Nepal
8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Overview
The 8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a short and adventurous journey to one of Nepal's most popular trekking destinations. This trek offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and thrilling activities. Starting from Kathmandu, you’ll enjoy a scenic road trip to Pokhara with an option for Trishuli River rafting, adding excitement to your journey.
From Pokhara, you’ll drive off-road to Siwai via Nayapul and begin trekking through picturesque villages like Chhomrong and Himalaya. The highlight of the trek is reaching the stunning Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), surrounded by majestic peaks. You’ll also visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) before heading to Jhinu Danda, where you can relax in natural hot springs.
The return includes a drive to Pokhara and a flight back to Kathmandu, making the trip short and convenient. This itinerary also features a complimentary Nepali dinner with a live cultural show, giving you a taste of local traditions.
The 8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is ideal for trekkers seeking an adventurous yet efficient way to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. Book now for a lifetime of memories!
Why You Will Love the 8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek ?
Quick Access to the Himalayas
The 8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers a shorter itinerary, perfect for those with limited time but eager to experience the majestic Annapurna range.
Stunning Mountain Scenery
Marvel at breathtaking views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other towering peaks from both Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC).
Diverse Experiences
From a scenic road trip to Pokhara to trekking through lush forests, charming villages, and high-altitude landscapes, every day of this trek is unique.
Relaxing Hot Springs
Unwind in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, a rejuvenating highlight of the trek.
Cultural Immersion
Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner with a live cultural show, adding a memorable cultural touch to your adventure.
Thrilling Activities
Optional Trishuli River rafting and off-road drives make this trek exciting and adventurous.
Convenient Travel Options
The combination of road trips, off-road drives, and a flight back to Kathmandu ensures a hassle-free and time-efficient journey.
The 8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and culture, offering a fulfilling Himalayan experience in a shorter time frame.
Best Time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Clear skies, mild temperatures, and stable weather conditions.
- Scenery: This is the best time for breathtaking mountain views and vibrant landscapes. The post-monsoon period ensures lush greenery and excellent visibility.
- Popularity: The most popular season, so expect more trekkers on the trail.
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Pleasant temperatures and mostly clear skies, though some clouds may develop in the afternoons.
- Scenery: The trail is adorned with blooming rhododendrons and colorful wildflowers, creating a picturesque trek.
- Popularity: Another busy season but quieter than autumn.
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Cold temperatures, especially at higher altitudes, with occasional snow.
- Scenery: Crisp, clear views but fewer trekkers and quieter trails.
- Suitability: Suitable for experienced trekkers with proper gear.
Monsoon (June to August)
- Weather: Frequent rain, slippery trails, and limited visibility due to clouds.
- Scenery: Lush greenery but leeches and risks of landslides make it less favorable.
For the best experience, plan your trek in autumn or spring for favorable conditions and stunning views.
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu-Rickshaw tour: Price on request
- Kathmandu-Everest Scenic flight to see Highest peak of the world: US$ 250 Per person
Notes:
- Rates are per person on twin/double sharing, inclusive of all taxes.
- Optional activities are subject to availability and can be done if time permits and of interest.
- Sightseeing timings may vary based on local operator decisions, weather, and traffic.
- No refund for cancellations after the tour starts.
- Supplementary charges apply for guides in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc. as per request.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city or resting to get acclimatized to the high altitude.
Accommodation:
- Hotel [1 Night]
Meals Included:
- There are no Meals included on this day
After breakfast, drive around [210 km-6-7 hrs] to Pokhara, passing through valleys, rivers, terrace fields and some spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. Today evening free time to explore around Lake Side [around Phewa Lake]
"If you're a rafting lover, consider enhancing your journey with an exciting Trishuli River rafting experience. This optional adventure can be seamlessly incorporated into your itinerary if your group is eager to embark on a rafting expedition. The cost for this thrilling activity is US$50 per person and includes a delicious Nepali lunch, making it an extraordinary addition to your trip."
Accommodation:
- Hotel [1 Night]
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Trekking Distance: Approximately 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles)
Once you've completed your breakfast at the hotel, our guide will promptly arrive to collect you. Our journey to Siwai, via Nayapul, will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. En route to Siwai, we'll make a brief stop at Birethanti to complete the necessary permit registrations, including ACAP and TIMS. After a short rest in Siwai, we'll embark on our first day of the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, heading towards Chhomrong (2140m). This day's hike will encompass around 4 to 5 hours of exploration through enchanting Gurung villages, picturesque suspension bridges, serene Yak pastures, and fertile farmlands, all accompanied by breathtaking views of towering snow-capped peaks.
