Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 8 Days

Key Infomation

  • Duration:8 Days
  • Trip GradeModerate
  • DestinationTIA Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude4,130 m
  • ActivityTrekking, City Tour
  • Group Size2-20
based on 5 reviews
Best Selling
Price fromUS$990US$1,250
Group Price Available
Group Price Available
peoplePrice
2 people - 2 peopleUS$ 1190
3 people - 5 peopleUS$ 1150
6 people - 10 peopleUS$ 1120
11 people - 15 peopleUS$ 990
  • Best Price Gurantee
  • No booking or Credit Card Fee
  • Free Cancellation

The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and rewarding experiences in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. This Short Trek takes you to the base camp of the 10th highest peak in the world, through the lush green forests of Rhododendrons, oaks, and pine trees. 

This trek is all about life experiences to explore the unique diversity, culture, and geographical aspects of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The classic Annapurna Base Camp is renowned for natural beauty, unique Gurung and Lama Cultures, and its diverse ecosystem. This Short trek to Annapurna Base Camp takes you to the maximum altitude of 4,130 meters above sea level at the base camp with a pristine and sheltered destination surrounded by the towing peaks with the panoramic views of Annapurna I, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhhre, and so on. 

The Short Annapurna Trek offers an awe-inspiring atmosphere making it a cherished location for trekkers and climbers. The Short ABC trek itinerary depends on your schedule where the trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna Ranges despite its short duration. This trek takes around 7- 10 days according to the pace of the trekker, physical fitness, and especially on the itinerary you choose. 

The Shortest Route to Annapurna Base Camp typically begins with a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a unique and touristic city and also the starting point of the trek. On the same day, you will take a 1-hour drive to Matkyo Village passing through the Landruk village route. You will then have to trek for 1-2 hours to reach the Chhomrong Village, a neighborhood of Ghandruk, famous for accommodation and stopovers for trekking in the Annapurna Region. As you trek through Chhomrong, you can observe the gradual ascend on the altitude and trails. Similarly, you will trek through Dovan, and Deurali and finally reach Annapurna Base Camp via the MBC route.

This Shortest Route to Annapurna Base Camp is for those who are short in time and still desire to experience the trails of the Annapurna Sanctuary. You can experience the amazing trails, glacial rivers, waterfall cascades, and many more. 

Major Highlights of Short ABC Trek

Chhomrong Village

After a 1 hour hike from Matkyo, you will finally reach the gorgeous Chhomrong Village. Nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayan Range, Chhomrong is a picturesque village located at an altitude of 2,170 meters above sea level. 

This village is a primary settlement for the Gurung Community which adds unique charm, and authenticity and serves great hospitality. Surrounded by thriving forests and terraced fields with a peaceful and serene atmosphere, the Chhomrong Village is the best highlight of the Short Annapurna Trek.

Chhomrong offers the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna Range dotted with Rhododendron and Bamboo Forests creating a vibrant and colorful environment, especially during Spring and Monsoon. 

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)

The  Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. ACA is the first protected area of Nepal that has allowed residents to live and own their properties within the boundaries. The ACAP protects the rich biodiversity and showcases diverse landscapes including forests, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and terraced fields, spanning the vast area.

As you will be trekking in ACAP, you can encounter various endangered species like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and so on. Annapurna Conservation Area lets you interact with different Gurung, Magr, and Thakali ethnic groups with their unique traditions, languages, and lifestyles. 

You need to know that you must obtain a special ACAP permit to enter the Annapurna Region which provides you safety and tracks your movement throughout the trek. Acap adds significant value to the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek by offering a well-preserved natural environment, cultural insights, and an opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts.

Pokhara City Tour

The Short Annapurna Trek includes the Pokhara City Tour which includes an early sunrise at the Sarangkot Viewpoint that serves you the sunshine landscapes of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.

World Peace Pagoda, located at the hilltop of Pumdikot, offers you fresh and vibrant views of Pokhara City and Phewa Lake. Tal Barahi is a temple situated on a small island within Phewa Lake famous for boating. The boating around Tal Barahi sets you off on a peaceful journey across the Lake. The Lake is surrounded by Lush Green hills serving the breathtaking views of Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. The calm waters reflect the natural beauty, creating a picturesque setting for your journey.

Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave are other famous destinations in Pokhara that are linked together. As you go deeper under the Gupteshwor Cave, you will come across a viewpoint where you will witness the resurgence of Devi’s Waterfall.

The International Mountain Museum is a protected area that teaches you about the Himalayas, Mountaineering History, and the culture of the Mountain Communities.

Highlights of Short ABC Trek

  • Scenic and Picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara,
  • Experience the stunning views of beautiful snow-capped mountains like, Annapurna I, Manaslu, Tukuche Peak, Machhapuchhre, and many more,
  • Soak in the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda,
  • Encounter different wild lives like Danfe, Himalayan Tahr, and Red Panda, in the Annapurna Conservation Area,
  • Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayas,
  • Fresh flowing rivers and pristine waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides,
  • Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Gurung and Lama communities and their cultures,
  • Observe and experience the traditional farming practices in the terraced fields,
  • Experience Modern Luxury and lavish hospitality in Pokhara,
  • Pokhara City Tour, including Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev, and so on.

Best Time for Short ABC Trek

Spring (March-May) and Autumn( September to November) are the best time for Short ABC Trek. Spring offers a moderate temperature and clear skies with the fresh visibility of the majestic peaks. Landscapes are enhanced and decorated with vibrant rhododendron forests.

Whereas, the Autumn Season serves mild temperatures during the day and slightly cooler during the morning and night. The weather remains stable with clear skies.

However, the Short ABC Trek is an easy-to-moderate trek with comparatively less risky trails than other treks in the region, which is why any time of the year is a good time for this trek.

Difficulty on Short ABC Trek

The Annapurna Short Trek is a moderate-level trek where you will be covering a total distance of approximately 76 Km, a round trip from the trailhead. You will be trekking 7 days out of 10 days of trek which means if you walk for 7-8 hours a day, you will cover an average of 10.8 Km (6.7 miles) per day to reach the highest altitude of 4,130 meters.

The trek can sound difficult due to the number of days spent hiking and exploring nature. Besides from it, the uphills and downhills of the trails, from Chhomrong might be difficult,

Fitness for Short ABC Trek

It is important to have some level of physical and mental fitness to undertake the Short Trek to ABC. You should focus on cardiovascular exercises and leg strength through cycling, hiking, squats, and lunges.

Your muscle flexibility can also be helpful to reduce the risk of muscle strains during the trek. Additionally, it is also very essential to be aware of the potential risks of altitude sickness during high-altitude trekking. It is highly recommended to include proper rest and acclimatization days in your itinerary, stay hydrated, and eat enough carbs to avoid any sicknesses.

You'll See

Itinerary

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This is a special itinerary made by our expert team for those who have limited time to complete the ABC trek in Nepal. We can customize this itinerary according to your needs and requirements. Please do contact us for a customized and tailored itinerary.

Our representative will be at the airport arrival terminal with your name for your warm welcome. After greeting you, our representative will drop you at your hotel and help you with all the check-in work. You can rest and if you want to explore nearby you can go and explore yourself as well.  We will go to a Nepali Cultural Restaurant where you will get both delicious Nepali cuisine along with an amazing cultural performance. You will meet your trekking guide who will give you a  short briefing session about your trekking and the guide will basically answer all your queries.  Overnight at a Hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation Kantipur Village Hotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,350 m

The next day, you will have a 30 mins scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After breakfast, we will head to our next destination, Matkyo which takes around 1.5 hours drive. The trek finally begins from Matkyo, you will trek for 2-3 Hours to reach the Chhomrong Village. Chhomrong offers the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna Range dotted with Rhododendron and Bamboo Forests creating a vibrant and colorful environment, especially during Spring and Monsoon. 

**Pokhara Road Update**

Due to ongoing road construction, travel time between Kathmandu and Pokhara has increased from 6-7 hours to around 8-9 hours, with added congestion and pollution. Alternatively, a 30-minute flight is available for USD 130 one way.

  • Accommodation Local Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Time30 mins Flight, 1.5 hrs Drive and 2-3hrs Trek
  • Maximum Altitude2,170 m

After a beautiful sunrise and mountain breakfast, you will descend towards the river. The elevation gain is more than on other days here, so you must drink enough water and approach the journey smoothly. You will hike down 2,500 stone steps to cross the Chhomorong River through a suspension bridge. 

