Annapurna Circuit Trek Guide
The Annapurna Circuit is Nepal's classic Himalayan circuit, a 12-16 day teahouse trek that loops around the entire Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m and threading through farmland, gorges, pine forest and the high desert of the trans-Himalayan rain shadow.
A glimpse of Annapurna Circuit
Watch: Annapurna Circuit Trek
🎬 "The High Pass: Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal" by Jeff Pelletier on YouTube
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
The classic Annapurna Circuit is walked anticlockwise in 12 to 16 days, climbing the Marsyangdi valley to Manang for acclimatisation, crossing the Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath, then descending the Kali Gandaki. Roads now let many trekkers start higher and exit by jeep or the Jomsom flight.
- Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar, jeep to Chame (2,670 m)
- Day 2: Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
- Day 3: Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)
- Day 4: Acclimatisation day at Manang (3,540 m)
- Day 5: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
- Day 6: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,540 m) or High Camp (4,925 m)
- Day 7: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,760 m) via Thorong La (5,416 m)
- Day 8: Muktinath to Kagbeni or Jomsom (2,720 m)
- Day 9: Jomsom to Marpha (2,670 m), jeep or flight out
Optional extensions add the Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) side-trip from Manang and a southern finish over Poon Hill via the Tatopani hot springs.
Read the full Annapurna Circuit itinerary guide, with Tilicho and Poon Hill options →
Difficulty & Fitness
The Annapurna Circuit is graded challenging, yet it is one of the more achievable long Himalayan treks for fit first-timers who respect the altitude. There is no technical climbing or exposure: the difficulty is the altitude on the Thorong La (5,416 m), with a big climb to the top and a punishing 1,600 m descent, plus the sustained effort of 12 to 16 days and a swing from warm farmland to freezing, windy high desert.
You should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day on consecutive days and ready for one long, demanding pass day. The good teahouses, gradual ascent and acclimatisation stops at Manang and Yak Kharka make it realistic for a well-prepared first Himalayan trek. Train with hill walks and stair climbs for a couple of months beforehand, and never rush the high section.
Read the full Annapurna Circuit difficulty & fitness guide, with a training plan →
Permits & Regulations
The Annapurna Circuit is not a restricted area, so no special permit is needed, just two documents:
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit: around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals; SAARC nationals pay less.
- TIMS card: around NPR 2,000, arranged through a registered trekking agency.
Both are issued in Kathmandu or Pokhara with your passport and photos, and are checked at posts such as Besisahar, Chame and Jomsom. Since 2023 a licensed guide is required for organised trekking in the Annapurna region. Treat fees as 2026 estimates and confirm current rates before departure.
Read the full Annapurna Circuit permits guide: ACAP, TIMS and the guide rule →
Cost & Budget
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the better-value long treks in Nepal, running on a well-developed teahouse network with no expensive expedition logistics. A guided trip typically costs NPR 105,000 to 215,000 per person depending on length, group size and how much transport (jeeps or the Jomsom flight) is included, usually covering the guide, permits, ground transport, lodging and meals.
On top of that, budget for the ACAP and TIMS permits, the Kathmandu to Besisahar drive and valley jeeps, and on-trail spending that rises with altitude. Carry enough Nepali rupees in cash, as ATMs effectively run out beyond Chame and Jomsom, and keep a contingency for jeep changes or a weather-delayed Jomsom flight.
Read the full Annapurna Circuit cost guide: line-by-line breakdown and sample budgets →
Best Time to Trek
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is autumn (October to November), with stable weather, clear skies, the sharpest views and a reliably open Thorong La, and spring (March to May), which brings warmer days, rhododendron blooms on the lower sections and a slightly quieter trail. On this trek the season matters more than usual, because the high pass can close with snow.
The monsoon (June to early September) soaks the lower Marsyangdi and brings cloud and leeches, though the rain-shadow valleys of Manang and Mustang stay relatively dry. Winter (December to February) is cold and the Thorong La is frequently snow-closed, so most trekkers avoid it.
Read the full month-by-month guide to the best time for the Annapurna Circuit →
Packing, Safety & Tips
Altitude & safety
The Thorong La at 5,416 m makes altitude sickness the single biggest safety issue on the Circuit. Use the gradual profile well: keep the acclimatisation day at Manang, ascend slowly above 3,000 m, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol high up, and descend if symptoms worsen rather than crossing the pass unwell. Carry travel insurance that covers trekking to at least 5,500 m with helicopter evacuation.
