Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT)
A Danish
Malaysia
Annapurna Circuit Trek: 12 Days Itinerary, Cost & Best Time
Duration12 Days
Max Altitude5416m
DifficultyChallenging
From $999
Trek Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 12-day trekking route in Nepal that circles the Annapurna Massif and crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) before descending to Muktinath. Along the way, the trail passes through river valleys, terraced farmland, forests, mountain villages, alpine terrain, and the dry valleys of Mustang.
After years of guiding this route, what stands out most to me is how much the landscape changes within a single trek. Few routes in Nepal give you this much variety in such a short journey.
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Chame via Besishahar through the Marsyangdi Valley. The road passes Gurung villages, waterfalls, and pine forests before the walking begins.
From Chame, the trail continues through Pisang, Humde, Bhraka, and Manang. The valley gradually opens up, the forests become thinner, and the surrounding mountains become much more prominent.
After Manang, the route climbs gradually toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. Manang sits above 3,500 metres, so altitude becomes an important part of the trek from here. An acclimatisation day in Manang gives your body time to adjust before the higher sections.
The highest point comes at Thorong La Pass, 5,416 metres. Trekkers normally leave before sunrise to make the crossing while conditions are usually more favourable. The trail is not technical, but the altitude makes the climb demanding and requires a steady pace.
After crossing Thorong La, the trail drops sharply toward Muktinath and enters Mustang. The landscape becomes much drier, with bare hills, old villages, monasteries, and a strong Tibetan cultural influence. From Muktinath, the trek finishes with a drive to Pokhara.
The route passes through Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities, where Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, chortens, and traditional stone houses remain part of local life. Nights are spent in family-run teahouses, giving you a simple place to eat, rest, and prepare for the next day.
In my experience, the people who enjoy the Annapurna Circuit most are not necessarily the fastest walkers. They are the ones who give themselves time to adjust, settle into the rhythm of the trail, and take each section as it comes.
At a Glance
Quick Trip Facts
Total Distance
75 km
Walking Days
9 Days
Accommodation
Hotel & Teahouses
Meals
B+L+D During Trek
Transportation
Private Vehicle & Tourist Bus
Group Size
2–12 People
Guide
Government Licensed Guide
Porter
1 Porter for 2 Guests
Best Season
March–May & Sep–Nov
Fitness Level
Good Physical Fitness Required
Permit
ACAP Included
Trip Style
Guided Lodge Trek
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
5,416 m
Thorong La Pass
Why This Trek
Why Choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Choose the Annapurna Circuit if you want to walk from the lower valleys into the high mountain pass and cross Thorong La. The route takes you through farmland and forest, high mountain villages, the Manang Valley, and the dry Kali Gandaki Valley on the other side of the pass. It is a longer trek, but you see much more of the Annapurna region than on a short route.
A Complete Trek, Not a Short Route
The Circuit takes you from the lower valleys into the high mountains and back down through another valley, giving you time to walk, stay in mountain villages, and adjust to the changing altitude.
A High-Altitude Challenge Without Climbing
You reach 5,416 m without rope work or technical climbing. The main challenges are altitude and long walking days, making proper acclimatization, pacing, and fitness important.
Different Terrain Throughout
The route moves from green farmland and forest to alpine valleys and open high mountain terrain. The scenery changes as quickly as the altitude.
Stay in Mountain Communities
You spend nights in villages where people farm, keep animals, run lodges, and trade between valleys. Staying there gives you more than a daytime stop.
Why Trek With Us
Why Choose Mountain World Treks For Annapurna Circuit Trek
In short, you trek with people who know the Annapurna Circuit from experience. I started working as a trekking porter in 1996 and completed my first Annapurna Circuit Trek in 1997. I still guide on this route today, including the walk to Manang and the crossing of Thorong La Pass. Our guides have also completed the trek many times, so they know the trail, teahouses, food, altitude challenges, and the practical things that matter along the way. We are a small, local company, and I personally know every guide who leads our groups.
1996
Started as a Trekking Porter
2000
Became a Licensed Guide
2010
Founded Mountain World Treks
Today
Still Actively Guiding Treks in Nepal
30+
Years from Porter to Founder
Guides Who Know Annapurna
Our guides have trekked the Annapurna Circuit many times. They know the villages, teahouses, trail conditions, and the route throughout the trek.
Trained by Saligram
I personally train our guides and pass on what I have learned from more than 30 years of working in the mountains as a porter, guide, and trek operator.
We Watch the Altitude
Thorong La Pass reaches 5,416 metres. Our guides keep an eye on how you are feeling, monitoring your health, & change the pace if needed.
Small Groups - Maximum 12
We normally keep our groups between 1 and 12 trekkers. With fewer people, it is easier to walk at a comfortable pace and keep track of everyone.
Straight Answers Before You Go
Before you book, we explain the walking days, altitude, teahouses, weather, and harder sections of the trek. We want you to know what you are getting into.
Fair Loads & Fair Pay
Our porters carry your bags max 25 kg for 2 people. We pay them better than other company and provide insurance & medical support.
Thorong La Pass – 5,416 m
Cross Thorong La, the highest point of the trek, on the demanding walk from Thorong Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath.
Manang Village
Meet Gurung, Manang, Thakali, and other communities along the trek, with monasteries, prayer wheels, and traditional houses reflecting their cultures.
Gangapurna Lake
Walk to Gangapurna Lake near Manang, formed by the melting Gangapurna Glacier and surrounded by the high peaks of the Annapurna range.
Muktinath Temple
Visit Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, known for its temple, 108 waterspouts, and natural flame.
Kali Gandaki Valley
Descend through the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the major Himalayan river valleys, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri rising on opposite sides.
Mountain Culture
Meet Gurung, Manang, Thakali, and other communities along the trek, with monasteries, prayer wheels, and traditional houses reflecting their cultures.
Trail Map
Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map
70 km round trip. Annapurna Region, Nepal
Kathmandu
Day 1
1,350 m
Besisahar
Day 2
760 m
Chame
Day 3
2,670 m
Pisang
Day 4
3,200 m
Manang
Day 5-6
3,540 m
Yak Kharka
Day 7
4,050 m
Thorong Phedi
Day 8
4,450 m
Muktinath
Day 9
3,800 m
Pokhara
Day 10
850 m
Kathmandu
Day 11
1,350 m
Trip Ends
Day 12
Day-by-Day
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
This is the exact 12-day itinerary I follow on every Annapurna Circuit trek I run. Starting in Kathmandu, we drive to Besisahar and on to Chame, then trek through Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi before crossing Thorong La Pass to Muktinath. From there, we drive back to Pokhara and on to Kathmandu. Below, you’ll find the daily itinerary, overnight elevations, walking times, and practical advice based on my years leading treks in the Annapurna region.
Trek Cost
How Much Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost?
The 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek costs USD 999 per person. The price includes Kathmandu hotel nights before and after the trek, transportation to and from the trailhead, teahouse accommodation, three meals a day during the trek, a licensed guide and porter, Annapurna and trekking permits, airport transfers, taxes, and service charges.
Join a Group
$999 / per person
Trek with like-minded adventurers. Departures every spring and autumn season.
Most Popular
Private Trek
$999/ person
12-day package, your own dates and pace. Experienced Licensed guide & porter for your group.
- Your group only
- Departure on your date
- All permits & fees
Customize My Trek
Custom / quote
Add Jomsom flight returns, trek extension or sightseeing tour in the city
- Custom itinerary
- Flexible plan
- Trip extension
Package Details
The Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost Includes & Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Kathmandu to Besisahar and Pokhara to Kathmandu by private jeep or tourist bus (domestic flight upgrade available on the return leg)
- Muktinath to Pokhara by private jeep
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter shared between 2 trekkers, maximum combined luggage weight of 25 kg)
- 9 nights teahouse and hotel accommodation during the trek
- Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea or coffee)
- Fresh seasonal fruit after dinner during the trek
- Comprehensive first-aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by your guide
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag (available on request)
- Free luggage storage at our Kathmandu office during the trek
- Company T-shirt, trek completion certificate, and medal
- All government taxes and agency service charges
The Cost Excludes
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal tourist visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking up to 6,000 m, including emergency helicopter evacuation
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, bottled or boiled water, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging at teahouses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Tips for your guide and porter (optional but always appreciated)
- Extra accommodation, meals, or transportation in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to road delays, early arrival, or late departure
- Any costs arising from itinerary changes caused by weather, snowfall at Thorong La, road closures, government restrictions, or personal emergencies
Travel insurance is not included in the package. Before your trek, you must purchase a policy that covers high-altitude trekking (up to at least 6,000 m) and emergency helicopter evacuation, since Thorong La at 5,416 m is the highest point on any of your standard treks.
Alternative Itinerary
Fitness & Difficulty
How Difficult Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit is harder than short Annapurna treks because of the altitude, long walking days, steep climbs and descents, and Thorong La at 5,416 m. You spend several days above 3,000 m, and the thin air becomes a bigger factor as you approach the pass. There is no technical climbing, but you need to be prepared for long days on the trail.
What Makes the Trek Challenging?
- High altitude: Thorong La reaches 5,416 m, with several nights above 3,000 m.
- Thorong La crossing: The climb to the pass is long and tiring, followed by a steep descent toward Muktinath.
- Steep sections: The trail has sustained climbs and long descents that put extra work on your legs.
- Uneven trail: Expect rocky paths, stone steps, suspension bridges, and rough sections.
See our Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty Guide for more detail on altitude, walking hours, terrain, and the pass crossing.
What Fitness Level Is Needed for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours, climbing hills, and doing it again the next day. Start preparing with regular walks, stairs, hills, and longer hikes. Give extra attention to your legs because the Circuit has plenty of uphill and downhill walking.
