Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days

Complete the world famous Annapurna Circuit Trek in just 8 days.
Cross the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416m).
Travel through Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka and Muktinath.
Get stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna.
Acclimatize in Manang before crossing the high pass.
Travel through forests and alpine deserts.
Experience the culture of the Gurung, Manangi and Thakali people.
Worship at the Muktinath Temple, a holy pilgrimage site.
Drive directly from Muktinath to Pokhara.
Optional scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (if flight is available).

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days offers trekkers looking for a shorter Himalayan adventure an opportunity to experience the most exquisite portion of the famed Annapurna Circuit Trek in a time-efficient way. On this designed itinerary, trekkers are driven overland from Kathmandu to Chame. Trekkers then follow the standard trekking route, via Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi, before making the ascent of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Making a brief stop at the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, the overland trek is concluded by a scenic drive from Muktinath to Pokhara. Trekkers are allowed to experience the contrast of the high Himalayas and the lake city of Pokhara all in eight days.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 days showcases a stunning contrast of the diverse landscapes from low, lush, green, and moist, to high, arid, and alpine. Trekkers also experience the diverse culture of the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali peoples, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the high Himalayas that include Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Chulu East.

In preparation for ascending even higher during the trek, an acclimatization day is set aside for the increasing elevations in Manang. Popular activities for this day include visiting the local monasteries and viewpoints for stunning panoramic views, or trekking to Gangapurna Lake.

Crossing Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters, is the pinnacle of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and one of the most awe-inspiring trekking experiences of a lifetime. The rewards of the achievement at the summit include breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and the satisfaction of crossing one of the highest trekking passes in the world. For the trekkers destined to descend from the Thorong La Pass, the trail leads to the ancient pilgrimage town of Muktinath, the home of an ancient temple, a natural eternal flame, and 108 holy water spouts.

Once you reach Muktinath, a road will take you to Pokhara, an area of changing landscapes, from the arid Mustang to the central hills of revitalising greenery. For those trekkers who prefer to return quicker and more scenically, there are other options such as a short road trip to Jomsom to fly to Pokhara in a 30-minute domestic flight that provides amazing views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and the Annapurna range.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days is the perfect choice for trekkers of moderate fitness who have a limited amount of time on holiday to be able to traverse Nepal’s most famous trekking route. The trek features all the highlights of the classic Annapurna Circuit, an unforgettable trek that traverses dramatic and authentic Himalayan mountain landscapes and cultures and concludes with the crossing of the Thorong La Pass.

The Hill Sherpa Trekking team highly recommend the 18 days Annapurna Circuit trek if you have enough time for 100% success.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days Itinerary

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Chame

The first part of your 8 Day Annapurna Trek involves an early morning commencement of your journey from Kathmandu to Chame, the initiation point of your trek. You will enjoy the sights of the Prithvi Highway and then the Marsyangdi River as you follow the road lined with the river of the same name.

You will be treated to the vision of numerous rivers, dense forests, waterfalls, terraced farms, and quaint villages and the Himalayas and smaller hill ranges. Chame is the capital settlement of Manang District, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful village and the vistas of the Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. You will stay at a teahouse this evening.

Duration

8-9 hours

Max Altitude

2,710 M

Activity

Drive

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 02: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang

Your journey continues after breakfast, through the fragrant Fir and Pine forests, along the Marsyangdi River. You will continue to the village of Bhratang, famous for its apples. From here, the trek will take you across suspension bridges and under one of the largest vertical cliffs, Paungda Danda.

The opening valley will gift you with views of both Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. It is recommended that you skip Lower Pisang for your stop, as Upper Pisang contains more of the Tibetan-influenced culture, ancient monasteries, and prayer wheels, with superior mountain ranges as a backdrop. You will stay at an Upper Pisang teahouse for the evening.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

3,300 M

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 03: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang via Ngawal

The trek from Upper Pisang to Manang via Ngawal is known for having the most breathtaking views along the Annapurna Circuit. Most of the day will be spent climbing slowly to the towns of Ghyaru and Ngawal.

