Lamjung–Manang–Mustang, Gandaki · Nepal
Annapurna Circuit
The original teahouse circuit — sub-tropical valley to the arid rain-shadow over Thorong La (5,416 m).
Annapurna Circuit is a difficult trek in Lamjung–Manang–Mustang, Gandaki, Nepal, reaching 5,416 m. The best time to go is March to May and October and November. Plan 12 to 14 days on the ground from Pokhara / Kathmandu and about ₹3,500 per person per day.
What to do in Annapurna Circuit
The one thing not to miss
Thorong La
The 5,416 m pass that is the high point of the circuit. Start before dawn.
- 2ManangSpend an extra day here to acclimatise; the walks above the village are the reason to.
- 3Tilicho LakeA side trip of two or three days from Manang.
- 4MuktinathThe temple on the far side of the pass.
- 5MarphaA whitewashed village among apple orchards on the way down.
A sample plan: 9 days
Day 1
Kathmandu to Besisahar, and on by jeep to Dharapani or Chame
Depending on the road.
Day 2
To Upper Pisang
The valley turns dry and open.
Day 3
Pisang to Manang by the upper trail
Through Ghyaru and Ngawal for the views.
Day 4
Rest day at Manang
Walk high and sleep low.
Day 5
Manang to Yak Kharka
A short day for the altitude.
Day 6
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or High Camp
The foot of the pass.
Day 7
Over Thorong La to Muktinath
Start well before dawn; a very long descent.
Day 8
Muktinath to Jomsom, by way of Kagbeni
The wind rises in the afternoon.
Day 9
Jomsom to Pokhara
By flight or a long road day.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Why go
The most complete landscape transition of any trek in Nepal, and the most comfortable logistically.
Why not
Road-building has eaten into several sections; parts are now jeep-track walking.
Before you go
- Permits
- ACAP + TIMS. Check current guide rules for your nationality.
- Guide
- Check current rules.
- Safety
- Thorong La is the risk point — cross early and don't attempt it in bad weather.
- Phone & internet
- Teahouse Wi-Fi most nights; weak above Manang.
Altitude
Annapurna Circuit reaches 5,416 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Speak to a doctor before the trip if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure problems, or are travelling with small children.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Nepal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Main hospitals in Nepal: CIWEC Hospital, Kathmandu; Himalayan Rescue Association aid posts, Pheriche (Everest) and Manang (Annapurna); Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara.
All emergency contacts for Nepal →What to pack for Annapurna Circuit
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho Mountain weather turns quickly; rain gear doubles as a wind layer.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 160 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
11 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
- Duffel bag, 60–80 litres What porters carry on teahouse treks; your day pack stays with you.
Health and sun
10 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Pulse oximeter Lets you watch your oxygen level above 4,000 m. It does not replace descending if you feel unwell.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 5,416 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
6 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesIndians need a passport or voter ID to enter Nepal; other nationals need a passport and visa.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsACAP + TIMS. Check current guide rules for your nationality.
- Indian ₹100 notes, or Nepali rupees₹100 notes are the safest Indian currency to carry in Nepal; larger notes are not always accepted. Change money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trail.
- Passport-size photos for trekking permitsNeeded for park and trekking permits. Carry four.
- Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuationA helicopter rescue from high on a Nepal trek is very expensive, and operators ask for proof of cover before they fly.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereTeahouse Wi-Fi most nights; weak above Manang.
- Universal travel adapter Nepal's sockets differ from India's in many lodges.
For what you're going for
3 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
- Car phone mount and charger Hands-free navigation on mountain roads.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Nepal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
Links to shops are affiliate links: if you buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The shop handles payment, delivery and returns.
Share this place
Homestays in Nepal
No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.
Getting there
The nearest gateway is Pokhara / Kathmandu.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- No. Take a 4×4 or a local taxi. Mountain roads in Nepal are slow and often rough; allow more time than the distance suggests.
By road
From
Kathmandu
- Distance
- about 175 km
- Drive time
- 6–7 hours
- Kathmandu
- Mugling
- Dumre
- Besisahar
Jeeps now run beyond Besisahar as far as Manang; many people start walking from Dharapani or Chame.
Live directions from KathmanduFrom
Pokhara
- Distance
- about 110 km
- Drive time
- about 4 hours
- Pokhara
- Dumre
- Besisahar
Buses and shared taxis. Buses run from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Besisahar.
Pickups & drivers
From Pokhara / Kathmandu. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Annapurna Circuit yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Annapurna Circuit: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Annapurna Circuit?
The best months for Annapurna Circuit are March to May and October and November. February and December are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in December to March.
How difficult is Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit is rated difficult. The trek is about 160 km in total, starting at 820 m and reaching 5,416 m.
How many days do you need for Annapurna Circuit?
Plan 12 to 14 days on the ground, counted from Pokhara / Kathmandu. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Annapurna Circuit cost?
Expect about ₹3,500 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹49,000 for 14 days, before the cost of getting to Pokhara / Kathmandu.
How do you reach Annapurna Circuit?
By road: from Kathmandu it is about 175 km, 6–7 hours (Kathmandu → Mugling → Dumre → Besisahar); from Pokhara it is about 110 km, about 4 hours (Pokhara → Dumre → Besisahar). Buses run from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Besisahar. The nearest gateway is Pokhara / Kathmandu.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Annapurna Circuit?
Permits: ACAP + TIMS. Check current guide rules for your nationality. Guide: Check current rules.
Is Annapurna Circuit suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is busy in season. Thorong La is the risk point — cross early and don't attempt it in bad weather.
What should you pack for Annapurna Circuit?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Annapurna Circuit?
Teahouse Wi-Fi most nights; weak above Manang.
Will I get altitude sickness at Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit reaches 5,416 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit is not a good choice for anyone who has not done a high-altitude trek before, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 5,416 m. Also keep in mind: Road-building has eaten into several sections; parts are now jeep-track walking.
Close to Annapurna Circuit
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Muktinathabout 8 km
- Nar Phu Valleyabout 12 km
- Annapurna Base Campabout 29 km
More in Pokhara & Annapurna
- Annapurna Base Camp4,130 mcompare
- Ghandruk Loop1,940 mcompare
- Ghorepani Poon Hill3,210 mcompare
- Mardi Himal4,500 mcompare
- Nar Phu Valley5,320 mcompare
- Pokhara1,600 mcompare