The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (2026 Edition)

Last Updated on 10/09/2026 by Louise

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s most legendary treks, offering a jaw-dropping journey through Nepal’s diverse landscapes—from subtropical forests and terraced farmland to alpine valleys and arid high mountain plateaus. Known for its incredible views, cultural encounters, and the thrill of crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769 ft), the Annapurna Circuit is both a physical challenge and a life-changing experience.

Hiking the Annapurna Circuit is one of the best things we’ve ever done and we want everyone to enjoy it as much as we did. So, to give you a help in hand, here’s everything you need to know for planning a successful Annapurna Circuit trek.

Amazing views on the Annapurna Circuit trek

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Trek Overview

Region: Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
Distance: ~160–230 km (100–145 miles), depending on your start/end points
Duration: 12 to 21 days
Highest Point: Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Permits: TIMS card and ACAP permit required
Best Time to Go:
- Spring: March to May (rhododendrons bloom)
- Autumn: September to November (clear skies, stable weather)

Itinerary at a Glance

The classic Annapurna Circuit used to be 21+ days long, but with road access on both sides of the circuit, many trekkers now customize it based on time and interest.

When Nick and I completed this trek we took 24 days but bolted on a side hike to the Ice Lake, a side hike to Dhaulagiri Glacier and a 3 day trek to Annapurna Base Camp (including Poon Hill). We also took an acclimatisation day in Manang. We’re average paced hikers and because we had the flexibility, some days we just did half a day if we liked the look of a particular teahouse.

Here’s a popular 15-day itinerary (which can be extended or shortened):

Day-by-Day Outline

Day	Route	Altitude (m)
1	Besisahar to Dharapani	1,960
2	Dharapani to Chame	2,710
3	Chame to Pisang	3,300
4	Pisang to Manang	3,540
5	Acclimatization in Manang	3,540
6	Manang to Yak Kharka	4,050
7	Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi	4,450
8	Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (via Thorong La Pass)	5,416 → 3,760
9	Muktinath to Marpha	2,670
10	Marpha to Tatopani (via Jeep/Bus)	1,190
11	Tatopani to Ghorepani	2,860
12	Ghorepani to Poon Hill & Tadapani	3,210
13	Tadapani to Ghandruk	2,000
14	Ghandruk to Nayapul, then Pokhara	1,070

Note: You can skip some sections via local jeeps or buses, especially lower elevation road-accessible areas.

Permits Required

You must get two permits before entering the Annapurna region:

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) – NPR 3,000 (~$23 USD)
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – NPR 2,000 (~$15 USD)

Both can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Bring passport photos and your passport in order to get the permits.

Accommodation & Food

Teahouse trekking is the norm on the Annapurna Circuit. These are simple lodges offering:

Shared or private rooms (basic bed, blanket)
Communal dining area with food menu
Electricity (often for a small fee)
Wi-Fi (limited and slow in high altitude often for a fee at altitude)

These can be booked in advance or you can take a gamble and just turn up – this works best if you arrive early in the day!

Food is simple but satisfying:

Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, veg) – the staple. You’ll come to love the phrase “Dal Bhat Power 24 hour!”
Momos (dumplings)
Noodles, pasta, rice, soups
Banana porridge
Hot drinks: ginger tea, masala chai, lemon honey

Cost per day (estimates):

Room: $2–$6 USD
Meals: $15–$25 USD total
Total daily budget: $20–$30 USD

During our hike many of the teahouses would offer free accommodation in return for buying dinner and breakfast.

What to Pack

Essentials

Backpack (40–60L) + daypack
Sleeping bag (rated to -10°C / 14°F)
Down jacket/Rain jacket/Poncho
Thermal base layers
Fleece and waterproof shell
Trekking pants + shorts
Hat, gloves, sunglasses
Trekking boots + camp shoes
Water bottles + purification tablets, or a filtering water bottle
Headlamp + extra batteries
Basic toiletries & quick-dry towel
Sunscreen
Cash (ATMs not available after Chame)
First aid kit

Recommended Extras

Trekking poles – poles were a life saver for our knees on the descents
Snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruits) – most food can be bought along the way but good to have emergency snacks

Altitude medication (Diamox) – we took this one night but found the side affects too harsh so opted to go without
Power banks
Toilet paper
Camera

For a complete Annapurna packing list see this post

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Acclimatization & Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the biggest risks on this trek. Follow these tips to avoid getting sick:

Go slow: Gain no more than 500m/day above 3,000m
Rest: Take acclimatization days in Manang or before Thorong La
Stay hydrated: Noodle soup is a good lunch option as it hydrates you as well getting fuel onboard
Know the symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, trouble sleeping
Don’t ignore signs – descend if symptoms worsen

Guided vs. Independent Trekking

Previously it was possible to trek independently on the Annapurna Circuit. In 2023, Nepal implemented new rules requiring solo foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide for all national park areas, including Annapurna. However, enforcement varies. Check local rules before departure.

Guided treks offer safety, cultural insight and make planning much easier.

Guides cost ~$25–$35/day; porters ~$20/day.

Connectivity & Money

Wi-Fi: Available in many teahouses but unreliable above Manang.
SIM cards: Ncell or Nepal Telecom work sporadically.
ATMs: Only in Besisahar, Chame (sometimes), and Jomsom.
Cash: Bring enough Nepalese Rupees for the whole trek.

Tips for a Great Trek

Start slow: Start low and move slow. Don’t skip acclimatization days.
Train beforehand: Cardio and leg strength help a lot.
Start early each day: Weather typically worsens in the afternoon so try to check the forecast if you can to be prepared.

Be respectful: Follow local customs and ask before photographing people.
Don’t litter: Pack out all non-biodegradable waste.
Carry extra snacks: Prices rise with altitude.
Take your time: The journey is just as special as the destination.

Highlights Not to Miss

Thorong La Pass: The crown jewel, an exhilarating crossing at 5,416m. You’ll need to cross this to complete the trek so check the weather and aim to cross on a good weather day.

Manang: Great place to acclimatize and explore the ice lake which was one of our favourite days.
Muktinath Temple: Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Marpha: Known for apple orchards and charming stone houses.
Poon Hill: Offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Join the masses and head up for sunrise.

Nick & I celebrating at Thorang La Pass

Final Thoughts

The Annapurna Circuit offers one of the most diverse and rewarding trekking experiences in the world. Whether you’re chasing snow-capped peaks, soaking in hot springs, or sharing tea with a local family, every step on this circuit is unforgettable.

Prepare well, trek responsibly, and enjoy one of Nepal’s greatest adventures.

If you’d like to see some our hiking highlights, take a look at this video below.