The Annapurna Circuit (APC) is one of the most popular treks
the world. It follows a path that will take you from green
pastures to leafy pine forests to arid landscapes and
spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range.
The circuit trekking route is versatile and can be completed as
a whole circuit between 8-18 days or you can trek certain sections
ranging from 3 days and up. In 2026 there is also a road free
13-15 Annapurna Circuit.
Thorong La Pass on The Annapurna Circuit Trek
Take on one of the world's most
diverse and exhilarating trekking experiences along the
Annapurna Circuit, catering to both adventurous souls
seeking a challenging ascent and those seeking a leisurely
pace tailored to shorter durations.
Recent concerns about the newly constructed roads
along the trek's eastern and western sections have
discouraged some trekkers from embarking on the longer
trek itinerary. However, these roads have not diminished the
circuit's allure, and in fact, they have opened up new
trekking possibilities with the
road free Annapurna Circuit.
By connecting these newer treks
within the region to the classic Annapurna Circuit, I have
created a viable and extended route that can be
tailored to suit every trekkers' preferences. This
road-free route allows you to immerse yourself in the
circuit's grandeur for up to 15 days, allowing for a more
comprehensive exploration of its diverse landscapes and
captivating culture. And, it gives you back a true
trekking experience that the Annapurna Circuit was
lacking.
For those short on time, there's also an 8 day
Annapurna Circuit option.
Though caution is needed as many people try to rush the
shorter circuit and end up with acclimatization issues. On
this page, I'll go through all these options with you so
that you'll have the best information to hand for making
your trek a great one.
Let's start our trek knowing
that we'll be discovering one of the world's most
diverse and rewarding trekking experiences.
Trek Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek: At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate to Strenuous - High altitude (Thorung La), long days, and remote sections. Requires good fitness and prior trekking experience. Proper acclimatisation is essential.
Duration
8 to 18 days - Flexible itinerary. Shorter options (8–10 days) skip side trips; longer ones (14–18 days) include rest days and detours.
Max Altitude
5,416 m (17,769 ft) - Crossed at Thorung La pass. Proper acclimatisation, hydration, and awareness of AMS symptoms are critical.
Total Distance
161 to 229 km (100-142 mi) - Varies with route and side trips. Average walking time is 6–8 hours per day, with some longer days.
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge - Comfortable lodges with meals, hot showers, and basic facilities are available along the entire circuit. No camping required.
First distance shown is a
shorter route while the longer distance is the full
classic APC trek. It does not take into account
extra days taken e.t.c. Acclimatization days should
always be adhered to. You should assess your own
fitness levels and assess each treks difficulty
level yourself before trekking.A fully
detailed guide to the Annapurna Circuit with more
details is below.
Honesty counts!
Every travel guide on this site has always been 100%
independent, unbiased & honest. I do not accept
sponsorships, free treks or tours. I do not own a
trekking company or business in Nepal. I pay my own way
& in turn write
authentic guidebooks to Nepal. Rest assured, this is
a genuine travel guide that you can trust.
Annapurna Circuit: 2026 Trek Update
Since March 2023, Nepal's Tourism Board has enforced
regulations requiring all trekkers on the Annapurna
Circuit to hire licensed guides from registered trekking
companies, regardless of experience level. For 2026, this
regulation remains in effect along the entire Annapurna
Circuit route, though enforcement practices vary at
different points along the trek. Notably, TAAN (Trekkers'
Agencies Association of Nepal) has yet to establish
consistent checkpoint systems across the numerous
villages and mountain passes of this extensive circuit.
Travelers planning to complete the Annapurna Circuit
during 2026 should verify current enforcement situations
upon arrival in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The multi-day
nature of this trek makes staying informed particularly
important. Likewise, some guides are pushing trekkers up
past Manang on the first day without acclimatization -
this is dangerous - take two nights in Manang for
acclimatization. Find experienced guides familiar with
the Thorong La Pass and changing road conditions through
my
Trekking in Nepal Guidebook or via my
Find a Nepal Trekking Guide Service.
Plan your trek with confidenceguidebooks
The quick look above gives you the headline facts, while the rest of the page goes in-depth. However planning a Nepal trek takes more than just a quick read. Good trekkers take everything with them. From teahouse etiquette and permit rules to daily budgets and altitude acclimatization, my Trekking in Nepal guidebook covers every detail including route maps, gear checklists, and insider tips you won't find elsewhere for 29+ treks!
For broader coverage, the Nepal Guidebook includes 5 of the most popular treks alongside Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and the rest of the country.
The Annapurna Circuit (APC) trek
is located in the Annapurna Conservation Park in the central
region of Nepal. There are several other treks within
the park like the Poon Hill Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, and Mardi
Himal.
