Overview
The 7 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek ranks among the most popular short treks in the Nepal Himalayas. It is an effective means of exploring the key highlights of the breathtaking Annapurna region in a very limited time frame. Indeed, this wonderful Himalayan adventure has been attracting trekkers from all over the world due to its accessibility, stunning mountain views, and rich cultural experiences.
The 7 days ABC Trek is an incredible journey to the heart of the Himalayas. It is celebrated for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and pristine nature. The trek takes you through various terrains, right from lush subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Eventually, you will reach the awe inspiring Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, the majestic lap of the 10th highest peak in the world (Annapurna 8,091 meters).
The ABC Trek perfectly combines adventure and scenic beauty from the dense forests and terraced fields of the low elevations to the rugged high altitude landscapes. Each day, you will pass through several quaint villages with friendly people, vibrant culture and heartfelt hospitality. Along the way, you will be treated to the rewarding vistas of the Annapurna Range, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Himalchuli, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, Tukuche Peak, Tharpu Chuli, Singu Chuli and Dhaulagiri. So the trek is an ideal opportunity to be immersed in stunning natural beauty and the rich cultural tapestry of the Annapurna region on a moderately challenging adventure.
The dynamic ABC trail greets a different breathtaking view around each turn. Throughout the trek, you will encounter a variety of sights, including Buddhist monuments, yaks grazing in pastures, thick bamboo grooves, colorful rhododendron forests, rushing rivers, Tibetan style houses and so on. In addition, you will go deep inside the rich biodiversity of the Annapurna Conservation Area and pass by the magnificent Macchapuchre Base Camp (MBC) en route. And finally, from the big ABC, the scenery of the elegant mountains in all their pristine beauty will outrank every level of expectation.
The 7 days trek to Annapurna Base Camp is also a great option for trekkers of all professions, ages, and financial capacities. This will surely be an unforgettable experience for any amateur and experienced hiker. This trek is for those who require a relatively short but fulfilling Himalayan experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a dash of cultural inquiry. The trek requires no technical skills and has been graded appropriate for a wide range of trekkers.
7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
The 7 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most comfortable and relaxed itineraries for trekkers who want to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region without being rushed. This itinerary takes a clockwise route from Ghandruk to reach the Base Camp and ends at Jhinu Danda, a place famous for its natural hot springs.
The trek Routes starts with a drive of 2 hours from Pokhara to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village. Further, it goes through Chomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo and Deurali, steadily gaining altitude until you reach Machapuchare Base Camp and then continue to Annapurna Base Camp.
Then the trek heads downhill to Jhinu Danda, where you can enjoy dipping in the natural hot springs to bring relief and soothe those tired muscles after a tiresome trek. Finally, we drive back to Pokhara to end the journey.
Trek can be completed within 5 days by experienced trekkers but the optimum trip is 7 days for those who would like a slightly relaxed itinerary to soak in the natural beauty and cultural charm of the region.
Best time to Trek ABC 7 Days
The 7 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is doable during all four seasons, but the ideal time is from September to December and mid-February to May. During these months, the weather conditions are most favorable to make your trek easy and enjoyable. Whether you are passing through the forests, across terraced fields or ascending to the base camp, it is at these times that just the best conditions will be found for treks.
The weather is clear and the skies are usually cloud-free and deep blue, which treats you to the unobstructed and stunning views of the Himalayas. The stark panorama of snow-capped peaks, like Annapurna, Macchapuchre, Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri, provides you with an unmatched trekking experience. Likewise, rain is minimal and temperatures are mild; thus, trails are dry and safe and trekking is comfortable. It is also the period when the landscapes look exceptionally beautiful with lush greenery, colorful terracing fields and stunning fall leaves.
September to December and mid-February to May lets you enjoy the crisp air and the breathtaking foliage and the cool winds and flowering blossoms, respectively. These are the ideal months for all to enjoy the stunning scenery and have deep cultural immersion without facing the challenges of extreme weather conditions.
Key Highlights of 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Traversing diverse ecosystems, from subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and high altitude rugged terrain.
- Experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities and explore their unique culture and traditions.
- Soothing the tired body in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda.
- Reaching the foothills of the earth’s 10th tallest mountain and being surrounded by towering peaks.
