Annapurna Base Camp 8 Days Trek Overview
Annapurna Base Camp 8 Days Trek is one of the shortest trekking routes in the Annapurna region that takes you all the way up to the base camp of the world's 10th highest tops. This is one of the best short treks that encompasses every wonder and beauty of a month-long trek and could be an ideal fit for any trek lover not having enough time for a longer trek.
Annapurna Base Camp trek lets you have a close glimpse of Mount Annapurna (8091 meters) and several other surrounding mountain peaks. This trek requires trekkers to ascend uphill and descend downhill a lot making it quite tough, even if Annapurna Base Camp Altitude (4130 meters) is lower relative to Everest Base Camp (5364 meters). Don’t you worry though; all your hardships will be paid for by the beautiful vistas and peace that this trek has to offer.
Some of the rewards you will be getting in this 8-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara are fanciful views of mountains peaks like Annapurna (8091 meters), Gangapurna (7454 meters), Machhapuchhre (6997 meters), Lamjung (6983 meters), Hiunchuli (6441 meters) and Mount Fang (7647 meters). Through this trek, you will be trekking along the woods blooming with rhododendrons, oaks, green bamboo, different animals, beautiful flowing rivers, traditional Nepali villages, and several other attractions.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara Route
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara commences with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kyumi from where the trek begins. After trekking for nearly 2 hours from Kyumi on a flat trail most of the time, we reach the famous place for natural hot springs, Jhinu Danda for the first overnight stay on the journey. On the next day, the stone paved trail takes us to Sinuwa passing via the beautiful Chhomrong village. From Sinuwa, it is 5 to 6 hours of trekking to make it to Deurali for another night via villages such as Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya.
As the main destination of this Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara is the Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 meters, we are led to this ultimate destination on the 4th day of our journey passing via the base camp of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) which is also one of the biggest mountains in the world. After spending a night at the Annapurna Base Camp while also enjoying the sunset view, and sunrise view with a 360-degree view of landscapes on the next morning, the route travels back to Bamboo village for the 5th night.
From Bamboo, the trail goes back to Jhinu from where our Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara modifies towards a beautiful village of Pothana. Then on the next day which is also the final day of this Annapurna Base Camp 8 days Trek, we trek from Pothana to Dhampus and to Phedi where we meet our vehicle and drive to Pokhara concluding the trip.
Annapurna Base Camp 8 days Trek Highlights
- Incredible views of snowcapped mountain peaks like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri ranges through the ABC Trek from Pokhara route
- Annapurna Base Camp, an amazing viewpoint offering a 360-degree view of landscapes
- Opportunity to hike through the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)
- Natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda
- A diverse combination of flora and fauna
- Diverse culture, vegetation, and terrains
- Heart-warming hospitality of Locals
- Lovely traditional Gurung and Magar villages
Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara Difficulty
The length of the trek, the distance traveled, the risk of altitude sickness, the time of year you trek, your level of preparation, and other factors all play a part in determining how difficult a trek will be. If you are well-prepared and walk at the appropriate time, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara is regarded as a moderate trekking adventure.
Although prior experience is not necessary, trekkers must be physically and mentally strong because they will be walking on easy to difficult slopes for an average of 5 to 6 hours each day for 8 days. Therefore, we advise you to start getting in some physical activity months before your trip, such as hiking, riding, working out, etc.
Even though the ABC Trek is situated at a lower altitude than other traditional Himalayan hiking, Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can affect anyone, regardless of age, experience, or level of fitness, can be a worry during the Annapurna Base Camp 8 days Trek. Hence, it will be very beneficial to take some precautions, such as moving gently, acclimating, hydrating, having a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, etc. It is advised that you notify your guide as soon as you see a symptom of the sickness. It can be helpful to carry medications for altitude sickness, such as Diamox.
Best Time to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara
The greatest times to go on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara are in the spring and fall, although it is possible to go at any time of year with the right preparation and equipment. But each month and each season has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The shoulder season for practically all Nepali trekking journeys, including the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara, is the fall (autumn). September through November in Nepal is considered to be the country's autumn season when the skies are clear with pleasant temperatures. The weather is mild, with sunny, warm days followed by cool evenings and mornings.
After the fall, the spring season, which begins in March and lasts through May, is another excellent time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara. The climate is comparable to autumn, with pleasant sunny days and cool mornings and evenings. The vistas are breathtakingly beautiful, and the skies are clear. You may appreciate the recently snow-covered Himalayas, cold streams, and rivers. Red rhododendron blooms cover the entire area, adding to the beauty of the landscape.
The monsoon season in Nepal runs concurrently with summer, hence it is not advised to go on the ABC Trek from Pokhara. The intense summer heat and monsoon rain during the three months of June, July, and August make hiking difficult and occasionally impossible. Insects like leeches are ferocious, especially in the jungle area, and the trails are muddy and treacherous. Additionally, clouds obscure the views of the highlands and most of the teahouses will be closed. Even though this time of year is not the best for hiking, adventurous travelers can nonetheless go for it with proper equipment.
In Nepal, winter is also considered to be off-season for trekking in the Himalayas. Although December marks the beginning of the winter season, hiking is still possible this month due to the warm, sunny days and clear skies. The other two winter months of January and February are the least preferred for treks in Nepal as the days are shorter and frigid when the temperatures drop below freezing. If you decide to hike during these two winter months, be prepared for chilly days and much chillier nights, as well as the possibility of delays or detours brought on by snow.
Permits do to ABC from Pokhara
Trekkers are required to obtain the following permits to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara.
1. TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Permit
2. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit
These permits are covered in this package.
