Annapurna Base Camp short trek vs Annapurna Base Camp regular trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the most popular treks in the Himalayas. Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is the revised version of the regular Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Both treks are similar and follow the same route.
Overview of the route
You take the same route in both the Annapurna Base Camp short trek and the Annapurna Base Camp regular trek. The only difference is the mode of transportation used during each trek. In the Annapurna Base Camp short trek, you will fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Tikhe Dhunga.
In the regular Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will start by driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then hike towards Tikhe Dhunga. After reaching Tikhe Dhunga, you will start to trek towards a beautiful Gurung village called Ghorepani.
You will have to rise early the next day and hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint to catch the beautiful sunrise. In Poon Hill, you get a mesmerizing view of the mountains such as Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machapuchre, Himchuli, and Dhampus Peak.
You continue your journey from Poon Hill to Deurali via Sinuwa. After hiking from Deurali, you reach your destination, Annapurna Base Camp. You will be stunned by the majestic beauty of the Annapurna ranges and other peaks.
After spending time in the Annapurna Base Camp, you will descend toward Jhinu Danda through Bamboo and then to Pokhara. You return to Kathmandu via a flight in the Annapurna Base Camp short trek. In the Annapurna Base Camp regular trek, you drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara.
Main Attractions of the Trek
– Distinct flora and fauna: In the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you hike through The Annapurna Conservation Area. The conservation area preserves the diverse flora and fauna. There are more than a thousand species of flowering plants in the conservation area. You can find rare animals like red pandas and snow leopards.
– Unique culture and lifestyle of locals: Most of the Gurung and Magar ethnic people are the inhabitants of the area. They have their own distinct culture and traditions. They welcome all the visitors warmly.
– Panoramic Mountain View: Throughout the trek, you can see the mesmerizing view of sunset and sunrise. You can view the Annapurna ranges, Machapuchre, Gangapurna, and Lamjung Himal.
– Natural hot spring: There is a natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda. Most of the people visit this place while returning to Pokhara. The hot spring water heals all the tiredness and pain from the trek.
Trip Duration and Cost
The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek can be completed within 9 days whereas the Annapurna Base Camp regular trek takes about 14 days to complete. You get to explore the Kathmandu and Pokhara more in the Annapurna Base Camp regular trek. You can extend your trip days to commence other trips.
The overall cost of both treks depends on you. The standard you choose for your food and accommodation heavily impacts your expenses. If you want to lower your cost, then you can choose to travel in big groups.
Best time for the Trek
Annapurna Base Camp is open any time of the year. The best time to commence the Annapurna Base Camp is from March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn).
In the spring season, the climate is stable and warm. You get the best view of the flowers blooming and painting the entire hill. In the autumn season, the weather is humid and the sky is clear.
You should not trek during the monsoon and winter seasons because of heavy rainfall and snowfall respectively. During these seasons, there is a high chance of injuries and natural calamities.
Difficulty level of the trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate-level trek. Even beginners with a proper level of fitness can accomplish both short and regular Annapurna Base Camp treks. You will walk for about 6-7 hours daily.
Since the maximum elevation of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is 4130m, you are less likely to get altitude sickness. Nevertheless, to avoid altitude sickness you should drink water and hike slowly. Everybody has a different body so if you get severe altitude sickness, you must stop the trek and hike toward lower altitude.
Accommodation available for the trek
There are many hotels with the best level facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In the Annapurna Base Camp trek, there are lodges and teahouses. You can get hot showers, Wi-Fi, and attached bathrooms at the lower altitudes.
You get many menu choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the common foods are Dal Bhat, momos, thukpa, fried rice, and bread with eggs. You can also get international dishes like pizza and pasta. If you are traveling in the peak season, you might have to share facilities with other travelers. So, you must book the hotels before starting your trek.
Packing ideas for the trek
You need to pack all the necessities wisely according to the time of travel for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. You need to pack headlights, sun caps, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and facial wipes. You should wear comfortable hiking shoes.
You must carry sleeping bags, down jackets, t-shirts, rain jackets, socks, and lightweight trekking pants. You should bring walking poles. You need to bring water pills for purification. You also need to pack a first aid medicines kit.
Both Annapurna Base Camp’s short trek and Annapurna Base Camp’s regular trek are fruitful. They offer a lifetime experience in the surroundings with stunning scenery. The treks allow you to fully enjoy the Annapurna region of Nepal. Based on your preferences, you can choose the Annapurna Base Camp trek you want to commence.
If you have timing constraints, you can choose to do Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek instead of the regular one. If you have time and prefer a chilled-out trekking experience, then you can opt to do the Annapurna Base Camp regular trek.
Many trekking agencies facilitate Annapurna Base Camp short trek and Annapurna Base Camp regular trek in Nepal. You can easily search the trekking agencies on the web. You must remember to choose a registered and well-reputed trekking company for the best trekking experience.
