable for our short Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is also obligatory for the procurement of the TIMS card necessary for our 7 days Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Just assure that your policy protects you to the altitude of up to 4200 m along with the expansive coverage for the theft, stolen or damaged baggage, premature cancellation or postponement of the trip.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

Our short 7 days Annapurna Base Camp trek capturing the essence of the Annapurna region will guide you through the Gurung villages of Chhomrong, Deurali, and MBC before reaching ABC.

This trek omits the Ghorepani and Poon Hill viewpoints to reduce the duration, making it accessible for those who have time constraints, health issues, or limitations on long-distance walking.

On the other hand, the classic Annapurna Base Camp trek encompasses nearly the entire Annapurna region, including the scenic hikes to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. The trek generally spans 13 to 14 days, starting and ending in Kathmandu.

The Annapurna Circuit trek, however, encircles the tenth-tallest peak completely, but the trail will be at a considerable distance from Annapurna itself.

This trek is the longest and most challenging that can last up to 21 days, involving the crossing of the world’s tallest pass of Thorong La, at 5416 m. You will also traverse the sacred Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the deepest valleys with elevation changes and reaching to 5000 m.

All three treks occur within the Annapurna Conservation Area and offer the stunning scenario of the massive Annapurna range. All these journeys are suitable for novice adventurers and offer the stunning natural beauty and unique culture of the local communities.

Therefore, based on your fitness, health, budget, time availability, and personal preferences, you can choose any trek, as all will ultimately lead you to the magnificent Annapurna massif.