How long does it take to complete Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary gives the trekkers a safe schedule to travel and have adventures. You can explore from the lowland farmlands to the majestic mountains with snow everywhere. This is all in one trek.

Not just the mountain, the culture, tradition, and livelihood in the Annapurna Region are unique. If you trek during peak seasons, you will get to experience more lively festivals. Everyone shares happiness and kindness here.

But planning this trip starts with one big question: how many days do you need? 

The trek can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days. The trek, however, depends on your fitness level, available time, and whether you want to add side trips or not. 

This guide breaks down your options clearly. We'll show you three main itineraries for 2026. You can pick the one that fits your schedule and goals best for the Annapurna Circuit trek.

How Long Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna  Circuit isn't just one fixed route. You can adjust it based on what you want to see and how much time you have. This flexibility is what makes the trek work for different types of travelers.

You can see a quick overview of your three main Annapurna options:

Most people choose the 14-day version. It gives you enough time to adjust to altitude. You also get to experience the full range of landscapes.

The 10-day option works if you're short on time. But you'll need to be in good shape. You'll also miss some lower-valley scenery.

The extended route is perfect if you want more. You can explore remote valleys. You'll meet fewer trekkers and see ancient Buddhist villages.

Classic 14-Day Annapurna Circuit Itinerary (Recommended 2026)

This is the sweet spot for most trekkers. You get proper rest days. You have time to adjust to altitude. And you experience the full journey from subtropical forests to high-altitude desert.

Here's the day-by-day breakdown:

What to Expect Each Week for the Annapurna Circuit?

The Annapurna trek is divided into two parts. Each week brings completely different landscapes and challenges.

Week 1: Gradual Ascent

The first few days are quite easier for the trek. You walk through warm valleys where farmers still grow rice. Each day brings you higher into pine forests where the temperature cools down.

Chame marks an important change in your trek. This village sits where you enter the rain shadow of the Annapurnas. The landscape starts to dry out slowly. You'll notice the air getting thinner with each step upward. The journey is just beautiful, but you need to be mentally prepared for many things.

Week 2: High Altitude and Descent

Manang is your rest stop at 3,540 m. Don't skip your rest  day even if you feel fine. Your body needs time to adjust to the thin air. Many trekkers hike to Ice Lake on a rest day instead of sitting around. This helps with adjustment while keeping you active.

After Manang, you will move to Thorong Phedi. This is your staging camp before the big pass crossing. You'll start your pass crossing before dawn the next day to avoid afternoon winds.

You will be shocked and thrilled to cross the Thorong La. The Thorong La crossing is your biggest challenge of the trek. You'll walk 8 to 10 hours from start to finish. But the views from 5,416 m are worth every step.

After the pass, elevation drops quickly. Muktinath sits in a completely different world. The desert valley is so different then the  green valleys you left behind.

The final days take you through apple country where orchards line the trail.Marpha is so beautiful especially to try local liquors. Likewise, Tatopani has natural hot springs perfect for soaking your tired legs and feet.

10-Day Short Annapurna Circuit Itinerary (Jeep Assisted)

You will be amazed to know that you can also complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 10 days. This short-trek uses jeep transfers for lower sections . Now, you can focus on the high-altitude section easily because you have enough time . But, negative marking is definitely you will miss some beautiful valley walking.

This option is best if you're already fit from regular trekking. You don’t have to worry about adjusting altitude if you are experienced trekker.

What You Miss on a 10-Day short Itinerary?

The jeep ride skips the lower Marshyangdi Valley completely. You will miss waterfalls, terraced farms, and traditional Gurung villages in this section. The walk from Tatopani to Pokhara is also cut from your experience. You might be short on time, but think, is it really worth it?

Well, on the bright side, you save several valuable days. And you still cross Thorong La Pass at full height. You will still see the dramatic shift from green valleys to high desert that makes this trek famous. Either this way or that, Annapurna is full of surprises to explore.

Who Should Choose This 10-Day Circuit Itinerary?

Trekking is not everyone’s cup of tea. But, pick the 10-day route if these points match your situation:

• You have limited  time but really want this trek 

• You are fond of hiking regularly and feel confident that you can complete this trek

• You don't mind using vehicles for some sections

• You want to focus your energy on high-altitude walking rather than villages.

