Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal's classic high‑altitude treks, circling the Annapurna Massif through diverse landscapes — subtropical valleys, terraced farmland, alpine meadows and the high Thorong La pass. The route covers villages in Manang and Myagdi districts and offers dramatic views of Annapurna I (8091 m), Dhaulagiri and other peaks. Expect mixed teahouse accommodation, variable weather, and an unforgettable cultural and natural experience.
Location
Annapurna Circuit (Manang & Myagdi districts), Manang / Myagdi (starts commonly from Besishahar/Nayapul/Pokhara), Nepal
Duration
Typically 12–18 days (common itineraries: 14–17 days). Variants: shorter 8–10 day fast circuits, extended 18+ day trips that include Tilicho Lake and/or Upper Mustang detours.
Best Time to Visit
Best windows: March–May (spring flowering, stable warm weather) and September–November (clear post‑monsoon conditions). Shoulder seasons: late February and early December can work but colder and more snow near Thorong La. Avoid the monsoon core (June–mid September) for heavy rain and landslides, unless you prefer fewer trekkers and green landscapes and accept risk.
Pricing
Typical cost ranges (per person, excluding international flights):
- Independent budget trek (self‑guided): USD 300–700 (permits, food & teahouse lodgings, local transport).
- Guided group trek (shared guide/porter): USD 800–1,500 (typical 12–18 day package including guide, permits, accommodation, most meals, some transfers).
- Private/comfort package: USD 1,500–3,000+ (private guide, porter(s), upgraded teahouses or lodges, private transport, some meals).
Typical daily costs on the trail (teahouse meals + lodging): USD 15–40/day depending on location and season. Additional costs: ACAP & TIMS permits, travel insurance (strongly recommended), possible domestic flight (Jomsom/Pokhara) or jeep transfers.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Thorong La Pass (high point ~5,416 m) — iconic high‑altitude crossing
Village cultures — Tibetan‑influenced Manang villages, Mustang border culture, and hospitable teahouses
Panoramic peak views — Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Nilgiri and others
Diverse ecosystems — sub‑tropical river valleys to alpine landscapes and glacial moraines
Optional side trips — Tilicho Lake (one of the world’s highest lakes), Ice Lake, and Muktinath temple
Teahouse trekking — easy logistics as you can sleep in lodges along most of the route**
Itinerary
Drive Pokhara to Besisahar and start trek to Jagat / Dharapani
Road and river views; check gear and permits before trek start.
Trek to Chame (Myagdi) via Bhulbhule and Chamje
Gradual ascent into the Marsyangdi Valley; hot springs option at Bhulbhule (seasonal).
Trek to Pisang / Manang (lower Pisang) crossing river valleys
Distinctive north face of Pisang and terraced slopes; shorter day to aid acclimatization.
Trek to Manang village
Enter higher alpine zone; good place to rest and prepare for acclimatization.
Acclimatization day in Manang (optional hikes to Gangapurna Lake / Ice Lake)
Important for altitude adaptation; hike slowly and hydrate. Consider a guided acclimatization walk.
Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (or further to Letdar depending on itinerary)
Shorter day with gradual gain to keep acclimatization steady.
Trek to Thorong Phedi / High Camp
Final push to high camp; early night recommended to attempt the pass at dawn.
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) — descend to Muktinath
Long, high day. Start before sunrise to avoid afternoon winds and get clear views. Sacred Muktinath temple and Tibetan‑style villages.
Drive or trek from Muktinath to Jomsom; explore Jomsom/Marpha
Option to take a scenic flight Jomsom→Pokhara (weather dependent) or continue by jeep/road to Tatopani/Marpha.
Optional: Continue via Marpha to Tatopani (hot springs) or return route toward Nayapul/Pokhara
Many itineraries loop back by road to Pokhara via Tatopani or take a short flight; choose based on time and season.
Return to Pokhara; rest and sightseeing
Relaxation day in Pokhara, visit Phewa Lake and prepare for onward travel.
Buffer/contingency day
Useful for weather delays (flights/road), extra acclimatization, or day‑hikes.
Departure from Pokhara / Kathmandu
End of trek. Many travelers fly back to Kathmandu or continue exploring Nepal.
Safety Requirements
Carry valid permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System).
Acclimatization schedule: take at least one acclimatization rest day (Manang region) to reduce Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) risk.
Know AMS symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness) and plan to descend if symptoms worsen; carry a pulse oximeter if possible.
Good physical fitness and prior multi‑day hiking experience recommended for comfort on long days and at altitude.
Travel insurance that covers high‑altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation (covering >5,500 m) is strongly recommended.
Use a licensed guide/porter if inexperienced with high‑altitude trekking or route‑finding; weather and trail conditions can change rapidly.
Carry appropriate cold weather and high‑altitude gear (insulated jacket, warm sleeping bag rated to -10°C or lower for high camp, crampons if trekking in shoulder seasons with snow).
Be prepared for river crossings, slippery sections, and occasional rockfall; trekking poles and sturdy boots are essential.
Tips
Pace yourself — walk slowly uphill and hydrate frequently; "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) is the local mantra.
Bring cash (Nepalese Rupees); ATMs are available in Pokhara and Jomsom but not along the full trail — teahouses accept cash.
Book main season guided trips or flights (Jomsom) early; flights can be canceled by weather, so keep flexible time.
Layer clothing: base, insulating and waterproof shells. Temperatures vary dramatically between valley and Thorong La.
Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) after consulting your physician for altitude prevention; learn proper dosing and contraindications.
Respect local culture: dress modestly in villages and ask before photographing people and religious sites.
Bring water purification (tablets/filters) or buy boiled/bottled water; reusable bottle + filter reduces plastic waste.
Allow buffer days for acclimatization and weather disruptions — don't schedule tight onward international connections immediately after the pass.
If short on time, consider the reverse route or combined jeep/flight options to shorten days while still experiencing highlights.
Keep an up‑to‑date map, a charged power bank (limited electricity in teahouses at higher altitudes), and copies of important documents (passport, permits).
