Plan your Annapurna Circuit Trek 2025: Ultimate Guide & Itinerary

June 23, 2025 35 Min Read

Annapurna Circuit Trek is Nepal’s most stunning and well known trek. It circles the breathtaking Annapurna mountain range in Nepal’s west.This trek is popular with tourists from all over the world. Along the way, you will come across many amazing natural wonders, including towering hills, rivers, waterfalls, green forests, and traditional villages. At higher elevations, you will also traverse rocky and arid terrain. The Annapurna Circuit Trek typically takes around 10 to 14 days, covering a distance of approximately 170 to 240 kilometers, depending on the route. Through the trek, you will adventure the cultural and natural riches of the Annapurna region.

Table of Content

Why the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a Must Do Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is Nepal’s, one of the best trekking destinations. It circles the breathtaking Annapurna mountain range in Nepal’s west. Here is why, thousands of trekkers came to this amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek. During this hike, you will pass through deserts, charming villages, and lush forests. Annapurna, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Macchapuchre, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Dhaulagiri, and Ganesh Himal are among the other picturesque mountain vistas that you will witness. Besisahar, a village close to Kathmandu, Nepal, is where the 14 day trek around the Annapurna circuit starts.Charming villages like Bhulbhule, Jagat, and Dharapani will be traversed during the trek. One of the biggest attractions of the trek is reaching Thorong La Pass, the highest peak at 5416m.

During your trek, taking a break at the Poon Hill viewpoint and visiting Muktinath Temple is essential for getting used to the high altitudes. Spending a day in Manang is also necessary for living. This is a great opportunity to explore the local lifestyle, culture, ancient monasteries, Ghumbas, and meditation caves. Hence, Annapurna Circuit Trek is for you if you want to indulge in one of the best adventurous treks off the beaten path in Nepal.

Trekking Route Overview and Duration of Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most well known and exciting trekking destinations, encircling the powerful Annapurna massif and winding through the north central Himalayas. This legendary trail takes you across lush valleys, high altitude deserts, and towering snow covered peaks, offering a mesmerizing blend of geography, climate, and culture.The trek’s highest point, Thorong La In addition, to the dramatic contrast, the thrilling Pass (5,416m) provides sweeping views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and beyond. The trek begins in Besisahar, a subtropical region with warm temperatures and terraced rice fields, before progressing through Chame and Pisang, where dense oak and rhododendron forests give way to rocky ridgelines and alpine meadows. The scenery drastically changes as elevation rises, leading into the windswept, arid landscape of Manang, a stunning valley surrounded by high cliffs and hidden from view by Annapurna II and Gangapurna.

Beyond Manang, the ascent becomes more challenging as you reach Yak Kharka and Ledar (4,250m), where oxygen levels drop, and the surroundings feel increasingly isolated and barren.Thorong High Camp (4,925m) is the last push into a harsh alpine environment, with winds slicing through the icy terrain and temperatures dropping sharply. The trek’s ultimate challenge is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which rewards you with unbroken Himalayan views and the odd feeling that you are standing on the brink of two different worlds: the dry Mustang landscape and the lush Annapurna region.

The holy Muktinath Temple, a popular destination for Buddhists and Hindus alike, provides a singular cultural and spiritual experience as you descend into Muktinath (3,760m), where you will find relief from the heat. Jomsom and Tatopani are the next stops on the route, where you will pass through rocky, river-cut terrain before progressively returning to the wooded foothills. The trek will end in Pokhara, where the lush, subtropical landscape will greet you.

Difficulty Level and Preparation Tips at Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekkers who successfully complete the strenuous 5,416-meter climb to Thorong La Pass are rewarded with expansive views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. Overall, the Annapurna Circuit offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to experience different cultures. However, for a successful and pleasurable experience, it is essential to comprehend the trek’s level of difficulty.

The Annapurna Circuit trek is graded as moderate to challenging, with several factors contributing to its difficulty:

1. High Altitude (Up to 5,416m at Thorong La Pass)

Altitude sickness is at Annapurna Circuit Trek a major queries, affecting even the fittest trekkers. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness can occur above 2,500m. Proper habituation (climbing slowly, staying hydrated, and taking rest days) is crucial.

2. Long Duration & Daily Trekking (5–8 hours/day for 12–21 days)

The full Annapurna circuit trek spans 160–230 km, requiring endurance and stamina. The Thorong La Pass crossing (a 10–12 hour day) is the toughest segment due to steep, icy trails and unpredictable weather.

3. Varied Terrain

Trails range from lush forests to rocky, snowy paths, demanding strong ankles and good balance. Uneven surfaces and steep descents can strain knees trekking poles are highly recommended.