Day 7 deserves the full focus of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. On this day, trekkers leave before dawn to make the hike to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). At this point, you will be at one of the highest trekking passes of the entire planet. The pass is beautiful, providing an all-encompassing view for trekkers that stretches over both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

After spending time at the pass, it is a long hike down toward the town of Muktinath. Once you arrive, soak in the beauty of the town. If you still have the time, you should visit Muktinath Temple, which is famous for the eternal flame and the 108 pious water spouts. Enjoy your overnight stay in Muktinath.

Duration

8-10 hours

Max Altitude

5,416 M

Activity

Highest pass trek

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 08: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara after a Long Trek Through the Kali Gandaki Valley

You will enjoy breakfast before embarking on a beautiful drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley all the way to Pokhara. On this drive, you will pass through the mountain towns of Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani.

You will be provided with views of the Dhaulagiri Mountains. If you desire a faster return, you may drive to Jomsom and take a flight to Pokhara (this flight will be dependent on the weather). In Pokhara, your trek will also end. You may celebrate this trek in the evening after having spent a beautiful day next to Phewa Lake after all of the trekking.

Duration

8-9 hours

Max Altitude

830 M

Activity

Drive

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Includes & Excludes

What is included?

International airport pick-up/drop-off by private car.
Accommodation: standard tourist hotel twin-sharing room (2 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast).
Accommodation: standard tourist hotel twin-sharing room for 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast.
Kathmandu to Besi Sahar by Hiace, then drive to Chame by local Jeep.
Muktinath to Pokhara transportation by a local shared bus.
All three meals on trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are chosen from the menu.
Accommodation: tea-house twin-sharing room.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Government-licensed holder, good-speaking English, excellent experience guide.
All staff wages, food, drinks, accommodations, transportation, and insurance.
Down jackets, duffel bags, sleeping bags, and trekking poles are provided by Hill Sherpa Trekking but should be returned after the trek (if you need them)
One experienced sherpa helper to transport your luggage & 1 porter for 2 trekkers.
Hill Sherpa Trekking first aid kit bag carried by the Guide.
Fresh fruits daily after dinner
Helicopter service will be provided by your travel insurance in case of an Emergency.
All Government taxes and official expenses & and ground transportation.
Oximeter for pulse checking, level (AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness.
Trip Certificate provided by Hill Sherpa Trekking.

What is excluded?

International airfare tickets.
Nepal entry visa fee; visa obtained on arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu.
Additional accommodations, food, and drinks in Kathmandu if you stay extra day.
Your personal medical & travel insurance.
Dessert, sweet items like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding, Tea, and coffee for any extra expenses.
During the trek: hot showers, Mobile, Camera, Power bank, battery charging, Wi-Fi Internet.
Kathmandu Sightseeing entrance fees (25-30 USD per person in a group size of 4)
Personal first aid kit.
Tips for guide & porter. (Tips are expected)

Departure Dates

Departure Date

Trip Duration

Availability

Price

2026-09-03

8 Days

2-4

US$ 599

2026-09-11

8 Days

3-6

US$ 699

2026-10-03

8 Days

US$ 899

2026-10-16

8 Days

US$ 899

2026-11-12

8 Days

US$ 899

Note:

We also operate private trips.

Trip Information of Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days

Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days

The Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days is best from March to May and September to November, primarily due to weather patterns and visibility in early spring and early autumn. The striking close-up views of the mountains are best in clear weather. The colourful rhododendrons of the spring are a welcome hiking distraction along a way that is relatively quieter than the autumn months of late September and October.

Early winter is a possibility for the more experienced trekkers due to the increased likelihood of snow cover on Thorong La Pass. The monsoon season is a less popular option but does mean more solitude and lower trekking traffic, although there is rain on the lower trails.

Difficulty of Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate trek and best for those in good shape. Trekking along the route to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) requires more endurance than rock climbing. The trek is more achievable with good health and is broken up by days of less than 8 hours of walking.

