With 5 to 10 days off, Poon Hill (9 days), Annapurna Base Camp (10 days), Langtang (10 days) and shorter Mardi Himal or Everest panorama plans fit best. Dussehra and Diwali fall in good trekking weather but are very busy. Festival dates move each year, so book early and keep a spare day for flights and roads.
Why these holidays suit trekking, and what is tricky
Dussehra and Diwali usually fall in autumn, which is among the best trekking seasons in Nepal. Skies are often clear and the trails are dry.
The difficulty is demand. Many travellers choose the same dates, so flights, hotels and teahouse beds fill early. Festival dates change every year, so check the calendar first.
Nepal has its own festivals around the same time, and some offices and services may be slower. If you are travelling from India, carry valid photo ID such as a passport or voter ID, and check the current rules on Indian currency in Nepal.
Treks that fit 5 to 10 days of leave
Count total days from your home city, not only trekking days. Trek lengths are counted from the start of the itinerary in Nepal, and travel from India adds more.
- Poon Hill: 9 days, gentle and scenic
- Annapurna Base Camp: 10 days, a bit harder, bigger payoff
- Langtang: 10 days, close to Kathmandu
- Mardi Himal: 11 days, so it suits slightly longer leave
- Shorter versions of Everest region walks, with a flight in and out
If you have fewer than 9 days, ask us about shorter plans near Pokhara or Kathmandu. A full Everest Base Camp trek is 14 days, which needs more leave.
Flights and road logistics
Many trekkers fly from India to Kathmandu, then travel by road or a short flight to Pokhara. Road journeys can take many hours and run slower during busy festival periods. Flights are faster but depend on weather and seat availability.
Flights to Lukla and Jomsom are the most sensitive to cloud and wind. Delays can eat into a short holiday, so do not book your return flight home on the last possible day.
We can add a spare day to any itinerary and arrange transfers. Fees change, so confirm the current figure with us before you book.
Booking early and managing the season
Book as soon as your leave is approved. For popular autumn dates, flights and rooms can sell out many weeks ahead.
Trails are busiest in the main autumn window, so teahouse rooms may be shared and dining rooms crowded. Starting each day early helps. Evenings get cold at altitude even in a good season.
Summer vacation is a different case. In the monsoon, rain and leeches affect most routes, and rain shadow regions such as Upper Mustang are the better choice, which needs a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.
Common questions
Which trek is best for a 9 or 10 day holiday?
Poon Hill (9 days), Annapurna Base Camp (10 days) and Langtang (10 days) are the usual fits. Remember to count travel days to and from India as well as trekking days.
Should I book Dussehra or Diwali treks early?
Yes. Autumn festival dates are very busy and flights and lodges fill. Dates change every year, so check the calendar and book as soon as your leave is confirmed.
Can I do Everest Base Camp in under 10 days?
Our standard Everest Base Camp trek is 14 days. Shorter Everest region plans exist but see less. Tell us your leave and we can suggest a realistic option.
