# Annapurna Circuit Trek > The Annapurna Circuit trek is a 14-day guided trek around the Annapurna massif, one of the great long-distance walks of the world. Climb the Marsyangdi valley through forest, Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages to Manang (3,540 m), cross the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes on Earth, and descend to the pilgrimage temple of Muktinath and the desert landscapes of the Kali Gandaki valley.This itinerary follows quieter footpaths away from the road where possible, includes an acclimatisation day in Manang and ends with a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The trek is strenuous, with a long pass day, and is best from March–May and October–November. A licensed guide, porters, permits, transport, the Jomsom flight, hotels and teahouse lodges with meals are all arranged by our team in Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 14 days - **Difficulty:** Strenuous - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 5,416 m / 17,769 ft - **Best season:** Mar–May, Oct–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$1,150 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/annapurna-circuit-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=annapurna-circuit-trek ## Overview The **Annapurna Circuit** has been famous since Nepal opened to trekkers, and it is still one of the most varied treks anywhere. In two weeks you walk from rice terraces and subtropical forest into pine woods, Tibetan-style villages, high alpine valleys and finally the arid, wind-swept landscapes of the upper Kali Gandaki. Along the way you see **Annapurna II, III and IV**, **Gangapurna**, **Tilicho Peak** and, across the valley, **Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)**. The highlight is the crossing of the **Thorong La** at 5,416 metres, a high pass marked by prayer flags between Manang and Muktinath. Roads now reach parts of the circuit, but good itineraries use the old footpaths on the other side of the valley and drive the lower sections, so you spend your walking days where the scenery is best. ### Annapurna Circuit trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration14 days from Kathmandu (8 days of trekking)Highest pointThorong La pass, 5,416 m (17,769 ft)GradeStrenuousDaily walking5–7 hours; 8–10 hours on the pass dayStart and finishKathmandu, with a drive to Dharapani and a flight Jomsom – PokharaAccommodationHotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges on the trekPermitsAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)Best timeMarch–May and October–November### Why trek the Annapurna Circuit? - **Cross the Thorong La (5,416 m)**, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. - **Manang**, a Tibetan-influenced village with glaciers and lakes above it. - **Muktinath**, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, with its 108 water spouts. - **Kagbeni**, a medieval village at the gateway to Upper Mustang. - **The Kali Gandaki gorge** between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, one of the deepest in the world. - **Huge variety** of landscapes and cultures in one trek. ### The Annapurna Circuit route The trek starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to **Besisahar** and up the Marsyangdi valley by jeep to **Dharapani**. From here you walk through forest to **Chame**, past the great curved rock face of Paungda Danda, and on to **Upper Pisang**, with views of Annapurna II. The high route via **Ghyaru** and **Ngawal** is one of the most beautiful sections of the circuit, with balcony views of the Annapurnas, before you descend to **Manang**. After an acclimatisation day in Manang, the trail climbs to **Yak Kharka** and **Thorong Phedi**. On the pass day you start before dawn, climb over 900 metres to the **Thorong La**, and descend about 1,600 metres to **Muktinath**. The following day you drive past **Kagbeni** to **Jomsom**, and fly to **Pokhara** the next morning. ### How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit? The circuit is graded **strenuous**. Most days are moderate, but the pass day is long and hard: an early start, a steady climb in thin air to 5,416 m, and a steep, knee-testing descent. Snow can make the pass harder, especially in winter and early spring. No climbing skills are needed, but good fitness, previous hiking experience and careful acclimatisation are important. ### Acclimatisation and the Thorong La The itinerary gains height gradually and includes a rest day in **Manang (3,540 m)**, where you can hike to the Gangapurna glacier lake, the Ice Lake viewpoint or Praken Gompa, returning to sleep in Manang. Nights at Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi continue the gradual ascent. Your guide monitors every trekker, and if anyone is unwell before the pass, the group waits or the trekker descends. The circuit is walked anticlockwise, from Manang to Muktinath, because this direction allows safer acclimatisation. ### Best time for the Annapurna Circuit **October and November** are the most reliable months for crossing the pass, with clear skies and stable weather. **March to May** is also excellent, although early March can bring snow on the pass. In winter the Thorong La is often closed by snow. During the **monsoon**, the lower valley is wet, but the upper circuit beyond Manang lies in a rain shadow and stays much drier. ### Accommodation and food The circuit has a dense network of teahouses. Lower lodges often have attached bathrooms and hot showers; at Thorong Phedi and High Camp, rooms are basic. The Thakali villages of the Kali Gandaki, such as Marpha, are famous for dal bhat and apple products, and Manang has bakeries serving cinnamon rolls and apple pie. ### Permits The trek requires the **Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)**, checked at Chame, Manang and other posts. It is included and arranged by our team, together with a licensed guide as required by Nepal's trekking rules. ### Side trips: Tilicho Lake and Upper Mustang With two or three extra days, you can visit **Tilicho Lake**, one of the highest large lakes in the world at about 4,919 m, from Manang. From Kagbeni, the restricted region of **Upper Mustang** stretches north towards Tibet. Ask us about adding either to your circuit. ### Why book the Annapurna Circuit with Himalayan Hiking? - **Footpaths away from the road** wherever possible, including the Ghyaru–Ngawal high route. - **Acclimatisation day in Manang** for a safer pass crossing. - **Flight from Jomsom** to finish the trek quickly and scenically. - **Local team in Kathmandu** and licensed guides who know the pass. ## Highlights - Cross the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), the high point of the circuit - Acclimatisation day in Manang with hikes to glacier lakes and viewpoints - The Ghyaru–Ngawal high route with balcony views of the Annapurnas - Muktinath temple, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists - Medieval Kagbeni and the Kali Gandaki valley - Views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and Dhaulagiri - Scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Someone from our office will be waiting at arrivals to take you to your hotel. Afternoon trek briefing and equipment check. