Challenging

Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Region, Nepal

Duration

18 Days

Max Altitude

5,416m

Group Size

2-10 people

Best Season

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Overview

Considered one of the world's greatest treks. The full circuit circumnavigates the entire Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m - a high-altitude achievement that marks you forever. Remote valleys, ancient monasteries, and a landscape that shifts from subtropical to arctic in 18 days.

Trek Highlights

Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) - one of the world's great high passes
Trek through subtropical jungle, alpine meadow, and high Tibetan desert
Ancient Mustang-influenced culture in Manang and Kagbeni villages
Muktinath Temple - sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike
The most dramatically varied landscapes on any Himalayan trek
Domestic flight Jomsom-Pokhara for a cinematic aerial finale

Day-by-Day Itinerary

01Pokhara to Bhulbhule to Jagat

Altitude: 1,300m

Day 1-2 — Pokhara to Bhulbhule to Jagat

02Jagat to Dharapani to Chame

Altitude: 2,710m

Day 3-5 — Jagat to Dharapani to Chame

03Chame to Pisang to Manang

Altitude: 3,500m

Day 6-8 — Chame to Pisang to Manang

04Acclimatisation days in Manang

Altitude: 3,500m

Day 9-10 — Acclimatisation days in Manang

05Manang to High Camp

Altitude: 4,800m

Day 11 — Manang to High Camp

06Thorong La Pass crossing to Muktinath

Altitude: 5,416m

Day 12 — Thorong La Pass crossing to Muktinath

07Muktinath to Jomsom to Pokhara (flight)

Day 13-15 — Muktinath to Jomsom to Pokhara (flight)

08Optional Poon Hill extension

Day 16-18 — Optional Poon Hill extension

What is Included

All accommodation throughout

All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Senior licensed trekking guide

Two porters per group

TIMS, ACAP and Manang permits

Domestic flight Jomsom-Pokhara

Emergency evacuation insurance

Acclimatisation day activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit trek?

The Annapurna Circuit is rated Challenging. The main challenge is the Thorong La Pass crossing at 5,416m - the highest point on the trek. No technical climbing is required, but you must be physically fit and have prior high-altitude experience (above 3,000m). Altitude sickness is a real risk and our itinerary includes mandatory acclimatisation days in Manang.

How long is the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Our Annapurna Circuit package is 18 days. The classic circuit covers approximately 160-230km depending on the route variant chosen. We include a domestic flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara at the end, which adds a spectacular aerial view of the Annapurna massif.

What is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit?

The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (17,769 ft), crossed on Day 12 of our itinerary. The pass is typically crossed in the early morning (4:00-5:00 AM departure from High Camp) to avoid afternoon winds and ensure all trekkers reach Muktinath before dark.

How much does the Annapurna Circuit trek cost?

Our fully inclusive 18-day Annapurna Circuit package is $2,199 per person. This includes all accommodation, all meals, senior licensed guide, two porters, TIMS card, ACAP permit, Manang permit, domestic flight Jomsom-Pokhara, and emergency evacuation insurance. No hidden costs.

What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit?

Three permits are required: TIMS card, ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area), and a Manang restricted area permit. All three are included in our package and arranged before departure. We handle all permit checkpoints and documentation.

Trekker Reviews

Erik N. - Norway

2024-10-18

Crossing Thorong La at 5am with a full moon lighting the mountains was the most surreal experience of my life. Annapurna Trails chose the perfect itinerary - the acclimatisation days in Manang made the difference. Zero altitude issues for our whole group.

Rachel B. - United States

2025-04-02

18 days that completely changed me. Every single detail was handled - I just showed up and walked. The cultural variety on the circuit is like nothing else. From jungle to Tibetan high desert in two weeks. Phenomenal.

David C. - Ireland

2024-11-05

Had done other circuits before but the Annapurna with Annapurna Trails is the benchmark. Senior guide Dawa knew every family on the route. The Jomsom flight at the end was icing on the cake.

Package Price

$2,199

per person, all permits included

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Quick Facts

Start Point: Besisahar, Nepal
Duration: 18 Days
Altitude: 5,416m
Difficulty: Challenging
Group Size: 2-10 people
Best Season: Mar-May, Sep-Nov