Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek - 15 Days

Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek - 15 Days

Moderate
15 days
5,416 m/17,700 ft.
Kathmandu
March-May/Sep.-Dec.

The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 15 day guided trek in Nepal. It crosses Thorong La Pass and follows one of the most loved trekking routes in the Himalayas.

This trek takes you from Kathmandu into the Marsyangdi Valley. Then you trek through Bhulbhule, Chamje, Danaque, Dhukur Pokhari, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Jomsom, Pokhara, and drive back to Kathmandu. The highest point during the Annapurna circle trek is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft.

You walk through river valleys, pine forests, high villages, dry alpine land, and the Kali Gandaki Valley. You see views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Thorong Peak, and nearby Himalayan ranges. You pass Buddhist villages, mani walls, prayer flags, old monasteries, and Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

This trek package is built for trekkers who want a guided Annapurna Circuit route with all inclusive services. It includes necesary permits, meals, tea house lodging, guide, porter, transport, and local planning support included.

Heading to Thorang la pass
Early Morning heading to Thorang la pass from Thorang High camp

Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview

The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek links deep valleys, high villages, dry mountain land, and the Thorong La Pass crossing in one guided route.

The multi-day Annapurna circuit trek starts with road travel from Kathmandu toward Besisahar and Bhulbhule. From there, the walking route follows the Marsyangdi River Valley and rises slowly toward Manang. After a rest and acclimatization day in Manang, the trail climbs to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi before crossing Thorong La Pass.

After the pass, the route drops to Muktinath and continues to Jomsom. From Jomsom, the route returns to Pokhara and then Kathmandu. The route may change if weather, landslides, snow, road delays, or health needs affect the plan.

Annapurna Circuit trekking suits anyone who wants a full Himalayan trail with a high pass, village stays, mountain views, and local guidance. It is not a short viewpoint hike. You need steady fitness, patience with mountain weather, and a comfort level with basic tea house rooms.

OnthewaytoThoranglapass
Havey snoway on the way to go Thorang la pass in November 2025

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek include Thorong La Pass, Manang, Muktinath Temple, the Marsyangdi Valley, the Kali Gandaki Valley, high mountain views, and old mountain villages.

During the trek, you can expect:

  • views of Annapurna mountain range, Tilicho peak, Dhaulagiri, Pisang Peak, Thorong Peak, and nearby peaks
  • Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft
  • Muktinath Temple after the pass crossing
  • pine, oak, and rhododendron forest sections
  • dry alpine land near Manang and Mustang
  • Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced villages
  • prayer flags, mani walls, monasteries, and old trade-route culture
  • a change from green river valleys to dry high land
  • tea house stays with simple mountain meals
  • guided support for route, permits, pace, and safety checks

Annapurna Trail gives you more than one mountain view. The trail changes day by day, and that is why many trekkers still choose the Annapurna Circuit even after road access changed parts of the route.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Quick Facts

These Annapurna Circuit Trek quick facts help you check the route, difficulty, altitude, season, group size, meals, lodging, and permits before you book.

Trip detail

Package information

Duration

15 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Highest point

Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m / 17,700 ft

Arrival city

Kathmandu

Group size

2-16

Best time

March-May and September-December

Trek style

Guided tea house trek

Main route

Kathmandu, Bhulbhule, Chamje, Danaque, Dhukur Pokhari, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Jomsom, Pokhara, Kathmandu

Permits

ACAP and TIMS

Meals during trek

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Lodging during trek

Tea house lodge

Guide and porter

Included

Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek Right for You?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is right for you if you want a long guided trek with high mountains, local villages, changing landscapes, and a real high-pass crossing.

You should choose this trek if you want to walk in the Annapurna region for many days. You are comfortable to sleep in tea houses, cross Thorong La Pass, and see both the Marsyangdi Valley and Kali Gandaki Valley. 

The Annapurna route gives you warm lower valleys, cooler pine forests, dry mountain land near Manang and Mustang, and wide views from high ground.

shivastatueatTilicholake1.jpg
Tilicho lake best side trip of Annapurna circuit trek

This trek is best for:

  • trekkers with steady fitness
  • hikers who can walk 5-7 hours on many days
  • travelers who want a locally guided Nepal trek with local support and expertise
  • couples, friends, and small groups
  • trekkers who want mountain views and village life in one route
  • travelers who want no hassle, all details organized.