- Passing through the rich ecosystem of the Annapurna Conservation Area and enriched insights into its flora and fauna.
- Relishing the stunning panorama of Annapurna, Machapuchare, Himchuli, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Singu Chuili, Mardi Himal and many others.
7 Days ABC Trek Difficulties
The 7 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered a moderate Himalayan adventure in terms of difficulty level. Altitude is one of the major concerns that you have to deal with during the ABC Trek.
Annapurna Base Camp is at an elevation of 4,130 meters. Though you will follow a gradual ascent, it will not give you much time to acclimatize on a week long journey, thus increasing the possibility of altitude sickness. You need to listen to your body, stay hydrated and turn back in case the symptoms of altitude sickness start to appear.
On the other hand, the steep ascents and descents along the rocky or uneven trail can be exhausting. Plus, there is a likelihood of slipping if the route is wet or snow covered, so reliable trekking poles and sturdy boots are very important.
Another difficulty includes the length of the trek and the daily distances one needs to cover. In a 7 days itinerary, you normally walk 5 to 7 hours every day for 10 to 15 kilometers. These long trekking hours test your stamina and endurance to the core.
The overall idea is that the 7 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not as challenging compared to other longer Himalayan treks. If you are physically fit and used to days of hiking, especially with the ability to take altitude variations easily, then you can safely complete this trek.
7 Days ABC Trek Distance
The 7 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek covers a distance of about 110 kilometers, starting and ending in the town of Pokhara. The distance could vary depending on the route taken and any detours taken along the way.
The walking distance during the ABC trek varies each day but falls between 8 and 12 kilometers on most days. As you go further on the trek, altitudes rise and the trekking distances also gradually increase. However, the distances remain manageable each day allowing you the time to adjust to the altitude, enjoy the scenery and take breaks when needed.
With daily distances being moderate, steep terrain and altitude gains make for a challenging trek. Thus, it calls for a balance in terms of pace and acclimatization.
7 Days ABC Trek Itinerary
Cost Include / Exclude
What’s include
- All Necessary Annapurna Trekking Permit like ACAP Permit, TMS permit
- Ground Transportation by Private Jeep – from Pokhara to Ghandruk / retunr to Pokhara from Jhinu
- 3 Meals A day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek.
- Trekking Guide :An experienced, helpful and good English Speaking Guide.
- General equipment like sleeping bag, duffel bag
- All government taxes and service charge.
What’s excluded
- Personal Travel insurance and also emergency rescue evacuation
- All the Bar bills – Hot and Bottle of drinks
- personal expenses (phone call, laundry service, battery recharge, Hot Shower)
- Trekking Porter- USD 175 per porter
- Tips
Packing List
The ABC trekking route takes you through diverse environments, with various altitudes and possible changes in weather and temperature fluctuations. Thus, you need to pack thoughtfully, considering the varying conditions on your journey. However, since this is a short-duration trek, light packing will do good while not missing out on anything you need.
The key to packing is bringing what you need without overloading your backpack. It is because carrying a heavy load will slow you down, especially on challenging high altitude terrain. Below is the recommended list of what to pack for a short Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Permits and Essential Documents
- Passport
- Nepal visa
- Travel Insurance
- International flight tickets
- Permits: TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) Card and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
Clothing
- Scarf
- Beanie2 to 3 moisture wicking long and short sleeve shirts
- 2 pairs of lightweight trekking pants
- 1 fleece jacket or lightweight down jacket
- 1 waterproof and windproof jacket
- 1 lightweight rain poncho
- Down jacket
- 1 pair of warm gloves
Multiple soft thermal underwea
Footwear
- 4 to 5 pairs of moisture wicking socks
- Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots
- Lightweight, comfortable sports shoes
- A pair of gaiters
- Slippers
- Flip flops
Sun Protection
- 1 wide brimmed hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 40 or higher)
Trekking Gear
- A roomy backpack
- A small daypack
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
Headlamp or flashlight
Personal Hygiene and First Aid
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, multipurpose soap, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, quick drying towel, etc.
- First Aid Kit including bandages, antiseptic, blister treatment, pain relievers and personal medications.
- Miscellaneous Essentials
- Energy bars and snacks
- Refillable water bottles and water purification tablets or filter
- Camera
- Smartphone
- Garbage bags
- Money