Then, the trail starts to ascend through a rocky terrain that leads to Sinuwa Village and you continue the hike through dense forests towards Kuldhara. From Kuldahar, you will descend to bamboo and take on a gradual ascend from there to Dovan. We pass through a bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily with a few steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. Overnight at a local teahouse at Himalaya Village.

  • Accommodation Local Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Time7-8 hours
  • Maximum Altitude2,920 m

The next day, you will Climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountainside. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp, we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp, we again get to savor mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and other peaks. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.

  • Accommodation Local Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Time6-7 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude4,130 m

After breakfast in ABC Camp, you'll gradually descend to MBC village. Then follow the same path towards Deurali, Dovan and you'll arrive in Bamboo Village in the middle of the Forest. While descending, you'll experience numerous waterfalls, dense alpine forests, and huge bamboo forests before reaching the camp. Overnight at local and traditional teahouses. 

  • Accommodation Local Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Time6-7 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude2,310 m

From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong where the trail then descends to Jhinu Danda. Then, you'll be going to cross the long suspension bridge before heading to the Matkyou village. A private 4WD Jeep will be there to take you back to Pokhara. The evening is free to roam and you can enjoy the clamor of Lakeside Pokhara. 

  • Accommodation Aabas Pokhara
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch
  • Time6-7 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude830 m

The next day, a city guide will be there at your hotel to start the Pokhara City Tour, We will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide for our sightseeing tour. We will visit the following sites.

  1. Early morning sunrise at the Sarangkot Viewpoint that serves you the sunshine landscapes of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
  2. World Peace Pagoda, located at the hilltop of Pumdikot, offers you fresh and vibrant views of Pokhara City and Phewa Lake.
  3. Tal Barahi is a temple situated on a small island within Phewa Lake famous for boating. The boating around Tal Barahi sets you off on a peaceful journey across the Lake. The Lake is surrounded by Lush Green hills serving the breathtaking views of Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. The calm waters reflect the natural beauty, creating a picturesque setting for your journey.
  4. Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave are other famous destinations in Pokhara that are linked together. As you go deeper under the Gupteshwor Cave, you will come across a viewpoint where you will witness the resurgence of Devi’s Waterfall. 
  5. The International Mountain Museum is a protected area that teaches you about the Himalayas, Mountaineering History, and the culture of the Mountain Communities. 

After Pokhara City Tour, we will fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu through the picturesque journey. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation Kantipur Village Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast and FarewellDinner
  • Time4-5 Hours Tour and 30 mins Flight
  • Maximum Altitude1,350 m

Your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. Our representative will transfer you to International Airport for your final departure.

*Please note that you have to be at the airport before 3 hours of flight time. 

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Time30 min
  • Maximum Altitude1,350 m

What's Included

  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle during your international arrivals/departures 
  • 2x nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast on a double-sharing basis (Kantipur Village Hotel)
  • 1x night accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast (Aabas Pokhara Hotel) on a double-sharing basis
  • Pokhara City sightseeing in private vehicles with a city tour guide
  • Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu transfer by Buddha Air flight
  • Best available teahouse accommodation during the trek on a double-sharing basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek including 3X times tea/coffee, and 1x soup per day during the trekking
  • Welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali kitchen with the crew team
  • All ground transportation as per the itinerary in a private vehicle
  • An experienced, licensed, and English-speaking WFR trekking guide for the entire trek 
  • Necessary porter for the trek (1 Porter for 2 trekkers and weight limit = 12 kg/trekker)
  • Staff costs include their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation
  • Footprint Adventure's trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (duffel bags need to be returned at the end of the trek)
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
  • #Carry Me Bag for responsible waste collection throughout the trek
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • Water purifying tablets for safe drinking water
  • All government, local taxes, and operating expenses 
  • Nepalese visa fee, know more about the visa for Nepal, here
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment, learn more 
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara except one welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and Rescue insurance, know more about travel insurance, here
  • Entrance fees during the Pokhara city tour 
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s) (expected)
  • All the expenses which are not mentioned in the inclusive section