At its highest the Annapurna
Circuit reaches 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) at the Thorong
La pass.
The average duration for the
Annapurna Circuit is between 8 & 18 days. Though this
can be extended by side treks or shortened by taking a flight or
vehicle.
Please note this map should not be
used as a practical trekking map. While the main Annapurna
Circuit route remains the same there are variations depending on
side trails, weather conditions, time of year, natural events
and physical changes to the trek paths. No support is given for
GPX files and they should only be used as rough trail routes. Do
get my
Trekking in Nepal guidebook for more detailed maps!
The above map is a sample
from my
Nepal guidebook - the only guidebook with trekking
maps that can be zoomed right into - even for the
smallest of trails!
At 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) the
Thorong La pass marks the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit.
You cross over after a night in High Camp or Thorong Phedi.
There is a plaque at the top covered in prayer flags which is a
popular photo stop.
Highest sleeping point on the Annapurna Circuit
Thorong Phedi (4450 m) offers
accommodation which is often known as low camp. While high camp (4850
m) is another option for a last nights stay before crossing Thorong La
pass.
How long have people been trekking the Annapurna
Circuit?
Tilicho lake on the Annapurna Circuit is
4919 meters
It has always there with trails used as
trading routes between Nepal and Tibet. However as a trekking
route it really only became open in the late 1970's.
The original trail took about 23 days to
complete on foot in the early 1980's.
Today it can be done in 8-18
days.
What mountains can you see from the Annapurna Circuit?
The Annapurna massif displays the peaks
of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV. Other
peaks include Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna and
Tilicho Peak. High peaks range from 6,000 meters to over 8,000
meters.
There are many options here ranging from
package tours to independent trekking.
As per usual booking online can be significantly more expensive
than booking in person when in Nepal. If you are looking for the road-free Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit then trekking companies will usually add on additional charges online or through booking sites. It's far better to deal directly with a local company.
Package tours bought online
Package tours bought online
generally have a fixed itinerary
or are confusing to understand. Many will be filled with
different days, different jargon and different options making
the whole thing difficult to get your head around.
Some will include food, porters,
accommodation and permits. While others will leave something's
out.
Pro's include that nearly everything is done for you ahead of time.
Con's include you don't know who your guide will be and
you'll be paying a lot more than
getting everything done yourself. There's also the
possibility of hidden extras.
Top of the Throng La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit
If you have a couple of days in Nepal
then you can arrange a package trek around the Annapurna
Circuit yourself. Do shop around and don't get swayed
by the typical over talk about places names or villages enroute.
What's important here is to know what's
included, meet your guide before hand and feel comfortable with
the agency/guide.
Do make sure that everyone knows
what's included in the total price. Accommodation,
permits, bus fees, meals etc.
Quite often these package tours are
broken up into different categories. High priced categories will
included everything, while lower priced package tours might not
include accommodation.
Pro's here include actually meeting the guide before hand,
being able to ask questions in person and it's much
cheaper than online once you've figured out what's included.
Con's include listening to the bewildering amount of
options people will give you and not knowing all your
options.
If you don't have time to do this
yourself or find the range of options bewildering then
use my
Find a Trekking Guide Service.
Visiting a monastery on the Annapurna
Circuit is one of the cultural highlights
Hiring an Annapurna Guide yourself
You might want to save on costs a
little more and simply hire an independent guide rather
than a package tour. Again the costs come down substantially
however you'll be expected to do more.
You'll have to bargain and barter for
your own room and order your own meals. Though the more friendly
you are with the guide the more chance they'll help you out.
Pro's included a much cheaper trek with more
independence.
Con's include having to bargain and barter for
your own rooms (it's not hard) and order your
own meals.
Independently trekking the Annapurna
Circuit yourself
It is no longer possible to trek the
Annapurna Circuit trek alone. In March 2023 Nepal Tourism Board
banned solo trekking in Nepal. You now need to take a trekking
guide.
My guidebook
First Time Trekking in Nepal has been used on many
occasions by independent trekkers and is the most
up-to-date book on this trek.
Weather along the Annapurna range is
subject to change:
Due to the large and diverse are the
Annapurna Circuit covers conditions will differ in certain
regions. For example at the high altitude of Throng La Pass the
conditions will be far harsher than at Jomsom.