Can Beginners Join This Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days is not recommended for beginners. The combination of the high-altitude Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the short availability of time, and the long days makes this trek more challenging for first-timers. This trek requires a good level of physical and mental fitness, and the hiker is expected to have sufficient previous hiking exposure.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days and the Annapurna Circuit Trek 18 Days would be more recommended for first-time trekkers. These each extend your time on the trek and give time for your body to acclimatize and avoid trekking at higher elevations too quickly. These also provide a better opportunity to enjoy the Himalayas.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a possibility for those who trek over the 5,416 meters mark. It is characterized by headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. In Manang, we have allotted one day to acclimatize and arranged for highly trained staff to monitor your health on the trek.

Accommodation, Food, and Drink

Accommodation is provided in local teahouses with twin-sharing rooms and warm hospitality. Along the route, you will have meals that include Dal Bhat, noodles, fried rice, pasta, soups, potatoes, and Tibetan bread that are all freshly prepared. You will have abundant access to tea, coffee, and other hot drinks along the route, and vegetarian options are common in most lodges.

Transportation

The trek offers scenic views during the drive from Kathmandu to Chame. Upon completion of the trek, a stunning drive from Muktinath to Pokhara via the Kali Gandaki Valley continues to offer beautiful vistas. To skip this drive, an optional flight from Jomsom to Pokhara may be purchased. This flight also offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Range. Flight availability is based on weather conditions.

Permits

To trek the Annapurna Circuit, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required. While trekking regulations may continue to change, those regulations are followed when booking with Hill Sherpa Trekking, as we provide all necessary permits.

Fitness and Trip Planning

This trek is physically demanding and moderately strenuous. To prepare for the trek, regular exercise is encouraged. The best way to prepare for the trek and improve endurance is to go hiking, jogging, cycling, or stair climbing on a regular basis. To help with the transition to the high altitude, we also encourage travellers to arrive in Nepal a day earlier.

Gadgets Charging & Internet

Most tea houses have charging for a fee. Wi-Fi may be available, but higher altitude villages may have a slower connection. It is best to travel with a power bank.

Your Extra Expenses

The trek offers many opportunities for personal expenses. Items like hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, drinks, snacks, laundry, and souvenirs are available. As there are no ATMs available in the villages, we recommend travellers bring enough Nepalese Rupees to cover personal expenses.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days combines the beauty of the Himalayas with the culture of the Buddhist monasteries and mountain villages. The trek passes through several diverse landscapes. After completing the trek, the final destination is the gorgeous Pokhara.

Other Trekking Options

There are several treks available for the adventurous traveller to extend their trek in Nepal. These include the Upper Mustang Trek, the Tilicho Lake Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Khopra Danda Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days

Packing wisely is essential for a safe and comfortable trekking experience. Since temperatures vary greatly between Chame and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), layering your clothing is the best approach.

Clothing

Trekking T-shirts (Moisture Wicking)
Thermal Base Layer
Fleece Layer
Down Jacket
Waterproof and Windproof Jacket
Trekking Pants
Trekking Pants (Comfortable)
Hat / Beanie (Warm)
Hat / Cap (Sun)
Scarf / Buff (Neck)
Gloves (Warm)
Trekking Socks (4-5 pairs)
Underwear (Comfortable)

Footwear

Waterproof trekking boots
Sandals or camp shoes which are lightweight
Gaiters (for winter or in snow)

Trekking Equipment

Daypack of 25-35 liters
Duffel bag if portered
Trekking Poles
Sleeping bag temp rated at -10°C
Rain cover for backpack
Headlamp with extra batteries

Personal Items

Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen 50+ SPF
Lip Balm
Water/Ionized Drinks
Dental Care + Other Hygiene
Portable Dry Towel
Sanitation Wipes
Wet Wipes
Toilet Paper

First Aid & Medication

Personal medications
Diamox (consult your doctor before use)
Pain relief medication
Bandages and blister treatment
Antiseptic cream
Water purification tablets or filter

Electronics

Mobile phone
Camera
Portable charger
Charging Leads
Universal Travel Adapter

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covering treks to higher altitudes is necessary for this trek. Insurance should cover trekking above 5,500m, cover emergency helicopter evacuations and medical treatment, cover trip cancellations, and cover personal belongings. We advise travelers do this before arriving in Nepal.

