Annapurna Circuit Trek
"Circle the Annapurna Range."
Trek Gallery
Your Journey to Kathmandu
Follow every step of the Annapurna Circuit Trek — from Bhulbhule to Kathmandu. Click on any waypoint to see detailed information.
5,416m
Highest Point
Muktinath
160 km
Total Distance
Estimated trail distance
15
Key Waypoints
Villages, camps & peaks
+4,576m
Elevation Gain
From Bhulbhule
💡 Tip: Click on any waypoint on the map to see detailed information about that stop
Trek Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most legendary long-distance treks, a full loop around the Annapurna massif that takes you through an extraordinary range of landscapes, from lush subtropical valleys to high-altitude desert, all in a single journey. Long considered one of the best treks in the world, it owes its reputation to sheer variety: no other trek in Nepal shifts so dramatically in scenery, climate, and culture over its length. The route climbs steadily along the Marsyangdi River through Gurung and Manangi villages, gaining altitude gradually before the trek's defining challenge crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. From there, the landscape transforms completely as you descend into Mustang's stark, Tibetan-influenced high desert around Muktinath, before continuing down through Marpha's apple orchards and back into forest and farmland near Ghorepani and Poon Hill. While parts of the lower trail now share space with a rough dirt road, most trekking companies route around this using higher trails and optional jeep transfers, preserving the wilderness feel the trek is famous for. For trekkers who want maximum landscape diversity, cultural immersion, and one serious high-altitude achievement in a single trip, the Annapurna Circuit remains hard to beat.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive along the winding Prithvi Highway before turning north into the Marsyangdi valley. Pass through Besisahar before reaching Bhulbhule, the trailhead.
Altitude
840m
Distance
N/A
Meals
Welcome Dinner
Accommodation
Tea House
What's Included
Included
- Airport pickups and transfers in Kathmandu
- Tea house accommodation during the trek
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System) card
- First aid kit and oximeter
- Trekking map and trip completion certificate
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal tourist visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging fees
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal trekking equipment and gear
- Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
Throughout the trek, you'll stay in traditional teahouses run by local Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali families. Rooms are twin-share with a bed, blanket, and pillow. This is one of the most well-developed teahouse routes in Nepal, with consistently good facilities even near Thorong La, though rooms become simpler and colder at Thorong Phedi and High Camp. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are widely available for a small fee, growing pricier the higher you climb.
Meals
All meals during the trek are included. Breakfast typically consists of porridge, eggs, pancakes, and Tibetan bread. Lunches and dinners feature dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), thukpa, momos, noodles, and simple pasta dishes. Vegetarian options are always available. Thanks to jeep-road access on parts of the lower route, menu variety stays broader here than on more remote treks, though options narrow near the pass.
Difficulty & Fitness
Requirements
- Ability to walk 5–7 hours per day on varied terrain
- Comfortable hiking sustained days at high altitude
- No serious heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions
- Previous multi-day trekking experience recommended
- Mental resilience for challenging days
Training Tips
- Start cardio training 6–8 weeks before the trek
- Include regular hiking with a loaded backpack
- Add stair climbing and leg-strengthening work
- Build up to walking 12–15 km comfortably
- Take at least one long weekend hike (4+ hours) before departure
Packing List
- Moisture-wicking base layers (3-4)
- Waterproof outer shell jacket
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Warm socks (4-5 pairs)
- Insulating fleece/down jacket
- Trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Comfortable trekking clothes
Best Time to Trek
March - May (Spring)
Pros
- Clear mountain views along the full circuit, especially near Manang
- Rhododendron forests in bloom around Ghorepani and Tadapani
- Thorong La Pass generally clear of fresh snow
- Warmer temperatures at lower elevations
Cons
- Busy trails and lodges, especially around Manang and Muktinath
- Occasional afternoon haze in the lower valleys
- Advance booking recommended for peak weeks
Safety & Altitude Awareness
Safety Measures
- All guides are licensed by the Nepal Tourism Board and registered through a TAAN-affiliated trekking agency, as legally required for this restricted region
- Guides carry first aid kits and pulse oximeters
- Regular altitude/health checks throughout the trek, especially approaching Thorong La
- 1:6 guide-to-trekker ratio (maximum)
Altitude Sickness
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) affects many trekkers above 3,000m, particularly past Manang
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
- Prevention: proper acclimatization, hydration, gradual ascent
- Our itinerary includes 1 dedicated acclimatization day at Manang
Emergency Protocol
- 24/7 emergency contact support from Kathmandu office
- Helicopter evacuation can be arranged (weather and altitude permitting)
- Portable oxygen available at high camps
- Rescue coverage must be included in your insurance
- Nearest medical facilities: health post in Manang, with full medical care only available back in Pokhara or Kathmandu
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Your Adventure?
Join trekkers from around the world on this life-changing journey.
$1,449
per person
16 Days
adventure
4.8
0 reviews
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