Short treks in Annapurna give the best mountain experience. You do not need a long-term commitment for this trek. The Annapurna region has some of Nepal's best hiking routes in just 3 to 7 days. You walk through mountain villages, see snow peaks, and experience genuine Nepali culture. Only some tourists choose these shorter routes. It has quieter trails and deeper connections with local communities.
In this guide, you will know the best short treks in the Annapurna region for 2026. We cover five main routes with real itineraries, daily schedules, and costs. You'll learn which trek is for your fitness level and interests. We explain permits, seasons, and what to pack.
Short treks in Annapurna are growing fast these days. They solve real problems for many trekkers. You don't need weeks off work. Pokhara is within hours from all the trailheads. The tea-house system means comfortable stays without heavy camping gear.
Families with children, students, photographers, and older travellers all find routes that match their needs. 2026 is the perfect time to explore these mountain adventures.
Why Short Treks in Annapurna Make Sense in 2026
Annapurna short treks are popular for many reasons. Pokhara is the main city for these short trek routes. This beautiful place is close to all the trailheads. You don't need flights to reach the starting points. Most treks begin within two to three hours of the city. It saves your time and money.
The tea-house system in the Annapurna region is well developed. It means you stay in local lodges each night instead of camping. You can walk with a light day pack. You don't have to carry a heavy tent or sleeping bag. The tea houses are good with hot meals and warm beds. This setup makes trekking easier and more comfortable.
Short treks also work well for different groups. Families with children can choose easy routes like the Dhampus Loop. Students enjoy affordable trips that don't require weeks off work. Photographers can find amazing views without long daily walks. Likewise, older travellers can trek at their own pace on quiet trails. The flexibility of short treks means more people can go and watch the mountains.
Trekkers can trek year in the autumn and spring seasons. You can ignore the heavy monsoon. It rains mostly from July to August. But you will get clear skies and beautiful weather in autumn and winter. The blooming rhododendrons are at best. Each season gives different views and experiences. This means 2026 is perfect for planning your Annapurna adventure.
Top Short Treks (3–7 Days)
There are several trekking spots in Nepal. Some have long routes, whereas some treks are small. If you are fond of long treks, visit Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit or Kanchanjunga. But if you want short, small treks, there might be other options. Below are a few short treks that might be for you:
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (4–5 Days)
The Poon Hill trek is the most popular short trek in the region. It's perfect if you want sunrise views without long walks. The trek starts at Nayapul and ends at Ghandruk. The highest point is 3,210 m at Poon Hill itself.
The main reason people hike this route is the sunrise. On clear mornings, you see Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South turn gold and pink. The view is worth waking up early. Beyond sunrise, the trek passes through Gurung villages with traditional stone houses. You walk past terraced farms and rhododendron forests.
The difficulty for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is easy to moderate. You have to walk for four to five hours. The path is well-managed and easy to follow. This trek is suitable for families and beginners. You don't need well-trained or climbing experience.
The best months to trek to Poon Hill are October to April. During winter, the air is clear and cold. Spring offers wildflowers and green hills. Rain falls from June to August, making trails slippery.
Mardi Himal Trek (5–6 Days)
Mardi Himal trek is one of the famous treks among trekkers. If you want fewer people and the best close-up peak views, the Mardi Himal trek is your choice. The trek starts from Kande or Dhampus. You finish at Siding or Lumre. The highest point is 4,500 m at the Mardi Himal viewpoint.
This trek offers something special. The views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) are stunning and clear. You see the mountain from different angles each day. The ridge trails are quiet compared to Poon Hill. Less trekkers walk these paths. The landscape feels remote even though tea houses are nearby.
The difficulty for the Mardi Himal trek is moderate. You have to walk daily for five to six hours. The route has steep sections. Good fitness helps but isn't mandatory. The altitude goes on increasing slowly, so your body adjusts well. Rest stops are necessary.
Trekkers need two permits for this trek: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System). You can get these permits from Pokhara.
Contact Himalayan Odyssey. We arrange permits for you.
Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake Trek (6-9 Days)
This trek is best if you want quiet trails and less crowds. The route starts from Ghandruk or Tadapani. The highest point here is 4,660 m. The trek ends at a sacred lake called Khayer Lake.
The main motive to visit here is peace and natural beauty. The ridges here see far f people than the Poon Hill trek. The lake sits at a high altitude with views of the surrounding peaks. Local communities run tea houses along the way. The food is genuine, homely, and hearty.
