Annapurna Circuit Trek is a breathtaking 18-21 day adventure through Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts. This classic trek circles the majestic Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m)—one of the world's highest trekking passes. Experience vibrant Gurung and Thakali cultures, stunning Himalayan views, and serene monasteries. The trek includes stops at Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom, offering a blend of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. Perfect for trekkers seeking a challenging yet rewarding Himalayan experience.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
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Duration
13 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Maximum Altitude
5416 Meters
Group Size
Min 2 Person
Activities
Trekking
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Pokhara
Best Time
Sept, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr. May.
Photos
Annapurna Circuit Trek Summary
Annapurna Circuit Trek is located in the central Himalayas of Nepal in the Annapurna ranges. The distance of the route varies between 160–230 km (100–145 miles), depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek is finished. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encloses the Annapurna Massif. The trail reaches its highest end at Thorung La pass (5416 m/17769 ft), touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. All trekkers hike the route anticlockwise, as this way the daily altitude gain is slower, and crossing the high Thorong La pass is easier and safer.
In addition to the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, Tilicko Lake and Nar Phu Valley Trek are also popular in the region. However, this is less traversed and is an off-beaten-path trek in the region. Nar Phu Circuit is Wilderness Excursion’s recently proposed trek that can end at Jomsom and traverse Mesokanto La Pass (5200 m). The mountain panorama, seen at close quarters, includes the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. Numerous other peaks of 6000–8000 m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range.
Annapurna Circuit has always been labeled as the best long-distance trek in the world, as it combined, in its full form, a wide variety of climate zones, from sub-tropical to 600 m altitude to the Arctic at 5416 m altitude Thorong La pass, and cultural diversity, from Hindu villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture of Manang Valley and lower Mustang. The continuing construction of a road has reduced the trail and changed the villages. The Beisahar-Manag road has been constructed, which goes through the trekking trail most of the time. With the construction of the road, mountain bikers are attracted, with Mustang in particular becoming one of the world's most popular mountain biking destinations.
Annapurna Circuit: how many days? Check our itinerary.
The actual Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary used to be 21 days before road access to Manang. But now, this once-world-famous trekking trial is minimized so we can complete it in 10 to 12 days. However, Wilderness Excursion suggests you begin your trek in a lower area that makes you fitter and more acclimatized to high altitude. We have crafted a 12-night, 13-day itinerary starting at Jagat and ending at Nayapul; thus, our itinerary also includes Ghorepani Poon Hill. Some factors, such as your age, fitness, and past trekking habits, will also vary your trekking tour. Write us for your customized tour.
Other treks around Annapurna Circuit:
There are several other treks and side trips around Annapurna Circuit that opt for you to combine the great treks in it. You can end this trek at Jomsom as well, that shortens the trip; some Our original itinerary continues to Ghorepani Poon Hill after crossing Thorong La Pass and ending at Nayapul. Thus, you can make the Annapurna Circuit trek 10–16 days long as per your needs or still make it longer by adding Annapurna Base Camp as well, which can be some 21 days. This trek can also be combined with Mardi Himal Trekking and end at Pokhara.
Three great side treks that you can add to it:
- Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Tilicho Lake Trek (See our Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake)
- Bimthang, the last part of Manaslu (no Manaslu trek permit required)
Trip Gallery
Itinerary
Expand allAfter breakfast; We set up off our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli River. On the way we admire terraced farm lands and beautiful huts. After reaching a juncture at Mugling, we move straight ahead towards Pokhara. At Dumre, we leave the previous road and head north to Besisahar, there will be connecting drive to Jagat by local jeep, total drive today will be around 8 hours. Alternatively, we can just drive to Bulbule or Khudi from Kathmandu to avoid long ride but that will add one extra day in your itinerary. Overnight in stay at Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.
Today, we leisurely start our trek. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges, cross a suspension bridge; we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight stay at Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.
Today we walk through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On today’s trek we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. Overnight stay in Chame. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.