This trek may not suit you if you want luxury rooms every night, very short walking days, or a route without high altitude. The pass day is long. The weather can change. Rooms can be basic. Some sections can feel dusty, steep, rocky, cold, or windy.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost and Group Price

The Annapurna Circuit Trek cost starts from US$795 per person for the current package.

The price changes by group size. Larger groups receive a lower per-person price. Private route changes, private jeep, added rest days, flight changes, or side trips can change the final cost.

Group size

Price per person

1 person

US$795

2-4 people

US$775

5-10 people

US$705

11-16 people

US$685

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route, Map, Distance, and Altitude

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route moves from Kathmandu toward Besisahar and Bhulbhule. We then follow the Marsyangdi Valley toward Manang before crossing Thorong La Pass and descending toward Muktinath and Jomsom.

The route starts with a long road trip. The lower trail passes terraced fields, suspension bridges, rivers, pine forests, and farming villages. 

As you climb higher, the landscape becomes drier and colder. Manang gives you time to rest and adjust before you move toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.

Thorong La Pass is the highest and hardest point of the trek. After crossing the pass, the route drops to Muktinath and enters the Mustang side of the trail. 

From Jomsom, the route returns to Pokhara and then Kathmandu.

Main route flow during Annapurna Circuit trek:

Kathmandu → Besisahar → Bhulbhule → Chamje → Tal → Danaque → Chame → Dhukur Pokhari → Manang → Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass → Muktinath → Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu

Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude Details

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Brief Itinerary of Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek brief itinerary below tells you the day-by-day itinerary in short.

This itinerary is a working route plan of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Weather, snowfall, landslides, road conditions, health, or safety needs can change the final route. The guide will choose the safest practical option during the trek.

Meal plan notes:
B=Breakfast
L=Lunch
D=Dinner

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Summary

Day

Plan

Meals

Sleep

01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu hotel

02

Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule

B, L, D

Bhulbhule teahouse

03

Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje

B, L, D

Chamje teahouse

04

Trek from Chamje to Dharapani

B, L, D

Dharapani teahouse

05

Trek from Dharapani to Chame

B, L, D

Chame Teahouse

06

Trek from Chame to Pisang

B, L, D

Chame Teahouse

07

Trek from Pisang to Manang

B, L, D

Manang teahouse

08

Rest and acclimatization in Manang

B, L, D

Manang teahouse

09

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

B, L, D

Yak Kharka teahouse

10

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

B, L, D

Thorong Phedi teahouse

11

Cross Thorong La Pass and trek to Muktinath

B, L, D

Muktinath teahouse

12

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom

B, L, D

Jomsom teahouse

13

Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

B, L

Pokhara hotel

14

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

B, L, farewell dinner

Kathmandu hotel

15

Final departure

B

Departure

Detailed Itinerary for Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu

You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A team member meets you and transfers you to your hotel.

After check-in, you can rest or walk around Thamel. Depending on your arrival time, we arrange your trek briefing. You meet your guide, review the route, check your gear, discuss safety points, and prepare for the road trip the next morning.

At TIA Airport
Welcoming our special from Dubai for

Sleep: Kathmandu hotel
Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft
Guide tip: Keep your passport, insurance details, permit details, and emergency contact ready.

Day 02
Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule

You leave Kathmandu early and drive toward Besisahar and Bhulbhule. The road passes hills, rivers, villages, farms, and parts of the Marsyangdi Valley.

This is a long road day. Road conditions can change by season, so patience helps. Bhulbhule gives you the first feel of the Annapurna route. You sleep in a tea house and prepare your daypack for the first walking day.

ngadivillage2.jpg
Beautiful tea house in Bhubhule

Sleep: Bhulbhule teahouse
Altitude: 840 m / 2,756 ft
Time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Safety point: Drink water during the drive and keep your warm layer easy to reach.

Day 03
Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje

The first walking day follows the Marsyangdi River. You walk along the west bank, cross bridges, and climb through terraced fields toward Khudi and Bahundanda.