4. Unpredictable Weather

Conditions can shift rapidly, with snowstorms, rain, or scorching sun possible even in peak seasons (spring/autumn).

5. Remote & Basic Facilities

Teahouses at higher altitudes offer minimal amenities; cash and essentials (like medicines) must be carried.

Preparation Tips for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Physical Training (Start 3–6 Months in Advance)

● Cardio & Endurance: Running, cycling, swimming, or stair climbing (aim for 1-hour sessions, 3–5 weeks).

● Strength Training: Focus on legs (squats, lunges) and core (planks) to handle long ascents/descents.

● Practice Hikes: Simulate trek conditions with multi-day hikes carrying a loaded backpack (10–15kg).

Acclimatization and Altitude Awareness

Follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Carry Diamox (altitude medication) and recognize symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

Gear & Packing Essentials

● Clothing: Layered clothing (thermal base, fleece, down jacket), waterproof shell, and sturdy ankle-support boots (broken in beforehand).

● Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C to -20°C for high-altitude nights.

● Other Gears: Trekking poles, headlamp, reusable water bottle, and high-SPF sunscreen.

Mental Preparation

Expect fatigue and discomfort; mindfulness practices (yoga, meditation) help maintain motivation.

Logistics & Safety

● Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.

● Guides/Porters: Highly recommended for navigation and reducing physical strain.

● Travel Insurance: Must cover high-altitude rescue (up to 6,000m).

Best Time to Trek

● Spring (March–May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons

● Autumn (October–November): Stable weather, post-monsoon clarity

Prevent landslides and severe cold during the monsoon season (June to September) and the winter season (December to February).

Permits and Required Documents Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit trek permit is a compulsory requirement for those who wish to trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The permit is required to provide safety to the trekkers, protect the local environment and help in the local communities. The principal permit needed for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This permit helps the authorities to control tourism responsibly and limit the effects of the inspection to the environment. If you enter the Annapurna Circuit trek without the proper permit, you could be subject to legal action, including a fine or being turned around from checkpoints on the trek. Trekking without proper paperwork is not only against Nepalese law but also places you at greater risk as authorities will have no records of where you are in the case of an emergency.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is a compulsory permit for all those trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). It provides access to the ACA which goes up to the entire trekking length.

The trek covers a broad region of the Annapurna Conservation Area. This conserved zone is quite large and encompasses the entire Annapurna Circuit trek. The ACA has a great diversity of landscape from subtropical forests to alpine grasslands and abundant animal and bird species. You are required to obtain the permit for Annapurna Circuit trek in order to ensure effective management of the region’s ecological and cultural heritage. The permit safeguards the native environment by limiting the number of trekkers, managing the environmental pressure and promoting conservation efforts.

This permit is applicable for the duration of your trek in the conservation area. It is usually issued for the number of days that you decide to trek in the Annapurna region and will also need to be shown at checkpoints along the route.

The ACAP costs NPR 3,000 i.e. USD 22 for all foreign nationals except for trekkers from SAARC countries. If you are coming from countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, entering the Annapurna Conservation Area is only NPR 1,000 which equals USD 8. The income acquired from the ACAP fee is spent on conservation activities like the maintenance of trails, monitoring of wildlife, sponsorship of community initiatives and maintenance of sustainable practices that help retain the area’s natural beauty and ecological integrity. Note: For more detail and update information you can visit to Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Accommodation and Food on Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna region used to be a popular destination for camping treks. However, things are completely different now. There are several cozy lodging alternatives, including lodges, tea houses, and homestays that are designed to meet the demands of hikers. You won’t have any trouble finding accommodation while you’re trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp or the 10 Days Annapurna Circuit. However, you have to book your accommodation in advance for the peak season. Sometimes, during the high trekking season, trekkers have to spend the night in the dining hall due to a lack of rooms available.

1. Tea Houses

A teahouse is the most popular and traditional kind of accommodation on the trail. They are usually located in a smaller village along the hiking routes. A local owns a tea house, which is essentially a house with minimal rooms set aside for hikers to stay the night. These tea houses are available in a range of designs, from low-cost versions with basic amenities to more opulent versions with features like Wi-Fi and hot showers.

A room with twin beds, a shared restroom (usually with squat toilets), and communal dining rooms are standard amenities offered by teahouses. The atmosphere in the teahouse is friendly, and the owners are warm and inviting. In the tea houses, you can chat with other hikers, exchange stories, and learn about the state of the trail.

