Which is the best season to do Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer the most stable weather, clear mountain views, and pleasant daytime temperatures—ideal for trekking.

Is the monsoon season (June–August) good for this trek?

No, monsoon season brings heavy rain, landslides, and poor visibility. Lee-side areas like Manang are drier, but overall, this season is not ideal.

What are the permits required for the trek?

Permits required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are Trekkers’ Information Management System (E.A.T), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit etc. are the major permits required to do this trek. However, if you wish to do trekking to restricted regions like Upper Mustang and Nar Phu Valley around Annapurna Circuit Trek route then your permits doesn’t allow to operate the trekking. Moreover, you need to get the special immigration trekking permit.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and diverse trekking routes, renowned for its incredible natural beauty, cultural richness, and varied landscapes. Spanning roughly 160 to 230 kilometers (100–145 miles), depending on start and end points, this trek usually takes 15 to 20 days to complete and circles the Annapurna Massif.

The highlight of the trek is crossing Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)—one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Along the way, trekkers experience everything from subtropical forests and terraced farmlands to alpine meadows and arid high mountain deserts. You’ll pass through culturally rich villages inhabited by Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced communities, offering deep insight into the traditions and lifestyles of Nepal’s mountain people.

The route connects popular places such as Besisahar, Manang, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Jomsom, and Tatopani, and provides stunning views of major peaks including Annapurna I-IV, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Tilicho Peak.

Trekkers need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System). Lodging is available in teahouses, which provide basic but comfortable accommodation and local meals. For those seeking more comfort, higher-end lodges are available in bigger villages.

The best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the skies are clearer, and the weather is most stable. The trek is moderately to highly challenging, requiring good physical fitness and proper acclimatization, especially before the Thorong La crossing. With its dramatic scenery and cultural richness, the Annapurna Circuit remains one of the most rewarding treks in the world.

Accomodation
Hotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek
Best Season
Sep-Nov & March-May
Maximum Altitude
5415m
Transportation
Jeep/ Car/ Tourist Bus.
Walking Hours
5-6 Hours

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic Himalayan adventure that loops around the Annapurna Massif, offering stunning scenery, diverse cultures, and dramatic altitude changes. It takes you from lush green valleys to high mountain passes, culminating at Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). The trek provides an unforgettable experience through traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, and ever-changing landscapes.

Trip Highlights

Cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the world’s highest trekking passes
Visit the breathtaking Tilicho Lake
Explore the culturally rich villages of Manang, Ngawal, and Upper Pisang
Experience Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, and traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture
Enjoy the dramatic changes in landscapes from subtropical forests to alpine deserts

Day 01 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960 m / 6,430 ft) – 10 hours by Jeep

Your journey begins with a scenic but long jeep ride from Kathmandu to Dharapani, passing through Besisahar and winding up into the Manang region. Enjoy riverside villages, terraced farms, and glimpses of mountain life.

Day 02 :

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710 m / 8,891 ft) – 4–5 hours

The trail ascends through dense pine forests and crosses several suspension bridges. Reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, known for its natural hot springs and views of Lamjung Himal.

Day 03 :

Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m / 10,826 ft) – 5 hours

As you move higher, the landscape opens up. You’ll pass apple orchards and traditional villages before arriving in Upper Pisang, offering panoramic views of Annapurna II and the surrounding peaks.

Day 04 :

Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3,660 m / 12,008 ft) – 5 hours

Take the high route through Ghyaru to reach Ngawal. This scenic trail offers incredible views and fewer crowds. Ngawal is a charming village with centuries-old monasteries and traditional stone houses.

Day 05 :

Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft) – 6 hours

Continue along a beautiful path through juniper forests and yak pastures to Manang, the cultural heart of the region. You’ll start noticing the effects of altitude, so stay hydrated and walk at a steady pace.

Day 06 :

Acclimatization Day in Manang – Hike to Chongkor Viewpoint – 3 hours

Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude. Take a short hike to Chongkor Viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the Gangapurna glacier and Annapurna III. Explore Manang’s cultural museum or relax in the village.

Day 07 :

Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m / 13,615 ft) – 4 hours

Branch off from the main trail and head toward Tilicho Base Camp. The terrain becomes more rugged as you approach this remote area, surrounded by towering peaks and glacial landscapes.

Day 08 :

Tilicho Base Camp to Shree Kharka via Tilicho Lake (4,949 m / 16,237 ft) – 6 hours

Start early to visit the spectacular Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. After soaking in the beauty of the turquoise waters beneath snow-covered cliffs, descend carefully to Shree Kharka for the night.

Day 09 :

Trek from Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka (4,110 m / 13,484 ft) – 7 hours

Join the main trail again and trek through alpine meadows and rocky terrain to reach Yak Kharka. The trail offers occasional wildlife sightings and views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges.

Day 10 :

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or High Camp (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) – 6 hours

Today’s trek takes you to the base of Thorong La Pass. You can choose to stay at Thorong Phedi or push higher to High Camp (4,880 m) if you are well-acclimatized and conditions permit.

Day 11 :

Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft) and trek to Muktinath (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) – 9 hours

This is the most challenging and rewarding day. Start before dawn to cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The descent to Muktinath is long and steep, but the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site is revitalizing.

Day 12 :

Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (822 m / 2,696 ft) – 8 hours

Descend through the Kali Gandaki Gorge by jeep or bus, passing Jomsom and Marpha villages along the way. Arrive in Pokhara and enjoy the comforts of this lakeside city after days in the mountains.

Day 13 :

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu – 6–7 hours

Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Reflect on your journey through Nepal’s most varied and breathtaking trekking route.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Trip Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

Includes

Excludes

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Trip Info

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Trip Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

Includes

Excludes

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Trip Info

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