Thorong La Weather by month
Monthly Weather Overview
Legend:
Cold Mild Warm
|
Dry Wet Monsoon
Month
Temp (°C)
Temp (°F)
Rainfall
(mm)
Trail
Status
January
-6°
21.2°
9
Possible snow/ice on passes
February
-7°
19.4°
26
High
passes often blocked
March
-5°
23°
9
Good (some snow
higher up)
April
0°
32°
14
Excellent
May
5°
41°
22
Very Good
June
8°
46.4°
50
Pre-monsoon
(still doable)
July
12°
53.6°
140
Monsoon – Avoid
August
11°
51.8°
140
Monsoon – Avoid
September
10°
50°
80
Post-monsoon
(improving)
October
2°
35.6°
9
Peak Trekking
Season
November
-2°
28.4°
0
Peak Trekking
Season
December
-5°
23°
0
Winter
conditions from mid Dec onwards
Do note that altitude and
mountainous terrain play a strong factor in the
comparative weather temperatures. Wind-chill will drive
temperatures down by -10+. With this in mind the
following chart has high's and low's at Thorong La and
add on wind-chill.
If all those temperatures seem to
cold then don't forget the above is about as cold as it
gets as it takes temperatures from Thorong La Pass which is
the highest pass on the trek. As an example of temperatures
on the rest of the trek take a look at the Poon Hill
temperature chart below which will give you an indication
of what to expect at lower altitudes.
Best weather months to trek the APC
There are however peak seasons
and the following months have traditionally been used as
a guide for preferred times of the year to trek the
Annapurna Circuit.
October -
November/(early)December: this is Nepal's peak
and best time to go trekking.
February-March-April: this is the end of the dry season
and the second best time of year to go
trekking.
November/December to January/February: the skies are
clear but it can get very cold and there is a
risk of passes being closed due to snow.
May -
June: This is Nepal's hot pre-monsoon season
and it can get very warm indeed. The valleys however are
starting to bloom with flowers though.
June -
September: this is Monsoon season and the least
popular time to go trekking in Nepal. The risk of
leeches, downpours and occasional mudslides increase.
If you are on a package trek or tour to
the Annapurna Circuit then your guide or trekking agency will
and should take care of all your permits for you. For
independent trekkers you'll need to do it yourself. In all
cases here's what permits you need and how to get them for the
APC trek.
You need two permits for the
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)
Trekker Information Management System (TIMS Card)
Both or these permits can be
bought in either Pokhara or Kathmandu at the Tourist
Information Center. Pokhara is closer to the start of
the trek. Both offices are open between 10am - 5pm
however it is better to arrive an hour or so before
closing time. In Pokhara getting the permits only takes
about 30 minutes if you have everything you need.
Get the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit
(ACAP)
An Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) covers all of the
Annapurna National Park.
An ACAP Permit
The permit is only valid for one entry and one exit.
However, so long as you don't exit, you can use it for as
many treks within the Park. You can also get one online
via an e-permit
https://epermit.ntnc.org.np
(additional surcharge applicable) or via your trekking
agency (cheapest and easiest). Guides can do this before
you arrive. It is a mandatory permit.
Fill out the ACAP form
Hand over the completed form, your passport and 2
passport photos ( do note the office taking photos
for free at the moment)
Pay the 3,000 rupees (only payable in Nepali Rupees)
Get your ACAP permit
Failure to get an ACAP permit before your trek
means you will be double charged at a ACAP checkpoint for
a permit.
Get the Trekker Information Management
System Card (TIMS)
The Trekkers Information
Management System Card (TIMS) is meant help protect
trekkers through registration checkpoints along the
trek. Fees also go towards guide and porter insurance
along with their training.
A TIMS Card
*
Do note that the TIMS Card is now a flat 2,000 rupees and a
trekking company is the only one that can apply for it.
Both the ACAP and TIMS card can be used for all applicable
treks within the Annapurna Park until they receive an exit
stamp. Once either permit have an exit stamp they
cannot be used again. So if you do the Annapurna
Circuit and then return to Pokhara and decide you want to
do the Annapurna Base Camp trek you'll need to get new
permits. However if you do the Annapurna Base Camp trek
while on the Annapurna Circuit then you can use the same
permits. If you get exit stamps and try to enter/leave
again there is a hefty 6,000 rupee on the spot fine!
There are multiple check points for the APC trek
include Birethanti and Chomrong. Not all are open, but
TAAN are planning to open all again soon.
If you are planning on the road-free Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit then you'll also need a restricted area permit for Nar Phu.September to November (Peak) these cost USD $100 for 7 days. Or in December to August it will cost USD $75 for 7 days. 7-days will be enough in the restricted area. Do see the full
Nar Phu Trek for more details.
If you are on a package tour then your
agency will give you a list of things to bring for your trek.
However, keep in mind the times of year and the fact that the
Annapurna Circuit is quite long. Keeping things light will make
the trek easier and more enjoyable unless you have a porter.
If taking a trip to Annapurna
Circuit in Nepal the following items are generally
needed:
Windcheater jackets for the APC trek are a
good idea!
A good pair of hiking boots
A wind cheater style jacket
Long sleeve shirts
Trekking pants
Shorts
Underwear
Socks
Sunscreen
Sun glasses
Lip balm
Rubber sandals
Washing powder
Water bottles (water tight and heat
resistant)
Water purification system
Map
People often ask me how many shirts or
socks do they need to bring on a long trek. The answer if quite
simple but it also depends on you. I usually bring three shirts,
underwear and socks. I wash one pair every night and let them
dry strapped to me backpack as I trek the next day. It keeps the
weight down and keeps you clean!
Note for Trekkers: I have provided the essential planning details in this article for free. If you would prefer to have all this plus 28 other major treks in a printable PDF or a durable paperback for the trail, you can find my full Trekking in Nepal Guidebook here. It is designed to work offline at high altitudes where you will not have a signal.
A level of fitness is required
to complete the Annapurna Circuit - either the full classic trek
or the shorter versions. The Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit requires
two high passes so this also needs to be taken into
consideration. In all cases
preventing altitude sickness needs to be taken seriously.
From the above difficulty chart is based on a
typical 16 day APC trek.
As you can see days 1 - 2 are relatively easy. 6
hours of trekking a day well below 2,000 meters.
Day 3 and day for see a rapid increase in difficulty
and altitude.
Day 5 is will take you from Pisang to Manang which
some trekkers find quite easy. However it's altitude
which catches many people out here and they rush on
only to come back the next day quite sick. It's very
important you spend another night here on Day 6.
Trekking for low camp
to high camp on the Annapurna Circuit is one of the
more difficult objectives
Day 7 usually starts with the effects of altitude
kicking in an the trek gets harder.
Day 8 is one of the toughest days for many as
altitude reaches 4850m at high camp.
Day 9 is the hardest day on the trek with a trek
over Thorong La Pass at 5416m - however what catches
most people out is the decent to Muktinath which has
a lot of steps and can be hard on the knees.
Days 10 - 13 are relatively easy after the previous
hard days with long stretches of villages and forest
terrain. The hardest is Muktinath to Kagbeni due to
the winds.
Days 14-15 are the trek to Poon Hill which is the
final blip in altitude you can see on the map as you
go back up to 3, 210m. Tiredness for many is usually
the struggle here more than altitude.
A level of fitness is certainly
required.
It would certainly be in anyone's interest to already be
considered fit.
Although there are no technical aspects
for APC having a good head for heights can help
I would advise anyone going
trekking to see a doctor before they go for a check-up and to
talk about dealing with altitude sickness.
For pure trekking around the whole
Annapurna Circuit in Nepal you'll need to consider the amount of
days you'll be out trekking to get an idea of how fit your
should be. Most days include 4-7 hours of slow hiking.
Keep in mind the entire trek is about 16+ days covering
160km to 230km. Consider if you can currently walk 7
hours a day? If not, then some fitness training might be a good
idea!
The hardest point for many people is
going from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass. It's a hard 45
minute climb up to high camp and then across Thorong La pass. On
the other side it's a steep decent which can catch people's
knees.
However altitude is often the
biggest problem (time of year pending). Going slowly is
essential to avoid sickness.
Do read about altitude sickness in Nepal. Many gung-ho
trekkers have failed the trek simply because they rushed and
didn't take acclimatization days because at the time they felt
good! Little did they know the next day they'd be back feeling
sick.
Do remember that if you are stuck
for days or too tired, road transport starts from
Muktinath and you can take a bus, jeep or plane back to
Pokhara from Jomsom.
Many people from all walks of
life, ages and fitness levels have trekked the Annapurna Circuit.
In the peak season there's nothing much to worry about in terms
of cold or extreme weather.
As with most treks, generally speaking,
the slower you trek, the easier it is.
The food is typical Nepali
trekking food. Meaning you can get just about anything
for a price. From steaks to pasta, pancakes and chop suey.
Granted it won't be Michelin star quality food, but it will get
the job done. The Annapurna region does however have a better
reputation for trekking food than other trekking regions.
This is a
plate of typical Dal Bhat on the Annapurna Base Camp trek - rice, lentils,
potato curry, fresh vegetables and soup
Do keep in mind that you will be
burning a lot of calories and you will need to drink a lot more
water. Trekking staples like Dal Bhat are filling,
healthy and filled with good calories to keep you fueled up.
Beer, soda, coffee, tea, hot lemon and
water are also widely available. But just like food the price
goes up the further you get to Thorong La pass. Once you reach
Kagbeni the price starts to come down again.
1 liter tap water (from underground spring
or stream)
free
1 liter boiled water
(for filtering)
50 Rupees
1 liter bottled water (if available)*
100-200 rupees
Bottled water is now hard to find on the
APC. Many people use water filters to help with their budget and
reduce waste on the trek. There are also water stations where
you can buy filtered water dotted along the trail however they
are not always open and not always clean!