The trail moves through forest, hillside paths, and village sections before reaching Jagat and then Chamje. On clear days, the valley gives early views toward Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Boudha Himal.

hgdrodeminbhulbhule.jpg
Marsyangdi Hydro dam on the way to Chamje

Sleep: Chamje teahouse
Altitude: 1,133 m / 3,717 ft
Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guide tip: Keep your pace slow on the first walking day. Let your body warm into the trek.

Day 04
Trek from Chamje to Dharapani

After breakfast, you cross a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River and climb toward Tal. The trail passes fields of barley, wheat, and potatoes, then moves through pine forest and village areas.

You continue toward Dharapani, one of the larger villages in the Manang Valley area, then move onward to Danaque. This day gives you river views, farmland, forest, and a stronger mountain feel as the route gains height.

way to go Dharapani
Mountain road on the way to go Dharapani from Chamje

Sleep: Dharapani teahouse
Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft
Time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Safety point: Watch your footing on bridge exits, wet stones, and uneven steps.

Day 05
Trek from Dharapani to Chame

From Dharapani, we will start our trek early in the morning around 6 AM and head toward Chame. In the beginning, the trail passes through local Gurung villages, and the walk is easy and gentle until reaching Danque village.

After that, there is about a two-hour uphill climb to Timang, where you can enjoy amazing views of the Manaslu mountain range. We may have lunch here or take a short tea break before continuing to Thanchok for lunch.

From Thanchok, the trail to Chame is easy and comfortable. It takes about one and a half hours to reach Chame by crossing Koto village. Don’t forget to check your trekking permit at Koto before arriving in Chame.

Mountain view
Early morning view from Danaque on the way to go Chame from Dharapani


Sleep: Chame teahouse
Altitude: 2,650m/ 8,745ft
Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guide tip: You gain a lot of height by this day. Walk slow, drink water, and tell your guide if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual tiredness.

Day 06
Trek from Chame to Pisang

Today, after breakfast at the same teahouse, you will start your trek like the previous days. First, you will cross the Marsyangdi River and enjoy beautiful views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II on your left side.

As you continue, you will experience Buddhist culture with prayer flags, monasteries, stupas, and local people along the trail. After the next village, be careful while crossing a permanent landslide area and follow the signboards carefully.

About an hour later, you will reach an apple farm where you can rest and try fresh apples, apple juice, or apple pie. Then the trail continues toward Dhukurpokhari, which takes around two hours. Stay on the trekking trail so you do not miss the amazing mountain views.

After enjoying the viewpoint, you will reach Dhukurpokhari in about 20 minutes for lunch with a great mountain view. Finally, you will continue to Pisang by crossing the Marsyangdi River again. The walk takes around two more hours to reach your camp.

trekking team in chame
Team getting ready to go Annapurna circuit trek from Chame

Sleep: Pisang Teahouse
Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,890 ft
Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guide tip: Don’t forget to visit Monastery for acclimatize and cultural experience

Day 07
Trek from Pisang to Manang

From here, we will start our journey early because this is a longer trekking day. At first, the trail goes through a pine forest. After about 45 minutes, do not miss the left-side trail to Green Lake, where you can see the beautiful reflection of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. It is a perfect place for photos.

Then we continue toward the traditional Gurung village of Ghyaru. Be ready for about two hours of uphill climbing, but the effort is rewarded with amazing mountain views, including the first views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

After reaching Ghyaru, you can take a short break at the beautiful monastery or enjoy tea and coffee at the teahouses. The trail then becomes easier, but you still need around two more hours of walking to reach Nawal for lunch. Since the village is at around 3,800 meters, it is also a good place for acclimatization.

After lunch, we descend toward Manang. The trail begins with about 45 minutes of downhill walking, followed by around two hours of flat trail with stunning mountain and valley views. On the way, we pass through Braga. If you are interested, do not miss visiting Braga Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the region.

LowerpisnagvillagewithAnnapurnarangeontheBackground1.jpg
Annapurna Himalayan range with villege on the way to go Manang


Sleep: Manang teahouse
Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft
Time: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Safety point: This is a longer walking day at higher altitude. Keep your pace steady and avoid rushing into Manang.

Day 08
Rest and Acclimatization in Manang

You stay in Manang for acclimatization. This day helps your body adjust before you move above 4,000 m.

You do not stay idle all day. A short hike to Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake can help your body adjust. If time and energy allow, your guide may include Braga village or the Himalayan Rescue Association area.

Manangvillagefromthesouthernside1.jpg
Manang village from view point on the day of acclimatization

Sleep: Manang teahouse
Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft
Time: Free day with short acclimatization walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guide tip: Eat well, drink water, and tell your guide about any headache, dizziness, sleep issue, or loss of appetite.

Day 09
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

You leave Manang and cross a stream before rising toward Tenki village. The trail climbs out of the Marsyangdi Valley and moves toward open pastures and dwarf trees.

You pass Ghunsa and walk through yak-grazing meadows. After crossing a wooden bridge, the route rises beside an old mani wall and reaches Yak Kharka. This is a shorter day, but the altitude makes the walk feel slower.

panaromic view of tilicho peak
Panaromic view of Tilicho peak and surrounding on the way to go Yakkharka from Manang

Sleep: Yak Kharka teahouse
Altitude: 4,110 m / 13,484 ft
Time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Safety point: Above 4,000 m, slow walking matters more than speed. Keep your body warm after arrival.

Day 10
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

The trail from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi climbs steadily. You cross a suspension bridge and pass Ledar before moving through cliffside terrain toward Thorong Phedi.

This section can feel dry, cold, and exposed. On the way, the route gives views of Gudang, Syagang, Thorong Peak, and Khatungkan. Thorong Phedi means the foot of the mountain, and it is the base area before the pass crossing.

Annapurnarange
Stunning view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III & Annapurna IV on the way to go thorang Phedi

Sleep: Thorong Phedi teahouse
Altitude: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
Time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guide tip: Pack your pass-day items before sleeping. Keep gloves, headlamp, warm jacket, water, snacks, and wind layer ready.

Day 11
Cross Thorong La Pass and Trek to Muktinath

This is the hardest day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You start very early, often around 4 AM, to avoid stronger wind and cloud later in the day.

From Thorong Phedi, you climb toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,769 ft. The climb is slow and cold. After photos and a short rest at the pass, you descend toward Muktinath. The descent can be long and rough, with loose gravel in some places. Your guide sets the pace and watches the group closely.

Muktinath is a sacred site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Reaching this village after the pass feels like a major point in the trek.

heading to pass.jpg
Early morning on the way going to Muktinath via Thorangla pass (5,416M)

Sleep: Muktinath teahouse
Altitude: 5,416 m / 17,769 ft at Thorong La Pass; sleep lower in Muktinath
Time: 9-10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Safety point: This day needs warm layers, early start, slow pace, and care on the descent.

Day 12
Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom

After the high pass day, the trail moves through the dry Kali Gandaki Valley toward Jomsom. You may walk through Kagbeni or Lupra, based on route conditions and guide choice.

The land on this side feels different from Manang. It is dry, windy, and wide, with views of Tilicho Mountain and nearby hills. Jomsom is a windy town in a cold valley and marks the final walking part of the package route.

At Muktinath
Morning view of Mount Dhaulagiri from Muktinath

Sleep: Jomsom teahouse
Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guide tip: Wind can rise in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Keep sunglasses, scarf, and wind layer

Day 13
Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

You travel from Jomsom to Pokhara in public bus.

If road travel is used, a day of travel can take 8-9 hours. If flight is used and weather allows, the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is much shorter. Mountain flights depend on weather and schedule.

Private Jeep or Flight is available for transport on request.

Sleep: Pokhara hotel
Altitude: 822 m / 2,697 ft
Time: 8-9 hours by road, or shorter by flight when available
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 14
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The road passes Damauli, Dumre, Mugling, Kurintar, Naubise, and Thankot before entering Kathmandu.

After arrival, you check in at the hotel and rest. The package includes a farewell dinner, which gives the group time to mark the end of the trek and speak with the team.

Sleep: Kathmandu hotel
Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft
Time: 5-6 hours, based on road conditions
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
Guide tip: Keep your flight details ready so the team can plan the airport transfer.

Day 15
Final Departure

After breakfast, the team arranges your airport transfer. The vehicle leaves for the airport about three hours before your scheduled international flight.

If your flight is later in the day, you may have time for rest, packing, or a short walk near your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Service: Airport transfer

What's Included and Excluded in Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Package?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek package includes guide support, porter support, permits, meals during the trek, tea house lodging, transport, staff care, and farewell dinner.

Bring extra cash in Nepali rupees for tea house extras such as hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, bottled drinks, snacks, and tips.

General Inclusions
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast plan
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • TIMS card
  • Experienced Himalayan trek guide
  • Porter support
  • Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar
  • Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Jomsom to Pokhara flight or transport option, subject to final package confirmation
  • Arrival transfer from the international airport to hotel
  • Tea house lodge during the trek
  • First aid kit during the trek
  • Staff insurance
  • Salary, food, and accommodation of trekking staff
  • Ground transport as per itinerary
  • Tour certificate
  • Farewell dinner
Not Included
  • International flight ticket
  • International airport tax, if charged
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Personal items such as phone calls, snacks, hot drinks, cold drinks, laundry, alcohol, extra porter, and shower
  • Travel insurance
  • Private travel gear and clothing
  • Excess baggage cost during domestic flight
  • Tips for guide, porter, and staff
  • Anything not listed in the included section

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits and Guide Support

Annapurna Circuit Trek permits include ACAP and TIMS. The package includes both permits, and The Himalayan Odyssey handles permit paperwork for booked trekkers.

Documents You Need

Prepare these before permit processing:

  • passport copy
  • Nepal visa details after arrival
  • passport-size photo, if requested
  • travel insurance details
  • confirmed itinerary
  • group details

The team will confirm the final document list before processing your permits.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty, Fitness, and Safety

Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty comes from long walking days, altitude gain, cold mornings, rough trail, wind, road sections, and the Thorong La Pass crossing.

The trek is listed as moderate, but the pass day is hard. Some days are 5-7 hours of walking. The Thorong La Pass day can take 9-10 hours. You should prepare with regular hiking, stairs, cycling, swimming, jogging, or other cardio training before arrival.

Main Difficulty Factors

  • daily walking on uneven trail
  • steep climbs and descents
  • cold weather above Manang
  • high altitude above 4,000 m
  • long pass day over Thorong La
  • dust or road sections in parts of the route
  • basic tea house rooms
  • weather delays, snow, landslide, or road issues

Safety Process

Your guide helps manage the pace, route, weather checks, and trail decisions.

The safety plan includes:

  • pre-trip briefing in Kathmandu
  • gear and route review before the trek
  • acclimatization day in Manang
  • slow pace above 3,000 m
  • guide checks for altitude symptoms
  • first aid kit during the trek
  • route changes when weather or safety calls for it
  • travel insurance reminder before departure

Health Note

If you have heart, lung, blood, or other medical conditions, speak with your doctor before booking. Tell our team about health needs before you reserve, so we can help you choose the right pace.

Food, Accommodation, Toilets, Showers, Wi-Fi, and Charging

Annapurna Circuit Trek accommodation is mainly in tea house lodges during the trekking route, with hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Tea houses are simple mountain lodges. Rooms are basic. Toilets may be shared. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging may cost extra in many villages. Service quality changes by altitude, season, and village.

morningviewfromUpperPisang
Morning view of Annapurna II from Tea house in Pisang

What You Can Expect

Rooms:
Most tea house rooms are simple twin-share rooms with basic beds and blankets. Bring a sleeping bag or liner based on season.

Meals:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the trek. Dal bhat is a common and filling meal. Tea houses may offer noodles, soup, rice, potatoes, eggs, Tibetan bread, porridge, tea, and simple vegetable dishes.

Toilets:
Toilets can be basic and shared. Carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Showers:
Hot showers may be available for extra cost in some villages. Do not expect reliable showers every day.

Wi-Fi and charging:
Some tea houses offer Wi-Fi and phone charging for extra cost. Service can be slow or unavailable at higher places.

Cash:
Carry Nepali rupees for snacks, drinks, shower, charging, Wi-Fi, laundry, and tips.

Best Time for Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best time for Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is spring and autumn.

The package lists March-May and September-December as the best season range. September to November is a popular time because the weather is often more stable after monsoon. March to May brings warmer days and rhododendron blooms in lower areas.

September to November (Autumn)

This is one of the best periods for Annapurna Circuit Trek. The skies are often clearer, rainfall is lower, and mountain views are strong. Trails can be busier because many trekkers choose this season.

