Overview Pokhara: Hot Springs

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Overview

The Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is a great option to consider if you are looking for an epic mountain experience in Nepal, especially if your time to get up close and intimate with these giants is limited. They say Gods can move mountains and with the Annapurna Short trek they have. With new roads being built in the Annapurna region it is now possible to savour Annapurna Base Camp without spoiling anything of the ultimate experience. This Annapurna Short Trek itinerary cuts at least a day off the trek and three days for people intending to take in Poon Hill on the way. A good level of fitness helps as trekking days are slightly longer compared to the more familiar Annapurna Base Camp itineraries.

A huge ice-clad amphitheater situated at an altitude of 4130 m. Just imagine wrapped tight from the thin biting air, feeling alive from the last few days on the trail and just glad to be here within an almost magical surreal setting. Where the mountains rule, supreme and fearless towering vertically above you. Absolutely stunning views of Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna III (7937m), Annapurna IV (7 525m), Gangapurna (7455m), and Machhapuchhre (6993m) magic. With never enough time, unfortunately time moves on and we need to retrace our steps for two days on our way back to more familiar settings. The bonus is its down most of the way with still so much to enjoy as Nepal is hardly mundane.

Pokhara:

The day before we commence our journey to Annapurna Base Camp we spend in Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside town with perhaps the most spectacular mountain backdrop anywhere in the world. Pokhara is well-known as the starting point for numerous trekking trails and expeditions in the Annapurna Region. The town has developed into an adventure tourism destination over the last decade, offering everything from Paragliding, skydiving ultra-light flights to zip lining and bungee jumping. Brightly painted wooden boats bobbing up and down on Lake Phewa (Tal) add vibrant colors to the verdant green foothills that surround the town.

Hot Springs:

Our last night is spent at Jhinu Danda where we relax in a series of hot spring fed pools set deep in the Modi Khola. Annapurna Base Camp trek won't be completed without stopping at the Jhinu Hot Springs. The next day is an easy one just a short 15-20 minute hike down to the bottom of the Modi Khola River and on to Sewai where we take our transport back to our hotel in Pokhara.

Perhaps it is only when you are back relaxing in Pokhara, you are able to take in the full impact of the Annapurna Short Trek and just what it has meant for you.

In case if you are not convenienced with Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek then you

[email protected] | +977 9841917136, +977 14522527 © Nepal Trekking Experts Pvt. Ltd. Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek may also have a look the newly opened Khopra Ridge Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Short Annapurna Circuit Trek and more.

Itinerary Details

Day 01 : Welcome at airport and transfer to the Hotel.

One of our team will greet you at the airport for the transfer to your Hotel where there is time to relax. Your guide will meet everyone in the hotel reception for a welcome meeting at a convenient time depending on arrival times. For those that wish, there is the chance to go out together as a group for dinner afterwards something we like to do with new guests. There are no other activities planned for today. Depending on your arrival schedule you will have time to get around the bustling bazaar, the hotels we use are normally situated in the lively Thamel area. There is a feast of outdoor gear, souvenir shops, great bookshops and a huge variety of restaurants, it's a great place to wander through and get your bearings.

Day 02 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus (7-8 hrs)

Soon after breakfast at our hotel we leave the capital today for the drive to Pokhara. The drive will take us much of the day around six hours, through beautiful landscapes of green hills along fast flowing rivers with busy market towns dotted along the route. As we near Pokhara, the landscape changes and the Annapurna range comes in to view. On arrival at our lakeside hotel there is time to relax. The afternoon is free to get around, perhaps some boating or just chilling out in a restaurant around the lake.

Day 03 : Drive to Sewai 2.30 hrs and trek to Chhomrong ( 2170m, 6-7 hrs).

Our first day commences with a two and a half hour road trip towards the Annapurna Massif, the spectacular views help to make up for the potholed road we need to encounter on the way. Journey over and Boots well laced we begin with the climb to Chhomrung. First a gradual climb to and through the hot springs settlement of Jinuwa which we ignore for now. We spend a welcome return to soothe any aching muscles on an overnight stay on the way back from Annapurna Base Camp. There is then a steep climb for around two to three hours to Chomrong, the village has its own unique setting, spread over a hillside with some stunning views of the Annapurnas and Machapuchare. Views are particularly good in the early morning.

Day 04 : Chhomrong to Himalaya (2920m, 6-7 hrs).

We leave Chomrong on a the trail that eventually snakes up through Rhododendron and Bamboo forest, over semi arid rocky terrain and past cascading waterfalls as it pierces deep into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. We begin today with a descent to cross the Chhomrong Khola River by suspension bridge, all the way with some excellent views of Machhapuchhre with its distinctive 'fishtail' profile and Annapurna South. We continue

[email protected] | +977 9841917136, +977 14522527 © Nepal Trekking Experts Pvt. Ltd. Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek to climb quite steeply, along a trail that leads us through oak and rhododendron forests until we reach a very welcome teahouse on top of the ridge at Sinuwa (2350m). From here the ascent to Kuldighar (2470m) is more gradual, continuing through lush forest to our lunch stop at the Bamboo Hotel (2340m). After lunch we continue our ascent towards Dovan, beyond which lies the unofficial gateway into the Sanctuary, walking through wet bamboo forest. The track continues up past the so-called 'weeping wall' and the shrine of the 'God of the Jungle' to the Himalaya Hotel (2840m).

Day 05 : Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m, 6-7 hrs)

Today we climb further to pass between the mounts of Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli–Known as the 'Gates' into the Sanctuary. Climbing over rocky moraine we arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3720m). Perched in the shadows of Annapurna South and the beautiful shape of Machhapuchhre one of Nepal's holy mountains (machha, fish' and puchhre, 'tail'), this is an awe-inspiring setting in which to end our day's trekking, the mountain landscapes providing us with a sight to raise the spirits of even the most tired amongst us.

Day 06 : Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m, 7 hrs)

Having taken in the stunning beauty of our setting, we begin our descent today heading for Bamboo (2340m), passing through the thick bamboo forest and crossing a number of rocky avalanche chutes to reach our destination.

Day 07 : Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m, 6 hrs)

The day starts with a descent through lush rhododendron forest full of wildlife and birdlife with a cacophony of birdsong to accompany us - mostly black-capped Sibia, we trek down to cross the Chhomrong Khola and climb up to Chhomrong village (2060m) where we take a rest break. We then climb for a short while before descending to the welcome hot springs of Jhinu Danda, our home for the night and a welcome hot bath.

Day 08 : Jhinu Danda to Sewai 3/4 hrs and drive back to Pokhara 2:30 hrs.

Our final day on the trail sees us first descending to the Kimrong Khola which we cross and then tackle a short ascent. Descending further we follow the Modi River until we reach Siwai, from where it's a short journey by four-wheel drive to Nayapul where we meet our bus. It's an hour-and-a-half road trip from here to Pokhara. Back in Pokhara where a hot shower and one of the town's many bakeries await us.

Day 09 : Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus (7 - 8 hrs)

After breakfast we transfer to the Kathmandu valley by tourist bus which takes more or less 7 to 8 hrs.

Day 10 : Departure

Transfer to the international airport