Apple
pancakes are famous on the Annapurna Circuit as locally grown apples are
plentiful. Especially around Marpha and Kagbeni
Treats like chocolate bars can be bought
all along the Annapurna Sanctuary but the price can get steep in
remoter areas. Meat also tends to get harder to find
the more remote you get. Bring a block of Yak cheese can really
help with adding protein to your diet!
From basic dorms to fairly good
hotels just about everything
in between is available on the APC.
Even during peak season there's rarely a shortage of tea houses
to choose from. Hot showers however might get into short supply
is you are in a busy tea house.
Teahouse bedroom
Heaters are also available in higher
standard accommodation. Prices range tend to go up the higher
and more remote you get. But should rarely go over 600 rupees
and often start at 100-200 rupees in quieter villages. See more
in the cost section later on.
During the winter months fires are
commonplace including fires for under your table on the coldest
of nights.
Costing for the Annapurna Circuit will
vary depending on how long you trek for.
From woodland to ice capped mountains on the
Annapurna Circuit
Firstly you will need an
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit which is 3,000
rupees and a TIMS Card (Tourism Information Management System)
which is USD $20
per person.
Choosing how to trek based on
your budget and needs
When pricing do realize that package
tours bought overseas are the most expensive. Package tours
bought within Nepal are next. Going with a guide and porter is
next. Going with just a guide is next. And finally going it
alone is the cheapest.
Online toursof between 16-21 days can cost up to
USD$1,800+ pp. Not including water. This does include a
guide, accommodation, permits and meals. Here are some
recommended
package treks where you can get an idea about prices.
Package tours
bought in Nepal can cost $1200-1500. This includes a
guide, permits, meals and accommodation.
Guide only
treks can cost from $29 to $50 per day.
The more you pay, the more experience your guide should have.
Two or more people traveling
together can make things cheaper. You are essentially
halving the cost of guide and accommodation. Something to
consider if budget is an issue.
Average 16 day trek breakdown cost
on the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Item
Cost USD $
Permits (ACAP, TIMS)
40
Guide x 16 days
400
Accommodation x 16
(shared)
48
Meals 3x16
320
Water 4 liters a day
(filtered & boiled)
77
Transport (private-RTN)
15
Total
900
Porter fees are around USD $20 per day.
The cost of an average teahouse with
shared bathroom is 100 rupees in the off season and 300 in
peak.
Rooms with a private bathroom can
cost from 500 rupees to 2000 rupees depending on the
standard of lodge.
The cost of one liter of filtered
water reaches a maximum of 100 rupees at high camp. It starts
at around 50-80 rupees. Bottles water where available costs
from 100 to 250 rupees.
The cost of a plate of Dal Bhat starts
at around 450 rupees and climbs to 800 rupees.
Many people with trekking experience will
consider a guide/porter as they are cheaper. It should be noted
these are trainee guides and may not have a lot
of English.
Don't forget to include your
travel insurance in your budget. And be aware that many
policies don't include trekking above 4000 meters. Check with
your insurance company before you leave. Here's my
recommendation for
travel insurance when trekking in Nepal.
Transport costs to from the Annapurna Circuit
Route
Transportation Type
Price Rs
Duration
Transportation Type
Price Rs
Duration
Kathmandu to Besisahar
Bus
800
8 hours
Car
5,000
4 hours
Pokhara to Besisahar
Bus
470
4 hours
Car
1200
2 hours
Besisahar to Bhulbhule
Bus
400
2 hours
Jeep
600
1.5 hours
Besisahar to Jagat
Bus
Jeep
1000
4-5 hours
Besisahar to Chame
Jeep
2,000
7-8 hours
Besisahar to Manang
Jeep
4,000-5,000
9-10 hours
Muktinath to Jomsom
Bus
400
2 hours
Jeep
1,000
1.5 hours
Muktinath to Tatopani
Bus
1700
7 hours
Jeep
4,000
5 hours
Muktinath to Pokhara
Bus
2000
12-16 hours
Jeep
8,000
10-12 hours
Jomsom to Tatopani
Bus
1100
4-5 hours
Jeep
3,000
3-4 hours
Jomsom to Pokhara
Bus
1300
9-12 hours
Jeep
7,000
8-9 hours
Jomsom to Kathmandu
Bus
2000
15-21 hours
Jeep
15,000
12-14 hours
Please note the prices above are from
this year but can change due to fuel issues, or adverse weather
conditions. It is feasible on some of the routes to get cheaper
transport but the buses are in bad condition, stop frequently,
and only move when full.