Even photographers love this route. The ridge walks give the open skies and the best mountain backdrop. The light at sunset paints the peaks in soft colors. Wildlife includes musk deer and Himalayan birds. Wildflowers blooming in spring are just beautiful.
This trek is good if you are an active hiker. Daily walks take six hours or more. The terrain is steep and rocky in places. Make sure you have good hiking fitness l. The altitude reaches 4,660 m. Take rests and go slowly. You are not in a competition with anyone..
Australian Camp and Dhampus Loop (2–3 Days)
If you have time as a barrier, this short loop of Dhampus and Australian Camp is for you. The trek starts and ends near Pokhara. You can enjoy the other activities like paragliding or lakeside relaxation at this place.
This route is suitable for families with young children. The walks are easy and scenic. You will see the great mountain views without long daily hikes. The Dhampus village has homestays where you can enjoy a meal with local families. This cultural experience is memorable for kids, too.
The difficulty is easy. Daily walks last three to four hours. The altitude stays below 2,000 m. No permits are required.
For the cost, feel free to contact Himalayan Odyssey.
Annapurna View Trek (Ghandruk Loop, 3 Days)
The Ghandruk Loop is perfect if you want to see a new culture and tradition. The trek walks through terraced hills and traditional Gurung villages. The highest point here is 2,000 m.
You have to spend two nights in homestays. It means you have to sleep in a local home and eat meals with the family. You will be thrilled to see how mountain people live. You will also have home-cooked Nepali food. It is amazing to hear stories in the evening by the fire.
The walks are moderate and relaxed. Daily hikes last three to four hours. The path is good and safe. Families and older travellers enjoy this Annapurna View Trek route. If you want quality time, this trek might be the best for you.
Sample Itinerary: Poon Hill Trek (7 Days)
You can see the short sample itinerary for Poon hill Trek
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu (1345m/4413ft.)
We will be at the airport to pick you up. After you arrive, you will be going towards your hotel. After you’re done resting, you can visit Thamel. You can try the local food, and you will love staying at a 3-Star hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2:Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m/2696ft.)
We will head towards Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city. Our bus will leave at 7 in the morning. You will also see the landscape change slowly. We will reach Pokhara, and you can spend your evening in the Lakeside. You will love the beautiful lakes and the view of the mountain ranges. Also, on this day, you can opt for a flight too.
Day 3:Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,050 m), and trek to Ulleri (2,050m)
The journey starts early in the morning as we make our way to Nayapul. The bus ride will take about 2 hours. Once we reach Nayapul, you can rest for a while. Then start your journey on foot to Tikhedhunga.
We follow the trail through the rhododendron, garlands, and magnolia forests until we reach Tikhedunga. During the walk, we will walk through the Gurung and Thakali villages. You will love the culture and tradition here. Enjoy the views of the mountains too. After having Lunch at Tikhedhunga, the trail is difficult. Now, walk 2 hours steep climb, and l reach Ulleri. Stay overnight at Ulleri.
Day 4:Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,675m/8,776ft.)
On this day, we will make our way to Ghorepani.. Trekking to Ghorepani is mostly climbing on stone stairs. You will see a beautiful forest with flora and fauna. We will start with a couple of hours of hiking until we reach Ulleri(2070m). Then cross Banthanti. Here, you will mostly see the people of the Magar community. The trail isof stone steps. It will take us through forests and occasional stops to rest.
Ghorepani is a beautiful settlement perched on the leeward side of the hill. Once you have, you will be genuinely shocked by the breathtaking views of the magnificent mountains that surround Ghorepani. Stay overnight at Ghorepani.
Day 5:Hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill(3180m) and then trek to Dobato (3,420m/11,220ft.)
On this day, we will head to Poon Hill early in the morning. You will see the sunrise. It is best to leave at dawn from Ghorepani. Then make way to Poon Hill. See the famous sunrise from Poon Hill, and you will also be able to catch the view. You will see Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III (7855m), Machhapuchhare (6993m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), Lamjung Himal (6931m).
After our morning adventure, we will get back to Ghorepani. Here is our breakfast, and we carry on with our journey to Dobato. Dobato is your highest altitude overnight stay on this trek. The next morning, you can see amazing sunrise views over stunning mountains from Mulde viewpoint. Stay overnight at Dobato.
Day 6:Trek from Dobato to Ghandruk (1,950m/ 6,391ft.)
