The Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's great long-distance treks, looping right around the Annapurna massif and crossing the high Thorong La pass (5,416 m). Over a fortnight you walk from steamy subtropical valleys into a stark, Tibetan-flavoured high desert, passing terraced farms, pine forest, Buddhist villages and an apple-growing valley on the far side.

Overview and highlights

The classic loop runs anticlockwise, climbing the Marsyangdi valley to Manang, crossing Thorong La to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath, then descending into the Kali Gandaki gorge. Highlights include the acclimatisation hub of Manang beneath the Annapurnas, the dawn pass crossing, the temple complex at Muktinath, and the dramatic shift from green hills to dry, wind-scoured plateau. The optional Tilicho Lake trek side trip — to one of the world's highest lakes at 4,919 m — is the standout add-on for strong walkers.

Itinerary

Road access at both ends now shortens the route; a representative 14-day plan looks like this:

Day	Stage	Approx. altitude
1	Drive Kathmandu/Pokhara to Besishahar/Chame	2,650 m
2–3	Chame to Pisang to Manang	3,540 m
4	Acclimatisation day in Manang	3,540 m
5	Manang to Yak Kharka	4,050 m
6	Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi / High Camp	4,500 m
7	Cross Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath	3,800 m
8	Muktinath to Jomsom	2,720 m
9–13	Descend Kali Gandaki / drive out via Tatopani	varies
14	Return to Pokhara	820 m

Many trekkers combine the descent with Ghorepani Poon Hill for a sunrise finish.

Difficulty and fitness

This is a strenuous trek rather than a technical one. You walk 5–7 hours most days, with one very long, high pass day. The main challenge is altitude, so build in the Manang rest day and read up on altitude sickness before you go. Regular hikers with good cardio fitness manage it well; trekking poles help on the long descents.

Best time

Autumn (October–November) offers the clearest mountain views and the most stable conditions. Spring (March–May) is the second-best window. Avoid mid-winter, when snow can close Thorong La, and the summer monsoon, when the lower valleys are wet — though the rain-shadow side around Manang and Muktinath stays relatively dry year-round.

Permits and cost

You need the ACAP permit (around USD 25) and a TIMS card (around USD 17–20), both arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara; see trekking permits in Nepal for the process. On-trail costs run roughly USD 25–40 per day, so a two-week independent trek totals around USD 400–600 plus permits and transport. Guided trips typically cost USD 900–1,500.

Accommodation

Teahouses line the entire route, so you carry only a daypack. Lodges are simple but comfortable, with shared dining rooms, hot meals and, often, a wood stove. Rooms get basic and cold higher up around Thorong Phedi, so a warm sleeping bag is worth the weight.

Getting there

Start from Pokhara or Kathmandu. A drive (or short flight to Pokhara) gets you to the Besishahar or Chame trailhead, and you exit via Jomsom or by road through Tatopani back to Pokhara. For a fuller plan, see our Nepal trekking guide.