Annapurna Circuit Trek
Strong walkers who want the most varied trek in Nepal, from subtropical valleys to the Thorong La pass.
Next fixed departures
- May 5 – 17202713 daysJoin
Join a fixed departure alone, as a couple or with friends, or leave on the date of your choice. All departures
Trek level: Moderate+/ Difficult
Accommodation: Lodges
Duration: 12 to 15 days (short and long versions), with 4 to 8 hours of walking per day
Maximum altitude: 5,416 m
Highlights of this trek
- The legendary Annapurna Circuit, crossing the Thorong La (5,416 m), ranks among the most beautiful treks in the world.
- Warm, smiling people, religious traditions that differ from one ethnic group to another, and a very rich culture.
- Very varied landscapes every day: forests, villages, natural hot springs, daily life and more.
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Besisahar – Dharapani (1,960 m). Transport: bus to Besisahar (6–7 hours), then 4×4 to Dharapani (4 hours), 210 km
Day 2: Dharapani – Chame (2,710 m). Walking: 5–6 hours
Day 3: Chame – Pisang (3,200 m). Walking: 5–6 hours
Day 4: Pisang – Manang (3,540 m) via the villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal. Walking: 7–8 hours
Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Manang
Activities: rest, explore the villages or go on an acclimatisation hike. Option to climb to the frozen lake (Ice Lake – 4,600 m), depending on your fitness (6–7 hours return)
Day 6: Manang – Tilicho Lake Base Camp (4,200 m). Walking: 6–7 hours
Day 7: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) – back to base camp – Shree Kharka (4,050 m). Walking: 7–8 hours
Day 8: Shree Kharka – Yak Kharka (4,000 m). Walking: 5–6 hours
Day 9: Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,540 m). Walking: 4–5 hours
Day 10: Thorong Phedi – Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – Muktinath (3,800 m) – Jomsom (2,720 m)
Walking: 8–9 hours. Transport: Muktinath to Jomsom, 1 hour by private or local vehicle (depending on the group)
Option: spend a night in Muktinath, then continue the trek the next day via the village of Lupra to Jomsom.
Day 11: Jomsom – Pokhara (820 m). Transport: by bus or 4×4 (6–7 hours), 160 km. Option: 25-minute flight.
Day 12: Pokhara – Kathmandu. Transport: by tourist bus, 7–8 hours on the road, 200 km. Option to fly (about 25 minutes)
The Annapurna Circuit in detail
The Annapurna Circuit goes all the way round the massif, from the humid, subtropical Marsyangdi valley to the dry, Tibetan Kali Gandaki valley, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m. It is the most varied trek in Nepal: in two weeks, you pass through rice fields, pine forests, Buddhist villages, high-altitude deserts and hot springs.
Short or long version
A dirt road now runs up the Marsyangdi as far as Manang. We use it by jeep to skip the first stages along the road and start walking at Chame or Dharapani, where the path becomes a real trail again. This is the short version, in 12 days, which ends with a 20-minute flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The long version, in 15 days, continues on foot after Muktinath through Marpha, the apple village, then Ghorepani and the sunrise from Poon Hill, before reaching Pokhara by road. Both cross the same pass. The long one also gives you the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, two peaks of over 8,000 m.
Manang, the key to acclimatisation
Manang, at 3,540 m, is a large stone village at the foot of Annapurna III and Gangapurna. We stay here for a full day before heading up towards the pass. It is not wasted time: this is the day your body adapts. We climb towards the Gangapurna glacial lake or the Praken monastery, then come back down to sleep. For those with one or two extra days, Tilicho Lake, at 4,919 m and one of the highest lakes in the world, can be reached on a return trip from Manang and completes the acclimatisation perfectly.
Thorong La day
From Thorong Phedi, at 4,540 m, or High Camp, at 4,900 m, we set off at around 4 or 5 in the morning, by head torch, to cross the pass before the wind gets up. The climb is long but steady, with no technical sections. At the pass, at 5,416 m, there are prayer flags, a tea house and views of the Annapurnas on one side and Mustang on the other. Then comes a 1,600 m descent to Muktinath, at 3,800 m. The day lasts 7 to 9 hours. It is the hardest day of the trek, and Mohan prepares for it from Manang onwards, keeping an eye on every member of the group. See also our guide to altitude sickness.
Muktinath and the land of Mustang
Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike: a Vishnu temple, 108 cow-head fountains and a natural flame that burns on water. As you go down towards Jomsom, the landscape changes completely: no more forests, but ochre cliffs, wind in the afternoon and villages with flat roofs. This is the gateway to the Kingdom of Mustang, which you can add on from Kagbeni with a special permit.
Accommodation, food, permits
You stay in lodges for the whole circuit, with simple double rooms and a heated common room. The hot springs at Chame and Tatopani are good for tired legs. The trek crosses the Annapurna Conservation Area: the agency obtains the ACAP permit and the TIMS card before departure. Everything is explained in our permits guide. The best time is October–November and April–May. From December to March the pass can be closed by snow, and in July–August the monsoon floods the Marsyangdi. Our guide When to go to Nepal covers each month in turn.
Circuit or Sanctuary?
The Annapurna Sanctuary is shorter, tops out at 4,130 m and takes you into the heart of a ring of peaks. The circuit is longer, goes higher and crosses two different worlds. If you have never slept above 4,000 m, the Sanctuary is a good first trek. If you want the big journey, choose the circuit. And if you are still unsure, write to us and we will tell you which one suits your dates and your fitness.
The trek in photos and videos
Taken by Mohan and his team on recent treks.
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Annapurna Circuit Trek
Best time to go
October–November and April–May: passes above 5,000 m can be closed by snow from December to March.
Who is it for?
Strong walkers who want the most varied trek in Nepal, from subtropical valleys to the Thorong La pass. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m.
What the price includes
- Airport welcome and return transfers by private vehicle, and all transport for the trek (tourist buses and jeeps)
- Licensed French- or English-speaking Nepali guide and 1 porter for 2 people (max. 12 kg per person): team wages, meals, accommodation and insurance included
- TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) entry
- Nights in lodges, shared double room
- Full board during the trek: 3 meals a day with tea or coffee
- Hot shower, battery charging and Wi-Fi in the lodges (subject to availability)
- All government taxes and Nepali VAT
What the price does not include
- International flight, any domestic flight, Nepal visa and mandatory repatriation insurance
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (can be booked on request), sightseeing and entrance fees
- Drinks outside meals (bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol), snacks, personal expenses and tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| TIMS card issued by the agency | NPR 2,000 (≈ €13) |
| ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area) | NPR 3,000 (≈ €20) |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Ghorepani (2,860 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Annapurna Circuit Trek take?
Allow 12 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Challenging. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
October–November and April–May: passes above 5,000 m can be closed by snow from December to March. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: TIMS card (NPR 2,000 (≈ €13)), ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area) (NPR 3,000 (≈ €20)). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 5,416 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost?
From €750 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.