If you are flying to/from Jomsom
to/from Pokhara then the average flight is USD$125.
Over the past 20
years, Nepal has been constructing a road network around the
Annapurna region. As a trekker, it's essential to
understand how this development affects your trek. In
certain areas, the road may be little more than a dirt track
with no vehicles, while in other sections, it will be fully
paved.
The road will
soon connect Besisahar to Manang, the starting point of
the trek. It is crucial that you avoid driving
all the way to Manang due to acclimatization
concerns. If you want to drive from Pokhara or
Kathmandu, you should
begin your trek in Chame. A good guide
can also assist you in circumventing most of the road,
making a start from Besisahar also feasible.
Similarly, beyond Thorong La Pass, a bus can transport
you from Muktinath back to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
However, it's a lengthy and bumpy ride that will deprive
you of some truly special experiences. A much
better option is to trek all the way to Kagbeni.
From there, you can take a bus to Tatopani, Pokhara, or
Kathmandu.
Many online trekking
companies and even trekking agents in Nepal add on
"catchy" names to their Annapurna Circuit itineraries.
The reality is there is one main Annapurna Circuit which
is known as the full circuit or classic
and there's the Annapurna half-circuit
or
Short Circuit.
Note for Trekkers: I have provided the essential planning details in this article for free. If you would prefer to have all this plus 28 other major treks in a printable PDF or a durable paperback for the trail, you can find my full Trekking in Nepal Guidebook here. It is designed to work offline at high altitudes where you will not have a signal.
Every trekking agent or guide
will mention different villages or stop overs. They all
pass through one another. Don't worry, you won't be
missing out on anything.
Finally, do keep in mind that
there are other treks within the Annapurna National Park
which can be done alongside the Annapurna Circuit or
separately.
16 day Annapurna Circuit itinerary (Full Circuit)
Day
Route
Distance (km)
Highest Altitude
1
Besisahar to Bahundanda (bus/jeep available)
18 km (5 hours avg)
1,200 m
2
Bahundanda to Chame (bus/jeep available)
12 km (3+ hours avg)
1,430 m
3
Chame to Bagarchhap (bus/jeep available)
15 km (6 hours avg)
2,160Â m
4
Bagarchhap to Pisang
16 km (6 hours avg)
3,400 m
5
Pisang to Manang
12 km (4.5 hours avg)
3,520 m
6
Acclimatization in Manang*
rest or local trek
3,520 m
7
Manang to Yak Kharka
9 km (4 hours)
4,020 m
8
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or High Camp
8/9 km (3/4 hours)
4,550m/4850 m
9
Thorong Phedi or High Camp crossing Thorong La pass to
Muktinath
13/12 km (8/7 hours)
5,416 m
10
Muktinath to Kagbeni (bus/jeep available)
10 km (2.5 hours)
2,800 m
11
Kagbeni to Jomsom/Marpha*
(bus/jeep available)
13/16 km (3/4 hours)
2650 m
12
Marpha to Kalopani (bus/jeep available)
19 km (4-5 hours)
2,513 m
13
Kalopani to Tatopani (bus/jeep available)
24 km (6 hours)
1,190 m
14
Tatopani to Ghorepani (bus/jeep available)
15 km (6 hours)
2,860 m
15
Ghorepani - Poon Hill
5km (2 hours)
3, 210 m
16
Ghorepani - Pokhara (bus/jeep available)
35 km (bus)
1, 990 m
*
Additional days for acclimatizationMany people
take a second day of acclimatization in Manang and go
on a side trek. Likewise Marpha is a popular place to
rest up for another night on the way back.
Ghorepani's hot springs also entice people to spend an
extra night.
* Jomsom
is a popular town with an airport on the Annapurna Circuit that
can get busy with Nepali tourists. Many trekkers fly in
or out from Jomsom to Pokhara. It's quite a large town
in comparison to neighboring villages. There are also buses from
Jomsom to Pokhara and they stop off along the way. If you are
not flying and prefer quieter places then continuing on to
Marpha is suggested rather than stay in Jomsom.
In any case you should always
plan for extra days rather than trying to shorten the trek
for budgetary considerations. Spending an extra two nights in
Manang is better than having to turn back due to altitude
sickness later on.
Thorong Phedi or High Camp crossing Thorong La pass to
Muktinath
13/12 km (8/7 hours)
5,416 m
8
Drive to Jomsom then fly or bus or jeep to Pokhara
N/A
2,800 m
As you can tell from the 8 day
itinerary the initial trek is shortened by transport to
Chame. Then the majority of the trek is shortened by
transport from Muktinath to Jomsom to Pokhara.
It is very important that you
have two days acclimatization in Manang.
The 8 day itinerary also involves
public or private transport which will have additional
costs.