Accommodation:
- Local lodge [1 Night]
Meals Included:
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea
Distance: Approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Following breakfast, your journey begins by descending towards the Chhomrong River. Upon crossing a brief bridge, your path ascends, leading you to the charming village of Sinuwa. The ascent continues as you make your way up to Kuldi (2470m), where you'll enter the upper Modi valley. Descending a lengthy and steep stone staircase, you'll eventually arrive at Bamboo (2310m). Continuing your ascent from Bamboo, you'll traverse bamboo and rhododendron forests, passing by an avalanche chute on your way to Dobhan. As you walk alongside the roaring Modi River, you'll venture through a forested trail until you reach the enchanting destination of Himalaya.
Accommodation:
- Local lodge [1 Night]
Meals Included:
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea
Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles)
Today, the thrilling trek commences immediately after your breakfast at the Himalayas tea house. This exhilarating journey will lead you to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), perched at an impressive elevation of 4130 meters above sea level, marking the pinnacle of the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. The entire hike to ABC via MBC unfolds over approximately 4 hours, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. Upon reaching ABC, prepare to be awestruck by the grandeur of the mountains and their panoramic vistas, which include the awe-inspiring Machhapuchchhre, towering Hiuchuli, majestic Annapurna South, regal Annapurna I, commanding Annapurna III, captivating Gandharva Chuli, and the imposing Gangapurna. The anticipation will build as you eagerly await the breathtaking sunrise views over these majestic peaks, a spectacle to behold the following morning.
Accommodation:
- Local lodge [1 Night]
Meals Included:
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea
Distance: Approximately 22 kilometers (13.67 miles)
Following a hearty breakfast, we embark on a descent towards Bamboo, enriching our journey with memorable experiences along the way. In the morning, as the sun paints the sky with a spectacular sunrise over the majestic Mt. Annapurna I and its towering companions, we retrace our steps back to Bamboo, retracing the familiar path until we reach Chhomrong. Our overnight stay awaits us at Jhinu Danda, where you can look forward to a rejuvenating soak in the hot springs the following morning.
Accommodation:
- Local lodge [1 Night]
Meals Included:
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea
Distance: Approximately 4.3 kilometers (2.7 miles)
Today marks the culmination of our trekking adventure as we embark on a leisurely two-hour walk to reach Siwai, where a jeep will pick us up. This final leg involves a descent to the river, followed by an ascent to a narrow trail leading to our pickup point. It's one of the most relaxed and shortest walks of the entire journey.
Upon reaching Siwai, we will begin our drive back to Pokhara, which is expected to take approximately two to three hours.
Evening flight back to Kathmandu [30 min]
Accommodation:
- Hotel [1 Night]
Optional Activities:
- Nepali dinner with a live cultural show at the Nepali restaurant [complimentary]
Meals Included:
- Breakfast & lunch
Today is your last day in the highest country on earth.
Free time until departure
Transfer to the international airport for final departure (Or stay longer for short tours - ask us)
We hope you had a magical experience in the Himalayas and we hope to see you again soon.
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Includes
- Airport pick & drop by comfortable private air-conditional vehicle
- All tours & transfer as per the given itinerary by comfortable private air-conditional vehicle
- Pokhara to Kathmandu flight ticket
- All applicable monument entrance fees
- TIMS Card & permit fees
- Trekking guide & porter
- Free Trekking Bag
- All activities which are mention in above itinerary
- Daily buffet breakfast in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea during the trekking time
- All accommodation in the mention hotel
- 2 Nights The Soaltee Kathmandu or similar in Kathmandu
- 1 Night Temple Tree Resort & Spa or similar in Pokhara
- 4 Nights at best available lodge during the Trekking
- 2 Nights Hotel Barahi Kathmandu or similar in Kathmandu
- 1 Night Hotel Barahi or similar in Pokhara
- 4 Nights at best available lodge during the Trekking
- 2 Nights Kantipur village or similar in Kathmandu
- 1 Night Aabas Pokhara or similar in Pokhara
- 4 Nights at best available lodge during the Trekking
- 2 Nights Hotel Arts or similar in Kathmandu
- 1 Night Majheri Resort & Spa or similar in Pokhara
- 4 Nights at best available lodge during the Trekking
Excludes
- Nepal Visa fees & International airfare
- Tips for driver, guide & porter [It is not compulsory]
- Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara [US$ 10-30 per lunch/dinner]
- Necessary trekking equipment and things as per check list
- Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation
- Any transportation cost outside of the regular itinerary
- Personal expenses such as insurance, medical charges, laundry, shopping, liquor etc
- Cost arising by flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides and reasons beyond our control
EPE (Estimated Personal Expenses)
The daily expenses per person listed below are based on market estimates and can vary slightly depending on the hotels, shops, and restaurants you choose, as well as your spending habits. We recommend using services outside of hotels, such as local restaurants, department stores, and markets, to save money.
Upon your arrival in Nepal, we will guide you on how to save money during your tour. This information is provided to help you estimate your tour budget.
