Annapurna Circuit vs Muktinath
Pick Annapurna Circuit for
nature, adventure, a real challenge
Pick Muktinath for
snow, a spiritual journey, fewer people, an easier walk, fewer days
| Annapurna Circuit | Muktinath | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Nepal, Lamjung–Manang–Mustang, Gandaki | Nepal, Mustang |
| Highest point | 5,416 m | 3,710 m |
| Difficulty | Difficult | Easy |
| Trek distance | about 160 km | No trek needed |
| Days on the ground | 12–14 | 4–5 |
| Best months | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov |
| Snow likely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Dec, Jan, Feb |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,500 | about ₹3,500 |
| Gateway | Pokhara / Kathmandu | Pokhara |
| With kids | Not advised | Good |
| With seniors | Not advised | Possible |
| Permits | ACAP + TIMS. Check current guide rules for your nationality. | ACAP permit. Indian citizens need passport or voter ID. |
Annapurna Circuit: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Muktinath: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely