Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 8 Days from Kathmandu to Pokhara
The 8-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu and ends in Pokhara. After travelling to Dhampus, you trek through hillside villages, forests and the Modi Khola valley to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). At the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, you can enjoy close views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
The route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is managed by Nepal’s National Trust for Nature Conservation. This itinerary suits travellers who want to reach base camp within a limited holiday. It includes several long walking days, steep stone steps and an overnight stay at 4,130 m. You do not need climbing experience, but good preparation and a comfortable walking pace are important.
Why Choose This Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The route offers a remarkable change of scenery in a short time. You begin among villages and terraced fields, walk through bamboo and rhododendron forest, and gradually enter a high mountain valley surrounded by Himalayan peaks. Along the way, you can stay in local tea houses and experience the hospitality of the Annapurna region.
The trek is reached by road through Pokhara, so it does not require a flight to a mountain airport. It finishes in Pokhara, giving you the option to rest there or continue exploring Nepal after the trek.
Trek Highlights
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m and spend a night in the Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Enjoy views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
- Trek from Dhampus through the Jhinu Danda, Chhomrong and Sinuwa areas.
- Walk through bamboo forest and the changing landscapes above Deurali.
- Visit the natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda if your arrival time allows.
- Finish the trek in Pokhara, where you can add extra days to your holiday.
Is This 8-Day Trek Suitable for Beginners?
A first-time Himalayan trekker can consider this route with good fitness and preparation. Expect repeated climbs and descents, uneven trails and walking days that may last 5–8 hours or longer, depending on conditions. The final descent to the road can also be demanding.
Annapurna Base Camp is at a high altitude, and anyone can feel unwell there. Walk at a steady pace, tell your guide promptly about any symptoms, and be prepared to change the plan if needed. If you prefer a different schedule and enjoy trekking with other travellers, see our Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek. Check its current itinerary before choosing a departure.
Best Time to Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Spring (March to May) brings flowering rhododendrons and generally pleasant trekking conditions. Autumn (September to November) is popular for its often clear mountain views and comfortable daytime walking temperatures.
Winter trekking may be possible, but snow, cold and trail conditions can affect the route above Deurali. During the monsoon months, rain can make paths slippery and views less reliable. Conditions vary each year, so our team will advise you before departure.
Accommodation and Meals
During the trek, you stay in simple mountain tea houses, usually in twin-sharing rooms. Facilities become more basic as you climb higher. Many lower-altitude lodges offer charging, Wi-Fi or hot showers for an additional fee, but these services may be limited or unavailable near base camp.
Tea house menus commonly include dal bhat, soups, noodles, rice dishes, potatoes, eggs and breakfast items. Meals are paid separately under the standard package shown on this page, allowing you to order from the lodge menu. Check the final package details before booking for the exact accommodation and services included.
How Do You Reach the Trek?
Your trip starts when you arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1. On Day 2, you travel by tourist bus to Pokhara (approximately 820 m), then continue by vehicle toward Dhampus (approximately 1,650 m). The walking route continues through Jhinu Danda, Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp.
After descending from base camp, you walk to an available road pickup point in the Jhinu Danda/New Bridge area and drive to Pokhara, where the 8-day itinerary ends. The exact pickup point can change with road and trail conditions.
Mountains Seen from Annapurna Base Camp
On a clear day, the Annapurna Sanctuary offers views of several striking peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre (6,997 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Annapurna III. Sunrise is a particularly rewarding time to enjoy the mountain scenery before beginning the descent.
If you have more time and want to add a separate sunrise viewpoint to your holiday, explore our Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 8-Day Route at a Glance
| Day | Route, overnight elevation and short description | Distance and time |
|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m). Airport welcome and transfer to your hotel. | No trekking |
| 2 | Kathmandu → Pokhara → Dhampus (1,650 m). Travel by tourist bus to Pokhara, then continue by vehicle toward Dhampus. Overnight in Dhampus. | 8–10 hours by bus, followed by a drive; little or no walking |
| 3 | Dhampus → Jhinu Danda (1,780 m). Walk through hillside villages toward Jhinu Danda. Visit the nearby hot springs if time allows. | Walking distance and time depend on the chosen trail; this is a long day |
| 4 | Jhinu Danda → Chhomrong → Sinuwa (2,300 m). Climb to Chhomrong, descend to the river and climb again to Sinuwa. | Approximately 7 km; 6 hours walking |
| 5 | Sinuwa → Bamboo → Dovan → Deurali (3,200 m). Follow the forest trail as you climb higher into the valley. | Approximately 8 km; 5–6 hours walking |
| 6 | Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). Enter the Annapurna Sanctuary and spend the night at base camp. | Approximately 10 km; 6 hours walking |
| 7 | Annapurna Base Camp → Deurali → Bamboo (2,310 m). Enjoy the morning mountain views before the long descent. | Approximately 14 km; 7–8 hours walking |
| 8 | Bamboo → Jhinu Danda/New Bridge area → Pokhara (820 m). Walk to the available road pickup point and drive to Pokhara, where the trip finishes. | Walking distance and time depend on the pickup point, followed by a drive |
Extend Your Holiday After the Trek
You may choose to stay longer in Pokhara to relax and explore the city. With additional days, we can also help you plan visits to Chitwan National Park, Lumbini (Birth place of Buddha), Bardiya National Park, Gorkha or Bandipur. These destinations are optional extensions and are separate from the 8-day trek.
If you have no further activities planned, we can help arrange travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu on the following day. Tourist bus transport can be organised on request, while a domestic flight is available at an additional cost, subject to availability and weather.
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