One of the World's Great Long-Distance Treks
The Annapurna Circuit has been drawing trekkers to Nepal for decades, and for good reason. Circumnavigating the Annapurna Massif through dramatically varied terrain — subtropical forests, terraced rice fields, arid high-altitude plateaus, and glaciated mountain passes — this route is a masterclass in Himalayan diversity. The classic circuit covers roughly 160–230 km depending on the route variation you choose.
The Route at a Glance
Most trekkers begin in Besisahar (or take a jeep further to Chame or Dharapani to skip the lower road sections) and walk counterclockwise to cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) from east to west before descending to Muktinath and continuing south through the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the deepest gorge on Earth.
| Key Waypoint | Elevation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Besisahar | 760 m | Traditional starting point |
| Chame | 2,710 m | Apple orchards, teahouses |
| Manang | 3,519 m | Key acclimatisation stop |
| Thorong La Pass | 5,416 m | Highest point of the circuit |
| Muktinath | 3,710 m | Sacred pilgrimage site |
| Jomsom | 2,720 m | Airport for exit option |
| Pokhara | 827 m | Traditional end point |
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Crossing Thorong La at over 5,400 m is the circuit's defining challenge. Altitude sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk and cannot be ignored. Follow these principles:
- Ascend gradually. Spend at least 2 nights in Manang (3,519 m) before the pass.
- Hike high, sleep low. Day hikes from Manang help your body acclimatise before the big push.
- Know the symptoms of AMS: headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately.
- Consider Diamox (acetazolamide) after consulting your doctor before departure.
- Start the Thorong La crossing early — by 4–5 AM — to avoid afternoon winds and give yourself a wide safety buffer.
Best Seasons
- October – November: The classic season. Clear skies, stable weather, and ideal trail conditions. Very popular — teahouses fill quickly.
- March – April: Rhododendrons bloom across the lower elevations. Slightly warmer with occasional pre-monsoon clouds, but generally excellent trekking.
- December – February: Cold and snowy at high elevation; Thorong La may be impassable after heavy snowfall. Only for well-prepared winter trekkers.
- June – September: Monsoon season. Trails in the lower sections become slippery and leech-ridden. The rain shadow areas around Manang and Mustang remain drier.
Permits Required
You need two permits to trek the Annapurna Circuit:
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
Both can be obtained in Kathmandu (at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pradarshani Marg) or in Pokhara. Costs are modest and support conservation efforts in the region.
Teahouse Trekking vs. Camping
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's most accessible high-altitude treks because of its dense network of teahouses — family-run lodges that provide meals and basic accommodation. Most trekkers do not need to carry a tent, sleeping bag, or cooking equipment for the lower sections. Above Manang, conditions are more basic, and a quality sleeping bag liner at minimum is recommended.
Physical Preparation
This is not a casual walk. Expect 6–8 hours of hiking per day over steep, varied terrain. Prepare with:
- Regular long-distance hiking with a loaded pack in the months before your trip
- Cardiovascular training (running, cycling, swimming)
- Strength training focused on legs and core