Extended 20-Day Annapurna Circuit Itinerary (with Tilicho Lake & Nar-Phu Extensions)

Want more than the standard circuit experience? 

This extended version adds side trips to places most trekkers never reach. You'll see remote areas that feel completely untouched by modern tourism.

Main Extensions

These two side trips offer the most value for your extra time:

Tilicho Lake (2 extra days)

This is the world's highest glacial lake at 4,919 m. You need to add two days between Manang and Yak Kharka to reach this place. Once you reach here, everywhere you see is breathtaking.

Nar-Phu Valley (4-5 extra days)

Nar-Phu is a remote valley before you reach Manang. You'll walk and see the ancient Buddhist villages that seem frozen in time. The culture here feels unchanged by outside influence. Prayer flags flutter over every pass and rooftop.

You need to know that you need a special permit for Nar-Phu. Everyone loves it here.

Sample 20-Day Route for Annapurna Circuit- Itinerary

If you are looking for the extended route, here's how you might customize your extended trek:

Days 1-5: Follow the same route as the classic version (Kathmandu to Chame)

Days 6-7: Take the detour to the Nar-Phu Valley entrance

Days 8-10: Explore Nar and Phu villages at a relaxed pace

Days 11-12: Return to the main trail at Manang

Day 13: Rest in Manang with an acclimatization hike

Days 14-15: Make the detour to Tilicho Lake and return

Days 16-20: Continue classic route (Yak Kharka to Pokhara)

Why Choose the  Annapurna 20-day  Extended Route ?

You can choose this extended Annapurna route if:

• You love photography

• You enjoy different cultural history 

• You have enough time for travel

• You want to avoid the main trail crowds

• You don't mind paying extra permit costs for special areas like Nar-phu.

Elevation Profile & Acclimatization Stops

Your body needs time to adjust as you climb higher into thin air. Here are the key stops where you can rest on the trek:

You will have very less problem if you follow:

The "Climb High, Sleep Low" Rule 

On your Manang rest day, you should hike up to Ice Lake. You'll reach about 4,100 m during the day. Then you return to sleep at 3,540 m in Manang.

This helps your body adjust to thin air safely.

The same principle applies throughout the entire trek. 

You gain elevation during your walking hours. But you always sleep at a lower camp than your high point. 

This gives your body the best chance to adjust naturally.

Warning Signs

You have to watch for these symptoms as you climb higher:

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting after meals

• Dizziness

• Trouble sleeping

• Loss of appetite 

If these symptoms get worse instead of better, you need to descend right away. Don't try to push through to the next camp. Going down even 500 m can make a huge difference.

know your own body best. Speak up immediately if something feels wrong.

Best Months for Each Annapurna Itinerary

You can check below the best seasons for the Annapurna Itinerary:

Let's look at what each season brings:

Autumn (October–November)

This is peak season for good reasons. Views are crystal clear from every viewpoint. The pass is usually snow-free and safe to cross.the 

But lodges fill up fast during these months. Popular spots like Manang can get quite crowded. Make your advance booking ahead if you're traveling during autumn season.

Spring (March–May)

Spring offers warmer days than autumn. Rhododendrons bloom everywhere. April and May have very good conditions. You'll see fewer trekkers than autumn months. This makes lodges easier to book on short notice. The environment is just magical.

Winter and Monsoon

Winter (December–February) brings deep snow to Thorong La Pass. The pass is often closed

completely for safety. Only experienced winter trekkers with proper gear should go during these months.

Monsoon (June–September) means heavy rain every afternoon. Views hide behind thick clouds most days.

We don't recommend these seasons for most trekkers, as it is risky to explore.

Permits and Entry Points

You need two main permits for the standard Circuit. Both are easy to get:

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

This costs about 3,000 NPR (around $23 USD) per person. You can get it in Kathmandu or Pokhara at the tourism offices. 

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

This costs about 2,000 NPR (around $15 USD) per person. You can get it from the same offices that issue ACAP. 