On this day, early in the morning, we will go to Mulde viewpoint. It offers the best close-up view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. You will see the sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and many others that look stunning. Then we will get back to the hotel. We can have breakfast and head to Ghandruk. The decrease in altitude will make our journey easy. The trip offers amazing mountain ranges. We will also come across forests with rhododendron flowers. We will reach Ghandruk in about 4 hours. Ghandruk village consists of people of the Gurung community. It offers a serene view of the mountains such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), and Machhapuchhare (6993m). Lastly, Ghandruk is also very famous for bird-watching. Stay overnight at Ghandruk.
Day 7:Drive to Pokhara
After having breakfast with the rewarding view of the Himalayas, we will drive back to beautiful Pokhara city. You will have spare time to hang out and shop in Pokhara in the evening. Stay overnight in Pokhara.
Cost Breakdown for Short Treks (2026 Estimate)
Before you start your trekking journey, it is necessary for trekkers to understand how much an inclusive budget for trekking is. Himalayan Odyssey has several packages:
Let’s see the short details on the pricing for short treks.
Poon Hill Trek (7 Days)
We have an all-inclusive package of Poon Hill for $475.
Mardi Himal Trek (6 Days)
Himalayan Odyssey has an inclusive price of $575.
Khopra Danda Trek (9 Days)
We have an inclusive cost pricing of $625 for the Khopra Danda Trek.
For cost includes and excludes, visit our website, HimalayanOdyssey.com.
Permits and Logistics for Short Treks
All treks in the Annapurna region need permits. You cannot simply travel alone. There are some criteria and rules. For your short treks:
You need two permits: ACAP and TIMS for short treks.
ACAP protects the conservation area. TIMS tracks trekker information for safety.
Getting permits is simple. You can obtain them in Pokhara or Kathmandu within hours. But you need some documents. You need a passport and a passport-size photo. The cost is low to obtain. Himalayan Odyssey arranges permits for you. Contact us.
Note: Since 2023, all trekkers must hire registered guides. This rule applies to short treks, too. Guides know the trails and can help in emergencies. They speak English and share local knowledge. It’s best if you are with a guide.
Best Time for Short Treks
Timing is the main factor that you need to know. Just because you want some fun doesn’t mean you will simply pack your bags and go. If you want to go trekking, you can learn below:
The best months for short treks in Nepal are September to May.
Likewise, October and November give the perfect weather for trekkers. The air is clear. Temperatures are mild. The days are sunny. This time is just beautiful to explore.
Winter treks from December to February mean crisp, cold mornings and clear skies. You see the mountains in sharp detail. But always bring warm clothes for the cold. The weather can be very freezing.
Spring, from March to May, is beautiful for rhododendron blooms. The hills turn pink and red. Temperatures warm up. The weather is stable. The entire view is beautiful in the spring.
Summer, from June to August, has rain and clouds. Trails can be dangerous. If possible, skip the monsoon season. However, some trekkers enjoy the green landscape and fewer crowds during this season.
Fitness and Difficulty Level
Fitness is something that most trekkers ignore while they are on a trek. At Least you need to have good stamina for any sort of trek. Let’s see some treks based on the fitness level:
Different treks suit different fitness levels.
Poon Hill Trek: Easy
You have to walk daily for four to five hours. The path has gentle slopes and steep climbs. Families and beginners can manage this trek. You don't need special fitness for the Poonhill trek.
Mardi Himal Trek: Moderate
You have to walk for five to six hours. The terrain is rockier. Some climbs are steep. You should be able to walk for hours without stopping. If you have good general fitness, it helps.
Khopra Danda Trek: Moderate Plus
You have to walk for six to seven hours or more. The climbs are kind of difficult. The altitude is high. You need good hiking fitness. It is good if you have previous trekking experience. It is very helpful.
Dhampus Loop: Easy
You have to walk daily for two to four hours. The terrain is gentle. This trek suits anyone who can walk several hours per day.
The key point is that altitude matters more than distance. Walking slowly helps your body adjust. Drinking water and eating regular meals prevent problems at high altitudes. All short treks are achievable if you prepare well.
Packing Tips for Short Treks
We have seen must trekkers overpacking and underpacking.
Packing light is key to enjoying short treks. A 25-liter day pack is enough. You don't need a large backpack.
What to bring for short treks?
