Trek Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most iconic and diverse trekking routes in the world, located in the heart of Nepal’s majestic Himalayas. This classic trek circles the Annapurna Massif, taking adventurers through a dramatic range of landscapes—from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to arid high-altitude deserts.
Spanning approximately 160–230 kilometers (depending on the route variations), the trail crosses several climatic zones and offers ever-changing scenery, culminating at the Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters / 17,769 feet)—the highest point of the trek and one of the most thrilling high mountain passes on Earth.
Along the journey, trekkers experience the unique culture of Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced communities, with stops in charming mountain villages like Manang, Pisang, and Muktinath. The trail is dotted with ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and awe-inspiring views of towering peaks such as Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and Manaslu.
Perfect for both seasoned hikers and passionate explorers, the Annapurna Circuit Trek promises an unforgettable adventure through one of the most geographically and culturally rich regions in the Himalayas.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Pokhara
- Travel from Kathmandu (Flight: 30 mins / Bus: 7–8 hrs - not included)
- Meet & Greet with team
- Stay: Hotel in Pokhara
Day 2: Pokhara to Ghandruk drive, trek to Komrong (2,175 m)
- Drive: 3 hrs
- Trek Distance: 3.5 km (approx. 3 hrs)
- Views of Annapurna South, Himchuli & Machapuchare
- Stay: Guesthouse in Komrong
Day 3: Komrong to Chhomrong (2,178 m)
- Trek Distance: 8.5 km (approx. 6 hrs)
- Highlights: Fertile terraced hillsides & Gurung culture
- Stay: Lodge in Chhomrong
Day 4: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,360 m)
- Trek Distance: 9.5 km (approx. 5–6 hrs)
- Highlights: Forest trails & Modi Khola valley
- Stay: Teahouse in Bamboo
Day 5: Bamboo to Deurali (3,200 m)
- Trek Distance: 8 km (approx. 6–7 hrs)
- Highlights: Himalayan vegetation & narrow gorges
- Stay: Teahouse in Deurali
Day 6: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
- Trek Distance: 9.5 km (approx. 6–7 hrs)
- Final destination: Panoramic views of Annapurna Massif
- Stay: Lodge at ABC
Day 7: ABC to Dovan (2,500 m)
- Trek Distance: 11.5 km (approx. 7–8 hrs)
- Highlights: Descend through serene landscapes
- Stay: Teahouse in Dovan
Day 8: Dovan to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs)
- Trek Distance: 9.5 km (approx. 6–7 hrs)
- Highlights: Relax at natural hot springs
- Stay: Lodge in Jhinu Danda
Day 9: Jhinu Danda to Samrung (Jeep back to Pokhara)
- Trek Distance: 1.5 km (approx. 45 mins)
- Drive: 2.5–3 hrs to Pokhara
- End of trek
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Pokhara from Kathmandu
Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight (30 mins) or bus (7–8 hours). The transportation is not included in the package. Upon arrival, meet the trek team and check into the hotel. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the trek. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 2 - Drive to Ghandruk, Trek to Komrong (2,175 m, 3.5 KM)
After breakfast, drive for about 3 hours to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village. Begin a 3-hour trek to Komrong, a scenic village offering spectacular views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Machapuchare. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Komrong.
Day 3 - Komrong to Chhomrong (2,178 m, 8.5 KM)
Continue your journey with a 6-hour trek to Chhomrong, a beautiful village nestled on a hillside. The name 'Chhomrong' originates from the Gurung language, symbolizing fertile and well-harvested land. Enjoy the views and settle in for the night at a local lodge.
Day 4 - Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,360 m, 9.5 KM)
Begin your 5–6 hour trek from Chhomrong descending through lush forests, then ascending towards Bamboo village along the Modi Khola valley. This peaceful segment features thick vegetation and tranquil trails. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Bamboo.
Day 5 - Bamboo to Deurali (3,200 m, 8 KM)
Today’s 6–7 hour trek continues uphill through the dense forest and past the Himalaya Hotel. Reach Deurali, located at 3,200 meters. The change in altitude brings more alpine terrain and a cooler climate. Overnight stay in Deurali.