6 day Annapurna Circuit itinerary (caution)
The following itinerary is being
offered by some trekking companies and indeed some
trekkers are trying to do it independently. It's
not recommended.
Lack of acclimatization is the main
reason this itinerary is not recommended. The only
reason trekkers could undertake it is if they have
already just been trekking at a high altitude.
Day
Route
Distance (km)
Highest Altitude
1
Drive to Besisahar then change jeep to Chame/Manang
18 km (5 hours avg)
1,430 m
2
Acclimatization in Manang*
rest or local trek
3,520 m
3
Manang to Yak Kharka
9 km (4 hours)
4,020 m
4
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or High Camp
8/9 km (3/4 hours)
4,550m/4850 m
5
Thorong Phedi or High Camp crossing Thorong La pass to
Muktinath
13/12 km (8/7 hours)
5,416 m
6
Drive to Jomsom then fly or bus or jeep to Pokhara
In 2010 a controversial road
was completed that many trekking organizations said would
destroy the fabled Annapurna Circuit. It has indeed had a
negative impact on the original trekking route along the
western side of the circuit (from Muktinath down).
Likewise the road stretches from Besisahar to Manang on the
eastern side.
The road on the
Annapurna Circuit is not all that bad with views like
this!
In 2006 ACAP started planning new
Annapurna trekking trails as alternatives. Sadly they
have not yet fully developed the trail.
I've taken many of the NATT trails into
account. Though there are some viable routes, and I've given
options to use some in my book, many add greatly to the duration
of the full trek and are badly sign posted.
As an example Jomsom to Marpha via Thini
and Dhumba lake takes up to 5 hours, while walking the road
takes 1.5. For 5 hours you get another nice village and a
fishing lake. If you've already spent 12 days trekking then
you'll have seen similar. I'd much rather end the trek in
Jomsom or continue with a jeep/bus to Tatopani and move on to
ABC.
Day
Route
NATT Highlight
Highest Altitude
1
Besisahar to Dharapani
Jeep to start of trails
1,860 m
2
Dharapani to Chame
NATT trail character begins
2,630 m
3
Chame to Upper Pisang
Traditional village views
3,300 m
4
Upper Pisang to Ngawal
High Route panoramas
3,730 m
5
Ngawal to Manang
Braga Gompa visit
3,519 m
6
Acclimatization in Manang
Ice Lake or Gangapurna
3,519 m
7
Manang to Yak Kharka
Alpine scrubland
4,018 m
8
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Base of the pass
4,540 m
9
Phedi to Thorong La to Muktinath
The High Pass
5,416 m
10
Muktinath to Kagbeni
Mustang landscape
2,800 m
11
Kagbeni to Jomsom (End)
Kali Gandaki valley
2,720 m
I don't like the road and I think it
was a bad decision to build it as it currently stands. But
it's done, the past is the past and we must move on. I don't
think the NATT are that good as an alternative either. I'd
rather use my trekking days elsewhere.
This is one of the prime examples
that I set about creating the Extended Annapurna
Circuit and the Road Free Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit.
However I want to emphasis that
even with the road the Annapurna Circuit is still an
incredible trekking route and experience. The same
majestic mountains are there and the traffic is largely
minimal.
If you want to avoid trekking on the
"road" issue and feel that the New Annapurna Trekking Trail is
not for you then there is another option that I've developed
over the past number of years. The Extended Annapurna
Circuit.
A trekker reading from
The Longest Way Home Guidebook to Nepal at the Throng
La Pass
Moreover with the advent of new
routes the extended Annapurna trek is likely to increase
over the next 10 years.
The extended Annapurna Circuit
has several options to choose from depending on how many
days you have, your budget and what you'd like to see.
Here are some extended Annapurna
Circuit routes
APC + Upper Mustang:
From Kagbeni you trek for 10 days in the arid and
culturally fantastic restricted areal of
Upper Mustang. Returning to Kagbeni at the end.
Nar Phu + APC:
This has become the road free Annapurna circuit which
I'll write about more below. Starting at Koto you first trek the Nar Phu trail
which is challenging over a 9 day trek. You finish in
Nwagal (near Manang) and then continue on with the APC trek.
However you will be well acclimatized by the time you
reach Thorong La Pass!
APC + ABC:
From Jomsom you can either trek or take a bus/jeep down
to Tatopani then trek to Ghorepani. From there the route
to
Annapurna Base Camp
(8 days) awaits.
APC + Mardi Himal:
From Jomsom you can either trek or take a bus/jeep down
to Tatopani then trek to Ghorepani. There's tough climb
from Ghorepani up to Australian Camp where you can begin
the 4-5 day trek up to
Mardi Himal. Moderate.
