Travel ActivitiesTrekking

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Planning to trek the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal? A great decision! Here's everything you need to know before your Annapurna trek, including trekking permits, hiking solo vs in a group, what to pack, when to go, and all the money matters.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular classic trek of Nepal. Each year, more than 60,000 trekkers come for this trek from all around the globe. In this trek, you encircle the Annapurna massif and cover between 110-130 miles by walking.

The Annapurna Circuit trek usually takes about 14–21 days, leaving from Kathmandu with a stopover in Pokhara before returning to the capital. The trail is moderate to fairly challenging and makes numerous river crossings over steel and wooden suspension bridges.

Our 19 days Annapurna Circuit Trek begins from Besisahar. You begin your trek alongside Marshyangdi river all the way to its waterhead beyond Annapurna range. You then enter into Manang, cross the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and go down to the restricted region of Mustang.

After visiting some popular settlements of this semi desert-like region, you travel a few hours in a bus and trek to Poon Hill viewpoint.

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Annapurna Circuit Itinerary has often been voted as the best long-distance trek in the world, as it combined, in its old full form, a wide variety of climate zones from tropics at 600 m asl to the arctic at 5416 m asl at the Thorong La pass and cultural variety from Hindu villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture

There are two types of trekking permit required by anyone wishing to do the Annapurna Circuit trek. No matter when or how you’re hiking the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll need to organise both a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) permit, and an Annapurna National Park Permit (sometimes also known as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).

As of 2019, the permits should set you back about USD $50 total: the APC Permit is USD $30 / NPR 3,000 per person, while the TIMS Permit is USD $20 / NPR 2,000 per person.

Since the trail opened in 1977, most trekkers have followed an Annapurna Circuit itinerary that begins in Besishahar and heads in an anti-clockwise direction over the Thorong-La Pass and down into the Jomsom Valley.

Special Note for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Hiking in Nepal isn’t a ‘turn up whenever you like and off you go’ kind of affair; seasonal changes (particularly around monsoon period) have a massive impact on where, how, and what you can hike here. The periods for hiking the Annapurna Circuit are October – early December, and late Feb – April.

Facts about Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Trip Duration 18 nights / 19 days
Total Distance: 170 km to 230 km (Approximately)
Trek Location Kathmandu + Manang + Thorung La Pass + Muktinath + Jomsom
+ Tatopani + Poon Hill + Pokhara
Trek Grade Moderate
High Elevation Thorong La Pass (5400 m/17 716 ft)
Pickup Points Tribhuvan International Airport
Trip Activities English Speaking Trek Guide + 14 days hiking + City Tour.
Group Size 2-15 Persons.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

  • The peaceful and pristine nature trip.
  • Witness stunning views of Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and more.
  • Stay in tea-houses of small villages.
  • Cross highest pass – Thorong La Pass(5,416m).
  • Visit Muktinath, other holy temples, and monasteries.
  • Explore beautiful villages of Braga, Manang, Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha.
  • Gaze at the breathtaking Annapurna range from Poon Hill.
  • Natural Hot spring at Tatopani.
  • Enjoy the lively evening of Pokhara.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1400 meters).
Day 02: Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trip briefing and gear check.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1,400 meters) 7- 8 hours.
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani (1,960 meters) 6 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Chame (2,630 meters) 6 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3,300 meters) 5 hours.
Day 07: Trek to Manang (3,540 meters) 5 hours.
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Manang.
Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000 meters) 5 hours.
Day 10: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 meters) 5 hours.
Day 11: Trek to Muktinath (3800 meters) via Thorung La pass (5,416 meters) 9 hours.
Day 12: Trek Muktinath to Marpha (2,670 meters) 4 hours.
Day 13: Drive Marpha to Tatopani (1,200 meters) 3 hours.
Day 14: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850 meters) 7 hours.
Day 15: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) and trek to Tadapani (2,610 meters) – 5 hours.
Day 16: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 meters) – 4 hours.
Day 17: Trek to Nayapul (1,010 meters) – 3,30 hours. Drive to Pokhara – 1 hour.
Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu (1400 meters). Rest time for shopping
Day 19: Trip end and Fly back to home.

