The Complete 2026 Guide
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK
The classic round-the-massif epic — from subtropical valleys to the Tibetan plateau, crossing the legendary Thorong La pass (5,416m). One of the world’s great treks, with astonishing variety of landscape and culture. This is the complete 2026 guide.
The Essentials
Circuit at a Glance
Annapurna massif circuit + Thorong La (5,416m)
12–16 days
Strenuous (high pass, long days)
5,416m (Thorong La pass)
Besisahar/Chame → Muktinath/Jomsom
October–November, March–April
ACAP + TIMS
Teahouses throughout
Day by Day
The Itinerary
Drive Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame (2,670m)
Long drive.
Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300m)
5–6 hrs.
Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540m) via the high route (Ghyaru, Ngawal)
6–7 hrs. Superb acclimatisation and views.
Acclimatisation day in Manang
Day hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) or Gangapurna viewpoint.
Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050m)
4 hrs.
Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi / High Camp (4,450–4,900m)
4 hrs.
Cross Thorong La (5,416m) → descend to Muktinath (3,800m)
7–9 hrs. The big day.
Muktinath — sacred temple visit, then drive/trek to Jomsom (2,720m)
Jomsom → fly or drive to Pokhara
Buffer + Pokhara/Kathmandu (and optional extensions like Tilicho Lake)
Add Tilicho Lake (4,919m) as a side trip for an extra 2–3 days. Walking-only variants avoid the jeep road — see /blog/annapurna-circuit-without-jeep-2026
Budget
How Much Does the Circuit Cost?
Includes guide, permits, teahouses, ground transport. Excludes international flights, visa, insurance, tips, gear.
Full breakdownThe Real Challenge
How Hard Is the Circuit?
The Thorong La pass
At 5,416m, the highest trekking pass on a classic route. A long, cold, demanding crossing requiring an alpine start. The crux of the trek.
Altitude & acclimatisation
The gradual ascent aids acclimatisation, but the pass is serious. The Manang rest day and high-route detour are essential prep.
Long days & distance
12–16 days of sustained trekking. Good fitness and 8–10 weeks of training strongly recommended.
TrainingThe Crux
The Thorong La Pass
The Thorong La (5,416m) is crossed on a single big day with a pre-dawn (4–5am) start to beat the wind. From High Camp it’s a steep, cold climb to the prayer-flag-draped pass, then a long knee-testing descent to Muktinath. Weather can close the pass with snow; flexibility and a buffer day matter. Reaching the top is one of trekking’s great moments.
Paperwork
Permits You Need
Your agency arranges these for you before you set out.
All Nepal permitsWhen to Go
Best Time to Trek the Circuit
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Best — clear, stable, the pass is open. Peak season.
Spring (Mar–Apr)
Excellent — rhododendrons, warming weather, pass usually open.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Thorong La often snow-closed and dangerous; lower sections doable.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Wet on the south side, but Manang/Mustang sit in the rain shadow — possible with care.
The Honest Truth
The Jeep Road Issue
Roads now reach Manang (east) and Muktinath (west), so parts of the old Circuit involve road-walking. The fix: take the high trekking variants (Ghyaru, Ngawal, the high route above Manang), start trekking at Chame, and exit by flight/drive from Jomsom rather than walking the dusty lower road. Done right, the Circuit is still spectacular.
How to skip the roadGear
What to Pack
The essentials for the Circuit: warm layers, a down jacket, a -15 to -20°C sleeping bag for the pass, broken-in boots, sun and wind protection, and trekking poles for the long descent off Thorong La.
Full packing listCommon Questions
Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQ
How long is the Annapurna Circuit trek?
The Annapurna Circuit takes 12–16 days depending on where you start and finish and whether you add side trips like Tilicho Lake. Roads have shortened the classic route; a typical modern itinerary trekking the high variants and flying out from Jomsom runs around 12–14 days.
How much does the Annapurna Circuit cost?
A budget Annapurna Circuit trek costs $750–1,100 per person (in a 2-person group), including guide, permits, teahouses, and ground transport. Comfort-level trips run $1,300–2,000. International flights, visa, insurance, and tips are extra.
How hard is the Annapurna Circuit and the Thorong La pass?
The Circuit is strenuous, with its crux being the Thorong La pass at 5,416m — the highest pass on a classic Nepal trek. It's a long, cold, demanding crossing but non-technical. Good fitness, proper acclimatisation, and a slow ascent make it achievable for prepared trekkers.
Is the Annapurna Circuit ruined by the road?
Not if you trek it smartly. Roads reach parts of the route, but the high trekking variants (Ghyaru, Ngawal, the high route above Manang), starting at Chame, and exiting by flight from Jomsom keep you on spectacular walking trails away from the road. The Thorong La crossing itself is entirely road-free.
What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
October–November (autumn) is the best season — clear skies, stable weather, and an open Thorong La pass. March–April (spring) is the second-best window. In winter the pass is frequently snow-closed; the monsoon is wet except in the Manang/Mustang rain shadow.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes — a licensed guide is now required for ACAP trekking areas, and strongly recommended for the Thorong La crossing. A guide manages permits, navigation, the pass timing and weather call, altitude safety, and logistics across this long and varied route.
Ready for the Circuit?
We’ve guided the Annapurna Circuit since 1998 with NMA-certified local guides who know exactly how to time the Thorong La and skip the road. Let’s plan yours.