The trails goes on through a steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. And right where the valley widens stands the Paungda Danda, a massive sloping rock face that rises over 5,000ft (1500m) above the trail. We trek for a while before reaching Lower Pisang where we spend the night. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today, we trek to Manang via Upper Pisang which is an off the beaten trail that guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang on clear day. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Braga monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight stay at Manang. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
As acclimatization is very important considering AMS. In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Ice Lake. Overnight in stay at Manang. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Leddar for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain. Overnight stay at Thorong Phedi. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today; it is challenging and a thrilling day crossing over Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around 4 o’clock in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight stay at Muktinath. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. In the morning, we pay our visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River, the world's deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. Overnight at Marpha. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
We drive to Tatopani today from Marpha to Tatopani meaning “Hot Spring” in Nepalese. We can enjoy the natural hot spa here after the big hike over Thorong La. Nepalses believe that the body ache and bone and vein related diseases like Arthritis are healed if you soak in hot spring. Overnight in Tatopani. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
We trek to Ghorepani leaving Kali Gandaki and head up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with its average height of up to 100" will be covered with pink or red flowers. Walking further we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Overnight stay in Ghorepani. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
An early morning hike to Poon Hill before dawn to catch a amazing sunrise over the Himalaya climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill at 3,210 meter the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photographs, we return back to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we head Hile descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls. There will be our car/van waiting for us to drive to Pokhara. Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.
Wilderness Excursion (WE) aims to keep to the day-by-day itinerary of Annapurna Circuit trek detail as follows, even though there might be some flexibility because of local situations or other issues beyond our control. If this is the case, the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary in order to minimize your inconvenience.
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Cost Details
Includes
- An experienced English speaking local trekking guide.
- 1 Sharing high altitude Sherpa porter between 2 trekkers to carry your main pack.
- Assistant guide to support the group and porters where necessary as per group size.
- Mountain lodge accommodation in teahouses during the trek on twin sharing basis.
- Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 12 Dinners) during the trek.
- Local vehicle transfers to and from trekking.
- Guide and porters fee will all their expenses.
- Insurance for your guide and porter as per state low.
- All necessary Annapurna Circuit trekking permit.
- Local taxes & vat.
Excludes
- Accommodation, meals and transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu, can be arrange if you ask us.
- Bar drinks, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water
- Hot shower, hot water during the trek.
- laundry service, phone calls and internet.
- Personal travel insurance for your trip
- Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Gratitude and tips for your guide and porter.
Dates & Availability
Select Departure Dates
Mar 2025
Apr 2025
May 2025
Jun 2025
Jul 2025
Aug 2025
Sep 2025
Oct 2025
Nov 2025
Dec 2025
Check our published date! If it doesn’t match, we are happy to customize your tour perfectly to suit your interests and needs. Contact us for creating a unique travel experience for you
Essential Information
Accessing Annapurna Circuit
Almost 100 percent of trekkers do the Annapurna Circuit anticlockwise; the actual starting point is Besishahar; now there is road access up to Manang (3400 m); and local buses depart Kathmandu every day. And local microbuses leave every hour daily till 2:30 pm to Besisahar. You can take a local jeep to Syange, Jagat, or even Dharapni depending on until the transportation is used, so it depends on your time and plan. Wilderness Excursion: DO NOT suggest driving higher and starting the trek regarding high altitude sickness, so it is always wise to begin the trek at the lower foothills that ensures you are well acclimatized. Before departure of your trek, we will get the road information. After reaching Jomsom, you opt whether to take a flight or drive to Pokhara or continue the trek to Tatopani and then end the trekking at Nayapul via the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
How is the meal in Annapurna Circuit?
Almost all the lodges offer a wide variety of food in Annapurna Circuit, from apple pie to pizza, rice and noodles items, and bread and eggs items, so you can enjoy common international food. To name a few: fried rice, spring rolls, pizza, macaroni, pasta, potatoes, soups, etc.
