Annapurna Circuit: Complete Stage-by-Stage Trek Guide

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most rewarding long-distance treks in the world. It circles the entire Annapurna massif through almost every kind of landscape Nepal has to offer: green subtropical valleys, pine forest, high-alpine villages, windswept desert and the high pass of Thorong La at 5,416 metres. This Annapurna Circuit trekking guide takes you stage by stage through the route, with altitudes, acclimatisation advice and key practical tips. For current road conditions, costs and permits, read our Annapurna Circuit 2026 guide.

Golden sunrise light on a Himalayan peak

Annapurna Circuit route overview

The classic circuit used to take two to three weeks, starting low in the Marsyangdi valley at Besisahar and ending in Pokhara. Roads now reach much of the route, so many trekkers shorten the walk by taking a jeep to Chame or Pisang and walk from there. This cuts the walking time and avoids the dustier lower sections, though some purists still prefer to walk the whole way. A typical itinerary covers about 12 to 15 days, including travel and acclimatisation. The conservation area is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, which collects the park fees that fund trail upkeep.

Colourful tea houses beside a mountain trail with snow peaks behind

Stage 1: Chame to Pisang

Most trekkers reach Chame (about 2,700 metres) by jeep from Besisahar or Kathmandu, then walk through pine and fir forests along the Marsyangdi river. The valley narrows, the peaks of Annapurna II and IV come into view and the villages become more Tibetan in style. Pisang (about 3,200 metres) sits below dramatic cliffs. This is a good first night at altitude.

Stage 2: Pisang to Manang

You have two routes: the lower path through Ghyaru, or the upper route, with wider views over the Annapurna range. Many trekkers prefer the upper route and spend a night at Ngawal. Manang (about 3,540 metres) is the acclimatisation base. The village has bakeries, a small hospital post and a medical lecture about altitude sickness that many trekkers attend. Read our guide to altitude sickness before you reach this point.

A pointed Himalayan peak rising above the clouds

Stage 3: Acclimatisation in Manang

Spend two nights in Manang and take a day hike to help your body adjust. Good options include the walk to Gangapurna Lake, the climb to the Ice Lake viewpoint, or a short hike above the village. The rule is "climb high, sleep low": go up during the day and return to sleep at the same altitude. This is the most important safety rule on the circuit. If you want a longer side trip, see our Tilicho Lake trek guide.

Stage 4: Manang to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi

From Manang, the path climbs to Yak Kharka (about 4,000 metres), with yak pastures and wide valley views. The next day is a short walk up to Thorong Phedi (about 4,450 metres) or the higher High Camp (about 4,800 metres). Keep the day short, drink plenty of water and watch for headaches or nausea. Sleep is often difficult at this altitude, so rest and eat well.

Stage 5: Crossing Thorong La

The pass is the highest and most demanding point of the trek, at 5,416 metres. Start before dawn, around 4 or 5 in the morning, to avoid the strong winds that build up later in the day. The climb takes about three to four hours from High Camp, and the descent to Muktinath is long, steep and hard on the knees. Bring a warm layer, a headlamp, gloves and plenty of water. Our Thorong La pass guide explains how to cross safely and what to do if the weather turns.

Stage 6: Muktinath to Jomsom

Muktinath (about 3,800 metres) is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists, with a temple, eternal flames and 108 water spouts. The dry landscape beyond is different from the green valleys on the other side: arid, windy and dramatic. Kagbeni is a medieval-looking village at the edge of Upper Mustang, and Jomsom (about 2,720 metres) has an airport, shops and lodges. Many trekkers end here and fly to Pokhara; if you are curious about the region beyond, read about Upper Mustang.

Stage 7: Down the Kali Gandaki

For those who keep walking, the trail follows the Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest in the world, to Tatopani, with its natural hot springs (about 1,200 metres) a reward after the pass. From there you can continue to Ghorepani and Poon Hill (about 3,200 metres) for a sunrise view before ending at Nayapul and Pokhara. This extension adds several days.

Permits, best season and cost

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card, and rules and fees change, so see our permits and TIMS guide. The best seasons are March to May and October to November, when skies are clearer and the pass is more reliably open. Winter and monsoon conditions are harder. You can trek independently, but a guide and porter add safety and make the pass easier; read the solo trekking rules before deciding. For packing, see our trekking packing list.

If the Circuit is too long

The circuit takes time and fitness. If you have less time, try the ten-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or the shorter Poon Hill trek. Our comparison of Annapurna and Everest Base Camp helps you choose between the two big treks, and the Annapurna region page lists the options.