Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 5-Day Short Route with Guide & Pickup

Summary

Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp in five days local food villages sunrise peaks

You’ll start from Pokhara with hotel pickup and head straight into Nepal’s wildest landscapes on this short Annapurna Base Camp trek. Expect swinging bridges, cozy nights in mountain lodges run by local families, real dal bhat meals after long climbs, and sunrise views over snowy peaks you won’t forget soon. It’s tough but honest — and always guided by someone who knows every corner.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that bridge?” our guide, Suman, grinned as we stared at the thin line over the river. “Second longest on this trek — but don’t worry, it only shakes when you dance.” I was already sweating from the drive out of Pokhara (the roads are... lively), and now my stomach did a little flip. But honestly, crossing that suspension bridge near Birethanti with the river roaring below and kids waving from the far bank — that’s when it really hit me: we were actually doing this. The air smelled like wet stone and cardamom from someone’s morning tea. My boots felt too new.

The first night in Chhomrong, we stayed in a lodge run by a Gurung family. Their daughter tried to teach us how to say “thank you” in Nepali (I still can’t get it right). Dinner was dal bhat — simple but somehow perfect after hours of walking up those endless stone steps. Suman told stories about trekking here as a kid; he pointed out where landslides had changed the trail last season. I liked that he didn’t pretend everything was easy — just honest about what to expect. That night I woke up cold and listened to dogs barking somewhere down in the valley.

Day three is where the forest closes around you: bamboo creaks underfoot, and every so often you get a gap in the trees with a flash of white peak. There’s this moment coming into Deurali when everything goes quiet except for your own breath and maybe a distant bird — kind of eerie, but peaceful too. At Machhapuchhre Base Camp, clouds rolled in fast and hid most of the mountains, but when they cleared for a second at sunset... well, I still think about that view.

The last push to Annapurna Base Camp is slow going at altitude — my legs felt like lead and Suman kept reminding us to drink water (“slowly-slowly,” he’d say). When we finally reached ABC at 4,130m, there wasn’t any big celebration; just everyone sitting quietly, watching light move across those huge faces of snow and rock. It’s not really about conquering anything — more like being allowed to stand there for a while. On the way down, my knees hated me but breakfast with hot ginger tea at Sinuwa made up for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara and explore

• Early morning drive to Pokhara
• Visit lakeside tourist town
• Overnight at trekking lodge with meals

Day 2 — Drive to Nayapul and trek to Chhomrong

• Breakfast at hotel in Pokhara
• Drive to Birethati and enter ACAP
• Drive to Siwai
• Cross Modi River suspension bridge
• Trek to Jinu Dada
• Trek to Chhomrong village
• Overnight at trekking lodge with meals

Day 3 — Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya

• Breakfast with mountain sunrise view
• Descend to Chhomrong Khola
• Cross longest suspension bridge
• Climb to Sinuwa Dada
• Walk through bamboo and oak forest
• Ascend to Dovan then Himalaya
• Overnight at trekking lodge with meals

Day 4 — Trek to Annapurna Base Camp via MBC

• Breakfast at lodge
• Climb to Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Final trek to Annapurna Base Camp
• Enjoy mountain views and sunset
• Overnight at trekking lodge with meals

Day 5 — Descend from ABC to Sinuwa

• Sunrise view at Annapurna Base Camp
• Breakfast at base camp
• Descend to Sinuwa via same trail
• Overnight at trekking lodge with meals

Day 6 — Trek to Siwai then drive to Pokhara

• Breakfast at lodge
• Trek steeply to Jhinu hot spring
• Trek down to Siwai
• Drive from Siwai to Pokhara
• Check in hotel and rest
• Evening walk around Pokhara lakeside

Top questions

How many days does the Annapurna Base Camp trek take?

This route takes 5 days from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp and back.

Is hotel pickup included for this trek?

Yes, hotel pickup in Pokhara is included before starting the trek.

Are meals provided during the trek?

All standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included each day on the trek.

What is the highest altitude reached on this trek?

The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters (13,549 feet).

Do I need previous trekking experience?

No previous trekking experience is required but moderate fitness helps as there are steep sections.

Are guides English-speaking locals?

Yes, your trekking guide is an English-speaking local familiar with the region.

Is transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara included?

A tourist bus transfer between Kathmandu and Pokhara is included at the start of your trip.

What kind of accommodation should I expect?

You’ll stay in trekking lodges or hotels with single or twin rooms along the route.

What’s included

Your journey includes all ground transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus plus private transfers along the trailhead routes; an English-speaking local trekking guide; all necessary permits; accommodation each night in mountain lodges or hotels; daily breakfast, lunch and dinner; use of down jacket and sleeping bag if needed; airport pick-up and drop-off; plus a farewell dinner and even a free hiking t-shirt at the end.