There is a trek in Nepal where you start walking through rice paddies in the warmth of the middle hills, climb through rhododendron forests alive with birdsong, cross a 5,416-meter pass in thin, biting air, and descend into the arid desert landscapes of the Kali Gandaki - the deepest gorge on Earth. You never retrace your steps. Every day, the world outside your teahouse window is different from the day before.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is widely considered the greatest long-distance trek on the planet. It circles the entire Annapurna massif, passing through every major climate zone, weaving between Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan Buddhist communities, and delivering mountain views so relentless your neck aches from looking up. More than 40,000 trekkers walk this route each year, and many return to Nepal specifically to do it again.
This guide is written from the trail. Our team at Navigate Globe has guided hundreds of trekkers around the Annapurna Circuit, and what follows is everything we wish every trekker knew before they started. Practical, honest, and built to get you from Kathmandu to Thorong La Pass and beyond.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
The classic Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary runs 14 to 18 days on the trail, plus a day on each end in Kathmandu. Some trekkers complete a condensed version in 12 days by starting higher, while others extend the route with side trips to Tilicho Lake or Ice Lake. Below is the standard itinerary used by most experienced operators.
Days 1-3: Lower Annapurna - Subtropical Foothills
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m), then to Chame or Dharapani
Most itineraries begin with a long drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead. Depending on road conditions, some trekkers drive as far as Chame (2,670m) to save time. If you want the full experience and your schedule allows, start walking from Dharapani (1,860m) to enjoy the subtropical lower valley.
Day 2: Trek to Chame (2,670m)
Walk through terraced farmland and dense forest along the Marsyangdi River valley. The trail passes through Bagarchap, where Tibetan Buddhist influences begin to appear in the architecture. Annapurna II (7,937m) reveals itself between the trees.
Day 3: Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
The valley narrows and the vegetation changes. Pine forests replace the subtropical greenery. Upper Pisang sits on a high ridge above the river, with sweeping views of the Annapurna range. The gompa (monastery) here is worth a visit, especially at dusk.
Days 4-6: The Manang Valley - High Desert and Acclimatization
Day 4: Trek to Manang (3,540m)
A relatively easy day through Braga, a medieval-looking village built into a cliff face. Braga's 500-year-old monastery houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist statues and manuscripts. Manang is the largest settlement in the upper valley and the last major supply point before Thorong La.
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Manang
This rest day is non-negotiable. Take a day hike up to Ice Lake (4,600m) or to the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint. The purpose is to climb high and sleep low, giving your body time to adjust to the thinning air. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association post in Manang for a free altitude sickness briefing - it could save your life.
Day 6: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,018m)
A short but steady climb through sparse, wind-scoured terrain. The landscape has shifted completely - dry grasslands, grazing yaks, and massive peaks on every side. The air is noticeably thinner. Walk slowly. Drink water constantly.
Days 7-9: Thorong La Pass and Descent
Day 7: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) or High Camp (4,850m)
A short day to conserve energy for the pass crossing. Thorong Phedi means "foot of the pass," and that is exactly where you are. Some trekkers push on to High Camp at 4,850m to shorten the next day's climb, but this depends on how you are acclimatizing.
Day 8: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m), descend to Muktinath (3,800m)
The defining day of the trek. You leave before dawn, climbing steadily in the dark with a headlamp cutting a pale beam through the cold. The final push to the pass is steep and breathless. At the top, prayer flags explode in colour against the snow-covered ridgeline, and the view stretches into the Tibetan plateau. Then you descend 1,600 meters to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 9: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m)
The descent follows the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, flanked by Annapurna I (8,091m) on one side and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) on the other. The landscape is dry, windswept, and almost Tibetan. Jomsom is a bustling Thakali town with an airport, apple orchards, and excellent dal bhat.
Days 10-12: Lower Kali Gandaki and Completion
Day 10: Trek to Tatopani (1,200m) or Ghasa (2,010m)
Descend rapidly through the gorge. The vegetation changes back to subtropical as you lose altitude. Tatopani - meaning "hot water" - has natural hot springs where you can soak trail-sore muscles under the stars. This is the reward for crossing Thorong La.
Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m)
A steep climb out of the gorge leads to Ghorepani, the gateway to Poon Hill. If you have an extra day, a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) delivers one of Nepal's most famous sunrise panoramas.
Day 12: Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Descend through lush forest and Gurung villages to Nayapul, where a vehicle takes you to Pokhara. Celebrate with a cold beer on the shore of Phewa Lake. You have earned it.
Annapurna Circuit Difficulty: What Fitness Level Do You Need?
The Annapurna Circuit is rated moderate to challenging, and most of the difficulty comes from one day: the Thorong La Pass crossing.
Here is an honest breakdown:
- Daily walking: 5 to 7 hours at a moderate pace on well-maintained trails
- Elevation gain: Gradual, averaging 400-700 meters per day during the ascent phase
- Maximum altitude: 5,416m at Thorong La Pass
- Technical skills required: None - no ropes, no scrambling, no climbing
- Biggest challenge: Altitude and sustained multi-day walking, not terrain
You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need a solid base of cardiovascular fitness. We recommend the following preparation:
- 3-4 months before: Start walking or hiking regularly, aiming for 60-90 minutes at a brisk pace, 4-5 days per week
- 2 months before: Add elevation gain by using hills or a stair machine, wearing your trekking boots and a loaded daypack
- 1 month before: Complete at least two longer hikes of 5-6 hours with elevation changes
If you can comfortably hike uphill for 5 hours with a light pack, you have the fitness for the Annapurna Circuit. For more on managing the altitude challenge, read our altitude sickness guide.
Crossing Thorong La Pass: The Heart of the Trek
Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit and the moment every trekker counts down to. It is the physical and emotional apex of the journey.
What to expect on pass day:
- You start between 3:00 and 5:00 AM depending on weather and group pace
- The climb from High Camp takes 3 to 4 hours, gaining approximately 600 meters of elevation
- The final section is steep, exposed, and cold - temperatures can drop below -20C before sunrise
- At the top, you are surrounded by prayer flags, snow-covered peaks, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment
- The descent to Muktinath is long (roughly 1,600m down) and hard on the knees
Keys to a successful crossing:
- Acclimatize properly - spend at least one full rest day in Manang, ideally two if you have time
- Start early - afternoon winds at the pass can be ferocious and conditions deteriorate quickly
- Layer aggressively - you will go from freezing at the top to warm on the descent; your packing list needs to account for both extremes
- Listen to your guide - if your guide says turn back due to weather or altitude symptoms, trust them
Pass closure happens occasionally due to heavy snow, typically during winter months (December to February). Between March and November, the pass is open for the vast majority of days.
Best Time and Season for the Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is walkable for most of the year, but two seasons stand above the rest:
Autumn (September to November) - The premier trekking season. Skies are clear after the monsoon, temperatures are comfortable, and the views are at their sharpest. October is the single best month. Expect moderate crowds, especially between Manang and Thorong La.
Spring (March to May) - The rhododendrons bloom across the lower elevations, painting the hillsides in red and pink. Temperatures rise, but so does haze in the lower valleys. The pass remains clear and crossable through most of May.
Winter (December to February) - Cold and quiet. Thorong La can be blocked by snow, and some teahouses close at higher elevations. Experienced trekkers with proper cold-weather gear can still complete the circuit, but it requires flexibility and caution.
Monsoon (June to August) - Heavy rain makes the lower sections muddy and landslide-prone. Leeches are abundant in the forest sections. The upper Manang valley sits in a rain shadow and receives less precipitation, but most operators do not recommend this season.
Can You Do the Annapurna Circuit in 10 Days?
A condensed Annapurna circuit 10 days itinerary is possible if you drive to Chame or Manang to skip the lower valley sections and take a vehicle from Jomsom back to Pokhara instead of walking to Nayapul. This cuts the walk to roughly 8 trekking days. The trade-off is missing the gradual climate transitions and the lower Kali Gandaki gorge. If you only have 10 days, it is still a deeply rewarding experience - you just need to acclimatize more carefully since you gain altitude faster.
Annapurna Region Trekking Permits and Costs
Required Permits
Every trekker on the Annapurna Circuit needs two permits:
- ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 (approximately $23 USD) for SAARC nationals, NPR 3,000 for foreigners. Issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation.
