How much does the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost in 2026?

Our 20-day guided package starts from USD 1,825 per person, covering all transport, ACAP and TIMS permits, full board meals, teahouse accommodation, TAAN-licensed guide, and porter.

How hard is Thorong La Pass?

The pass at 5,416m is non-technical but physically demanding. You start at 4 AM from High Camp, climb for 4 to 5 hours in bitter cold, then descend 1,600 meters to Muktinath. Proper acclimatization in Manang is essential. AMS is the main risk; fitness and hydration are your best defense.

When is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit?

October to mid-November for the clearest views and driest weather. Late April to May for warmer temperatures and rhododendron blooms on the eastern section. Thorong La can be snowed shut in winter.

Can I add Tilicho Lake to the Annapurna Circuit?

Yes. A side trip from Manang adds 2 days to reach Tilicho Lake at 4,919m, one of the highest lakes in the world. See our Tilicho Lake Via Annapurna Circuit package (15 days, USD 1,475).

What is the deepest gorge on the circuit?

The Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m) is the deepest gorge on Earth measured from summit to riverbed. You walk through it for three days between Kagbeni and Tatopani.

Is a guide mandatory for the Annapurna Circuit?

Yes. Since 2023, all foreign trekkers in the Annapurna Conservation Area must trek with a licensed guide. Solo trekking without a guide is not permitted.

What direction does the circuit go?

Counter-clockwise: Besisahar to Manang to Thorong La to Muktinath to Jomsom to Tatopani to Nayapul. This direction provides gradual altitude gain before the pass and is followed by nearly all trekkers.

How is the circuit different from the ABC trek?

The Circuit is a 20-day loop around the entire Annapurna massif crossing Thorong La (5,416m). ABC is a 13-day out-and-back to the Annapurna Sanctuary (4,130m). They share no trail sections. The Circuit is longer, higher, and more culturally diverse; ABC is shorter with a more dramatic single destination.

Annapurna RegionStrenuous

Annapurna CircuitTrek

Circle the entire Annapurna massif in 20 days, crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Rice paddies to arid plateau, six climate zones, Manang acclimatization, Muktinath temple, and the deepest gorge on Earth. From USD 1,825.

View Itinerary

DaysTotal trek duration

5416m

Max AltitudeHighest point reached

Sep–Jun

Best SeasonIdeal trekking window

$1,825

FromPer person (twin sharing)

The Thorong La crossing is the defining moment of the circuit. A 4 AM start from High Camp (4,850m) in darkness, 4 to 5 hours of steady climbing to the prayer flag-covered pass at 5,416m, views of Dhaulagiri across the valley, then a brutal 1,600-meter descent to Muktinath. The pre-dawn cold, the altitude, and the scale of the descent make this one of the most memorable pass crossings in trekking.

The Kali Gandaki gorge below Kagbeni is a geological wonder. The river cuts between Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m), creating the deepest gorge on Earth measured from rim to river. The wind funnels through the gorge every afternoon, and the landscape shifts from Tibetan-style stone houses and barley fields to apple orchards and subtropical forest within two days of walking.

Manang (3,519m) is the cultural heart of the circuit. A Tibetan-influenced trading town with flat-roofed stone houses, a Buddhist gompa, and the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic that gives free altitude lectures. The rest day here is not wasted time; it is one of the best acclimatization stops on any Nepal trek.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 20-day loop around the Annapurna massif, crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. The route moves through six climate zones: subtropical forest, temperate farmland, alpine meadows, arid high plateau, trans-Himalayan desert, and the deep Kali Gandaki gorge. No other single trek in Nepal covers this range of terrain and culture.

The standard direction runs counter-clockwise from Besisahar (760m) on the east side, climbing gradually through Chame (2,670m) and Manang (3,519m) to Thorong La. The mandatory rest day in Manang allows acclimatization with optional hikes to Ice Lake (4,620m) or Gangapurna Lake. The 4 AM crossing of Thorong La drops 1,600 meters to Muktinath (3,800m) on the west side, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist temple complex.

Beyond Muktinath, the trail descends the Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge on Earth, with Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m) rising on opposite sides. The arid landscape of Kagbeni and Jomsom gives way to apple orchards in Marpha, Thakali villages in Tukuche, and eventually subtropical forest near Tatopani hot springs. The circuit ends at Nayapul with a drive back to Pokhara.

Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, both included. Licensed guide mandatory since 2023 for all foreign trekkers.