2. Lodges or Guesthouses

Although they are usually more expensive, lodges are cozier and larger than teahouses. Guest houses often serve Western food and offer private bathrooms and hot showers. They are typically located in larger towns or villages and may include extra amenities like free internet access. Certain lodges have room heating, which is a pleasant comfort on chilly evenings. The majority of these guest houses are situated in prime locations so you can take in the picturesque views of the mountains.

3. Homestays

Several villages in the Annapurna region like Ghandruk and Ghorepani have homestays in addition to lodges and tea houses. Homestays provide you the chance to fully experience traditional Nepali cultures. You’ll be staying at the villagers’ home with their family. Along with learning about the local way of life, you will also discover how the climate and geography impact day-to-day existence in the Himalayan villages.

4. Camping

A few daredevils who prefer a more conventional camping experience can even camp their way through the Annapurna journey. It may be more difficult to camp than to stay at a tea house as you have to carry all of your essentials along the way. So porters will be needed to help you carry the camping gear.

5. Food on Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a wide range of culinary options. Vegetarian selections are available, as well as international and regional cuisine. Meals are usually served at tea houses along the route.

Here’s a typical daily menu on the Trek to Annapurna Circuit.

6. Breakfast

The Trek to Annapurna Circuit breakfast options can vary depending on the teahouse you are staying at. The elevation also affects the choices of breakfast. You’ll typically find options for breakfast like porridge, toast with eggs or jam, pancakes, and Tibetan bread.

● Porridge: Sometimes with fruits or nuts.

● Pancakes: Plain, banana, apple, or chocolate.

● Toast or Tibetan Bread: With butter, jam, or honey.

● Eggs: Boiled, scrambled, fried, or omelette.

● Chapati or Paratha: Indian-style bread.

7. Lunch and Dinner

During the Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal, lunch and dinner are essential for refuelling and hunger after a strenuous day of hiking. These meals offer a chance to replenish your energy with a balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Lightweight and local options are recommended because of the difficult trekking conditions. A variety of dishes fit for lunch and dinner are below:

Dal Bhat: Dal Bhat is Nepal’s staple food. It consists of lentil soup, rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat (chicken or mutton).
Noodles: For a satisfying meal, prepare fried noodles, noodle soup, or thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) with veggies and protein.
Momo: Momos are another popular Nepali dish. They are dumplings filled with vegetables, cheese, or meat, steamed or fried.
Curry: Vegetable or meat curries with rice or chapati. Local vegetables are used to make curry, which is tasty and full of vitamins and minerals.
Pizza and Pasta: Simple versions made with local ingredients.
Fried Rice: With vegetables or meat.

Best Time to Travel Annapurna Circuit Trek

September, October and November autumn in the Himalayas with October generally considered to be the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit trek. The monsoon has cleared the air, and dust free trials. This is peak trekking season and tea houses will be busy, especially in Manang. It is possible to trek the Annapurna Circuit trek in winter with November and December offering a welcome respite from the autumn trekking crowds. Be prepared for cold days and even colder nights and the possibility of delays or detours due to snow.
Heavy snowfall in January makes for treacherous conditions over the Thorong La pass and many trekkers will find the route blocked.
February, March and early April bring warmer, longer days and a pleasant alternative to the busy autumn trekking season, awash with pink rhododendrons in full bloom.
May is warm particularly at lower altitudes but brings the risk of pre-monsoon rainfall. So you will need to be well prepared with wet weather gear.
In June, July and August the monsoon hits full force with torrential rain bringing the risk of flooding the rivers in the circuit’s lower sections and landslides to the unstable slopes. While it doesn’t rain every day, and the scenery becomes lush and green, views of the Himalayas will be mostly obscured behind clouds.

Packing List and Gear Guide

Pack many high energy snacks, like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit. These will help you maintain your energy levels all day
Sip a lot of water. Staying hydrated is essential, particularly at higher elevations
Keep altitude sickness in mind. An inability to eat can result from altitude sickness. Try eating fewer, more frequent meals if you begin to feel ill
If you have any dietary needs, inform your lodges beforehand
Most teahouses expect you to eat where you stay, so factor this into your budget

How Cold does it get on the Annapurna Circuit?

During the winter months, the average daytime temperature of the Annapurna Circuit trek is 5-10°C, but it can go as low as -20°C in higher altitudes, and even lower at night.

During the warmer months, you’ll likely experience temperatures from 15-23°C at the lower altitudes on the trek (below 2,500m). But as you climb up above 4,000m it’ll drop below 10°C. And the highest point of the trek, Thorung La, may well be below freezing. So even during summer time, you will need warm clothes.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing list?