Dates & Price

Book your spot now for our best-selling trip in the Annapurna Region. We've fixed dates for each month during the high season as well as the low season, so book now to avoid missing out on your flexible date. Feel free to ask any queries related to the fixed departure for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Also, if you are looking for a personalized trip to Annapurna Base Camp. We also organize a privately guided trek which is designed and customized according to your desire and interest. Please email us at [email protected] for a private and customized trip. Our expert trip planner team will design the trek according to your taste.
Departure DateTrip StatusPrice 
dateDecember 13, 2024 - December 20, 2024StatusAvailablepriceUS$1190
dateDecember 20, 2024 - December 27, 2024StatusAvailablepriceUS$1190
dateDecember 23, 2024 - December 30, 2024StatusAvailablepriceUS$1190
dateDecember 30, 2024 - January 06, 2025StatusAvailablepriceUS$1190

Additional Info

Flights and Transportation

Our representative will be there for your arrival and departure at the airport. Then, you will start your trek with a 30-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara that takes you through the panoramic landscapes of the Annapurna Himalayan Range.  

Whereas, you will drive to Matkyo from Pokhara through well-pitched roads and some off-road experience where you start your trek to Chhomrong via Jhinu Danda.

High Altitude Sickness and Trekking Grade

The highest altitude you reach in the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is 4,130 meters. As you will be trekking at higher altitudes, you must be aware of the potential risks of high altitude sickness which causes headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, etc.

To prevent high altitude sickness, you must include rest and acclimatization days on your itineraries, stay hydrated, and eat enough carbs during the trek.

In case of emergencies, Diamox is a common medicine to prevent altitude sickness. However, the Short ABC Trek is a moderate-grade trek where you will be walking around 10.5 Km per day. So, build up your muscle strength and cardio-vascular exercises for a smooth trekking experience.

infographofannapurnaaltitude

Food and Drinking Water

We offer good quality food at the Hotel in Kathmandu and from standard lodges throughout the trek. You can choose from a variety of International or Nepali cuisines according to your preference. 

You must notify prior about any food allergies or restrictions. We also provide safe drinking water throughout the trek. It is highly recommended that you use water purifying tablets in case you use water from natural sources. Also, you'll have the option to have warm and boiled water throughout the trekking as well.

Telephone, Internet, and Electricity

Although Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a popular destination, there are no electricity services in the Annapurna Base Camp and Machapuchhare Camp Area. However, you will get all internet and telephone services throughout the trek at the tea houses and lodges and charge a certain amount according to the time you use the internet. Extra charges can be taken for additional internet and electricity utilities during the Short ABC Trek.

Trekking Equipment/ Packing List

It is not compulsory to get any extra gear during the Annapurna Short Trek, however, you must pack good quality trekking pants, rain covers, trekking boots, and poles according to the season you are trekking in. You can pack your daily essentials, medications, sunglasses, and so on. For detailed information on packing lists during trekking in Nepal, click here

Permits and Entrances

As you will be trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you need the following necessary permits to trek the region:

  1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Rs. 3,000 per person
  2. Trekkers Information System Card (TIMS): Rs. 2,000 per person

According to the new rule of NTB, the Nepal Government has mandated the hiring of a guide or a porter to trek at higher altitude regions to reduce the potential risks and add extra safety and assurance throughout the trek. We provide you with a licensed guiding expert and porter for your trek so that you don't have to worry about anything.

Travel Insurance

Although ABC Short Trek is an easy and short trek, it is still important that you acquire travel insurance as you will be trekking at a maximum altitude of 4,130 meters. There can be potential risks of altitude sickness and any rescue operations.

So, we highly recommend you have travel insurance ready before trekking in Nepal. For more information, click here

Trip Extensions and Itinerary Customization

As this is a unique and short trek, you can choose to customize the trek according to your schedule, preferences, and also luxury accommodations. In addition to customization, you also have the option to add extra trips to the package. The suggested trips can be the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Muktinath Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Tilicho Lakes Trek, or any other trek of your preference.

FAQs

Q1. What is the highest altitude you reach during Short Annapurna Base Camp?