The Nepali set Daal Bhat, which comes with boiled rice, lentil or bean soup, and vegetables with achar (spicy pickle), is very popular among trekkers. Popular Nepali saying among trekkers is “Daal Bhat power 24 hours,” meaning it lasts long and filling. Nevertheless, this trek is for high-altitude trekking adventure to experience the natural and cultural beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal; your food on the mountain trail may not be like in cities, and that is what foodies look for but good enough for adventure people.
How are accommodations on the Annapurna Circuit trekking route?
Annapurna Circuit is a lodge-to-lodge trek, so there are proper accommodations along the way; almost every lodge has private rooms, each room having twin or triple beds in it. You do not need to bring a mattress and pillow. Carrying a sleeping bag is highly suggested, though lodges provide quilts and blankets. Their quilts may not be sufficient in peak seasons as the route is packed out with trekkers, so having your sleeping bag is important. We provide accommodations on a twin and double-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 275. We will supply ensuite rooms where available. As you go higher, accommodations are more basic, with no running shower as water supply pipes get frozen, and a hot bucket shower is available on request.
Please be prepared for all kinds of bathrooms. Other times, you'll have to venture out in the cold to use a smelly squat toilet. Even so, all lodges have running water. However, it may not always be hot water. Typically, a solar shower will give you a lukewarm 'power shower' if it's been a sunny day; otherwise, the thing to ask is if the water pipes run through the fire in the dining room or kitchen, as once the fire is going, you'll be steaming with the best of them!
Safety Guidelines and Acclimatization
Adaptation to the high altitude is very important as the air is thin while trekking up Thorong La Pass. Our Annapurna Circuit trekking itinerary is designed with a high priority of getting acclimatized to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Rapid ascending to high altitude contributes serious medical conditions enough to kill sometimes. Our priority is always a safe trek, and it is necessary to allow adequate time for acclimatization. Sensible planning is thus necessary to minimize the risk of AMS. Our itinerary is designed to prevent AMS as much as possible. But it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others. Also, please bear in mind that trekking itself is an adventure activity; rock and landslides, bad weather, and natural calamities may happen. You may encounter a wild animal or beast that attacks you. Follow the safety instructions of your guide and do not walk alone. Nevertheless, in fair weather, the climb is no more risky than walking in any other mountain area anywhere in the world. Assuming you have taken the proper precautions to avoid AMS, the ascent offers a breath-taking glimpse of what life is like for the mountaineers who risk life and limb to haul themselves up the highest mountains on earth, but without the danger of dangling at the end of a rope. Walk gently and enjoy the trek, is what we always say!
How much does the Annapurna circuit cost?
It is hard to say how much it costs exactly. It depends on your way of traveling, how much you spend, and the mode of transportation used (private vehicle or local shared bus). Also, the trek length differs in the expenses. Another factor is the mode of package you buy, like a full board inclusive package or customized package just to your requirements, e.g., arrangement of guides, posters, permits, etc. Meals on your pay as you go on.
Yet here we present you a breakdown of prices for accommodation, meals, transfers, hiring a guide or a porter, trek permits, and the main difference between going it alone or going through a trekking agency.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permit Costs
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entrance permit: NPR 3000 (USD 30) per head
TIMS Card: NPR 2000 per head
Guides and porters hire with our agency
Guide hire USD 25 to 30 per day, including his/her expenses (meals, accommodation, and wages).
Porter hires USD 20/day per porter; carries max. 25 kg for you.
Accommodation costs USD 5 to 7 per night on a twin-share basis.
Hot showers are extra or paying extra upon your order.
Meals
USD 3 to 7 per meal, according to your meal choice.
Table drinks around USD 1 to 2 / cup of tea and coffee
Cold drinks cost around USD 5 for 500 ML of Coke Fanta or Sprite.
Approximate cost for transfers:
Kathmandu-Besisahar by local bus, USD 7 / head
Jeeps to Syange, Jagat Chyamje, and Dharapani: USD 10/15/20/25 per head.