Entry and Exit Checkpoints

Your permits get checked at these points:

Entry Points:

• Besisahar (if you're walking from the very start)

• Chame (if you're taking the jeep to skip the lower sections)

Exit Points:

• Jomsom (if you're flying out to Pokhara)

• Tatopani or Beni (if you're taking the jeep back to Pokhara)

• Nayapul (if you're walking all the way to Poon Hill)

Special Permits for Extensions

Nar-Phu Valley needs a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) on top of regular permits. This costs about $90 USD for 7 days in the area. You need a registered guide for this restricted area. 

Note: Solo trekking isn't allowed there.

Upper Mustang (if you're continuing past Jomsom) also needs a RAP. This one costs $500 USD for 10 days. It's much more expensive due to the sensitive border area.

Himalayan Odyssey handles all permit applications on your behalf. Just bring the required documents.

Transportation & Exit Options for Annapurna 

You will be surprised how new transportation now reaches areas that used to be  so remote and difficult to walk:

Jomsom to Pokhara Flight

You can take a flight that is just 20 minutes in the air. The views are absolutely magical from the small plane windows.

But remember, flights can be canceled due to strong winds. Morning flights are most reliable before winds pick up. Book early in peak season because seats fill very fast.

Jeep Options

Roads now connect many points along the Circuit:

Kathmandu to Chame: This is a full day drive on rough mountain roads. It costs about $25-30 USD per person in a shared jeep with locals.

Tatopani to Pokhara: This takes 6-8 hours but depends on road conditions. It costs around $15-20 USD per person.

Beni to Pokhara: This is a shorter option that takes about 4-5 hours. Some trekkers prefer this because they have limited time.

The New Road Reality

A road now reaches Manang and continues toward the pass area. This changes the trekking experience in some ways.

The good news: You can shorten sections if you get injured or sick. Emergency evacuation is much easier than before. You're never more than a few hours from vehicle access.

The bad news: Dust clouds and jeep noise affect some trail sections. The wilderness feel is reduced in areas where vehicles pass frequently.

Our advice: Walk the trail sections whenever possible. You can use jeeps only where you need them for emergencies. The trails are really beautiful.

Typical Daily Walking Hours & Difficulty

You can check how much time you need to walk on this trek:

If you understand what these difficulty levels mean, it  helps you prepare properly:

What "Moderate" Means for the Annapurna Circuit?

You'll walk on well-maintained trails and enjoy the trek. Some sections have stone steps built by locals. You will cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers. The elevation gain is steady, but you will still manage.

Any healthy person with basic fitness can handle these moderate treks. You don't need special training for walking.

What "Challenging" Means for the Annapurna Circuit?

The thin air is the main issue here. You breathe harder even when walking slowly. Your normal pace slows down naturally. Make sure you take more breaks than usual.

Note: You need good fitness for these sections. But you don't need any technical climbing skills or equipment.

What "Hard" Means for the Annapurna Trek?

The pass day is long and demanding. You start in complete darkness before 4 a.m. The altitude makes everything twice as hard. The final push to the pass top is steep and very difficult.

But thousands of regular trekkers complete this successfully every year. You just need determination and proper preparation beforehand.

Side Trips Worth Adding

If you want to explore more and get the most memorable experience of your life, you can add these side trips:

Tilicho Lake (2 extra days)

Tilicho lake is also the world's highest glacial lake. It sits at 4,919 m in a rocky basin. You add this between Manang and Yak Kharka in your itinerary. The trail is steep and exposed to the wind. With every step ahead, the view gets better.

Ice Lake (1 day from Manang)

This is your best acclimatization hike. You climb to 4,100 m during the morning. The small lake sits in a rocky bowl below the peaks. You will love the close views of the Annapurna peaks from here.

Most trekkers do this on their Manang rest day. You're back by afternoon with plenty of time to rest. This hike helps your body adjust which is really necessary.

Nar-Phu Valley (4-5 extra days)

Nar-Phu is a remote valley that feels like stepping into another century. Villagers still practice traditional farming methods which unchanged for generations. You'll see ancient monasteries and kilometer-long prayer walls.

The trail is rougher here than the main Circuit. You need a special permit that costs extra. But you escape all the main trail crowds. You might meet only a handful of other trekkers.

Budget Estimates by Itinerary Length (2026)

Budget planning is really necessary for the Annapurna trek.

These are estimated ranges. Your actual cost depends on group size and service level. Contact us to know more about pricing.

Choosing the Right Itinerary for Your Annapurna Journey