The maximum elevation reached on the route to Annapurna Base Camp is at the base camp itself, which is located at a height of about 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level. The tenth-highest mountain in the world is Annapurna I, which is located nearby, the last stop of the trek is seen in the breathtaking panoramic views from here. Before reaching this high-altitude location, travelers must make slow ascents via a variety of breathtaking panoramas and historic communities.

The Short Annapurna Base CampT rek takes you around 7-10 days including your arrival and departure days. You will be trekking for 7 days out of 10 days, where you will be covering a distance of about 76 KM.

This trek takes you through the majestic landscapes of the Annapurna Region and takes you to the base of the 10th Highest Peak in the World. 

 

Due to its moderate difficulty, chances for gradual acclimatization, well-developed infrastructure, and breathtaking scenery, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is suitable for beginners. Even though it involves trekking to higher elevations, it doesn't call for technical climbing skills, and the clearly designated trail provides accommodation and food along the way. 

Beginners can enjoy the Himalayan scenery on the trek without needing a lot of camping equipment. But it's still important to exercise properly, strengthen your heart and muscles, and be conscious of the weather's shifting conditions. For a safe and enjoyable journey, it is suggested that you speak with experienced trekkers or local organizations.

Spring (March-May) and Autumn( September to November) are the best time for Short ABC Trek. Spring offers a moderate temperature and clear skies with the fresh visibility of the majestic peaks. Landscapes are enhanced and decorated with vibrant rhododendron forests.

Whereas, the Autumn Season serves mild temperatures during the day and slightly cooler during the morning and night. The weather remains stable with clear skies.

However, the Short ABC Trek is easy to moderate trek with comparatively less risky trails than other treks in the region, which is why any time of the year is a good time for this trek.

It is important to have some level of physical and mental fitness to undertake the Short Trek to ABC. You should focus on cardiovascular exercises and leg strength through cycling, hiking, squats, and lunges.

Your muscle flexibility can also be helpful to reduce the risk of muscle strains during the trek. Additionally, it is also very essential to be aware of the potential risks of altitude sickness during high-altitude trekking. It is highly recommended to include proper rest and acclimatization days in your itinerary, stay hydrated and eat enough carbs to avoid any sicknesses.

No, there are no age restrictions for Short ABC Trek. However, it is really important to know about potential consequences as you will be trekking at higher altitudes. 

As the trails can be challenging sometimes, we highly recommend you to have some level of fitness, specially for children and older individuals.

As you will be trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you need the following necessary permits to trek the region:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):  R.S 3,000 per person

Trekkers Information System Card (TIMS): R.S 2,000 per person

After a long day of hiking, it is absolutely necessary to have a night of restful sleep in order to be ready for the journey the following day. We make every effort to book the most comfortable lodge for you, with two beds in each room and western-style toilet facilities whenever they are available. In most cases, there is a restroom that is linked to the room, and the beds are usually clean and comfy. An electric blanket may be provided, depending on availability. 

The Short ABC Trek does not require a porter or guide. However, if you hire guides and porters, your walk will be simple and comfortable. For the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Footprint Adventure has been offering both porter and guide services. You can walk without worrying about the weight of your luggage because the porter will help you carry it. On the other hand, a guide will assist you in navigating the path and will provide information about the local flora and fauna, history, and culture in addition to the hiking region. They will recommend the best places to stay and eat, and can assist with bartering with the locals.

The Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is a very moderate trek that requires sufficient physical fitness as you need to walk with a heavy backpack throughout the journey. Here are the essential items you must pack during Short Annapurna Base CampTrek:

  1. Good quality duffle bag 
  2. Medications (if you take any)
  3. Trekking poles
  4. Trekking boots
  5. Sunscreen to protect from harmful UV rays
  6. Raincovers (especially during monsoon and winter seasons)
  7. Aquatabs (to purify natural spring waters)
  8. Good quality trekking pants
  9. Sunglasses, etc. 

For detailed information on the package list, visit here.

As this is a unique and short trek, you can choose to customize the trek according to your time schedule, preferences, and also luxury accommodations. In addition to customization, you also have the option to add extra trips to the package. The suggested trips can be the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Muktinath Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Tilicho Lakes Trek, or any other trek of your preference.    

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