Short Annapurna Foothills Lodge Trek
- 5 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
We guide this five-day introductory trek through the lower Annapurna ridges, combining rhododendron forests with views of Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our five-day Short Annapurna Trek is designed for hikers seeking a condensed introduction to Nepal's middle hills without committing to high-altitude expeditions. We lead this route through terraced agricultural fields, traditional Brahman and Chhetri settlements, and dense rhododendron forests, keeping daily walking hours moderate and manageable for those with basic fitness.
We begin with a short flight to Pokhara before driving to Phedi to start walking upward toward Australian Camp. Throughout the journey, our team ensures a steady pace that accommodates the gradual elevation gain, allowing us to absorb the landscape properly. The route transitions from subtropical valleys to ridgelines offering clear prospects of the Annapurna massifs, Dhaulagiri, and the distinct peak of Machhapuchhre.
Accommodation along the way consists of local teahouses operated by resident families, where we share simple meals and warm stove fire circles in the evenings. While the terrain involves sustained stone staircases and uphill pulls, the modest maximum altitude of 1,991 m minimises any risk of acute mountain sickness, making this an accessible option for first-time visitors to the Himalaya.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Pokhara Flight
We take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, catching aerial views of the mid-hill river valleys.
Australian Camp Views
We stay at Australian Camp at 1,990 m, where Machhapuchhre and Annapurna stand directly across the valley.
Sarangkot Sunrise
We watch the morning light hit the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from the ridge at Sarangkot.
Rhododendron Forests
We hike shaded forest trails between Dhampus and Pothana passing through native woodland flora.
Hill Villages
We walk past cultivated hillside terraces and interact with local farming communities in Kaski District.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets our arriving guests at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to our hotel in Kathmandu. We use the late afternoon to conduct a pre-trip briefing regarding the days ahead and handle any final equipment checks.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight and Trek to Australian Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight and Trek to Australian Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight lasting 30 minutes to Pokhara, followed by a private drive to Phedi to commence our walking. Our trail climbs stone steps through cultivated terraces and Brahman and Chhetri villages toward Dhampus, where we stop for lunch. Afterwards, we ascend through a steep rhododendron forest to reach Australian Camp at 1,990 m.
Day 3
Australian Camp to Sarangkot via Kande
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Australian Camp to Sarangkot via Kande
Meals: B / L / D
Following breakfast at our teahouse, we descend slightly through forest paths down to Kande. From Kande, a private car transfers our team along the winding ridge road to Sarangkot at 1,991 m. In the evening, we look out over the lights of Pokhara city and Phewa Lake far below.
Day 4
Sarangkot Sunrise, Trek to Pokhara, and Fly to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Sarangkot Sunrise, Trek to Pokhara, and Fly to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We walk uphill for 10 minutes before dawn to reach the Sarangkot view tower for the sunrise over the Annapurna range. After returning for breakfast, we walk down the hillside to Pokhara and board our afternoon flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 5
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 5
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team provides a private vehicle transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours prior to our scheduled international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private car
- Two nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel with breakfast
- Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Twin-share lodge accommodation during the trek
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on trek
- Experienced trekking guide and porters (one porter for two guests)
- Staff insurance, food, salary, and equipment
- First aid medical kit and office service charge
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation
- Meals in Kathmandu beyond breakfast
- Personal expenses such as bottled drinks, Wi-Fi, and hot showers
- Tips for our trekking guides and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our highest overnight elevation on this trek is 1,991 m at Sarangkot and Australian Camp. Because we remain well below the threshold for altitude sickness, no specialized acclimatisation schedule is required, making this route comfortable for all fitness levels.
Fitness expectations
We walk between two to four hours each day on a mix of stone staircases, earthen paths, and dirt roads. Regular cardiovascular preparation such as stair climbing or hill walking for a few weeks prior to arrival will ensure you enjoy the daily ascents.
Teahouse accommodation
We stay in local lodges offering twin-share rooms with basic wooden beds and foam mattresses. Facilities are shared, and dining rooms are typically heated by a central metal stove burning wood or dried dung in the evenings.
Drinking water
We recommend carrying a reusable water bottle and chemical purification tablets or a portable filter. Bottled water is available for purchase at teahouses, but treating tap or boiled water reduces plastic waste along the trail.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with good ankle support for stone steps.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops for cool mornings.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Breathable jacket to protect against unexpected rain or wind.
Trekking trousersEssential
Clothing
Quick-drying synthetic pants for daily walking.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Essential UV protection for ridge walking.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for early morning walks to sunrise viewpoints.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
1-litre capacity minimum with purification tablets.
Daypack 20-30LEssential
Camping
For carrying your daily layers, water, and camera gear.
Valid passport and insurance detailsEssential
Documents
Required for permit checks and domestic flights.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.ACAP Entry Permit
PermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit required for entering the region.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for trail registration.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Short Annapurna Trek?
We rate this trek as easy. It involves daily walks of 2 to 4 hours on well-defined trails with modest ascents and a maximum altitude under 2,000 m.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
No prior trekking experience is necessary. Basic cardiovascular fitness and the ability to walk up stone staircases comfortably are sufficient.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
We stay in local family-run teahouses along the trail offering twin-share rooms with simple bedding and shared bathroom facilities.
Is drinking water easily available along the trail?
Yes, bottled water and boiled water can be purchased at teahouses. We advise bringing your own purification tablets or filter.
What luggage arrangements are provided?
We provide a complimentary Himalaya Treks duffel bag for your gear to be carried by our porters, while you carry a small daypack for daily essentials.
Are domestic flights included in the trip?
Yes, round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, along with airport transfers by private car, are fully included.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 5 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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