Read the full Annapurna Circuit altitude sickness & safety guide →
What to pack
Pack for everything from warm farmland to a freezing, windy 5,400 m pass: a below-freezing sleeping bag, a down jacket, layered clothing, broken-in boots, trekking poles, sun and snow protection, and a headlamp for the pre-dawn pass start. A windproof outer layer is essential for the gusty Kali Gandaki.
Read the full Annapurna Circuit packing list: complete gear checklist →
Crossing the Thorong La
Start the crossing pre-dawn from Thorong Phedi or High Camp to beat the strong afternoon winds, and never cross in a storm or fresh deep snow. Pushing on to High Camp the day before shortens the long pass day, and a licensed guide who knows the pass and the weather greatly improves safety. Keep a contingency day for a snow-delayed pass or a weather-delayed Jomsom flight.
Acclimatising at Manang
Make the most of the rest day at Manang (3,540 m): hike high and sleep low to the Ice Lake or Gangapurna glacier viewpoints, and attend the free altitude talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post in the village.
Combining with other treks
The popular Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) side-trip from Manang adds spectacular scenery and acclimatisation, though the trail to Tilicho Base Camp crosses avalanche-prone slopes. The southern finish flows into the Poon Hill sunrise loop, and well-acclimatised trekkers can branch off to the restricted Nar Phu Valley before rejoining near Manang. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a separate route into the Sanctuary, not part of the Circuit. Base yourself in Pokhara to start, finish and arrange permits.
Altitude Sickness (AMS) & Trek Safety
The Annapurna Circuit trek climbs to 5,416 m, well into the zone where acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a serious, potentially fatal risk, careful acclimatisation is non-negotiable. This section covers how to recognise altitude sickness, prevent it, prepare physically, and stay insured, it is general guidance, not medical advice.
Recognise the symptoms
| Level | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild AMS | Headache, nausea or loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, broken sleep. | Stop ascending, rest, hydrate. Do not go higher until symptoms clear; descend if they do not. |
| Severe, HAPE (lungs) | Breathlessness at rest, persistent cough, frothy or pink spit, chest tightness, blue lips. | Descend immediately and treat as a medical emergency, arrange evacuation. |
| Severe, HACE (brain) | Confusion, clumsiness or loss of balance, crushing headache, drowsiness, hallucinations. | Descend immediately, HACE is life-threatening within hours. Evacuate. |
Prevent it: the golden rules
- Ascend slowly. Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than ~300–500 m per day and take the built-in acclimatisation days.
- Climb high, sleep low. Day-hike higher, then come back down to sleep.
- Hydrate (3–4 litres/day), eat well, and avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking at altitude.
- Never ascend with AMS symptoms, and descend at once if they worsen, going down is the only reliable cure.
- Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive/treatment aid, but only after discussing it with your doctor.
Get trek-fit
Start training 6–8 weeks out: build aerobic base with running, cycling or brisk hill walking 3–4 times a week; add stair and hill repeats carrying a loaded daypack (6–8 kg) to ready your legs for long descents; and finish with a couple of back-to-back long hiking days to rehearse multi-day fatigue. Strong quads and good cardio make altitude far more manageable.
Insurance & evacuation
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking up to 5,416 m and helicopter evacuation, a rescue from altitude is essential and very expensive without cover. Carry your policy number and your operator’s emergency contact, and keep the booking details of any guide with you.
Annapurna Circuit: specific hazards
The Thorong La (5,416 m) is the crux and is exposed to sudden storms, the 2014 blizzard there killed dozens. Start the crossing before dawn, go only in clear weather, and never push over the pass in a storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the Annapurna Circuit trek take?
The Annapurna Circuit usually takes 12 to 16 days, and historically up to 21 before the roads were built. Road access now lets many trekkers start walking from Chame or Dharapani and finish at Jomsom or Muktinath, while the Tilicho Lake or Poon Hill extensions add several days.
How hard is the Annapurna Circuit trek?
It is graded challenging, but it is one of the more achievable long Himalayan treks for fit first-timers. There is no technical climbing, the main difficulty is the high Thorong La pass at 5,416 m and the altitude. Good teahouses, gradual ascent and an excellent acclimatisation profile make it realistic for well-prepared trekkers who respect the altitude.
How high is the Thorong La pass?
The Thorong La is 5,416 metres (about 17,769 feet), the high point and crux of the Annapurna Circuit. It is crossed in one long, cold day from the Manang side down to Muktinath, with a big climb to the top and a descent of more than 1,600 m on the far side.
What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit?
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit (around NPR 3,000 for foreigners) and a TIMS card (around NPR 2,000). It is not a restricted area, so no special restricted-area permit is required, but since 2023 organised trekking requires a licensed guide.