Annapurna Circuit Trek extremes of temperature, it’s absolutely imperative that you’ve brought the appropriate kit with you, such as tried-and-tested hiking boots, decent waterproofs and a down jacket. A fake-brand sleeping bag picked up on a backpacking route won’t cut the mustard in the Himalayas.

It’s also worth bringing a metal flask for water if you can. If you have a plastic water bottle, and so the water isn’t heated, there’s a good chance it’ll freeze when you get into freezing terrain. If you can bring something to purify water then even better bottled water gets expensive the higher you get.
The same goes for food. Dinner may be four times as expensive up the mountain, once the roads have ended, as you would have paid in Kathmandu. Here is a bullet pointed list of what to bring on the Annapurna Circuit:

Clothes

● Waterproof jacket

● Mid weight down jacket

● Waterproof trousers

● Lightweight trekking trousers

● Hiking shorts (if trekking in the summer)

● Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)

● 3-4 trekking t-shirts/shirts

● Fleece or warm mid-layer

● Waterproof thick gloves

● Glove liners

● Hiking socks and lighter walking socks

● Wool hat

● Sun hat

● Spare underwear

● Buff or similar

Shoes

● Worn in waterproof hiking boots

● Lightweight trainers (for the evenings)

● Flip-flops or sandals

Sleeping

● 4-season sleeping bag

● Sleeping bag liner

● Pillow case (optional)

Other

● Trekking poles

● Travel towel

● Sun protection (sunscreen, and sunglasses)

● 2 water bottles (1 litre each)

● Metal SIGG bottle (useful to fill with hot water to use as a hot water bottle at bedtime)

● Headtorch

● First aid kit and/or personal medication

● Water purification tablets/system

● Hand gel

● Biodegradable wet wipes

● Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain

● Toilet paper/tissues

● 1 x passport photo for trek permit

● Powerbank

● Universal plug adaptor

● Book/kindle/cards for downtime

Winter departures only

Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs

1. Why is the Annapurna Circuit Trek a must‑do trek in Nepal?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most scenic and culturally rich treks in Nepal.

2. How long does Annapurna Circuit trek take?

Typically, it takes 10 to 14 days, though some itineraries extend up to 21 days, covering 160–240 km, depending on pace and acclimatization.

3. What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Ideal seasons are autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May), featuring stable weather, clear skies, and vibrant scenery like the rhododendron blooms. Steer clear of winter (December–February) and monsoon (June–August) because of the snow and a lot of rain.

4. What permits are required in Annapurna Circuit trek ?

You must obtain:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 ( USD 22) for foreign trekkers, NPR 1,000 (≈ USD 8) for SAARC nationals.
TIMS Card: (Trekkers’ Information Management System).

These are essential and are checked at various checkpoints along the route.

5. What are the accommodation options for the Annapurna Circuit trek ?

Tea Houses: Simple accommodations with dining areas, shared bathrooms, and twin beds.
Lodges/Guesthouses: More comfortable, often with private baths, Western food, Wi‑Fi heating.
Homestays: Authentic Nepalese hospitality in villages like Ghandruk and Ghorepani.
Camping: Rare but available; requires your own gear and porters.

6. What food can you expect along the trail?

Common meals include:

Breakfast: Porridge, pancakes, eggs, Tibetan bread.
Lunch/Dinner: Dal bhat, momos, noodles, fried rice, curry, pasta—vegetarian and non‑veg options available.

7. How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

It’s classified as moderate to challenging. Challenges include:

High altitude (Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m).
Long daily hiking (5–8 hours).
Varied terrain: forested trails, rocky ridges, alpine deserts.
Unpredictable weather: sudden snow, rain, or sun.

Proper acclimatization and fitness training are vital.

8. How should I prepare for the Annapurna Circuit trek ?

Preparation steps:

Physical Training: Cardiovascular endurance (running, cycling), strength training, and practice hikes with a loaded pack.
Acclimatization: Follow “climb high, sleep low”; consider altitude meds like Diamox.
Gear: Sleeping bag (between 10°C and 20°C), trekking poles, waterproof shell, sturdy broken-in boots, headlamp, high-SPF sunscreen, and layers of clothing.
Mental Readiness: To develop mental resilience, practice yoga, meditation, or mindfulness.
Logistics: Secure ACAP & TIMS, get travel insurance with high‑altitude rescue coverage, and hire guides or porters if needed.

What is the highest altitude reached of Annapurna Circuit Trek ?
The highest altitude is 5416 m at the Thorang La Pass
How cold is Annapurna Circuit Trek ?
It can get as cold as -20°C at higher altitudes on the Annapurna Circuit, even on summer nights, so warm clothing is essential year round.