Day 6 - Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m, 9.5 KM)
Trek 6–7 hours through the Annapurna Sanctuary, passing Machapuchare Base Camp. Reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) surrounded by towering peaks. This is the highest point of the trek. Enjoy sunset views and overnight stay at ABC.
Day 7 - ABC to Dovan (2,500 m, 11.5 KM)
After witnessing a glorious Himalayan sunrise, begin your descent. Trek for 7–8 hours down to Dovan. The trail retraces through familiar forests and river valleys. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Dovan.
Day 8 - Dovan to Jhinu Danda (9.5 KM)
Descend through lush green forests for about 6–7 hours to reach Jhinu Danda. This village is famous for its natural hot springs where trekkers often relax and rejuvenate. Overnight stay in Jhinu Danda.
Day 9 - Jhinu Danda to Samrung, Drive to Pokhara
After a short 45-minute trek to Samrung (1.5 KM), board a jeep and drive 2.5–3 hours back to Pokhara. This marks the end of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Optional evening celebration in Pokhara or rest at your hotel.
Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet with the trekking team. Spend the day resting or exploring the city. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 2 - Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,950 m)
Drive 8–9 hours to Dharapani. This scenic route passes through hills and river valleys. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Dharapani.
Day 3 - Trek to Chame Bazaar (2,650 m, 9 KM)
Trek 5–6 hours to Chame Bazaar, gateway to the Annapurna region. Enjoy pine forests and stunning views. Overnight stay at Chame.
Day 4 - Trek to Upper Pisang (3,200 m, 8 KM)
Ascend gradually to Upper Pisang through alpine forests and villages. Trek for 5–6 hours. Overnight stay in Upper Pisang.
Day 5 - Trek to Manang (3,540 m, 16 KM)
A long 7–8 hour trek through scenic highland trails with views of Annapurna peaks. Reach the bustling village of Manang. Overnight stay at Manang.
Day 6 - Acclimatization in Manang
Rest and explore local sights: Gangapurna Lake, Bhraga Village, and panoramic viewpoints. This day helps with acclimatization. Overnight stay in Manang.
Day 7 - Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,175 m, 10.5 KM)
Trek 6–7 hours through rocky terrain and remote trails. Reach Tilicho Base Camp by evening. Overnight stay at Base Camp.
Day 8 - Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,920 m, 5 KM), return to Base Camp
Early morning hike (3–4 hours) to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest mountain lakes. Return to Base Camp in 1.5–2 hours. Overnight at Base Camp.
Day 9 - Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000 m, 10 KM)
Trek for 6–7 hours back on the main Annapurna Circuit route to Yak Kharka. Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.
Day 10 - Trek to High Camp (4,825 m)
Steady ascent to High Camp. Trek for 5–6 hours and prepare for Thorong-La crossing. Overnight stay at High Camp.
Day 11 - Cross Thorong-La Pass (5,416 m), trek to Muktinath (3,860 m, 14 KM)
Begin early to cross the world’s highest trekking pass. Trek 8–9 hours to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site. Overnight stay at Muktinath.
Day 12 - Trek to Kagbeni (9.5 KM)
Trek 4–5 hours to Kagbeni, a beautiful village at the gateway of Upper Mustang. Overnight stay in Kagbeni.
Day 13 - Trek to Marpha via Jomsom
Descend to Marpha (via Jomsom), a village famous for its apple orchards and whitewashed houses. Overnight stay in Marpha.
Day 14 - Drive to Pokhara (178 KM)
Drive 7–8 hours to Pokhara, concluding the trek. Celebrate your journey or enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Pokhara.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions:
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
- Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
- Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant
Process
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Replacement of Participants
Participants can be replaced through the Mountain Hike dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email themountainhike@gmail.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash Refund Policy
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
- 30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
- 15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
- 5+ days before departure: No deduction
- Less than 5 days: No Refund
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
Cancellation or Change Initiated by Mountain Hike
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
- A replacement event of equivalent value
- A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
Changes/Cancellation After Departure
Due to Force Majeure
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
Other Reasons
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
Participant Dropout During the Event
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
Early Return from an Event
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Gallery