In the high Himalayas of the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Circuit trek stands as a popular trekking destination. A favorite among trekkers, this trek offers a thrilling adventure along with some breathtaking mountain views. The 14-day Annapurna Circuit trek is a great way to take a closer look at the natural beauty of the Annapurna region. Beginning at an altitude of 1,400 m in the bustling capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, the trek rises up to an altitude of 5,416 m at the Thorong La Pass.
The trekking trail to the summit itself is an incredible journey. Along the way, you will pass through forests, meadows, fields, high-altitude deserts, lovely remote villages, and a few suspension bridges covered in prayer flags. As you climb higher, views of Himalayan giants like Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna III unfold with every turn.
The trek also lets you visit the Muktinath temple, a place of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists. In addition, you can interact with the locals to understand their lifestyle and become a part of their community for a short period. The 14-day Annapurna Circuit trek is a memorable journey that allows you to explore the less traveled areas in the Himalayas.
The first day of our journey towards the Annapurna region begins with an adventurous drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule. Today we will be covering a total of 180 km on a hilly road. The drive will be enjoyable with the views of far-standing mountains and lush green terrains. Along the way, we will pass through remote villages and changing terrains, offering a glimpse into the beautiful landscape of Nepal. After passing through all these and driving for 7–8 hours straight, we will finally reach our today’s destination, Bhulbhule, in the late afternoon. We will spend the remaining time of the day exploring this beautiful village and spend the night in one of the lodges.
Drive Time:
6 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
180 km (111.9 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
845 m (2,772 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner (L.D)
Place:
Bhulbhule
The second day marks the beginning of the trekking part of the journey. After having breakfast in Bhulbhule, we will embark on foot towards Jagat, a beautiful traditional village in the Lamjung district. Winding along the Marshyangdi River, the trail takes us past terraced fields, lush jungles, and villages like Nayagaon, Shrichaur, and others. Today’s climb is mostly easy but does need caution at some turns. After a final push through a challenging section, we will arrive at the village of Jagat. We will rest for the night in one of the lodges before continuing upwards.
Trek Time:
5 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
12 km (7.4 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
1,300 m (4,265 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Jagat
Our journey in the Annapurna region continues on the third day with an early morning hike towards Dharapani. The route that we follow today will take us deeper into the region through suspension bridges and lush greenery. Starting at 1,300 m, we will cross Chyamche and Tal, along with a few other small settlements. While walking past these villages, we will also have time to appreciate the beautiful views of the rolling hills. After trekking for a total of 15 km, we will arrive at Dharapani, a village at 1,860 m. Here, we will take a closer look at the beautiful stone houses, chat with friendly locals, and enjoy a heartwarming meal before spending the night at a lodge.
Trek Time:
6 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
15 km (9.3 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
1,860 m (6,102 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Dharapani
On the fourth day, we climb up higher towards the village of Chame. With increasing altitude, the trail condition and the surroundings also change, offering a new perspective on the Annapurna region. The rugged mountains turn green with alpine meadows and several wildflowers. Along the way, we will cross lush forests, serene villages, and rushing rivers on a suspension bridge. One of the villages will be our stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue walking until our today’s stop, Chame, comes into sight. Today, we will walk for around 6–7 hours on a slightly demanding trail.
Trek Time:
6 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
15 km (9.3 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
2,650 m (8,694 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Chame
Today’s trek takes us from Chame to Upper Pisang, offering stunning views along the way. The path is a mix of gradual climbs and some rocky sections. As we walk, we will pass through small villages and enjoy the surrounding nature. On the way, we will stop at the villages to get used to the thin air. Once we reach Upper Pisang, we will relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village. The beautiful mountain views from here make the effort worthwhile.
Trek Time:
5 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
13 km (8 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,300 m (10,826 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Upper Pisang
The trek continues on the sixth day as we will head towards Manang, which is 7–8 hours from Pisang. The trail passes through alpine meadows, narrow valleys, and small villages like Ghyaru, Nawal, Mugje, Vhraka, and others. The air continues to get thinner as you gain altitude, and the views of the Annapurna massif become more beautiful. Along the way, we will see impressive mountain landscapes and may spot wildlife. Before the evening, we will arrive in Manang, take time to relax, and enjoy the stunning surroundings. As the night gets closer, we head to the lodge and rest for the night.
