Nepal trekking does not follow trails. It is more than the search for the soul of the Himalayas; it is the search for the warm rural communities, and a mixture of adventure and culture that can never be found anywhere else. Even if you are interested in a longer trip into the high mountains or are happy to take a short and scenic walk, Nepal has something to offer to everyone. 

One of the most important and best treks in Nepal, the Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most enriching experiences that this country offers to its visitors, which not only offers breathtaking, faultless scenery but also comes with a manageable course of time.

Best Treks of Nepal

Overview

Nepal is known to be one of the best trekking destinations worldwide, and not without a purpose. It has eight out of the fourteen mountains over 8,000m in the world, namely Mt. Everest and Annapurna I. Treks in the country will enable you to explore varied landscapes which include green subtropical valleys, alpine meadows, and peaks covered with snow.

Nepal is the best trekking destination and well-known trekking routes in Nepal are the Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley trek, and Manaslu Circuit trek. These treks are divided into different fitness levels, timeframes, and interests. Diversity implies that the trekkers may decide to take a short-moderate hike or take a more challenging journey to test physical and mental abilities.

Highlights

• Sights of such famous mountains as Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
• Opportunity to reach UNESCO World Heritage sites, monasteries and sacred lakes.
• A rich cultural experience with Sherpa, Gurung, Magal and Tamang communities.
• Depending on the trip, you may have a variety of trek lengths, including 4-day walks and 20-day circuits.
• Beautiful nature and diversity: falls, rhododendron forest, glaciers and passes in high mountains.

Alternative Treks

Although classic trails have thousands of trekkers per year, Nepal also has less-visited yet beautiful trails. The exceptional alternatives are:

• Khopra Ridge Trek: This trail is perfect without the crowds of Poon Hill but with equally picturesque views of the sunrise.
• Gokyo Lakes Trek: Glacial Lakes of Gokyo, Famed by its turquoise glacial lakes and a high-elevation vantage point with a panoramic view of Everest.
• Helambu Trek: This trek is very near Kathmandu, so you do not need to travel too much but still can get the cultural experience.

Base camp short Annapurna Trek

Overview

The short Annapurna Base Camp trek is a trek that will allow you to appreciate the beauty in the Himalaya without undergoing a long trek. Normally the entire Annapurna Base Camp trek is 12-14 days. The short one is less than 79 days, ideal for those with a short travel time.

The path goes through the terraced agricultural fields, the villages of Gurungs and forests and finally culminates at Annapurna Sanctuary which is a natural amphitheater of jagged mountains. It is a beautiful moment when the trekkers find themselves in the base camp standing in the mountains such as Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Machapuchare (6,993 m).

Highlights

• Witnessing the sunrise from Poon Hill is one of Nepal’s most famous and breathtaking attractions.
• Gurung and Magar villages.
• Breathtaking views of some of the world’s tallest and most stunning mountain peaks.
• This is an adventure trek and lodge trek at the same time due to properly established tea houses.

Alternative Treks

If it is just a matter of loving the concept of the Short Annapurna Base Camp trek, yet seeking a different alternative, then there are other worthy alternatives:

• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:  A low-lying trek well known due to the sunrise sight of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
• Mardi Himal Trek: Best suited to trekkers who want solitude and a clean mountain view.
• Annapurna Panorama Trek: Blends first-hand culture with panoramic vista of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.

Everest Base Camp vs Annapurna Base Camp: A Closer Look at the Differences and Similarities

One of the dilemmas that most trekkers have had to deal with is which of the following should they trek to: Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp? Both treks are wonderful but it has varying experiences.

• Scenery: Everest Base Camp offers views of Everest and the other Khumbu peaks whereas in Annapurna Base Camp, you are offered a mountain amphitheater.
• Altitude: EBC is 5,364 meters which means it is a more strenuous high-altitude hike, whereas ABC is 4,130 meters which makes it a little less demanding to the body.
• Length: EBC requires approximately 12-14 days most time to complete and the Short ABC trek can be accomplished in less than 9 days.

In the Everest region, you’ll find the Sherpa community with its deep Buddhist traditions, while the Annapurna region is home to the Gurung and Magar people, each with their unique cultural heritage.

For customers who are short of time but want to experience the dramatic mountain vistas in a shorter period, the Short ABC trek is better than the Everest Base Camp trek.

Meetings of cultures along the Trails

It is one of the most enjoyable aspects of trekking in Nepal since one gets to interact with the people who reside in the mountains.

• Everest region: The region is known for Sherpa culture, Buddhist monasteries, and colorful festivals.
• Annapurna region: It is also well known in terms of Gurung hospitality, traditional dancing, and the local food.
• Langtang: This is a Tamang area with a Tibetan bent.

Such cultural interactions add spice to the trekking experience and transform a mountain sail into the experience of human interaction.

Tips on Travelling to Do a Successful Trek

The following points will help you make your trekking experience in Nepal the best:

• Pack sensibly: Layers, boots and a decent sleeping bag need to go.
• Get used to: Get acclimatized by rest days after gaining altitude before getting altitude sickness.
• Hire local guides and porters: Not only will you be putting food on someone’s table but you will also get someone with cultural understanding and security.
• Eat well and stay hydrated: Mountain treks demand an expenditure of energy; ensure that you drink an adequate amount of water and have simple yet nutritious meals.
• Try to respect the local culture: Learn some local words and respect local customs- it will just make your experience richer.

What are the Reasons to go Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is an irresistible blend of treks in terms of time, difficulty and sensory delight, a treat and challenge to every time-crunched trekker. It is extremely beginner-friendly, easy to access and with a focus on adventure, culture and scenery.

To the trekkers who dream about Nepal but have only a week’s time, the trek is a package of the essence of the Himalayas in a small trip.

Conclusion: What Trek should you take?

The best and the Short Annapurna Base Camp treks in Nepal all come with the guarantee that you will get an experience that you will live to be proud of. Everest Base Camp is the ultimate option when you want to have a closer look at Everest.

Do you desire a shorter experience with an equally breathtaking experience? Then the Short ABC trek is what to look forward to. And when you require a little less maniacal flapping around you can substitute with Mardi Himal, or Manaslu Circuit, both a bit quieter and a lot lovelier.

No matter which course you take, trekking in Nepal is a way of making memories you simply will not forget, embracing natural beauty, local culture and your accomplishment. 

TripAdvisor users praise Escape Himalaya for its outstanding service combined with its friendly personnel and multiple positive reviews. The trusted choice of international adventurers delivers Himalayan expeditions that match travelers’ preferred experiences.  Reach out to us at our website escapehimalaya.com and email to us at Info@escapehimalaya.com to start planning your next adventure.

FAQs

1. What is the best trek in Nepal for a first-time trekker?

The short Annapurna Base Camp trek and Poon Hill trek are the best treks to get acquainted with the mountains due to their shorter ascent, moderate difficulty and extremely picturesque views.

2. What is the duration of the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

It should take 7-9 days on average, at your own pace, and with an itinerary.

3. What is the best trekking month/nepal?

The best time to go is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the skies are clear and the weather is at its finest.

4. Do I require Permits for Trekking?

Yes, almost all treks require a TIMS permit and National park/conservation area permits. 

5. Do you need a guide when trekking in Nepal?

Independent trekking can be done on some routes but hiring a guide is highly recommended for navigational purposes, for safety reasons, and to learn about the culture.