How much does the Annapurna Circuit trek cost?
A guided package typically costs around NPR 105,000-215,000 per person depending on length, group size and how much transport is included. The ACAP and TIMS permits cost roughly NPR 5,000 combined, and you should carry extra cash for food, lodging and charging, as prices rise with altitude and ATMs run out high up.
What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
The best times are autumn (October-November) for the most stable weather and clearest views, and spring (March-May) for warmer days and rhododendron blooms, both with the Thorong La reliably open. Avoid the monsoon, when lower sections are wet, and deep winter, when the pass is often snow-closed.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit?
For organised trekking, yes. Since 2023 Nepal has required trekkers in conservation areas, including the Annapurna region, to use a licensed guide. A guide also greatly improves altitude safety on the Thorong La. Confirm the current rules with a registered agency before you travel.
How has road building changed the Annapurna Circuit?
Jeep tracks now reach far up both sides of the loop, so many trekkers start walking from Chame or Dharapani and finish at Jomsom or Muktinath, taking a jeep or flight out. This has shortened the classic route, though purists still walk more of the original trail to enjoy the slow change of landscape.
Is altitude sickness a risk on the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, it is the single biggest safety issue, because you cross the Thorong La at 5,416 m. The route gives a good acclimatisation profile, but you must use it: keep the acclimatisation day at Manang, ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms worsen rather than crossing the pass unwell.
What is the Tilicho Lake side-trip?
Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) is one of the highest large lakes in the world, reached on a 2-3 day detour from Manang. It is a spectacular glacial amphitheatre and excellent acclimatisation, though the trail to Tilicho Base Camp crosses avalanche-prone slopes and should be tackled with care and good conditions.
What is Muktinath and why is it important?
Muktinath (3,760 m) is a sacred temple complex on the Mustang side of the Thorong La, holy to both Hindus and Buddhists, famous for its 108 water spouts and an eternal natural flame. Trekkers reach it on the long descent day after crossing the pass, and it is a major pilgrimage destination in its own right.
How does the Annapurna Circuit compare to Annapurna Base Camp?
They are different routes. The Circuit is a long loop right around the massif, crossing the high Thorong La and passing through huge variety of landscapes. Annapurna Base Camp is a there-and-back trek into the Sanctuary for an amphitheatre of peaks at close range, shorter and without a high pass, so it is less demanding overall.
Can I combine the Annapurna Circuit with other treks?
Yes. The Tilicho Lake side-trip from Manang and the Poon Hill sunrise loop near the southern finish are the most common extensions, and well-acclimatised trekkers can branch off to the restricted Nar Phu Valley before rejoining near Manang. The separate Annapurna Base Camp trek can be tacked on with extra time.
Where does the Annapurna Circuit start and finish?
It traditionally starts at Besisahar (reached by road from Kathmandu) on the Marsyangdi side and finishes in the Kali Gandaki valley at Jomsom or Muktinath. With the roads, many now jeep up to Chame or Dharapani to begin walking and exit by jeep or the short Jomsom flight, often basing themselves in Pokhara.
Compare with Other Nepal Treks
How Annapurna Circuit stacks up against other popular Nepal treks, at a glance, to help you choose and plan.
| Trek | Difficulty | Max Altitude | Duration | Best Season | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna CircuitThis trek | 🟠 Challenging | 5,416 m | 12–16 days | Mar–May & Oct–Nov | Annapurna, Gandaki |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 🟡 Moderate | 4,130 m | 7–10 days | Mar–May & Oct–Nov | Annapurna, Gandaki |
| Poon Hill | 🟢 Easy | 3,210 m | 3–5 days | Oct–Apr | Ghorepani, Gandaki |
Why these grades?
Annapurna Circuit 🟠 Challenging, Nepal’s classic circuit climbs the Marsyangdi valley to cross the 5,416 m Thorong La, the trek’s crux, before descending to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki; good teahouses and a gradual ascent aid acclimatisation, so the high pass is the main challenge for fit trekkers.
Annapurna Base Camp 🟡 Moderate, Tops out at 4,130 m in the Annapurna Sanctuary with comfortable teahouses and gentle, steady altitude gain, making it one of the best first Himalayan treks; the main effort is the long stone staircases.
Poon Hill 🟢 Easy, Stays low, peaking near 3,210 m at the Poon Hill viewpoint over just 3–5 short days on well-built stone trails, with comfortable teahouses and almost no altitude risk, an ideal first Himalayan walk for beginners and families.
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By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated August 4, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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