Admin UserThe Annapurna Circuit is a legendary trek that crosses the 5,416 m Thorong La pass and travels through an astonishing diversity of landscapes, from subtropical valleys to high desert. Roads now reach much of the route, so the modern circuit is shorter and more flexible than the classic three-week version, but the most spectacular sections remain walking-only. If you have wondered whether the Annapurna Circuit is still worth doing in 2026, the answer is yes, provided you plan it with the roads in mind. This guide explains how the route has changed, the best itineraries for different time budgets, costs, permits and the best season.
How the roads changed the trek
Jeep roads have been built along both sides of the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki valleys. Trekkers now commonly begin at Besisahar, Chame or even Manang and skip the dustier lowland sections. The scenic highlights, including the Pisang to Manang upper trail, Tilicho Lake and Thorong La, remain on foot. For many trekkers the road has actually improved the trip: you spend more time in the high, dramatic landscapes and less time on vehicle-shared paths.
A few practical notes:
- Road conditions vary by season and can be rough, so allow flexibility in your schedule.
- Sections of the old trail still exist, and good guides know the paths that avoid the road.
- The Kali Gandaki side (Muktinath to Jomsom to Tatopani) has a road, but walking sections through Marpha and the Thak Khola valley are still pleasant.
Video: Annapurna Circuit Trek:🇳🇵Nepal’s Thorong La Pass (14-Day Guided Trek!) (Helen and Tim Travel on YouTube)
Itinerary options
Classic (14–16 days)
Besisahar, Bahundanda, Chamje, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang (acclimatisation), Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Thorong La, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Marpha, Tatopani and Pokhara. This is the most complete version, with the lower valley's rice terraces and waterfalls.
Short version (9–11 days)
Drive to Chame or Dharapani, trek to Manang and Muktinath, drive to Jomsom and fly or drive back. It keeps the best sections while saving days.
With Tilicho Lake
Add 3–4 days for the Tilicho Lake side trip from Manang. It is one of the most scenic detours in Nepal.
With Nar Phu
Strong trekkers can add a restricted-area loop through Nar Phu Valley, starting from Koto and re-joining the circuit at Manang.
Stage-by-stage highlights
Lower Marsyangdi. Rice terraces, waterfalls and subtropical forest make the early days lush and warm. Villages like Bahundanda and Ghermu show Gurung and Brahmin culture.
Upper Marsyangdi. Beyond Dharapani the valley narrows and the forest becomes pine and fir. Pisang and Ngawal offer the best views of the Annapurna II and III peaks, with a high trail above Manang that rewards the effort.
Manang. A Tibetan-style village and the main acclimatisation stop. Spend at least one full day here for side trips to Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake or the Himalayan Rescue Association post (which gives daily altitude talks).
Thorong La. The big day (see our Thorong La guide). You rise before dawn, climb to the pass at 5,416 m and descend 1,600 m to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.
Kali Gandaki. The world's deepest gorge, with windy afternoons, apple orchards in Marpha and the medieval village of Kagbeni on the edge of Upper Mustang.
Difficulty
The circuit is moderate to challenging. The hardest day is the Thorong La crossing, which is long (8–10 hours), cold and at high altitude. Acclimatisation in Manang is essential, and you should follow the golden rules in our altitude sickness guide. Total walking time is five to seven hours per day on most days, with plenty of variety, and the overall fitness level required is similar to Everest Base Camp but with a better altitude profile if you take the standard itinerary.
Cost
A guided Annapurna Circuit typically costs USD 900–1,800 depending on length, transport and lodges. The shorter, road-assisted versions cost less. Compare with ABC costs in the Annapurna Base Camp guide, and see how the numbers differ from Everest in the Everest cost breakdown.
| Cost item | Typical range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Guided package (10–16 days) | 900–1,800 |
| Meals per day on trail | 15–30 |
| ACAP permit | about 25 |
| Jeep transfers (if used) | 30–120 depending on section |
| Tips | 10–15% of package |
Best time
October–November is the prime season, with clear skies and stable weather. March–April and May also work. Winter can close the pass in heavy snow, and the monsoon affects the lower sections but not the rain-shadow upper valley. Check the best time to visit Nepal for a full seasonal overview.
Permits
You need an ACAP permit and a TIMS card, both obtained through a registered agency. Requirements have been changing, so verify the latest details in our Nepal trekking permits guide and solo trekking rules.
What to pack
Bring layers for a very wide temperature range, a four-season sleeping bag for high lodges, trekking poles and microspikes in cold months, a headlamp and good boots. See our packing list.
Why it is still worth it
Few treks offer such variety within two weeks: rice terraces, Buddhist villages, glaciated peaks, the world's deepest gorge and an ancient pilgrimage site. The roads have made access easier and added optional shortcuts, but the soul of the circuit remains: crossing a high pass between two worlds. If you prefer something quieter, consider the Manaslu Circuit, which many call the "new Annapurna".
Altitude profile and acclimatisation plan
The classic circuit gains height gradually until Manang, then asks for a big step. A sensible profile looks like this:
| Night | Place | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chame | 2,670 m |
| 2 | Pisang (upper) | 3,300 m |
| 3 | Manang | 3,540 m |
| 4 | Manang (rest day) | 3,540 m |
| 5 | Yak Kharka | 4,050 m |
| 6 | Thorong Phedi or High Camp | 4,450 m / 4,925 m |
| 7 | Muktinath | 3,800 m |
| 8 | Kagbeni or Jomsom | 2,810 m / 2,720 m |
Spending the rest day in Manang, with a climb to a viewpoint (such as Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake) and a return to sleep at 3,540 m, is the single most important acclimatisation habit on the circuit. Consider an additional night at Yak Kharka or Thorong Phedi if you feel any symptoms. Sleeping at High Camp gives you a shorter pass day but a higher sleeping altitude, so choose it only if you are acclimatising well.
Lodges, food and daily rhythm
Lodges on the circuit are among the best in Nepal, with menus that include apple pie, yak cheese and fresh baked bread in Manang and Marpha. Rooms are twin-share and bathrooms are mostly shared, with hot showers charged by the bucket. In Manang you will find small cinemas, bakeries and bookshops, and daily altitude talks at the Himalayan Rescue Association post. Above Yak Kharka, facilities become basic and menus shorter, and cold nights become the main challenge.
After the pass: Muktinath, Kagbeni and the Kali Gandaki
Descending from Thorong La, you reach Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site with a temple complex and eternal flames. Rest here, then continue to Kagbeni, a medieval-looking village on the border of Upper Mustang, and onward through Jomsom and Marpha. Marpha is known for apples and apple brandy, and the stone-paved lanes are a quiet place to rest after the crossing. From Jomsom you can fly to Pokhara or continue by road. If you want more adventure, an Upper Mustang extension is covered in our Upper Mustang guide.
Jeep or walk: choosing which sections to skip
| Section | Walk if | Take a jeep if |
|---|---|---|
| Besisahar to Dharapani | You have 16+ days and enjoy lowland culture | You are short on time or the road is dusty |
| Chame to Manang | Always walk the upper trail via Pisang | Weather or health forces a shortcut |
| Muktinath to Jomsom | You want the Kali Gandaki walk and Kagbeni | Your knees need rest after the pass |
| Jomsom to Tatopani | Rarely walked now | Usually done by jeep |
Weather and safety on the circuit
Weather at altitude changes quickly. A tragic storm hit the Thorong La area in October 2014, and it remains a reminder to watch forecasts and respect turnaround times. Trust your guide, start early and never cross in poor conditions. Avalanche and rockfall risk exist in some sections, and the Himalayan Rescue Association post in Manang is a valuable source of up-to-date advice. For rescue and evacuation, carry insurance that covers helicopter flights above 5,000 m.
Mistakes to avoid
- Rushing Manang. Take your acclimatisation day seriously.
- Starting the pass too late. Winds rise in the late morning.
- Skipping insurance that covers 5,500 m (insurance guide).
- Underestimating cold at Thorong Phedi and High Camp.
- Relying on ATMs. Carry enough cash from Pokhara.
Official information and where to check
The Annapurna Conservation Area is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, and the Himalayan Rescue Association runs an aid post and free altitude talks in Manang. Current tourism information is on the Nepal Tourism Board site.
Ready to go?
See our Annapurna Circuit Trek for a guided itinerary, and contact us to tailor the route to your time and fitness.
FAQ
How many days is the Annapurna Circuit now?
Most people take 10–16 days, depending on how much of the road they skip.
Is the Annapurna Circuit ruined by roads?
No. The best sections are still walking trails, and you can choose side routes away from vehicles.
How high is Thorong La?
5,416 m (17,769 ft).
Do I need a guide?
A guide or porter-guide is recommended for Thorong La and winter conditions. Check the permit rules.
Can I do the circuit in winter?
Possible, but the pass can be closed by snow and nights are very cold. Choose a flexible schedule and experienced guide.
Plan it with local experts: see our guide to this destination, or talk to an Aadiyogi Travels specialist for a free custom quote.
