Annapurna Circuit Trek Guide

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit is, for many, the classic Himalayan trek — a grand loop around the entire Annapurna massif that has been near the top of every trekker's list since Nepal opened its trails to foreigners. Where a base-camp trek delivers a single mountain head-on, the Circuit gives you a journey: you start in subtropical, terraced farmland, climb through forest and gorge to the high desert of Manang, cross the great Thorong La (5,416 m), and descend into the trans-Himalayan rain shadow of Mustang on the far side. Few treks anywhere pack in so much variety in a single route.

The trail circles the massif within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected region, passing from the green Marsyangdi valley over to the dry, wind-scoured Kali Gandaki — the deepest gorge on Earth, hemmed by Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The crux and high point is the Thorong La, a long, exposed pass crossed in one big pre-dawn push from Manang's side down to the sacred temple complex of Muktinath (3,760 m), holy to both Hindus and Buddhists. From there the route drops to Kagbeni, Jomsom and the apple-orchard village of Marpha.

Most people now complete the trek in 12 to 16 days, though it was historically up to 21. Road building has reshaped the Circuit: jeep tracks reach far up both sides of the loop, so many trekkers now start walking from Chame or Dharapani (a jeep from Besisahar) and finish at Jomsom or Muktinath, taking a jeep or flight out — while purists still walk more of the original route to savour the slow change of landscape.

It is graded challenging, but in an approachable way. The teahouses are good, the daily ascent is gradual, and the route's profile gives an excellent acclimatisation curve — which is exactly why fit first-time Himalayan trekkers do it successfully every season. The one thing that demands real respect is the altitude on the Thorong La. Get the acclimatisation right and the Circuit is one of the most rewarding long treks in the world.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

This is a classic Annapurna Circuit itinerary built around a steady, safe acclimatisation profile and the Thorong La crossing. Thanks to the roads, it can be shortened by starting the walk higher up the Marsyangdi, or extended with the popular Tilicho Lake side-trip and a finish over Poon Hill. The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and ends with a jeep or flight out of the Kali Gandaki valley.

Day 1 — Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m), jeep to Chame (2,670 m)

A long drive west from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the traditional trailhead, then a rough jeep ride up the Marsyangdi valley to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Many trekkers now begin walking from here or nearby Dharapani.

Day 2 — Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)

A scenic day climbing through pine forest past the dramatic curved rock face of Paungda Danda, with the first big views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak, to the old stone village of Upper Pisang. (5-6 hours.)

Day 3 — Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)

The high, scenic route via Ghyaru and Ngawal — climbing along the valley's north side with superb views of the Annapurnas and Gangapurna — before descending to Manang, the key acclimatisation hub of the trek. (6-7 hours.)

Day 4 — Acclimatisation day at Manang (3,540 m)

An essential rest and acclimatisation day. Hike higher to the Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) viewpoint, visit the Gangapurna glacier and lake, or attend the daily altitude-sickness talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post in the village.

Day 5 — Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

A shorter, steadier day climbing out of Manang above the tree line into open, alpine country grazed by yaks and blue sheep, to the small settlement of Yak Kharka. (3-4 hours.)

Day 6 — Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,540 m) or High Camp (4,925 m)

A short but high day to Thorong Phedi ("the foot of the pass"), the staging post for the crossing. Strong, well-acclimatised trekkers may push on to High Camp to shorten the pass day. (3-5 hours.)

Day 7 — Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,760 m) via Thorong La (5,416 m)

The crux of the trek: a pre-dawn start for the long, cold, exposed climb to the Thorong La (5,416 m), the high point of the Circuit, followed by a knee-testing descent of more than 1,600 m to the sacred temple town of Muktinath. A long, demanding and unforgettable day. (7-9 hours.)

Day 8 — Muktinath to Kagbeni / Jomsom (2,720 m)

Descend through the wind-blasted desert landscape of lower Mustang to the medieval gateway village of Kagbeni on the Kali Gandaki, then on down the valley to Jomsom, the district capital with its airstrip. (4-6 hours.)

Day 9 — Jomsom to Marpha (2,670 m) and exit

A short walk to the pretty, whitewashed Thakali village of Marpha, famous for its apple orchards, brandy and cider. From here most trekkers take a jeep or the short flight from Jomsom out of the valley.

Days 10-13 — Optional extension: Tatopani, Ghorepani & Poon Hill

Trekkers with more time skip the flight and continue down the Kali Gandaki to the Tatopani hot springs, then climb to Ghorepani for the famous sunrise from Poon Hill before descending to a road and driving to Pokhara.

Side-trip — Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)

From Manang, many add a 2-3 day detour to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest large lakes in the world, set in a spectacular glacial amphitheatre. It doubles as superb acclimatisation but adds exposure on the avalanche-prone trail to Tilicho Base Camp.

Difficulty & Fitness

The Annapurna Circuit is graded challenging, but it is one of the more achievable long Himalayan treks for fit first-timers — provided they respect the altitude. The difficulty comes from a few specific things rather than relentless hardship.

