Lopchan Treks · Trip notes
Annapurna Circuit Trek
A trek around the north side of the Annapurna massif, from green rice terraces to the high desert of Mustang, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m.
- Duration
- 11 days
- High point
- Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m / 17,769 ft
- Grade
- Challenging (long days, one very high pass)
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
- Start / end
- Besisahar / Jomsom
- Stay
- Teahouse lodges, twin-share rooms
- Group size
- Ask us
- Price
- On request
Route
Altitude
Itinerary
| Day | Route | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar | 760 m |
| 2 | Drive and trek up the Marsyangdi valley | – |
| 3 | Trek to Chame | 2,670 m |
| 4 | Trek to Upper Pisang | 3,300 m |
| 5 | Trek to Manang | 3,540 m |
| 6 | Acclimatisation day in Manang | 3,540 m |
| 7 | Trek to Yak Kharka | 4,050 m |
| 8 | Trek to Thorong Phedi | 4,450 m |
| 9 | Cross Thorong La, descend to Muktinath Sleep at Muktinath. | 5,416 m |
| 10 | Descend to Jomsom | 2,720 m |
| 11 | Fly or drive to Pokhara | – |
Included
- Licensed trekking guide
- Teahouse accommodation on the trek
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
- Tips for guides and porters
Is it for me?
- No climbing skills needed, but the day over Thorong La is long, cold and high, with an early start.
- The rest of the trek is a steady climb up the Marsyangdi valley, which helps you acclimatise.
- Train with hill walks or stair sessions two or three times a week for eight to ten weeks before you go.
- You cross 5,416 m on one day. Anyone can get altitude sickness, so read our safety approach before you go.
Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): On request
- TIMS card: On request
Spending on the trail
- Hot shower: On request
- Wi-Fi: On request
- Phone or battery charging: On request
- Boiled or filtered water (1 litre): On request
- Dal bhat (set meal): On request
Questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit?
Long rather than technical. Most days are a steady climb up the valley, then one very hard day crosses Thorong La at 5,416 m with an early start and a long descent to Muktinath.
Is the road ruining the circuit?
Roads now reach far up both sides of the circuit. Good itineraries use trails away from the road where they exist. Ask us
When can I cross Thorong La?
The pass is most reliable from March to May and from October to November. Snow can close it in winter and early spring. Your guide decides each morning whether it's safe.
What time do you start on pass day?
Before dawn, to cross before the wind picks up in the late morning. Ask us
What permits do I need?
An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Your guide arranges it. See the permits guide for current fees and whether a TIMS card is also needed.
Will I get altitude sickness?
You might. The gradual climb and the rest day in Manang help a lot. If you feel unwell, don't go higher, and tell your guide straight away. Turning back before the pass is always an option.
Can I add Tilicho Lake?
Yes. From Manang, a side trip to Tilicho Lake adds two to three days and a lot of extra altitude practice before the pass.
How do I get back from Jomsom?
By a short morning flight to Pokhara, weather permitting, or by road down the Kali Gandaki valley.
What travel insurance do I need?
Insurance that covers trekking up to at least 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation. Check the altitude limit in the policy wording, not just the summary.