You’re Ready for the Annapurna Circuit If You…
- Can walk 5–7 hours on several consecutive days
- Regularly walk hills, stairs, or uneven trails
- Can handle long uphill and downhill sections
- Have done some longer hikes before the trek
- Can carry a light daypack for several hours
- Can keep walking at a steady pace without needing frequent long breaks
Our Complete Trek Fitness & Training Guide explains how to prepare before the trek.
TREKKING SEASON
For the best time to do the Annapurna Circuit, I recommend March to May and September to November. These months are better suited to the high sections and the Thorong La crossing. Spring brings warmer weather and rhododendron flowers to the lower trail, while autumn follows the monsoon with drier air and clearer mountain views. Winter brings snow and freezing temperatures around the pass, while monsoon rain mainly affects the lower Marshyangdi side.
Best
Spring Season
Mar · Apr · MayMarch can still be cold around Thorong La, but conditions improve as spring moves on. The lower trail warms up, rhododendrons begin to flower, and April and May are generally more comfortable for walking. Snow can still remain on the higher sections early in the season.
- Weather: Mild days, Colder nights
- Crowds: Busy
- Visibility: Usually clear in the mornings
Possible
Summer Season
June · July · AugustThe monsoon brings frequent rain to the lower Valley. Roads & trails can become muddy, and landslides are possible on some sections. The weather changes once you reach Manang & the Kali Gandaki side, where the Annapurna range blocks the monsoon rain.
- Weather: Warm and wet
- Crowds: Low
- Visibility: Cloudy
Excellent
Autumn Season
Sep · Oct · NovBy late September, the monsoon usually starts to withdraw and the trails become drier. October is the busiest month, while November is quieter and colder. The mornings are often clear, which is useful for the high sections and the Thorong La crossing.
- Weather: Cool and dry, with colder nights
- Crowds: High
- Visibility: Usually clear
Good
Winter Season
Dec · Jan · FebTemperatures drop sharply once you reach the higher villages. And heavy snowfall can make the pass unsafe or close it for a period. The lower valleys are much quieter and can have clear, dry days, but the high sections require careful planning.
- Weather: Cold dry, & snow
- Crowds: Low
- Visibility: Often clear
Compare Popular Treks
Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek Via Tilicho lake
Not sure whether to choose the classic Annapurna Circuit or add Tilicho Lake to the route? Compare the main differences before deciding.
| Feature | Annapurna Circuit Trek: 12 Days Itinerary, Cost & Best Time | Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake: 14 Days with Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Days | 14 Days Days |
| Highest Point | 5,416 m at Thorong La | 5,416 m at Thorong La |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging | Challenging |
| Best For | Trekkers who want the classic Circuit experience, including Thorong La, | Trekkers who want to add Tilicho Lake and Longer high-altitude walking |
| Mountain Highlights | Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri & Thorong La | Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Thorong La & Tilicho Peak |
| Landscape | River valleys, forests, high mountains & dry valleys | The same landscapes plus the alpine terrain around Tilicho Lake |
| Culture | Gurung, Manang, Thakali & other mountain communities | Gurung, Manang, Thakali & other mountain communities |
| Crowds | Moderate to High on the Peak Season | Moderate to High on the Peak Season |
| Trek Experience | Classic Annapurna Circuit with one high-pass crossing | Longer route with an additional high-altitude lake and extra walking |
People Also Ask
Explore the Full Guides
The Annapurna Circuit Trek starts in the lower Marsyangdi Valley and climbs through Manang towards Thorong La at 5,416 m. The guides below focus on the parts of the trek that need planning before and during the walk, including training, insurance, permits, weather, Manang, Thorong La, daily expenses, and trekking solo.
What is altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The higher you go, the more time your body needs to adjust. On the Annapurna Circuit, this becomes especially important after Manang at about 3,540 m, with the highest point at Thorong La, 5,416 m. A headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness, poor appetite, or trouble sleeping can mean your body is not adjusting well. If you develop these symptoms, tell your guide and do not keep climbing until you feel better. Worsening symptoms mean you should descend.
If you become seriously unwell: Your guide will assess you and decide whether you should stay at the same altitude, descend, or get medical help. If an evacuation is needed, our team will help arrange it and coordinate your transfer for treatment.
For more practical information on altitude sickness, acclimatization, symptoms, and what to do if you feel unwell on the Circuit, see our Annapurna Circuit Altitude Sickness Guide.
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Complete Guide
The route follows the Marsyangdi Valley from Besisahar through Chame and Pisang to Manang. After acclimatizing in Manang, the trail continues through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, then crosses Thorong La at 5,416 m before descending to Muktinath. From there, the route follows the Kali Gandaki Valley through Jomsom before the drive or flight to Pokhara. The Annapurna Circuit Trek guide covers the itinerary, best time to trek, difficulty, altitude and acclimatization, Thorong La, food and accommodation, trekking gear, permits, transport, and costs.
Amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek with Mountain World Treks
Dennis
Bucharest, Romania
Excellent trip to Annapurna Circuit trek
Robnob Tours
Somerset
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