For those who want to rest up but
still be in the mountains you can always include
Poon Hill in your trek before leaving the Annapurna
National Park.
Finally,
there's an option to do an Upper Mustang Borderland
Trek, which I've developed. It means a full day of
trekking in the restricted area (no permit is needed),
which brings a whole new level to the Annapurna Circuit.
However, you will need a trekking guide for this.
For all
extended Annapurna Circuit treks, many guides don't like
to do these extensions as it means more work for them.
Some dubious trekking companies may even try to charge
extra as they will say it's an additional trek; it
simply doesn't work like that, and I would avoid those
types of trekking companies.It's worth picking up
my
Trekking in Nepal guidebook to find out how to deal
with them!
In early 2026 the Nepali Department of Immigration dropped the two person minimum restriction on restricted area permits such as the one needed for Nar Phu. It essentially opened up the area to solo trekkers who have a compulsory trekking guide with them.
It also opened up the possability of adding
Nar Phu's 9 day trek
which ends in Nwagal on the Annapurna circuit and continue on
while avoiding the road.
There are two itineraries for the
Nar Phu Annapurna circuit, one is 15 days which includes
Tilicho lake, and the other is 13 days without Tilicho
lake.
The Road Free Nar Phu Annapurna
Circuit has essentially opened up a new 2 week Annapurna
trek to trekkers which is becoming the best all round two
week trek in Nepal. It is completely road free, takes you
into the remove Nar Phu region with a deep valley, wind
swept villages and monastaries, over the Kangla Pass,
across to the highest lake in the world at Tilicho, then
up and over Throng La pass before ending in Muktinath. See
the itinerary below for more details and check out my page
on
the road free Annapurna circuit for more details on
the three main routes.
Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit (15 days via Nar Phu & Tilicho Lake)
Day
Route
Distance
Highest Altitude
1
Pokhara or Kathmandu by bus to Beshisahar then shared jeep to Koto
11+ hours
2,513 m
2
Koto to Meta via Chhauchha and Singenge Dharmasala
7+ hours
3,560 m
3
Meta to Phu via Kyang
7+ hours
4,130 m
4
Phu acclimatization - Guru Sangbo viewpoint and Tashi Lhakhang Gompa
4+ hours
4,730 m
5
Phu to Nar Phedi
4-5 hours
3,500 m
6
Nar Phedi to Nar
3-4 hours
4,110 m
7
Nar acclimatization and exploration day
3+ hours
4,250 m
8
Nar to Kang La Pass to Ngawal
7-9 hours
5,320 m / 3,615 m
9
Ngawal to Manang via Humde and Braga Gompa
5 hours
3,519 m
10
Manang to Tilicho Base Camp via Khangsar *
7 hours
4,150 m
11
Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake and descend to Shree Kharka*
7-8 hours
4,950 m / 4,050 m
12
Shree Kharka to Letdar via Yak Kharka
4-5 hours
4,200 m
13
Letdar to Thorong Phedi to High Camp
4-5 hours
4,880 m
14
High Camp to Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
7-9 hours
5,416 m / 3,760 m
15
Muktinath to Pokhara or Kathmandu by bus
6-11+ hours
822 m / 1,400 m
* The trek can be reduced by two days if you remove the trek to Tilicho Base Camp
Frequently Asked Questions about Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek typically takes
18 days, covering 229 km, depending on the itinerary, side
treks, and pace. The shorter 8-day option uses transport to Chame and
from Muktinath, while the full classic trek takes 18 days. Extra
acclimatization days in Manang are recommended to prevent altitude
sickness.
The trek is moderate to strenuous, with the
toughest section being the climb to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and the
steep descent to Muktinath. It requires good fitness due to long
trekking days (8 hours) and high altitude. Acclimatization in
Manang and slow pacing are crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
You need two permits: the Annapurna
Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, NPR 3,000) and the Trekkers’
Information Management System (TIMS) card (NPR 2,000). Both can be
obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu. A licensed guide is mandatory as of
March 2023, per Nepal Tourism Board regulations.
The best times are October to early December
and February to April, offering clear skies and stable weather. Avoid
June to September (monsoon season) due to heavy rain and mudslides,
and late December to January due to cold and potential snow at Thorong
La Pass.
Take the Guesswork Out of Your Nepal Trek
This article covers the essentials, but the trail is always changing. For the most reliable experience, I’ve compiled my years of on-the-ground research into the Trekking in Nepal Guidebook.
Choose Your Format: High-resolution Digital for your phone or a Print edition for your backpack.
Scalable Trail Maps: Detailed views that don't require a data connection or GPS.
Real-World Logistics: Accurate trekking costs and safety protocols updated for the current season.
Includes this trek plus 28 other routes across Nepal.