Trek Time:
7 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
17.2 km (10.6 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,540 m (11,614 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Manang
On the seventh day, we will just sit back, relax, and rest to acclimate. We will let our body adjust to the high altitude of Manang. This day will help us prevent altitude sickness further into the trek. We will take a short hike to a nearby viewpoint and explore the village at a slow pace. While touring the village, we will have several opportunities to explore the typical village life from a close distance. This rest day will also give us time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and prepare mentally for the next stage of the trek.
Sleep Elevation:
3,540 m (11,614 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Manang
The altitude on the eighth day gets even higher as we hike toward the village of Ledar. Today we will have to walk for 4–5 hours on a scenic path. Beginning with a flat trail, with increasing altitude, it becomes more rugged. In the meantime, the views of the mountain peaks and deep valleys will continue to entertain us. As we ascend, we will pass through smaller villages and see the changes in vegetation. With a final push at a slightly difficult section, we will arrive at Ledar, a small settlement at an altitude of 4,250 m. Here we will have clearer view of the mountains.
Trek Time:
4 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
9.1 km (5.7 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,250 m (13,943 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Ledar
Today, we will trek from Ledar to Thorong High Camp through rocky terrain and higher altitudes. The trail begins with a steep climb followed by a descent towards the banks of the Marsyangdi River. After walking a few hours along the river, we will cross it on a wooden bridge and continue climbing up to reach the Thorong Phedi. Here we will take a short break to catch our breath before approaching a steeper path. After crossing this section of the trail, we will finally arrive at the high camp. Once we reach Thorong High Camp, we will prepare for the challenging day ahead with proper meals and rest. This will be our last stop before crossing the Thorong La Pass.
Trek Time:
4 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
7 km (4.3 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,925 m (16,158 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Thorong High Camp
This day of all is the most challenging day of the entire trek. Starting the day with an early morning hike, we will embark on a journey to cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. Reaching the top of the pass at 5416 m is thought, but the views from the top are incredible. At the top, we can rest and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Further, we will trek to Muktinath Temple through a steep descent. This part of the trek is a bit tricky and needs a careful approach.
Trek Time:
7 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
15–16 km (9.3–10 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,760 m (12,336 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Muktinath Temple
After yesterday’s challenging trek, today is a more relaxing day. Today we will take a short break from treaking and drive from Muktinath to Tatopani, passing through Jomsom. The driving route offers great views of rivers, valleys, and villages. The condition of the road is not very good in some sections, but the scenery is beautiful. After a long 4–5-hour drive, we will reach Tatopani in the evening. Here, we will have an opportunity to enjoy the natural hot springs in a beautiful landscape.
Drive Time:
7–8 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
90 km (56 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
1,200 m (3,937 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Tatopani
On the twelfth day, we will resume trekking and set out on foot towards Ghoreapani. The trail passes through forests, waterfalls, and small settlements of Magar people. The walk is mostly uphill, and the path only gets difficult with every turn. The views seen from Ghorepani make all the hassle of the trail worthwhile. As we get higher, beautiful views of the mountains start to appear. Once we reach the village, we will have a meal and get to bed early.
Trek Time:
7 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
15 km (9.3 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
2,860 m (9,383 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Ghorepani
After waking up early in the morning, we will hike to Poon Hill for a beautiful sunrise view. The top of Poon Hill offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After enjoying the sunrise and taking a few pictures, we will trek down to Banthati. From Banthati, we will then drive to Pokhara, where you spend the night relaxing and exploring the beautiful lake city.
Trek Time:
3 hrs
Drive Time:
3 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
52 km (32.3 miles)
Trek Distance:
14 km (8.7 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
830 m (2,723 ft)
Accommodations:
Not included
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch (B.L)
Place:
Pokhara
We understand that everyone enjoys Pokhara in their own way; some prefer lakeside luxury, while others love cozy boutique stays. That’s why accommodation in Pokhara is optional on our trek package, allowing you to choose the hotel that feels right for you. But, if you would prefer us to handle the arrangements, we are happy to assist and can include the stay as an add-on upon request. Simply let us know your preference (3-star, 4-star, or 5-star) while booking the trip.
