Annapurna Conservation Area
Annapurna Circuit
Annapurna Massif, Gandaki Province
Distance
160 km
Duration
14–21 days (varying route options)
Elevation gain
7,000 m
Difficulty
HardPermits required — USD ~$50 in permits (ACAP permit ~$30 + TIMS card ~$20)
Best season
March–May and October–November
Check current trail conditions
Track closures, snow conditions, hut availability, and safety alerts update daily. Always check before departing.
About this trail
A classic among classic treks, the Annapurna Circuit traverses the entire Annapurna massif (Nepal's second-highest group of mountains) through subtropical jungle, terraced farmland, Tibetan-influenced high plateau, and the Thorong La Pass (5,416m). The circuit is accessed from Besisahar in the east and exits near Pokhara in the west (or via Jomsom). The dramatic contrast between green subtropical valleys and the arid Tibetan plateau of Upper Mustang is unlike any other trek on earth. Teahouse accommodation throughout.
Highlights
- ✓Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — the highest trekking pass in the world regularly crossed by non-mountaineers
- ✓Muktinath — sacred Hindu and Buddhist site at 3,800m, with 108 water spouts and eternal flame
- ✓Manang village and Gangapurna Lake — dramatic alpine setting for acclimatisation days
- ✓The Kali Gandaki Gorge — the world's deepest gorge, between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- ✓Poon Hill (if Ghorepani route added) — the classic Annapurna sunrise viewpoint
🚌 Getting there
Bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar (6–8 hours) or jeep (faster). Exit at Tatopani or Jomsom, then jeep/bus to Pokhara. Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (30 minutes) for the return.
🎒 What to bring
- ·Down jacket rated to -20°C (Thorong La is at 5,416m and extremely cold at dawn when pass crossing begins)
- ·Sleeping bag rated to -15°C
- ·Full waterproofs
- ·Altitude medication (Diamox) — Thorong La requires proper acclimatisation
- ·Trekking poles essential
- ·Spare warm layers — altitude change is extreme (subtropical jungle at 800m to high alpine at 5,416m)
Hazards & safety
- ·Thorong La Pass (5,416m) must be started at 03:00–04:00 to cross before afternoon winds (70km/h+ gusts) arrive. The pass can be closed by storm for days.
- ·HACE/HAPE risk — same as EBC. Acclimatise properly at Manang (2 nights minimum).
- ·The route has been shortened by road construction in some sections — some sections now follow roads rather than traditional trail.
📋 Know before you go
- 1.The road now runs alongside much of the traditional western section of the circuit — many trekkers now do only the eastern half (Besisahar to Thorong La) to avoid walking on roads.
- 2.Permits must be purchased in Kathmandu or Pokhara before departure.
- 3.The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a popular alternative: shorter (5–7 days from Pokhara), lower altitude (4,130m), and dramatically beautiful.
🚨 Emergency contacts
Nepal Emergency
100
ACAP Headquarters Pokhara
+977 61-520-815
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Official sources
Trail information here covers stable facts — distances, difficulty, gear, and what to expect. Current conditions (closures, snow levels, hut availability, permit quota) change regularly and must be checked at the official source before you depart.
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