This information is only for the city area. On the trekking route, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
| Package Category | Lunch, dinner & Water |
|---|---|
| Luxury | US$ 60-70 Per person per night |
| Comfort | US$ 50-60 Per person per night |
| Standard | US$ 40-50 Per person per night |
| Budget | US$ 30-40 Per person per night |
Informations
CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO GO
Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature. However, please note, there may be snowfall / avalanches during the winter.
RESCUE/EVACUATIONS
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.
INSURANCE
It is recommended of joining any of Destination Nepal Tours & Travels trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we do not arrange insurance. Please note that your insurance should be covered 5600m
VISA
All visitors (except Indian nationals) must have a valid passport and visa to enter Nepal. Visas are available at Nepalese embassies/consulates or entry points. To avoid queues, complete the online visa form within 10 days of your arrival date. Children under 10 are exempt from visa fees. Citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan are not eligible for visas on arrival. Check official sources for updates. Click here
VISA FEES
15 Days: 30 US$
30 Days: 50 US$
90 Days: 125 US$
For more details; Visit Immigration website
PASSPORT AND VISAS:
You must have a valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your trip) and all required visas, permits, and certificates for your destinations. Ensure you possess the correct documents as outlined in the Trip Notes. We are not responsible for entry refusal due to missing or incorrect travel documentation.
TIPPING
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. Tips are not mandatory in Nepal but recommended. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping is usually 10% of the bill. We would like to request all travelers to give tips separately for driver & guide. Our suggestion is US$ 5 per day by per tourist to driver if same driver is there for whole trip & US$ 10 per day to guide.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Your booking will be confirmed via email after a 40% deposit of the total trip cost is made through our payment gateway via credit/debit card. The remaining 60% is payable upon arrival in Kathmandu. You may pay the 40% deposit by card or cash, with at least 20% required in cash (USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, or SGD).
CANCELATION
If the traveler cancels, the agency charges a cancellation fee based on the following:
- 20% if canceled up to 30 days before the trip
- 30% if canceled 15-29 days before the trip
- 60% if canceled 7-14 days before the trip
- 90% if canceled 6 or fewer days before the trip or in case of no-show
There is no charge for postponing the trip.
Ultimate Packing Checklist for Annapurna Base Camp Trek (TripAdvisor Recommended)
All-Season Essentials:
Clothing:
- Moisture-wicking trekking shirts (short and long sleeves)
- Fleece or insulated jacket for warmth
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Lightweight trekking pants
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Sun hat, beanie, and buff or scarf
Footwear:
- Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with good ankle support
- Comfortable sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings
- Trekking socks (preferably moisture-wicking wool)
Gear:
- Medium-sized backpack with rain cover
- Sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures (can be rented in Kathmandu)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for stability)
Accessories:
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Reusable water bottle or hydration system (minimum 2 liters)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Personal Items:
- Basic first aid kit (including blister care)
- Personal toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
- Quick-dry towel
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Necessary medications
Documents & Money:
- Passport and necessary trekking permits (e.g., TIMS, ACAP)
- Cash (Nepalese Rupees) in small denominations
Extras:
- Camera or smartphone for capturing the stunning views
- Portable charger or power bank
- Lightweight book, journal, or playing cards for downtime
Additional Items for Winter Treks (December to February):
Warmth Essentials:
- Heavier down jacket or extra insulated layers
- Thermal base layers
- Thick gloves and warm socks
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
Footwear Enhancements:
- Waterproof gaiters
- Microspikes or crampons for icy trails
Sleeping Comfort:
- Sleeping bag liner for added warmth
- Hand and foot warmers
Tip: Winter treks can be extremely cold, especially at higher altitudes. Layering is key to staying warm.
Additional Items for Monsoon Treks (June to August):
Rain Protection:
- High-quality waterproof jacket and pants
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Quick-drying clothing
Footwear Protection:
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Leech socks (highly recommended during monsoon season)
Gear Safeguards:
- Dry bags or zip-lock bags for electronics and documents
- Trekking poles with good grip for slippery trails
Health & Hygiene:
- Insect repellent
- Antifungal powder or cream
- Extra pairs of socks to keep feet dry
Note: Monsoon treks are lush and vibrant but can be challenging due to rain and slippery paths. Proper rain gear is essential.
Why Book With Us?
- TripAdvisor Recommended
- We are local tour operator
- 99% satisfied customers
- Prompt response
- 100% Instant booking confirmation
- Secure online payment gateway without extra charges
- Personal care
- 24 hrs & 7 weeks available in email & Viber/WhatsApp +977 9851148105
- 16 years of experienced in tour & trekking operation
- All insured vehicle we use in our tour
- All insured trekking guide & porter
- Government certified guide
- Trustworthy travel agency
- Unbeatable value for money
- Real care customer service
- Tailor made itinerary as per clients interest
- Flexibility in itinerary, price, dates & during the tour operation
- You can book upto 12 person group directly through website; so you can travel togather with your family, co-worker, realtivies.
