Annapurna Circuit

Quick facts for planning the Annapurna Circuit.

Time to Hike: 12-18 days covering roughly 160 km, with typical itineraries allowing acclimatisation days in Manang and a high crossing of Thorong La at 5416 m. Hikers can extend or shorten by road transfers.

Best Time to Go: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most stable weather and clear mountain views. Winter is very cold and the pass may be snowbound; the monsoon brings heavy rain and landslide risk.

Getting there: Most approaches begin from Besisahar or from Pokhara after flying or driving from Kathmandu. Trailheads lie along the Marsyangdi valley with public buses or tourist jeeps as common options.

Costs: You must carry an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a TIMS card to enter the region; teahouse accommodation and food make up the main expense. Budget hikers typically plan modest daily costs plus extra for guides or porters and occasional road transport.

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous due to sustained high altitude and the Thorong La crossing at 5416 m; expect steep rocky paths, scree slopes and possible icy sections. Altitude sickness is the primary hazard; weather can change quickly.

Annapurna massif’s Circuit threads through strikingly varied landscapes - tropical river valleys, terraced farmland, rhododendron and pine forests, an alpine plateau around Manang and the rain-shadow highlands beyond Thorong La. Dramatic views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri and the surrounding peaks are constant rewards.

The trail’s highlights include the cultural villages of Manang, the pilgrimage site at Muktinath after the pass and the long high pass itself at Thorong La 5416 m. Accommodation is primarily teahouses in villages up to the high settlements; above 4500 m facilities are basic, and some sections involve rocky, exposed paths.

• Section 1: Besisahar to Chame (km 0-45) - Roadside track and older footpaths up the Marsyangdi Valley, with steady valley climbing and frequent village stops.
• Section 2: Chame to Pisang (km 45-70) - Narrower valley hiking with bigger mountain views as you enter the higher Manang district, often on well-trodden trails above the river.
• Section 3: Pisang to Manang (km 70-95) - Classic acclimatisation section with options for higher and lower trail variants; broad alpine landscapes open up as you approach Manang.
• Section 4: Acclimatisation around Manang (km 95-100) - A planned rest day with short hikes to gain altitude safely before the pass; expect colder nights and thinner air.
• Section 5: Manang to Yak Kharka (km 100-115) - Gradual ascent above the tree line on open slopes, with thinner crowds and long views across the high valley.
• Section 6: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (km 115-125) - Short, altitude-focused stage to position for the pass crossing; lodging fills quickly in peak season.
• Section 7: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La (km 125-140) - The high point of the circuit, topping out at Thorong La before a long descent; start very early and be ready for cold, wind, and rapid weather changes.
• Section 8: Muktinath to Jomsom (km 140-160) - Descend into the Kali Gandaki corridor with a drier, more windswept feel; many trekkers finish here or continue toward Tatopani and Nayapul.

The classic walking seasons are spring and autumn when tea-house services are fully operating and visibility is best. Bookings are rarely required for teahouse beds except during peak autumn weeks; bring flexible plans for nights in high villages where rooms are limited.

Expect clear, cool mornings and possible afternoon cloud build-up; on the pass there can be strong wind, snow or sudden cold snaps. Carry layered clothing, a sleeping bag rated for near-freezing nights and be prepared to add acclimatisation days if needed.

Kathmandu is the international gateway; many trekkers transfer to Pokhara by road or flight before joining the trail at Besisahar or nearby access points. Regular tourist buses and local jeeps connect these towns to the Marsyangdi valley entry points.

Most people walk the Circuit clockwise - ascending the Marsyangdi valley toward Manang to acclimatise, then crossing Thorong La and descending toward Muktinath and Jomsom before returning to Pokhara. Road options make shorter variants possible in either direction.

Most trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit need a permit for the conservation area - the Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit is commonly required and is checked along the route.

A trekking registration card or local equivalent is sometimes required depending on current rules and whether you trek independently or with an agency. Requirements in Nepal can change, so confirm the latest process in Kathmandu or Pokhara (or through your trekking agency) before you set out.

Accommodation is typically in teahouse lodges in villages such as Chame, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and Muktinath. Rooms are usually simple, with shared dining areas and hot meals available; at higher altitude the comfort level and availability tend to drop.

In busy periods, it is wise to book ahead for bottleneck stops like Manang and Thorong Phedi because options are limited and many trekkers aim for the same schedule before Thorong La. Carrying a tent is not essential for most itineraries, but can be useful if you want more flexibility or if lodges are full.