Trip Overview
Short Annapurna Trek is a short-distance hiking trail through an exceptionally charming landscape of the Annapurna region. This trail runs through surrounding best-hiking destinations around Pokhara valley and offers captivating scenery. This is a short and rewarding journey for people looking to unwind in Mother Nature in a short length of time. Besides, this trekking trail being a truly convenient way to relax and rejuvenate, this also explore the culturally rich towns and communities. Thus, this journey lets travelers endeavor the natural and cultural beauty of the Annapurna region in just 5 beautiful days.
After the scenic flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu, the trekking trail follows the forested road paths to Australian Base Camp. Australian Camp is quite popular as a weekend gateway and to relish the majestic peaks of Annapurna. The trek from charming Australian Camp continues to Sarangkot, about 10 km away from Pokhara city. Sarangkot is one of the best viewpoints around Pokhara to watch orange rays of sun hitting the heads of Annapurna peaks. The scenes are simply tantalizing and mesmerizing. After watching the splendid mountain scenes, hike down to Pokhara, witnessing semi-urban life in the hillside. All the more, Annapurna Short Trek is the best way to explore the delights of the Annapurna region in the quickest way possible.
Annapurna Short Trek includes traversing the wooded area with various trees and passing fine small farming villages. With that splendid panoramic mountain views are added bonus in this fantastic journey. It is an easy hike; thus, it is a doable trek despite age and experience. Moreover, it is a suitable trek for the short and relaxing gateway in the lap of mountains and Mother Nature. Through this short walking trail, discover the unique views and picturesque villages on foot and unwind in the serene natural beauty.
Best time for Short Annapurna Trek
As this is a short trekking journey and takes place at a comfortable height, Short Annapurna Trek is doable all year round. Hence, there is no restriction of time. Whenever time suits you, one can sign up for this trek. However, it would be spring and autumn if you wish to do Short Annapurna Trek during its best times. These two seasons generally are the best time for all treks in Nepal. Thus, there is no doubt why it wouldn’t be an ideal time. Spring in Nepal is from March to April, and it is a post-winter season; mornings and nights still remain chilly with winter air. However, daytime is the loveliest because the weather is pleasant for trekking purposes. Likewise, it is flower blooming time, and the foothills of Annapurna are covered with rhododendron blooms. The red and pink shades of rhododendron flower make the setting gorgeous and genuinely fabulous. Similarly, the mountain scenery is quite vibrant at this time.
On the other hand, autumn, which falls from September to November, offers excellent weather and ambiance for this trek. It is the post-monsoon/summer season; thus, there is freshness and clarity in the environment. Similarly, the weather is perfectly mild and comfortable for trekking during this time, and mountain views are simply breathtaking. As the skies remain blue and clear, the mountain views come even more alive at such time. On the other hand, winter falls from December to February, and most think it is not a suitable time for trekking in Nepal due to cold weather conditions. However, it is one of the fantastic times for Short Annapurna Trek. Since the trek takes in the lower altitude, the weather is bearable in such heights.
Similarly, the skies are best during the winter season; thus, the mountain glistens brightly and vibrantly. Similarly, from June to August is summer/monsoon, which is also a good time for this trek despite rain might cause some hindrance. On the flip side, summer/monsoon offers a tranquil ambiance because pretty and colorful flowers cover the hills.
Highlights of the trek:
- A chance to taste the cultural and natural pleasantries in the shortest way possible.
- The beautiful lake city of Pokhara and its bustling nature
- A natural abundance to explore from the Australian Camp and panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and many others
- Explore the locals and their culture while traversing through terraced fields and picturesque villages to dense forests of rhododendron and oak
- A stopover in Sarangkot to witness the golden sunrise view amidst the Annapurna range and many more.
Short Annapurna Trek Difficulty
Short Annapurna Trek is an easy and relaxing hike, so one should not worry about having difficulty on the trek. As much as it is low altitude trekking journey, it is also a gently progressing journey. Thus, it offers plenty of chances to accommodate the surroundings if trekkers feel tough to adapt. Besides, on this trek, you will be walking for about 6 hours each day. On the whole, it is an easy trek feasible for kids, adults, and elders.
Alternative Treks
There are several other exciting trekking trips if you think this is not the journey for you. NHT also offers 14 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek for trekkers looking for a bit more daring journey. Or take on an even more adventurous trek by participating in the Annapurna Circuit Trek that showcases the different terrain of Nepal.