Annapurna Circuit,Nepal

• Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) — the circuit’s highest point
• Muktinath Temple — a sacred pilgrimage site (Hindu & Buddhist)
• Manang Valley — acclimatization and local culture hub
• Marpha & Jomsom — apple town, local crafts and short flights
• Tatopani Hot Springs — natural hot springs for relaxation
• Kali Gandaki Gorge — one of the world’s deepest gorges
• Chame, Pisang, and Dharapani — typical highland villages and trail towns

• Dramatic elevation change and landscape contrasts over a single trek
• High mountain vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare
• Cultural diversity: Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Tibetan-influenced communities
• Rhododendron forests, alpine meadows and arid trans-Himalayan zones
• Hot springs (Tatopani) and unique local industries (Marpha apples/products)
• Combination of spiritual sites, ancient trade routes and modern tea-house infrastructure

• Multiday trekking and high-pass crossing
• Homestays and tea-house stays to experience local hospitality
• Short side hikes and acclimatization walks (e.g., to viewpoints around Manang)
• Cultural visits to monasteries, temples and village markets
• Mountain biking on lower sections or jeep-track variations
• Photography, birding in forested sections and visiting hot springs

Primary windows: Oct–Nov (post-monsoon, clearest skies and stable weather) and Mar–May (pre-monsoon, rhododendron blooms). Shoulder windows: late Sep and early Dec/Feb can work but expect colder nights and possible snow. Avoid: heavy monsoon (June–Aug) for landslides and leeches; mid-winter (Dec–Feb) for heavy snow on Thorong La unless well-equipped and experienced.

Varies dramatically with elevation: warm and humid in lower subtropical valleys, cool to cold in mid-hills, and very cold with strong solar radiation and potential snow above 4,000–5,000 m. Day temperatures in high alpine zones can range from well below freezing at night (-10°C to -20°C in winter) to near 0–10°C by daytime in shoulder seasons. Afternoon winds can be strong near the pass.

Two main permits usually required: 1) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and 2) Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) or similar registration. Fees vary by nationality and change over time — budget roughly USD 30–50 total as an approximate starting point (check updated rates before travel). Permit offices in Pokhara and Kathmandu issue permits; some permits can be arranged through local agencies. Trails and tea-houses operate year-round but some high sections (Thorong La) may be seasonally closed or impassable during heavy snow.

Nearest major hub: Pokhara (flight from Kathmandu or road). Standard overland start points: Besisahar / Bhulbhule by bus or jeep from Pokhara (6–10 hours depending on road), or drive toward Jomsom side if planning reverse route and using flights. Many trekkers finish in Jomsom and fly back to Pokhara (short scenic flight) — note flights are weather-dependent. Road upgrades have shortened/altered some classic walking sections; vehicle shortcuts are possible but will change the route character.

Classic full-circuit trekking itineraries typically take 14–21 days (including acclimatization days in Manang). Shorter options (7–10 days) are possible using vehicle transfers or flights (e.g., fly Jomsom and trek in reverse), but will be more strenuous and offer less acclimatization time.

Layering system: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (fleece/down), waterproof breathable outer shell, warm down jacket for evenings. Sturdy broken-in trekking boots, gaiters, warm hat and gloves, trekking poles, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen, headlamp, sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C (prefer colder for early/late season), microspikes/crampons for icy sections, water purification (tablets or filter).

Staple foods: dal bhat (lentil + rice), momos, noodle soups, and local yak/cheese dishes at higher altitudes. Regional specialties: Marpha apple products (apple brandy, jams, pies), yak cheese, and local sweets. Souvenirs: handwoven wool garments, prayer flags, Thangka paintings, handmade jewelry and wooden crafts. Carry small-denomination cash for purchases in villages.