Electricity, Drinking Water, and Internet

Electricity reaches most villages, and drinking water can either be purchased or made safe with purification tablets or water filters. To help limit environmental impact, trekkers are urged to use reusable water bottles so that they do not need to buy water and contribute to the production of single-use plastic. The availability of Internet and mobile networks varies along the route, and higher altitudes provide less coverage.

Rules for Solo Trekking

In relation to trekking in Nepal, current regulations state that foreign trekkers are required to trek with a licensed guide in most of the Annapurna region. Booking a guided trek meets the requirements of the region and also increases safety and provides better navigation and an overall better experience when trekking.

Why Choose Hill Sherpa Trekking?

Hill Sherpa Trekking is a Sherpa company that is based in the region and guarantees safe and authentic treks in the Himalayas. When you travel with us, you are able to experience all the beautiful views and rich culture that the Annapurna region has to offer. Offering trustworthy guided tours with flexible pricing and services allows us to execute all our services with your safety in mind.

Altitude Chart of Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days

Equipment List

General Information

Personal Wearing Gear List & Recommendations by Hill Sherpa Trekking

The company provides a feather sleeping bag and a feather down Jacket, but they should be returned after the trek.
Hill Sherpa Trekking provides a duffle bag & trekking poles during the trek, but they should be refunded after the trek.
Mostly recommended for morning and evening: a windproof and waterproof thin-layered jacket above 3450m.
Mostly recommend a Daypack bag 35-45 ltr.
Headlamp & extra batteries during the trek

Daily Use Essentials

A Sun Block Cap & Fleece hat
Sunglasses with 100% snow UV protection
A muffle (full-cover mask)
Sunscreen (30+ to 60 SPF, depending on age)
A pair of thin & warm gloves
A pair of Trekking poles
Water bottle & filter
Water-purified tablets
lips guard

Upper Body Essentials

warm hat
A pair of T-shirts
Thermal tops
Sports bras for ladies
Windproof & fleece jacket
waterproof jacket

All Lower Body

waterproof trouser
Warmer & fleece trousers
A pair of Comfortable trekking pants
Extra casual sports pants
A pair of sports shoes
Thermal underwear
A pair of comfortable waterproof trekking boots
A pair of light sandals
Some Thick (woollen) socks and Sock liners
Light shoes

Personal Medical and First Aid Kits

Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for AMS)
ibuprofen & paracetamol tablets IP
Some Assorted adhesive bandages
Wraps, splints, wound coverings, butterfly bandages
Blister treatment cream or similar
Insect / anti-itch ointment
Moves in case anybody sprains
pain-relief medication
Sinex, Eye Drops, etc.

Important Things

Passport-size photos and original passport copy scan
Flight details (to pick you up & transfer to the hotel)
Travel and medical insurance

Extra Essential Things

Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
A power bank is most important (if you have one)
Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
Toilet Paper and important ladies’ things (if you are ladies)

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,769 ft.

How much to allocate in your budget for personal expenses?

The typical daily personal expenditure is USD 20 to 35. This accounts for food, beverages, wifi, charging, hot showers, tips, and small, sundry items.

Preparation & Fitness

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek 8 Days?

The trek is of moderate difficulty. It is best attempted by those with good fitness and some preparation.

Is trekking experience necessary?

Yes, we strongly suggest some level of trekking experience before this tour. Although this tour is very short, the altitudes are quite high, with not much time allocated for acclimatization. We recommend that all trekkers be in good physical shape and be prepared to trek for multiple hours per day.

Permits

What permits are required?

The permits needed are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the latest government mandates.

Guides & Support Staff

Do I need a guide?

Guides are required as the current trekking regulations state that foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide in the Annapurna region.

Accommodation and Facilities

What type of accommodation is available?

Lodging is in mountain teahouses, which are more comfortable and provide home-cooked meals as well.

Can I charge my phone during the trek?

Yes. It is possible to charge your phone at the teahouses for a small fee.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Wi-Fi is offered in numerous villages at a slow connection, particularly at higher elevations.

Weather & Seasons

When is the best time to trek?

The ideal times to visit the mountainous areas to view the mountains under clear weather are the spring season (March – May) and the autumn season (September – November)

Health & Safety