On the final day of our trek, we will end our journey with a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The journey takes about 7–8 hours, and we will drive through the same road that we took earlier. Pass through beautiful hills, valleys, and rivers; we will reach Kathmandu. On arrival, we will share our goodbyes and head directly toward the hotel to rest. At Kathmandu, we will have enough time to explore the valley one last time before leaving Nepal.
Drive Time:
7–8 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
200 km (124.2 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
1,400 m (4,593 ft)
Accommodations:
Not Included
Meals:
Farewell Dinner
Place:
Kathmandu
To respect the varied accommodation preferences of our guests, the Kathmandu stay has been kept optional, so you can freely choose a hotel that best suits your comfort and budget. However, if you would like us to arrange your accommodation, we would be more than happy to assist. Let us know your preference (3-star, 4-star, or 5-star) at the time of booking, and we will include it as an add-on without any hassle.
Optional 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Skip the long drive and enjoy a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. This optional add-on saves travel time and offers scenic aerial views of hills and valleys.
Thorong La Paas, a high mountain pass nested in the Annapurna region, is the highest point we can reach on the Annapurna circuit trek. From an altitude of 5,416 m, the top of the pass offers a panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Fisthtail. However, the view doesn’t come easy, as you will face challenges of uphill and downhill climbs, the risk of altitude sickness, and harsh weather conditions. But for those willing to conquer these challenges, the vistas from the top are totally worthwhile.
The Annapurna circuit trail also passes through Tilicho Lake, which is the world’s second-highest lake, sitting at an altitude of 4,920 m. Surrounded by Khangsar Himal, the Muktinath Peak, and the Tilicho Himal, the lake gives a stunning view. Reaching the lake itself is a joyful experience as you will walk past diverse and beautiful landscapes. The pleasant surroundings of the Annapurna region add extra excitement to the journey.
Located in the Kali Gandaki Valley, Jomson is a beautiful small town. It is home to the Muktinath temple and is a popular stop for trekkers. The scenic landscape of the town is what makes it a unique destination. From the town, stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains can be enjoyed. In addition to the view, the town also offers an opportunity to explore the daily life of the Thakali people.
Muktinath temple is one of the most popular stops of the Annapurna circuit trek. It is a religious site sacred to the people of both Hindu and Buddhist religions. As a popular attraction of the Mustang district, this is one of the places you don’t want to miss during the Annapurna Circuit trek. The historical significance the Muktinath temple holds makes it even more attractive. Since the temple is located at a high altitude, it is also an ideal place to watch mountain views.
Poon Hill, a popular viewpoint in the Annapurna region, is often considered the best place to view sunrise. Situated at an altitude of 3,210 m, the views from this place during sunrise are quite mesmerizing. Several mountains surrounding the top from all the way around start to light up, creating a breathtaking display. However, you will have to wake up early and hike to the top to enjoy the view. Still, if you missed the sunrise view, the vistas seen during the afternoon can also make up for the trip very well.
A typical day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with an early wake-up, usually around 6 or 7 am, to enjoy breakfast before starting the hike. Each day brings new challenges along with some exciting views. Walking for 5 to 7 hours throughout the trek, we will walk past beautiful landscapes, small villages, forests, and rivers. We will take a short lunch break at around 12 pm to 1 pm, either in a teahouse or an area offering beautiful scenic views.
Resuming our journey, at about 4 pm to 5 pm we reach our destination. We will have time to relax, stretch, and enjoy a warm meal. In the night, you can gather in local teahouses to share stories, have dinner, and prepare for the next day’s journey. The pace is steady, allowing time for acclimatization and enjoying the stunning surroundings.