To add Tilicho Lake (4,919m) to the circuit, the Tilicho Lake Via Annapurna Circuit adds a side trip from Manang. For the restricted Nar Phu Valley detour, see the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The Thorong La crossing alone is available as the shorter Thorong La Pass Trek (15 days). For the lower Mustang section, see the Jomsom Muktinath Trek.

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude

TrailPeak

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel

Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel

Day03

Drive to Besisahar & Jeep to Chamje

Chamje

Drive to Besisahar and jeep drive to Chamje (1,750 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,750m6h trekTeahouse405m

Day04

Trek to Dharapani

Dharapani

Trek to Dharapani (1,970 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,970m7h trekTeahouse220m

Day05

Trek to Chame

Chame

Trek to Chame (2,720 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,720m6h trekTeahouse750m

Day06

Trek to Pisang

Pisang

Trek to Pisang (3,200 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,200m5h trekTeahouse480m

Day07

Trek to Manang

Manang

Trek to Manang (3,400 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,400m5h trekTeahouse200m

Day08

Rest Day in Manang

Manang

A necessary day in Manang to rest, acclimatize, and explore the village. Overnight at teahouse.

3,400mTeahouse

Day09

Trek to Yak Kharka

Yak Kharka

Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,000m4h trekTeahouse600m

Day10

Trek to Thorong Phedi

Thorong Phedi

Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,450m5h trekTeahouse450m

Day11

Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

Muktinath

Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descend to Muktinath (3,800 m), approximately 10 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,800m10h trekTeahouse650m

Day12

Trek to Marpha

Marpha

Trek to Marpha (2,610 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,610m6h trekTeahouse1,190m

Day13

Trek to Ghasa

Ghasa

Trek to Ghasa (1,970 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,970m7h trekTeahouse640m

Day14

Trek to Tatopani

Tatopani

Trek to Tatopani (1,100 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,100m5h trekTeahouse870m

Day15

Rest Day in Tatopani

Tatopani

Rest day in Tatopani, including an optional soak in the natural hot springs. Overnight at teahouse.

1,100mTeahouse

Day16

Trek to Ghorepani

Ghorepani

Trek to Ghorepani (2,850 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,850m7h trekTeahouse1,750m

Day17

Trek to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara

Pokhara

Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara, approximately 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.

865mHotel1,985m

Day18

Sightseeing in Pokhara

Pokhara

Sightseeing around Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.

865mHotel

Day19

Drive Back to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel480m

Day20

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer

Trek Cost

TierPrice

Per Person

USD 1,825

What's Included

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara, breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) during the trek.

Teahouse accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all other necessary permits.

Surface transfer from Kathmandu.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge and VAT.

Not Included

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included

Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

We kindly offer the option of a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu back an an additional cost of US$100 per person (US$100 for one way). Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.

Scenery

Six climate zones in one trek: subtropical forest, temperate farmland, alpine meadows, arid plateau, trans-Himalayan desert, and the deepest gorge on Earth. No other trek matches this range.

Thrill

Thorong La at 5,416m is one of the great pass crossings in world trekking. The 4 AM start, the prayer flags at the top, and the 1,600-meter descent to Muktinath are unforgettable.

Connection

Manang is a genuine Tibetan-influenced mountain town, not a tourist village. Flat roofs, barley fields, Buddhist gompas, and yak caravans.

Expectations

Before you book

You want the most varied single trek in Nepal. The circuit changes landscape, culture, and climate every two to three days.

You can walk 5 to 7 hours a day for 17 trekking days with one full-day pass crossing at 5,416m. Good cardiovascular fitness is essential.

You are comfortable sleeping at 4,850m (Thorong La High Camp) and crossing a 5,416m pass. Prior altitude experience above 4,000m is recommended.

You have 20 days available. The circuit cannot be meaningfully shortened without cutting major sections.

You enjoy cultural immersion. Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced communities all feature on the trail.

Equipment

Packing checklist

32 items

Duffel or Rucksack bag (This should be nice with good zipper)

Daypack

Down Jacket (Company also nice and clean down jacket provide)

Sleeping bag 4 season ( also provide )

Hiking pants

Waterproof jacket

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

Polypropylene/wool socks

Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Woollen socks to wear with boots

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)

Insulated pants

Nylon windbreaker

Nylon wind pants

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Walking stick. (company also provide or you can buy in Kathmandu)

Camera ( don’t forget to buy the spare film and batteries to go with it before you leave.)

Personal stereo/radio

Book ( buy them before you leave or in Kathmandu)

Notepad (writing a diary in the evening by the fireside is a favourite past time of trekkers) Multipurpose knife or Swiss army knife Personal towel Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please. Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.

FAQs

The most asked

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Keshwi

LondonApril 2026