  • International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
  • 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with Bed and Breakfast plan.
  • 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara with Bed and Breakfast plan.
  • 18 breakfast, 14 Lunch, 15 dinner during the trip.
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing by professional English speaking tour guide.
  • Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu domestic flight.
  • Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara Flight.
  • 3 meals a day during the trip (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mention in itinerary.
  • Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis in guesthouses.
  • Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card.
  • Upper Mustang Restricted area permit fee.
  • Professional government license holder English speaking trekking guide.
  • Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek. (Refundable after finish the trip)
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • 1 farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All government and local taxes.
  • All entrance fees for sightseeing places
  • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
  • Your international flights
  • Nepal visa fees & airport taxes
  • Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Gear or equipment for your trek
  • Personal expenses along the trek
  • Tiji Festival Camara fees, and other donation
  • If you would like to ride on pony
  • Tips for your city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc.
  • Extra night accommodation then mention plan
NO.OF.PERSON AVAILABILITY PRICE USD INR
2-4 Guaranteed USD 1390 INR 95000
5-8 Guaranteed USD 1250 INR 82000
9-15 Guaranteed USD 1050 INR 75000

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate and one of the longest trekking routes in the region. So, it can be a bit harder for a beginner trekker to complete the journey without prior training and preparation. Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most exciting and adventurous trekking journeys for any trekker.

Is Annapurna Circuit dangerous?

The circuit is very tough at times, and the high altitude and unpredictable weather of the Annapurna mountain range can make crossing the Thorong La Pass a dangerous task – particularly if you’re not prepared.

Do I need a sleeping bag for Annapurna Circuit?

Blankets are provided and necessary but often a little bit dirty. You should really take your own sleeping bag, especially if you’ll be trekking during the prime season.

Is there any luggage limit for porter?

We provide one porter for two trekkers to carry 18 kgs of luggage (maximum 9 kg for each trekker). Please be sure your porters are not overloaded because they do not carry only your equipment but also lift your spirit to reach new heights, and your love, affection and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination.

Do I Need Vaccinations for This Trip?

Nepal features dense jungle, as well as high elevation. The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization both recommend the following vaccines for Nepal: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and influenza.


    When to Go Annapurna Circuit

    Monsoon season in Nepal is June through September. That’s when most of the rain falls and when rock and mudslides are most likely to occur. The spring, between mid-March and mid-April, is when the rhododendron forests bloom, but the weather is still wet this time of year and the leeches are a nuisance at lower elevations.

    The best time to do the Annapurna Circuit is October, thanks to reliably pleasant weather (80°F and humid at 2,000 feet; 20°F and dry at 17,000 feet) and clear skies.

    Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

    The path reaches its highest point at Thorung La pass (5416m/17769 ft), touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Practically 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.

    To be very blunt about it, Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty level is quite challenging. What make the Annapurna Circuit trek difficulty level so tough is the high altitude that the route covers. The trekking route takes you as high as 5416 m, which is the height of Thorung La, the highest altitude pass in the region.

    Accommodation, Food And Drink Facility

    All guesthouses have blankets you always can ask for an extra one or two if it’s really cold. You had light summer sleeping bags but most of the time slept without them under the blankets. Even at Thorung Phedi where it will quite cold, you sleep in warm clothes under two blankets.

    The facilities at higher altitudes e.g. Thorong Phedi and High Camp are more basic no power outlets in the room, no or very poor wi-fi, no hot shower, etc., to charge your phone or to use wi-fi you pay extra.

    All guesthouses are more or less the same there are no fancier hotels to stay on the route like in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Rooms are very basic usually they have two single beds, blankets, sometimes a table and a chair.

    Most of the time hikers sit in the dining area it’s the warmest place in a guesthouse; people drink tea, play cards, talk, etc. You go to your room only at night.

    Nepal Annapurna Circuit Trek | Documentary

    Getting travel insurance

    The Annapurna Circuit is a high altitude trek through remote and difficult to access areas of Nepal having travel insurance is highly recommended. In fact, it’s required for getting the hiking permit. Nobody has ever asked us to show our insurances but when you fill the form they ask you to provide the name and the phone number of your insurance company.

    There are many insurance company but we’d recommend using one that has experience in covering outdoor activities and working in the region like World Nomads. Nepal is one of their top hiking destinations with thousands of people buying World Nomads insurance policies for trekking here so they know local specific.

    Book with Local Operator

    Whether it’s a cultural tour, gentle walking holiday or strenuous trek, our holidays in Nepal are led by professionally-trained English speaking leaders. They have an intimate and expert knowledge of the history, culture and nature of Nepal and will make your trip a memorable experience. Thus hurry up and reserve your place to Annapurna Circuit Trek.

    Kulendra Baral

    Nepal is an independent country in Southern Asia, between the Tibet autonomous region of China and India. It contains 8 of the world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest - the world's tallest - on the border with Tibet, and Lumbini, the birth place of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. A monarchy for hundreds of years, Nepal was declared a republic in June 2008. Hinduism and Buddhism co-exist here peacefully. Mt. Everest, Pashupatinath, Lumbini, Boudhanath, Janakpur Dham, and Chitwan National Park are some of the many attractions. In 2004, Nepal Trekking was established and promoting the Nepal Tourism. Nepal Treking is a travel information provider side where Nepalese travel related agencies are affiliated To view more about Nepal, please go through the related pages and if you want further details, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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