8-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Pokhara

Morning: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and enjoy a brief city tour of Durbar Square to soak up historic architecture.

Afternoon: Fly or drive to Pokhara, where you check into your guesthouse and relax by the lakeside.

Evening: Stroll along Phewa Lake, savor a traditional Nepali dinner, and rest early for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (≈1,570 m)

Morning: After breakfast, drive to the trailhead at Begnas and begin the trek through terraced rice fields.

Afternoon: Ascend gradually to the village of Tikhedhunga, famous for its stone staircases.

Evening: Set up camp, enjoy a hot tea, and watch the sunset over the hills.

Day 3: Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani (≈2,850 m)

Morning: Climb the iconic 3,050 stone steps to Ulleri, then continue through pine forests.

Afternoon: Reach the bustling mountain lodge of Ghorepani, where you can explore the local market.

Evening: Rest at the lodge and prepare for an early hike to a sunrise viewpoint.

Day 4: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani (≈2,600 m)

Morning: Wake before dawn to hike up to Poon Hill for spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Afternoon: Descend back to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and trek through rhododendron forests to Tadapani.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet night at the tea house, listening to distant yak bells.

Day 5: Tadapani – Chhomrong (≈2,170 m)

Morning: Follow the river valley, crossing a series of suspension bridges, and pass the village of Ghandruk (optional side‑trip).

Afternoon: Arrive at the historic Gurung settlement of Chhomrong, perched on a cliffside.

Evening: Experience traditional Gurung hospitality with cultural performances.

Day 6: Chhomrong – Dovan (≈2,360 m)

Morning: Descend steeply through forested slopes, crossing the Namche River.

Afternoon: Reach the high‑altitude meadow of Dovan, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna Massif.

Evening: Set up camp and enjoy a hearty stew to refuel for the upcoming high pass.

Day 7: Dovan – Deurali – Machapuchare Base Camp (≈2,970 m)

Morning: Trek through alpine scrub to Deurali, a key checkpoint before the high pass.

Afternoon: Cross the challenging Machapuchare Base Camp area, with views of the famed “Fish Tail” peak.

Evening: Relax at the base camp teahouse and prepare for the iconic Thorong La Pass.

Day 8: Machapuchare Base Camp – Thorong La Pass – Muktinath (≈3,800 m)

Morning: Early start to summit the legendary Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 m.

Afternoon: Descend into the Kali Gandaki valley and arrive at the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.

Evening: Participate in a short evening prayer ceremony and unwind at the guesthouse.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Durbar Square – 2 hrs – $10
• Phewa Lake – 1.5 hrs – $5
• Ulleri – 1 hr (stairs) – $0
• Ghorepani – 3 hrs – $15 (lodging & meals)
• Poon Hill – 2 hrs – $0
• Tadapani – 3 hrs – $12
• Chhomrong – 2 hrs – $12
• Dovan – 2 hrs – $10
• Deurali – 1.5 hrs – $8
• Machapuchare Base Camp – 2 hrs – $10
• Thorong La Pass – 4 hrs – $0
• Muktinath – 3 hrs – $7 (entry donation)
• Overall Trek Support (guide, porter, permits) – 8 days – $650
• Total Estimated Cost – $749

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a side trek to Ghandruk or spending an additional night in Muktinath to explore the surrounding valleys. To shorten the journey, you can skip the optional side trips and use a private vehicle from Pokhara to Tadapani, reducing trekking time by two days while still experiencing the core highlights of the Annapurna Circuit.