Jomsom to Pokhara flight: USD 160 per head
Guide flight: USD 50
Yet, we offer a hassle-free best-budget package cost of USD 899 for the years 2025 and 2026 for our 13-day Annapurna Circuit Lodge Trek that covers guide and porter fees with all your meals, lodges, and local transfers. Please write us for your best-customized trip.
Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs
The best time to trek to Annapurna Circuit is just after the monsoon is over in September, Nepal’s monsoon season last till end of August; sometime it last until first week of September, monsoon rain clears up all the dust and rainy season brings greenery in low foothill, and view of white peaks are super when we have blue sky. No snow on higher places and Throng La Pass is easily crossable. September, October and November is peak time of Annapurna Circuit trek.
Second best time to trek to Annapurna Circuit is spring (Mar to May), though there are chances of soft rain and thunder storm, sky can be hazy sometimes in lower place however there are haze in the mountains. The benefit of trekking in April and May are warm temperature or even begging of June is okay to trek to Annapurna.
Trekking in winter (December to February) can be risk of snowfall, if snowfall is heavy then pass is blocked and you may have to turn back same way down to Besisahar. It is cold in winter, the night and early morning temperature can be around negative 14 degree Celsius outside the room. In Nepal we have no certain time if snowfall in Himalaya; thus it can be anytime in dry season (October to March)
Still you need to bear in mind that climate change and global warming are affecting our world and the weather condition in Himalaya changes fast so there are chances are rain and weather turn bad even in peak seasons.
And Annapurna Circuit trek is best alternative for those having vacation in summer (June to August). Upper part of Annapurna Circuit, mostly Manang Valley and Mustang is said be under the rain shadow zone. However; monsoon rain may affect the tails and roads / bridges are washed away sometimes, so it is always wise to allow few reserve days just in case bad weather, landslides and respectively flight delays that changes your plan.
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit trek? The question is raised in everyone’s mind before heading to the trip; it’s a fairly difficult trek for moderate trekkers. Trek used to start at Besi Sahar or Bulbule, but as road building has shortened the trek, thus people start the trek from Syange or Jagat. Our trek starts from Jagat, though you can drive further to Dharapani or even Koto and Thame. Starting the walk from Chame (2600 m) makes the trek shorter, but there are possible chances of altitude sickness because you have to go through 5416 meters high (Thorong La Pass). If you are fit and already acclimatized from the previous trek, then you can skip a few early days of trekking with a Jeep ride. Again, the Jeep ride is very adventurous on bumpy roads!
If you can allow the few extra days, you can add the Tilicho Lake side trip to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Tilicho Lake is one of the main attractions of the Annapurna Circuit. The lake is situated at 4950 meters above sea level; it's one of the highest altitude lakes in the world considering the size. Similarly, Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the circuit, is considered one of the highest and widest pass in the world. Again, this trek is not for beginners and notice trekkers. If you are fit and young but have no such long-distance trekking experience in the Alps or Himalaya, pre-training like going to the gym or jugging regularly helps you to achieve the goal by starting the lower and allowing a few extra days to ensure you are well acclimatized and ready for the Thorong La pass.
The Annapurna Circuit trek typically takes about 12–16 days, departure from Kathmandu and driving to Besi Shahar it depending on till where the transfer is used with a stopover in Pokhara before getting back to the capital. The trail is moderate to fairly challenging and makes several river crossings over steel and wooden suspension bridges.
What Our Clients are Saying?
based on 2 reviews
Annapurna Circuit Trek Review
Thank you for a very well organized trek. Our guide was very Professional and porter took us all the way through the Thorong La Pass. Our guide and porter were very friendly and careful all the time. We highly recommend...
H
Håkan and Agne- Sweden
April 13, 2018Great guiding organisation and very personal approach!
Stop searching for a guiding organization now and choose for Wilderness Excursion! Perfectly organized, always very friendly, taking care of clients! Personal is being paid correctly and insurance is all right.
Mieke Deblaere- Belgium
April 25, 2016Adventures Tailored for You
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