• The Thorong La pass. At 5,416 m this is the crux of the whole trek and the main reason it is graded challenging. The crossing is a long, cold, high-altitude day with a big climb to the top and a punishing 1,600 m descent on the far side.
• Altitude, not technicality. There is no scrambling, ropes or exposure — the trails are well-trodden paths. The real challenge is thin air, and the route is famous precisely because its gradual ascent gives an excellent acclimatisation profile.
• Length. Twelve to sixteen days of walking is a sustained effort, even if individual days are moderate. You need stamina rather than mountaineering skill.
• Variety of conditions. You move from warm farmland to freezing high desert and back, so you must be ready for a wide range of temperatures and the strong afternoon winds of the Kali Gandaki.

You should be able to walk 5-7 hours a day on consecutive days and be comfortable with a long, demanding pass day. The good teahouses, gradual gain and well-placed acclimatisation stops at Manang and Yak Kharka make the Circuit realistic for a fit, well-prepared first Himalayan trek. Train with hill walks and stair climbs for a couple of months beforehand, and never rush the high section.

Permits & Regulations

The Annapurna Circuit is not a restricted area, so you do not need a special restricted-area permit. You do need two documents:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit — around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals (less for SAARC nationals). Issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara and checked at entry posts such as Besisahar, Chame and Jomsom.
• TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System) — around NPR 2,000, arranged through a registered trekking agency.

Since 2023, Nepal requires trekkers on most conservation-area routes — including the Annapurna region — to trek with a licensed guide for organised trekking rather than going fully independent. Carry your passport and several passport photos, and keep both permits handy, as they are checked at multiple posts around the Circuit. Rules can change, so confirm the current requirements with a registered agency or the Nepal Tourism Board before you travel.

Cost & Budget

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the better-value long treks in Nepal because it runs on a well-developed teahouse network and needs no expensive expedition logistics.

• Guided package: typically USD 800-1,600 per person depending on length, group size and how much transport (jeeps or the Jomsom flight) is included. This usually covers the guide, permits, ground transport, accommodation and meals on the trek.
• Permits: the ACAP permit (around NPR 3,000) plus the TIMS card (around NPR 2,000).
• Transport: the Kathmandu-Besisahar drive and the jeeps up the Marsyangdi and out of the Kali Gandaki, or the short Jomsom-Pokhara flight, are the main extra transport costs and can vary a lot with how far you choose to drive versus walk.
• On-trail spending: prices for food, lodging, charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi rise steadily with altitude. Carry enough Nepali rupees in cash — ATMs effectively run out beyond Chame and Jomsom.

Costs climb with altitude, and a generous tip for guides and porters is customary. Budget a contingency for jeep changes, a weather-delayed Jomsom flight, or an extra acclimatisation night before the pass.

Best Time to Trek

There are two prime seasons for the Annapurna Circuit, and on this trek the season matters more than usual because the high Thorong La can close with snow.

• Autumn (October-November) is the most popular season: stable weather, clear skies, the sharpest mountain views and a reliably open pass. This is the prime window, and the trail is at its busiest.
• Spring (March-May) brings warmer days, blooming rhododendron on the lower forested sections and good views, with the pass generally open and the trail a little quieter than autumn.

The monsoon (June-early September) soaks the lower Marsyangdi sections and brings cloud and leeches, though the upper Manang and Mustang valleys lie in the rain shadow and stay relatively dry — making a monsoon Circuit possible but mixed. Winter (December-February) is cold and the Thorong La is frequently snow-closed, so most trekkers avoid it. For the best balance of weather, views and a safely open pass, plan for autumn or spring.

Packing, Safety & Tips

Acclimatisation

The Thorong La at 5,416 m makes altitude sickness the single biggest safety issue on the Circuit. The route's gradual profile helps, but you must use it well: keep the acclimatisation day at Manang, climb high and sleep low, ascend slowly above 3,000 m, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol high up, and watch for headache, nausea and dizziness. Attend the free altitude talk at the HRA post in Manang. If symptoms worsen, descend — do not cross the pass while unwell.

Gear & packing

Pack for everything from warm farmland to a freezing, windy 5,400 m pass: a warm sleeping bag rated below freezing, a good down jacket, layered clothing, sturdy broken-in boots, trekking poles, sun and snow protection, lip balm and a headlamp for the pre-dawn pass start. Bring a reliable water-purification method, snacks, and a first-aid kit including blister care and altitude medication discussed with your doctor. A windproof outer layer is essential for the gusty Kali Gandaki.

Communications & money

Mobile signal and Wi-Fi reach most villages on the Circuit, though both get patchy and pricey high up. Carry enough cash in Nepali rupees for the whole trek plus a buffer — reliable ATMs run out beyond Chame on the way up and Jomsom on the way down, and prices rise with altitude.

Safety & insurance

Buy comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking to at least 5,500 m and includes helicopter evacuation, which is essential and expensive without cover. Start the Thorong La crossing early to beat the strong afternoon winds, never cross in a storm or fresh deep snow, and trek with a licensed guide who knows the pass and the weather. Keep a contingency day for the pass and a weather-delayed Jomsom flight.

Combining with other treks

The Circuit links naturally with several other Annapurna routes. The popular Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) side-trip from Manang adds spectacular high-altitude scenery and acclimatisation, and the trek's southern finish flows straight into the Poon Hill sunrise loop. Adventurous, well-acclimatised trekkers can branch off to the restricted Nar Phu Valley before rejoining the main trail near Manang. Note that the Annapurna Base Camp trek is a separate route into the Sanctuary rather than part of the Circuit. Base yourself in Pokhara to start, finish and arrange permits and transport.