| Day | Destination | Elevation | Distance | Trek Duration |
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Bhulbhule | 845 m (Bhulbhule) | 180 km (drive) | 6 hrs (drive) |
| Day 2 | Bhulbhule to Jagat | 1,300 m (Jagat) | 12 km | 5 hrs |
| Day 3 | Jagat to Dharapani | 1,860 m (Dharapani) | 15 km | 6 hrs |
| Day 4 | Dharapani to Chame | 2,650 m (Chame) | 15 km | 6 hrs |
| Day 5 | Chame to Upper Pisang | 3,300 m (Upper Pisang) | 13 km | 5 hrs |
| Day 6 | Upper Pisang to Manang | 3,540 m (Manang) | 17.2 km | 7 hrs |
| Day 7 | Rest and acclimatization in Manang | 3,540 m (Manang) | – | Rest Day |
| Day 8 | Manang to Ledar | 4,250 m (Ledar) | 9.1 km | 4 hrs |
| Day 9 | Ledar to Thorong High Camp | 4,925 m (Thorong High Camp) | 7 km | 4 hrs |
| Day 10 | Thorong High Camp to Muktinath | 5,415 m (Throng La Pass) | 15–16 km | 7 hrs |
| Day 11 | Muktinath to Jomsom and Tatopani | 1,200 m (Tatopani) | 90 km (drive) | 7–8 hrs (drive) |
| Day 12 | Tatopani to Ghorepani | 2,860 m (Ghorepani) | 15 km | 7 hrs |
| Day 13 | Poon Hill (sunrise) to Banthati to Pokhara | 3,210 m (Poon Hill) | 14 km (trek)
52 km (drive) |
3 hrs (trek)
3 hrs (drive) |
| Day 14 | Pokhara to Kathmandu | 1,400 m (kathmandu) | 200km (drive) | 7–8 hrs (drive) |
For the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will generally need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These are important for monitoring trekking activities and preserving the environment. You must carry them in hand at all times, as many checkpoints on the route ask to see them.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is required to enter the Annapurna region. A huge part of this permit goes towards conservation projects. It also promotes eco-friendly tourism and helps manage the trails in the Annapurna region. You can obtain the ACAP from either the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara or through registered trekking companies or guides.
The cost of ACAP varies according to the nationality of the trekkers. For Nepali citizens, the cost is NPR 100; for citizens of SAARC countries, the cost is NPR 1000; and for citizens of other countries, the cost is NPR 3000 per person.
When talking about the best season for the Annapurna circuit trek, it is hard to point out one. It all depends on what you want to experience. However, the weather and trail conditions do vary according to season. The average temperature during summer ranges from 10 to 25 degrees, while it is completely opposite for winter, with temperatures dropping below to as low as -2 degrees. Autumn and spring, on the other hand, bring stable weather with enhanced views of the mountains and the surroundings.
Spring, also known as the pre-monsoon season in Nepal, is often considered one of the best times to trek. Just a few months before heavy rainfall, this season offers manageable temperatures, clear blue skies, and unobstructed trails. Likewise, the views seen during this season are also quite mesmerizing and are enough to make your trek effort worthwhile. The booming rhododendrons and other wildflowers cover the entire landscape, turning it into a colorful garden. Animals like Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Monal, Musk deer, and Blood Pheasant also keep making an appearance, making the trek more pleasant.
Summer, the season of unbearable heat, is not a great time to trek the Annapurna Circuit. The weather is not very favorable due to the monsoon that follows. The unexpected rainfall often makes the trail muddy and slippery, adding extra challenges to the trek. At higher altitudes, there is always a risk of landslides that could block the trek and get you stuck in the remote villages for many days. Additionally, the views are also not very exciting as most of the peaks are covered with clouds. Despite some challenges, trekking is still open during summer, but it is not recommended to travel during this time of the year.
Autumn is another perfect trekking season in Nepal. The season of rebirth, Autumn gives a unique flair to the landscape with clear blue skies and lush greenery. The monsoon that has just passed leaves behind its traces, clearing out all the dirt from the trail and the surroundings. The temperatures are stable, the visibility is excellent, and the mountain views are simply stunning. Coincidently, Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall under this season. Experiencing these festivals gives a cultural touch to the trek.
This season of the year brings some of the harsh trekking conditions in the Annapurna region. The temperatures in Wither are extremely cold, windy, and snowy. The route gets more complicated with snow covering them, and the high Thorong La Pass might even get closed. Accommodation during this season can also be a problem as many teahouse and lodge operators close their business at higher altitudes. However, trekking the Annapurna region in winter lets you see the raw beauty of the Himalayas amidst a few challenges.
Although the Annapurna Circuit is a slightly difficult route, beginners can surely complete the trek. As a beginner, tackling the challenges of the Annapurna circuit trek might also be quite difficult, but with the right preparations and mindset, every challenge feels like nothing. A good level of physical fitness can further make the trek more enjoyable and safe in every manner.