December to February (Winter)

Winter is cold. Higher parts can get snow, and Thorong La Pass may close during poor weather. Some tea houses may still open, but this season needs warm gear, flexible dates, and guide advice.

March to May (Spring)

Spring brings warmer weather, longer daylight, and flowers in lower forests. Some snow may remain in higher places early in the season. This is a strong time for trekkers who want milder weather and color on the lower route.

June to August (Summer)

Monsoon brings rain in many lower and southern areas. Trails can be wet, landslides can affect roads, and leeches may appear in lower sections. The Mustang and Jomsom side sits in a rain-shadow area, but the full circuit still needs careful planning in monsoon.

Packing List for Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek packing list should focus on warm layers, waterproof gear, broken-in boots, daypack items, travel documents, personal medicine, and snacks.

Pack light, but do not skip cold-weather gear. The lower trail may feel warm, while Thorong La Pass can feel very cold.

Travel Documents

  • airline ticket or flight details
  • Nepal visa form or visa details
  • travel insurance policy
  • valid passport
  • passport copy
  • passport-size photos

Bags and Travel Items

  • duffel bag
  • daypack, 25-35 liters
  • luggage lock
  • travel wallet
  • passport or money belt
  • sleeping bag liner
  • travel plug adapter

Trek Clothing

  • quick-dry underwear
  • wool or synthetic T-shirts
  • long-sleeve shirt
  • hiking pants
  • fleece jacket
  • down or synthetic warm jacket
  • warm pants
  • waterproof jacket
  • waterproof pants
  • warm gloves
  • sun hat
  • warm hat
  • neck gaiter or Buff
  • wool or synthetic socks
  • liner socks, optional

Footwear

  • waterproof hiking boots
  • camp shoes or light shoes for evenings

Trek Gear

  • headlamp with spare batteries
  • trekking poles
  • sunglasses
  • water bottle or hydration bladder
  • small towel
  • personal toiletries
  • sunscreen
  • lip balm
  • hand sanitizer
  • toilet paper

Food and Medicine

  • energy bars
  • electrolyte mix
  • trail snacks
  • personal medicine
  • blister care
  • doctor-approved altitude medicine, if advised

Pack your daypack with water, snacks, warm layer, rain layer, sun protection, phone, documents, and medicine.

Custom Annapurna Circuit Trek Options

A private Annapurna Circuit Trek can be adjusted by route, pace, transport, rest days, and side trips.

The standard package follows the listed route. Private trips can be changed based on your time, fitness, travel month, and interests. Ask the team before you reserve if you want a slower pace, private jeep, added rest day, or side trip.

Custom Options

  • private trek for couples, families, or small groups
  • slower plan for first-time high-altitude trekkers
  • extra rest day before or after Thorong La Pass
  • private jeep to reduce road stress
  • Jomsom to Pokhara flight, subject to weather and package confirmation
  • public bus option for standard package route
  • Tilicho Lake side trip for fit trekkers with extra days
  • Poon Hill extension after the circuit
  • Pokhara finish instead of Kathmandu return, if your plan fits

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FAQs

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is in Nepal’s Annapurna region. The route circles part of the Annapurna range and crosses Thorong La Pass before descending toward Muktinath and Jomsom.

The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft.

The trek is moderate to challenging. The route has long walking days, high altitude, cold weather, rough trail, and the Thorong La Pass crossing.

Many trekking days take 5-7 hours. The Thorong La Pass day can take 9-10 hours.

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card. The package includes both permits.

Yes. Annapurna Circuit Trek is listed under Nepal’s guided trekking and TIMS rule. The package includes a trek guide.

Spring and autumn are the best periods for most trekkers. 

Children below 12 are not advised for this trek because of the high altitude.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the trek. Dal bhat is common on the trail and is a good meal choice for long walking days.

Rooms are basic tea house rooms. Twin beds and shared toilets are common. Heating is usually in the dining room, not in bedrooms.

Some tea houses have hot showers, charging, or Wi-Fi for extra cost. Service can be limited in higher places.

Yes. Buy travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical care, and emergency rescue. Bring proof before the trek starts.

Yes, if you have extra days, good fitness, and the route is safe for your travel season. Ask the team before you reserve.

Yes. A longer private plan can extend toward Ghorepani and Poon Hill if your time and route plan allow.

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