How many days does the Annapurna Circuit Trek take?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek typically takes 18 days. This includes acclimatisation days, trekking days, and the return journey. The exact duration can vary depending on your chosen route and pace. We recommend not rushing the itinerary — proper acclimatisation is essential for both safety and enjoyment.

What is the best time of year for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are Autumn and Spring. During spring, rhododendrons bloom and skies are generally clear. Autumn offers the most stable weather with excellent mountain views. Monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain and leeches on the trails but is possible for experienced trekkers. Winter (December–February) is cold but possible for lower-altitude treks with fewer crowds.

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is rated strenuous. You should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on uneven mountain terrain. No technical climbing skills are required. Good cardiovascular fitness is important — we recommend regular hiking, running, or cycling for at least 2–3 months before your trek.

What is the highest altitude on the Annapurna Circuit Trek and how do I avoid altitude sickness?

The maximum altitude on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 5,416m (17,769 ft). Altitude sickness (AMS) is a serious concern above 3,000m. To minimise the risk: follow our itinerary's acclimatisation schedule ('climb high, sleep low'), stay well hydrated (3–4 litres of water per day), avoid alcohol during the first few days, ascend slowly, and listen to your body. Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid and carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox (acetazolamide) is commonly taken as a preventive measure — consult your doctor before departure.

What does the Annapurna Circuit Trek package price of $1,299 include?

Our package price covers TIMS card and required trekking permits, all accommodation during the trek (teahouse/lodge style), all meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), an experienced licensed trekking guide, porter services (one porter per two trekkers), airport and hotel transfers in Kathmandu, a complimentary duffel bag, and all government and local taxes. It does not include international flights, Nepal visa fees, travel insurance, personal gear, or gratuities.

What permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit or Base Camp Trek?

You need two main permits: (1) TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) — approx. USD 20; (2) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — approx. USD 30. Both are included in our package and obtained in Kathmandu before departure.

What is the accommodation like on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Accommodation is in teahouses (guesthouses) along the trail. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with a bed, blanket, and pillow provided. Most teahouses have a dining hall with a wood-burning stove. Private rooms are available at most stops; in higher-altitude or remote areas, dormitory-style rooms may be the only option. Hot showers are available at many lodges (sometimes for an extra charge). In Kathmandu, we use 3-star hotels.

Can I do the Annapurna Circuit Trek as a solo traveller?

Absolutely. Solo travellers are very welcome. Nepal's trekking trails are well-established and safe for solo adventurers. We will pair you with a private guide for the duration of the trek. You can also join one of our small group departures (maximum 2 people) to share costs and meet like-minded travellers from around the world.

How do I prepare physically for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

We recommend beginning a fitness programme at least 8–12 weeks before your trek. Focus on: cardiovascular endurance (running, cycling, swimming), leg strength (squats, lunges, stair climbing), and practice hikes with a loaded daypack. Aim to hike for 5–6 hours continuously on at least one weekend per month. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.

Do I need travel insurance for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,416m (17,769 ft), emergency helicopter evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellation. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance before you travel. Helicopter rescues in the Himalayas can cost USD 5,000–15,000 — do not trek without coverage. We can recommend reputable providers if needed.

Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Nepal. It is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and at several land border crossings. A 30-day visa costs USD 50 (single entry), a 15-day visa costs USD 30, and a 90-day visa costs USD 125. You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, two passport-size photos, and the visa fee in cash (USD preferred). Citizens of India do not require a visa.

What should I pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Essential packing items include: waterproof trekking boots (worn in before the trek), layered clothing (base layer, fleece, down jacket), waterproof jacket and trousers, trekking poles, a 40-litre daypack, sun hat and buff/balaclava, sunglasses (UV400 or higher), sunscreen (SPF 50+), water purification tablets or a filter, and a basic first aid kit. We provide a comprehensive packing list with your booking confirmation. Gear can also be rented in Kathmandu if needed.

Annapurna Circuit Trek — 18 Days | Annapurna – International Adventures Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit is widely regarded as one of the greatest treks on Earth — a circumnavigation of the entire Annapurna massif through the most diverse landscape of any mountain trek. You begin in the subtropical Marsyangdi Valley, passing through Gurung villages and dense forests; move into the dramatic Manang Valley where Tibetan-influenced culture prevails; cross the high, wind-blasted Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — the highest trekking pass in Nepal; then descend into the rain shadow desert of Mustang and the sacred Kali Gandaki Gorge (the world’s deepest).

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Hotel, briefing, welcome dinner.

7–8 hour drive through the Prithvi Highway to circuit starting point. Overnight teahouse.

Begin the circuit in the subtropical Marsyangdi Valley, cross suspension bridges over turquoise glacial rivers. 4–5 hrs.

Valley narrows dramatically, enter pine and fir forest, first views of Lamjung Himal. Drive or trek (long day if walking). 6 hrs.

Dramatic gorge trekking past massive overhanging rock walls. Emerge into the wide Manang Valley. 5 hrs.

Classic Annapurna Circuit day: pass Braga Monastery (900+ years old), Gangapurna Lake. Two route options: Upper and Lower Pisang. 5 hrs.

Hike to Gangapurna Lake (3,720m) or Ice Lake (4,600m). Altitude medicine lecture by local health post doctor — mandatory briefing on AMS recognition.

Cross the treeline into high pastures. Yak caravans replace the village life. 3–4 hrs.

Short day — essential preparation for tomorrow's big pass. Rest, hydrate, early dinner and bed. 3 hrs.

The great day: 4:00 AM start, 5–6 hour ascent to Thorong La Pass. The prayer flags mark one of trekking's great moments. Long descent 1,600m to Muktinath, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. 7–8 hrs.

Enter the ancient Mustang Valley — flat-roofed mud-brick villages, apple orchards, desert landscape. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang. 4 hrs.

Walk through the world's deepest gorge — Kali Gandaki — flanked by Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Marpha is famous for apple brandy. 5 hrs.

Descend the Kali Gandaki, pass through Tukuche (distillery town), Kobang. 5 hrs.

Long descent into sub-tropical climate. Tatopani means "hot water" — famous natural hot springs. 5–6 hrs.

Steep 1,700m climb through forest. Classic circuit reunion day as ABC trekkers merge with circuit trekkers. 6 hrs.

Predawn Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m). Descend to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara. Farewell dinner at lakeside restaurant.

Return to Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure.

Hotel transfer to international airport. End of services.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m)

Drive Kathmandu–Bhulbhule (840m)

Bhulbhule to Ngadi (930m)

Ngadi to Chame (2,710m)

Chame to Pisang (3,300m)

Pisang to Manang (3,519m)

Acclimatisation — Manang Valley

Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018m)

Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)

Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5,416m) — Muktinath (3,800m)

Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,810m)

Kagbeni to Marpha (2,665m)

Marpha to Kalopani (2,530m)

Kalopani to Tatopani (1,190m)

Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,874m)

Poon Hill Sunrise — Drive to Pokhara

Drive/Fly Pokhara–Kathmandu

Departure

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Frequently Asked Questions — Annapurna Circuit Trek

Similar Treks in Annapurna

Dolpo Mustang Trek

Langtang Valley Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek