Annapurna Circuit Trek: What to Know Before You Go

The Route

Starting from Besisahar (or Chame, since road access now covers part of the original trail), the route climbs through Pisang and Manang before the main challenge: Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft). From there, it descends into Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and follows the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest, down to Jomsom.

Difficulty

Expect 5 to 7 hours of walking daily on varied terrain. Altitude, not distance, is the real challenge, which is why the itinerary builds in an acclimatization day at Manang before the pass. Skipping or rushing that day is the most common reason trekkers run into altitude sickness. No technical climbing skill is needed, but decent fitness and some pre-trip hiking practice go a long way.

Permits

Two are required for every trekker:

• - ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
• - TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

These are checked at multiple points on the trail, and a trekking agency will typically arrange both as part of a package.

Best Time to Trek

Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the reliable windows. Autumn brings clear skies and stable weather, while spring offers blooming rhododendrons and milder temperatures at lower altitudes. Winter can close Thorong La with snow, and monsoon brings rain, leeches, and poor visibility, so it's generally one for experienced trekkers seeking solitude only.

Cost and Practicalities

A properly organized trip with a licensed guide, permits, teahouse stays, and transport typically starts around $900 per person, dropping with group size. You can check current pricing and fixed departure dates on the Annapurna Circuit Trek page directly. Carry more cash than you expect, since ATMs are unreliable past Chame, Muktinath, and Jomsom, and know that Wi-Fi and hot showers, common lower down, get pricier and less reliable above Manang.

Why Trek It

Few routes pack in this much: a 5,400m pass, a temple with 108 sacred water spouts, and villages shaped by Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan Buddhist culture, all in one trip.