Annapurna Circuit Trek: The Ultimate Guide to Nepal’s Most Diverse Himalayan Journey

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is not about standing beneath the highest mountain on earth.
It’s about crossing landscapes, cultures, climates, and centuries, all on foot.

In the space of two to three weeks, you walk from subtropical river valleys to high alpine deserts, from Hindu villages to Tibetan Buddhist settlements, from green rice terraces to glacial windswept passes. It is one of the most varied long-distance treks in the world, and for many travellers, the most rewarding.

If you’re trekking in Nepal for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know, routes, seasons, day-by-day experience, altitude, costs, packing, and what the journey truly feels like.

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Why Choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit is often described as Nepal in one trek.

What makes it special:

• Extreme landscape diversity
• Deep cultural transitions from village to village
• Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) on foot
• Less crowded than Everest routes (especially off-season)
• Flexible itinerary with multiple side trips

Unlike Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit is not a single destination; it’s a journey of progression.

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Where Is the Annapurna Circuit?

The trek loops around the Annapurna Massif in central Nepal, passing through the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Traditionally, the trek starts near Besisahar and ends in Jomsom or Pokhara, though road access now allows multiple entry and exit points.

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How Long Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

A classic circuit takes 14–21 days, depending on:

• Starting/ending point
• Side trips (Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake)
• Acclimatisation pace
• Road avoidance choices

First-time trekkers should plan 16–18 days for a safer, richer experience.

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Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit

🍁 Autumn (September–November) – Best Overall

• Clear skies
• Stable weather
• Excellent visibility

🌸 Spring (March–May)

• Warmer temperatures
• Rhododendron forests in bloom
• Slightly hazier views

❄️ Winter (December–February)

• Quiet trails
• Very cold at high altitude
• Thorong La may close after heavy snowfall

🌧️ Monsoon (June–August)

• Lush lower valleys
• Landslides, leeches
• Rain-shadow helps beyond Manang, but not ideal for beginners

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Permits Required for Annapurna Circuit

You’ll need:

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
2. TIMS Card

These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or arranged by your guide.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek Route (Day-by-Day Experience)

This is a trek that changes character every few days. Below is what first-time trekkers can realistically expect.

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Day 1–2: Besisahar to Bahundanda / Chamje

Altitude: ~1,300–1,700m

The trek begins in warm, green valleys. You pass rice terraces, waterfalls, and traditional Gurung villages.

How it feels:

• Hot, humid, lively
• Culture shock in the best way
• Strong legs, easy breathing

This is Nepal, many don’t expect, lush, noisy, alive.

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Day 3–4: Chamje to Dharapani

Altitude: ~1,960m

The valley narrows. Trails carve into cliffs. Suspension bridges swing above roaring rivers.

What changes:

• Vegetation thickens, then slowly thins
• Villages feel more Tibetan than Hindu
• Nights cool noticeably

You officially enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.

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Day 5–6: Dharapani to Chame

Altitude: ~2,710m

Pine forests replace farmland. Snow peaks appear between trees.

How it feels:

• Cooler air
• Longer walking days
• First sense of remoteness

Chame feels like a mountain town, quiet, spacious, calm.

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Day 7: Chame to Pisang

Altitude: ~3,300m

The landscape begins to open dramatically. Rock faces rise sharply above the trail.

Highlight:
Your first real views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.

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Day 8–9: Pisang to Manang (Acclimatisation)

Altitude: 3,540m

Manang is one of the most important stops on the circuit.

Acclimatisation day options:

• Ice Lake hike
• Gangapurna Lake
• Short ridge walks above town

How it feels:

• Appetite drops slightly
• Sleep becomes lighter
• Confidence grows

Manang teaches patience. Rushing from here is a mistake.

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Day 10: Manang to Yak Kharka

Altitude: ~4,050m

Trees disappear. The world turns brown, gold, and blue.

How it feels:

• Walking slows
• Every breath is conscious
• Cold evenings arrive

You are now in high-altitude terrain.

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Day 11: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi / High Camp

Altitude: ~4,450–4,925m

Short walking day, intentionally.

Mental preparation day.
Everyone talks about tomorrow.

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Day 12: Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath

Trek duration: 8–10 hours

This is the hardest and most rewarding day.

You start before dawn, climbing slowly under stars. The pass is cold, windy, and emotional.

Standing atop Thorong La, prayer flags whip violently in the wind.

Descent:
Long, tiring, but oxygen returns with every step.

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Day 13: Muktinath to Jomsom

Altitude: ~2,700m

Muktinath is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

The landscape now feels almost Tibetan, desert-like.

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Day 14–16: Jomsom to Pokhara (via flight or trek)

Some trek onward through the Kali Gandaki Valley. Others fly to Pokhara.

Emotion:
Relief. Pride. Reflection.

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Altitude & Safety on the Annapurna Circuit

Though less hyped than Everest, altitude is just as serious here.

Key rules:

• Acclimatise properly in Manang
• Walk slow
• Hydrate constantly
• Never ignore symptoms

Descending is always the cure.

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Guide, Porter, or Independent Trek?

Current regulations require licensed guides in many regions.

Benefits:

• Navigation on road-affected sections
• Cultural insight
• Safety at Thorong La
• Local economic support

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Food & Accommodation on the Circuit

Teahouses

• Comfortable and welcoming
• Private rooms at lower elevations
• Shared facilities higher up

Food

• Dal Bhat (best fuel)
• Tibetan bread, soups, potatoes
• Prices increase after Manang

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Cost of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Approximate budget:

• Permits: $40–$50
• Guide: $25–$35/day
• Porter: $18–$25/day
• Food & lodging: $25–$40/day

Total: $1,000–$1,800 depending on style and duration

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Packing Essentials

• Down jacket (-10°C to -20°C)
• Layered clothing
• Sleeping bag
• Trekking poles
• Sunscreen & lip balm
• Power bank

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What the Annapurna Circuit Really Gives You

The Annapurna Circuit is worth it, not because it’s famous, but because it’s complete.

It gives you heat and cold, silence and laughter, effort and ease. It teaches you to accept the change of weather, terrain, mood, and pace. It humbles you without overwhelming you.

This trek isn’t about a single viewpoint or photo. It’s about movement, about watching the world transform step by step, and realising you can transform with it.

For first-time trekkers, the Annapurna Circuit is not just a trek.
It is an education in endurance, patience, and perspective.

And that is why so many return saying the same thing:

“If I could only do one trek in Nepal, it would be this.”