The trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, all thanks to its magnificent scenery, diversity of terrains and cultural villages of Gurungs and Magars. For people who wish to have a taste of this adventure but have time or physical fitness constraints, the Annapurna Short Trekking route comes in handy.
This is a shorter version of the conventional trek that covers the whole experience within a compact 7 days itinerary. But how difficult is this shorter version of the trek, and how should you prepare? In this blog, we will navigate through the difficulties and attributes of the Trekking route, so that you will be able to make plans and see if it is feasible for you.
Photo: Explore in Nepal
Annapurna Short Trek Route, Overview
The Annapurna Short Trek course usually lasts approximately 7 days as opposed to the longer 10 to 12 days based Annapurna Base Camp trek. Nayapul or Ghandruk is generally used as the starting point and the following route is basically a steep trail up through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and rivers to finally reach, The base of Annapurna at 4130m. The shortened version of this trek aims at bringing climbers to the base camp more quickly by omitting some of the low altitude stops.
Nevertheless, tourists on such shortened trips still get breathtaking views of towering peaks such as Annapurna (8091m), Machapuchare (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and the diverse culture and meticulous hospitality that the Annapurna region offers.
Annapurna Short Trek Route; How Easy or Difficult is it
The difficulty of any trek is based on a few critical elements: how physically fit one is, the area’s height, the weather, and past trekking experience. Here’s a breakdown of what makes the Annapurna Short Trek challenging:
1. Physical Fitness Requirements
- Trek Duration and Daily Hiking: On this trek, as in most of them, the hiker will need to walk for about 5 to 7 hours a day, some of the days perhaps longer especially on steep ascents. The shorter duration compresses some challenging parts of the walk into fewer days which makes the trek much more challenging.
- Significant Elevation Increases and Decreases: The path consists of easy slopes, steep staircases, and gradual slopes for extended periods. Reaching the ABC is a challenge since we will be doing an uphill walk for several hours which is quite tiring for the legs and the knees. Therefore, it is advisable to have decent endurance for the legs because the trek is long but enjoyable.
- Innovative Approach: Encouraged implementing cardio and strength training a month before the walk. Training activities such as hiking, running or cycling will develop endurance and ease the trek.
2. High Altitude Challenges
- Altitude Gain: Departing from around 1,000 meters at either Nayapul or Ghandruk, one will steadily reach the Annapurna Base Camp 4130 meters high. While this trek does not reach much higher than other Himalayan treks as the Everest Base Camp, there can always be a risk of altitude sickness.
- Acclimatization: More often than not, in the Annapurna Short Trekking route, the number of acclimatization days may be less than on the standard route. As a result, the body has less time to acclimatize to lower oxygen levels, and you may experience breathlessness and fatigue. So it is advisable to check how your body is feeling and go easy on it.
- Acute Mountain Sickness: This type of sickness associated with altitude includes the following signs and symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty in sleeping. Keep yourself fresh and full of liquid, do not take any alcohol, walk slowly in order to prevent the occurrence of AMS.
- Tip: For those who are unaccustomed to mountain trekking at such high altitudes, it would be advisable to seek the counsel of a physician concerning how effective fast acting medicine such as diamox works with its main function being prevention of altitude sickness.
3. Weather Conditions
- Seasonal Challenges: Weather is one of the major factors that contributes to the overall difficulty of the trek. Seasons such as spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best for trekking since the weather conditions are generally stable, the skies are clear and the temperatures are moderate. However, even at such times, weather in the highlands may be very unpredictable.
- Cold Temperatures: Even during the hot periods, especially at night, and at higher reaches, temperature may drop drastically. At the frost belt, the thermometers may go lower than the freezing point(0 degrees) which makes the excursion even more demanding. In Winter, however, it is important to ensure proper equipment and clothing is carried to avoid the cold.
- Rain and Mud: Finally, the period of summer monsoons comes in with great amounts of rain (June to August) rendering the paths muddy and slippery. This worsens the condition of the trek due to heavy rain and leeches in the lower regions as trekking becomes more difficult and less pleasant.
The Best Seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
Annapurna Short Trek is best done during the following seasons:
1. Spring (March – May)
Pros: This season has clear blue skies, gentle warm weather, and the rhododendron trees are blossoming beautifully. This is the season with the best panoramic view.
Cons: Since this is the peak trekking season, be prepared for hoards of trekkers.
2. Fall (September – November)
Pros: Good weather, good visibility and excellent trekking conditions. Suitable for breathtaking views of the mountains.
Cons: The season suffers from overcrowding mostly in the month of October since it is regarded as the peak trekking season.
3. Winter (December- February)
Pros: Mountains look incredibly beautiful with a layer of snow and there are less people on the routes.
Cons: Temperatures drop to low levels during the nights especially and snowy weather from time to time forces higher paths out of reach.
4. Monsoon season (June – August)
Pros: The environment is very beautiful with greenery and not many people.
Cons: The walking paths are slippery and muddy, raining is constant which is also accompanied by leeches.