You can consult with Himalayan Odyssey or your trek guide for your packing list.
layers for changing weather
a warm fleece
a rain jacket
sturdy hiking boots
a hat
sunscreen
headlamp
water bottle
Note: Most lodges provide pillows and blankets, so you don't need a sleeping bag. However, you can rent a sleeping bag in Pokhara if you prefer your own.
Wear comfortable hiking boots for any treks. Make sure you test your new boots with short hikes. The boots may also cause blisters on the trail. Take care and have a safe trek.
Cultural Highlights on Short Trails
The Annapurna region is a beautiful place. You will find many Gurung and Magar communities. These people have lived in the mountains for years and years. Their culture is visible everywhere on short treks.
Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village. The houses have traditional architecture. Narrow lanes are between stone buildings. Prayer flags on rooftops are beautiful. You will see different cultures and traditions. The women in traditional dress are really pretty to see. Local homestays let you eat with families. You will love to hear their stories.
Farming terraces are all over the hillsides. In spring, rice paddies are mostly seen. In autumn, golden crops cover the hills. This ancient farming system has shaped the landscape for hundreds of years.
Tea gardens grow on lower slopes. You can visit tea plantations and learn how tea is picked and dried. Tasting fresh tea gives you a different vibe here.
Many villages have small temples and shrines. They have their own beliefs. These sacred spaces are important to local communities. Visiting with respect shows appreciation for their culture. If you come across these places, bow your head and ask for blessings. If comforts you and gives peace to your soul.
How to Choose the Right Short Trek?
There will always be confusion if you don’t have a clear roadmap. Different treks have different goals. But keep your priority first.
For sunrise photography:
Choose the Poon Hill Trek. The viewpoint captures the first light perfectly. You need to bring a good camera and a tripod if you have an obsession with photos.
For quiet trails:
Choose Khopra Danda Trek. Only a few tourists walk these ridges. You will love the sound of birds and wind instead of crowds like cities.
For close-up peak views:
Choose Mardi Himal Trek. Machhapuchhre gives you the best views for days from here. Photographers and climbers love this route. You won’t regret it.
For cultural immersion:
Choose the Ghandruk Loop or Australian Camp. You will find flexible homestays and genuine villages to explore.
For families with kids:
Choose the Dhampus Loop or Poon Hill Trek. You will find the routes easy and beautiful with child-friendly lodges.
Combining Short Treks with Other Experiences
Pokhara is a perfect place. You can be involved in many activities and not just trekking. Many want to explore after their trek.
You can go for Paragliding. It is very popular in Pokhara. You fly above the lake and mountains. The views from the air are just beautiful.
The Pokhara lakeside has beaches, restaurants, and boats. You can take a few relaxation days here after the trek.
Water sports is also worth your time and money. It includes kayaking and swimming. The lake you see is clean and beautiful.
If you have time, you can combine two short treks. For example, go to Poon Hill, then the Mardi Himal trek. This gives you ten days of different mountain experiences.
Some advanced trekkers combine short treks with longer ones. You can add Mardi Himal to Annapurna Base Camp for an almost nine-day trek. But always keep in mind, trekking also depends on the pace of your walk.
Safety and Guides for Short Treks
Even short routes need registered guides. The weather can change quickly at heights. Mountain weather is unpredictable. Snow or fog can arrive suddenly. But, if you are with a guide, you are in safe hands. They know every route and safety measures..
Mainly, Guides are trained in basic first aid. They carry communication devices in remote areas. They know where emergency shelters are.
At high altitudes, altitude sickness is possible. Common symptoms are headache, tiredness, and nausea. You can avoid it after resting. Descent is the best treatment. Consult with guides. They know the symptoms and help prevent serious problems.
Conclusion: Small Journeys, Big Mountains
Five days in the Annapurna region can feel like a lifetime of mountain experiences. You walk through villages that give you peace. You see peaks that touch the clouds. You eat meals with local families. You watch sunrises paint the mountains gold. Isn't it worth exploring?
Short treks prove that you don't need weeks to change your life completely. But the places you visit fill your heart and calm your mind. They connect you to nature and to people.
Whether you choose Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, or a quiet trail walk, the Annapurna region welcomes you. Your trek will be different from everyone else's. The mountains read your heart and show you what you need.
Ready to book your 2026 short trek? Explore our departures from Pokhara today. We offer routes perfect for families, students, and solo travellers.
Whether you have four days or a full week, we have the trek for you. Your mountain adventure starts here.
X Corp