Acclamaitaztion is another important factor in trekking. It is essential you take proper measures to protect yourself from altitude sickness. Pack up essentials like sturdy boots, warm clothes, a first aid kit, and enough water to complete the trek with ease. For beginners, hiring a guide and porter can enhance your safety and loosen up your loads. Doing this will let you enjoy the surroundings more properly without having to worry about anything else.
Similar to the Everest Base Camp trek, meals and accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit trek are neither the best nor the worst. You can expect to find basic facilities that are enough to survive at such high altitudes. Teahouses and lodges are the only options available on the Annapurna circuit trek route for shelter and food. They offer a variety of meals, including classic Nepali dishes as well as Western dishes. You can expect to find meals like dal bhat, momos, noodles, pancakes, burgers, and porridge. Every meal is properly balanced to help you overcome the challenges of the route.
On the other hand, accommodations along the Annapurna circuit trek are quite basic but enough to get proper rest. Teahouses are the best affordable option, while lodges can be a bit expensive due to additional facilities. You can choose to either rent a shared room with a shared bathroom or a private room with attached bathrooms. However, the cost may also vary according to your choices. As you climb higher towards the summit of the trek, the facilities get limited, and you might only find shared rooms. The best part of spending nights at the teahouses and lodges is you get to have a tasty meal in a huge dining hall while connecting with other fellow trekkers.
As a moderately challenging trek in the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Circuit trek does demand a good level of physical fitness. You will need enough stamina and strength to tackle the challenges that you can encounter during the 14-day journey. Getting involved in physical activities like running, jogging, hiking, cycling, and swimming two to three months prior to the trek can help build stamina. For strength building, you can try weight lifting exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. With a physically fit body, the trek becomes more enjoyable as you are likely to overcome all the challenges with ease.
Along with physical preparations, you will also need to prepare yourself mentally. The challenging terrain, weather, and the uphill and downhill climb can make you mentally tired. So it is important to stay positive and face the challenges with a smile throughout the journey. To fill yourself with energy, you can try some breathing exercises before or while on the trek. Additionally, practicing mindfulness through meditation will also be helpful in the journey.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a slightly challenging route compared to other treks around the Annapurna region. The difficulty level of Annapurna Circuit trek varies according to the seasons and the condition of the trail you follow to reach the summit. The changing terrains, from lush forests to rugged mountains, can be challenging for most trekkers. The difficulty further increases due to the high altitude, with the highest point being the Thorng La Pass at 5,416 m.
Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Apart from that, the steep ascents and descents demand a good level of physical fitness. Trekkers should be prepared for long hours of walking each day, often in unpredictable weather conditions. Covering a total of 200km in such weather comes with the risk of injuries and other health-related problems. However, with proper preparations and a thoroughly planned itinerary, the Annapurna Circuit Trek can still be accomplished.
Crowd levels depend mostly on the season you trek. Autumn (Sept–Nov) is the busiest, with clear weather, packed trails, and full teahouses, especially in October. Spring (Mar–May) is also popular, with blooming rhododendrons and steady crowds. Winter brings fewer trekkers but much colder conditions and possible snow closures. Monsoon is the quietest season.
With increasing height, the oxygen levels decrease, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. It’s important to listen to your body and be aware of these symptoms to avoid altitude sickness. Acclimatization days are a great way to help our bodies adjust. These are planned rest days at Manang in the Annapurna Circuit. In this place, you will stay at a certain altitude for a day or two before continuing forward.
Stay safe on the Annapurna Circuit by trekking slowly to avoid altitude sickness and drinking plenty of water, tea, or energy drinks to stay hydrated. Monitor your health and descend right away if any symptoms appear. Keep a distance from wildlife and walk close to your guide and group. Always carry your permits, get insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, and consult a doctor before starting the trek.
Despite the remote and rugged terrains of the Annapurna region, the internet can still be accessed along the trek. Many teahouses and lodges on the route offer WiFi services for trekkers. However, to access the Internet, you will have to pay an additional cost. Instead of using the WiFi for an additional charge, carrying a local SIM card can also help you stay connected.
If you are trekking to Annapurna Circuit, then it is essential for you to do proper packing. We generally recommend you not to carry more than 9 kg. But you may be wondering what to pack and how to limit the essentials. Here is a list that can help you:
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