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): NPR 2,000 for organized group trekkers, NPR 4,000 for individual trekkers. Required by the Nepal Tourism Board.
Both permits can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap or in Pokhara at the Tourism Office. Your trekking agency will typically handle this for you.
Important 2026 update: Since 2023, all trekkers in the Annapurna region must trek with a licensed guide. Solo trekking without a guide is no longer permitted.
Cost Breakdown
Here is a realistic cost breakdown for the Annapurna Circuit:
| Expense | Budget Range | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | $30-50 | $30-50 |
| Guide (14 days) | $250-350 | $250-350 |
| Porter (optional) | $200-280 | $200-280 |
| Accommodation | $5-10/night | $10-20/night |
| Meals | $15-25/day | $25-40/day |
| Transportation | $50-80 | $80-120 |
| Gear and miscellaneous | $50-100 | $100-200 |
| Total (14 days) | $800-1,400 | $1,200-2,200 |
Accommodation and meals are purchased along the trail at teahouses. Prices rise with altitude. A plate of dal bhat costs around NPR 400-500 in the lower valleys and NPR 700-900 above Manang. Bottled water is expensive at altitude - carry a water filter or purification tablets to save money and reduce plastic waste.
Teahouse Accommodation: What to Expect
Every night on the Annapurna Circuit, you sleep in a teahouse - a small, family-run mountain lodge.
- Rooms: Basic twin rooms with two beds and a thin mattress. Private rooms are standard, but shared bathrooms are common at higher elevations.
- Sleeping bags: Teahouses provide blankets, but bring a sleeping bag rated to -10C for anything above 3,000 meters.
- Hot showers: Available below Manang for NPR 200-500. Above Manang, hot water is scarce.
- Charging and Wi-Fi: Electricity is available at most stops, with charging fees of NPR 200-500 per device above Chame. Wi-Fi is sporadic - buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu for a more dependable connection.
- Food: Dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, pickles) is the best value and comes with free refills. Noodle soups, fried rice, and basic Western dishes are also available.
One important custom: if you stay at a teahouse, you eat there too. Rooms are often free or discounted in exchange for ordering meals. This is how teahouse owners earn their living.
Packing Essentials for the Annapurna Circuit
Overpacking is one of the most common mistakes on the Circuit. You want maximum warmth and protection for minimum weight. Here are the non-negotiables:
- Base layers (merino wool or synthetic), insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), waterproof shell
- Trekking pants - 2 pairs, warm hat, sun hat, buff, gloves (plus liner gloves)
- Trekking boots (broken in), trekking poles, sleeping bag rated to -10C
- 30-40 litre daypack, headlamp with spare batteries
- Water purification (filter, tablets, or UV pen), power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- First aid kit, Diamox (consult your doctor), sunscreen SPF 50+, blister kit
For a complete gear checklist, see our packing list guide.
Why Trek the Annapurna Circuit With Navigate Globe
We are a Nepali-owned company, and the Annapurna region is home ground for many of our guides. That matters because when you trek with someone who grew up in these mountains, every village has a story, every peak has a name, and every teahouse owner is a familiar face.
Here is what we do differently:
- Experienced, certified local guides who know the trail, the weather patterns, and the altitude risks intimately
- Proper acclimatization schedules - we do not rush trekkers to cut costs, because altitude sickness is preventable with good planning
- Flexible itineraries that adapt to your pace, fitness, and interests - including side trips to Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake, or extended time at Poon Hill
- All permits, logistics, and teahouse bookings handled so you can focus entirely on the trek
- Small group sizes (maximum 12) to keep the experience personal and the impact on the trail low
- Fair wages and working conditions for porters and support staff - this is not negotiable
The Annapurna Circuit is not just a trek. It is a journey through a living, breathing landscape where culture and mountain wilderness are inseparable. Whether you are a first-time trekker looking for a life-changing adventure, considering a shorter option like the Annapurna Base Camp trek, or a seasoned hiker chasing the world's great trails, the Circuit delivers something no other trek can.
Ready to start planning? Explore our Annapurna Circuit trek packages or reach out to our team. We will build an itinerary around your dates, your fitness, and the experience you want to have.
The mountains are waiting. Let's get you there.