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Dharapani (1,860 m) A long, scenic drive by bus or jeep to Besisahar and up the Marsyangdi valley to Dharapani, passing waterfalls and terraced hillsides (about 9–10 hours). _Altitude: 1,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 3: Trek to Chame (2,670 m) Walk through pine and oak forest past Danaque and Timang, with the first views of Manaslu and Annapurna II, to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,670 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300 m) Follow the river past the great curved rock face of Paungda Danda and through Bhratang to Upper Pisang, a traditional village with a monastery overlooking Annapurna II. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,300 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Manang (3,540 m) via Ghyaru and Ngawal Take the high route, climbing steeply to Ghyaru and traversing to Ngawal, with panoramic views of Annapurna II, III and IV and Gangapurna, before descending to Manang. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,730 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 17 km_ ### Day 6: Acclimatisation day in Manang (3,540 m) Hike to the Gangapurna glacier lake, the Ice Lake viewpoint or Praken Gompa, then return to sleep in Manang. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association post for an altitude talk in season. _Walking: 3–5 hours · Altitude: 4,000 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 7: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050 m) A short day climbing through juniper and yak pastures past Gunsang, with views of Gangapurna and Chulu West. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,050 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_ ### Day 8: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) Continue up the valley, crossing a suspension bridge and a landslide area, to Thorong Phedi at the foot of the pass. Rest and prepare for an early start. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,450 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 9: Cross Thorong La (5,416 m), descend to Muktinath (3,800 m) Start before dawn and climb steadily via High Camp to the prayer-flag-covered Thorong La. After photos, make the long, steep descent to Muktinath and visit the temple and its 108 water spouts. _Walking: 8–10 hours · Altitude: 5,416 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 10: Drive to Jomsom (2,720 m) via Kagbeni Explore medieval Kagbeni at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers, then continue down the windy valley to Jomsom. _Altitude: 3,800 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 11: Fly to Pokhara (820 m) An early morning flight between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas brings you to Pokhara. Relax by Phewa Lake in the afternoon. _Altitude: 2,720 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 12: Free day in Pokhara A buffer day in case of flight delays, or time to relax, go boating, visit the World Peace Pagoda or try paragliding. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m) Drive back to Kathmandu (or fly, as an option). Free evening for shopping and a farewell dinner. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 200 km drive_ ### Day 14: Final departure We drive you to the airport in time for your flight home. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara with breakfast - Kathmandu – Dharapani by bus and jeep; Muktinath – Jomsom by jeep - Flight Jomsom – Pokhara; Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (9 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Sleeping bag and down jacket on loan if needed - First-aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by the guide - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for many days in a row, and prepared for one very long day of 8–10 hours at high altitude. Train for two to three months with long hill walks, ideally on consecutive days. ### Altitude sickness You will reach 5,416 m on the Thorong La on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip. ### Weather and temperatures Days are pleasant in the lower valley, but nights above Manang are cold, and the pass can be well below freezing and windy at dawn. The Kali Gandaki valley is known for strong afternoon winds. ### Domestic flights and baggage The Jomsom – Pokhara flight operates in the morning and depends on the weather; delays are common, which is why a buffer day in Pokhara is included. The baggage limit is usually around 15 kg per person including hand luggage. ### Permits The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is included and checked at several points along the circuit. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful. ### Drinking water Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle. ### Travel insurance We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 5,500 m and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel. ### Visa Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Microspikes for snow on the pass (winter and spring) - Buff or scarf for wind and dust ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Annapurna Circuit trek? This itinerary takes **14 days** from Kathmandu, with 8 days of trekking, a drive to Dharapani and a flight from Jomsom. Longer versions of 16–20 days add Tilicho Lake or walk more of the lower valley. ### How hard is the Thorong La pass? The pass day is the hardest part of the trek: an early start, a climb of about 900 m to 5,416 m and a descent of about 1,600 m to Muktinath, taking 8–10 hours. It is non-technical but demanding; good acclimatisation and fitness are essential. ### What is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit? **October–November** and **March–May**. The pass is most reliable in autumn. In winter, snow often closes the Thorong La. ### Why is the circuit walked anticlockwise? Walking from Manang to Muktinath allows a gradual ascent to the Thorong La. Going the other way means a much steeper climb from Muktinath without time to acclimatise. ### Is there a road on the Annapurna Circuit? Yes, roads now reach parts of the circuit. This itinerary drives the lower section to Dharapani and uses footpaths away from the road, such as the Ghyaru–Ngawal high route, where possible. ### What permits are needed for the Annapurna Circuit? The **Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)**. It is included in this trip. ### Do I need a guide? Most conservation areas in Nepal now require foreign trekkers to have a licensed guide. A guide is especially valuable on the pass day. Your guide and porters are part of the package. ### Can beginners do the Annapurna Circuit? Fit beginners can complete it with good preparation, but previous multi-day hiking experience is helpful because of the long pass day. The Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill treks are gentler first treks. ### What if the Thorong La is closed by snow? If heavy snow makes the pass unsafe, the group waits in Thorong Phedi or returns via Manang, and we rearrange transport. Safety always comes first. ### Can I visit Tilicho Lake on the circuit? Yes. Tilicho Lake is a two- to three-day side trip from Manang and helps with acclimatisation before the pass. Ask us to add it. ### What is the accommodation like? Teahouse lodges all the way, with attached bathrooms in some lower lodges and basic rooms at Thorong Phedi and High Camp. ### How much does the Annapurna Circuit trek cost? You pay per person, and it gets cheaper from two people up (see the price box). It includes transport, the Jomsom flight, hotels, permit, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.