In terms of providing the best comfort, spring and autumn are the first ranked seasons.
Factors to Bear in Mind Prior to the Trek
- Carrying Out the Appropriate Equipment
The right equipment is crucial for an easy walk. Here’s an overview of what the basics should include:
- A pair of stiff fitting trekking boots: Make sure these are worn as well to avoid blister formation on the foot.
- Wearing several pieces of clothing at the same time: Use base layers, fleece, a down jacket and a waterproof jacket so that you are able to cope with rising and falling temperatures.
- Walking sticks: For balance; especially while going down steep slopes.
- A pack cover: To safeguard the contents of the bag from getting wet in the event of rain.
- A sleeping bag: Most lodges provide blankets, but a warm sleeping bag is a necessity especially during winters when trekking in such areas.
- Sunglasses shielding the eyes and sunscreen for the skin, as well as a hat: The sun at higher altitudes is very hot for the bare skin therefore application of sunscreen and wearing hats while trekking is recommended.
- Solo Trekking or With a Guide
- Solo Trekking: The Annapurna region is one of the safest areas for solo trekking in Nepal thanks to the presence of well-marked hiking trails and many other trekkers along the way. Though in most cases the situation might not always be the safest, you should be mindful about carrying a first aid kit, it would be life saving if altitude sickness or any injury gets you.
- With a Guide/Porter: Taking a Guide or a porter allows one to avoid the unnecessary burden of carrying one’s luggage or even finding one’s way along the paths. Also, a guide can offer knowledge, assist with booking hotels, and deal with unexpected events.
- Tip: The good news is that even when you are trekking alone there are many other trekkers along the way and you can share experiences and suggestions.
- Accommodation and Food
- Teahouse Lodges: In teahouses of basic but reasonable standards provide the accommodation facilities on the trek. Rooms are mostly dormitory style, and the services are minimal as one goes higher up. Showers and Wi-Fi (where there is access) are usually available on payment.
- Food: The foods along the Annapurna circuit consist mainly of the Nepalese variety. Dal bhat is the most famous one. Food is plentiful and nutritious but basic and less options as you get higher up the trail.
- Finances and Approvals
- Expenditure: Although the Short Annapurna Base Camp trekking may be done affordably. Costs will invariably differ depending on if they get the services of a guide, sleep in private rooms or pay for additional services such as hot showers. Daily costs can be in the range of $20 to $50 subject to individual tastes.
- Licenses Required: Two permits will be necessary for the conduct of this trek within the Annapurna area:
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit,
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card These may be acquired in Kathmandu or Pokhara before embarking on the trek.
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Breaking Down the Days
- Day 1- Drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazar(1,784 m). and Hike to Ghandruk(1,940m). : Drive takes approximately 3 hours and Trek takes 2 hours approx.
- Day 2- Trek along the path from Ghandruk to Chhomrong(2,170m) or sinuwa(2,340m) : The trekking time will be approximately 5 hours.
- Day 3- Trek from Chhomrong / Sinuwa to Himalaya(2, 900 m) or Deurali(3,174m) The trekking time is approximately 7 hours
- Day 4- Trek from Himalaya or Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp(4,130m) via the Machhapuchhre Base Camp(3,720m): The trekking time is Approximately 5 hours
- Day 5: Trek from the Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo of 2,350 m : The trek time is Approximately 5 hours or more.
- Day 6 : Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Dada which is 1,780 m: the trek time is approximately 5 hours.
- Day 7: Trek from Jhinu Dada to Ghandruk Phedi and Drive to Pokhara on the same day via the route of Nayapul-Syauli : The trekking time is almost 4 hours and Driving time is Approximately 3 hours.
Why Choose the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Although the trek has its own challenges, Annapurna Short Trek is a great pick for someone who wants to soak in the beauty of the Annapurna range without necessarily requiring a longer day of trek. Here’s why:
- Time Efficiency: With the shorter trek you can have a very vivid and interesting experience in Annapurna Base Camp in around a week which is perfect for most travelers who have limited time.
- Scenic Range: The trek ensures that different types of terrains are experienced within a few days from the grass green jungles to the striking alps.
- Cultural Experience: You will walk through beautiful and traditional villages and meet local people giving an insight to the unique Gurung and Magar cultures.
- Manageable Altitude: For many who have not done high elevation trekking, altitude may just be one of those things of concern. Hence, though it is higher than sea level, the height of Annapurna Base Camp is below that of several other treks in the Himalayan ranges.
Conclusion
The Annapurna Short Trekking path is a challenging as well as rewarding excursion.It offers a shorter version of the entire Annapurna Base Camp trek. Although this could be a difficult trek because of the heavy uphill climbs, long hours of trekking, and the risk of altitude sickness, there is no reason to fear the trek as long as you prepare for it and adopt the right mentality. By appreciating the topography and climate, and foreseeing the physical demand, you will be well equipped to embrace this stunning trip and cherish the experience for years.
