Annapurna Circuit Trek – 11 Days

The Annapurna Circuit was once an ancient trade route linking mountain villages with the outside world. Till late 1970s, foreigners haven’t been allowed to walk through the route. After 1980, it was officially opened for outsiders. At that time, roads were not built, and the entire Annapurna Circuit was 260 km, taking 23 days to complete.

Road construction to the Annapurna Circuit began in the early 1980s, first at Dumre and Pokhara, and later extended towards the Marsyangdi River valley and Muktinath on the Kali Gandaki side. With the expansion of the road network, the route to the Annapurna Circuit also changed. The trek’s starting point used to be Dumre, but now shifted to the Marsyangdi Valley.

The roads also brought major changes to local villages, transforming how people lived and connected with the outside world. During the 1980s and 1990s, the Annapurna Circuit gained worldwide recognition, driven by the growth of trekking infrastructure, more lodges, and teahouses. Before these developments, the trek was extremely challenging as there were no transportation options, and trekkers had to pass through remote villages while carrying camping gear.

Since 1980, the circuit’s road condition has faced the biggest change between 2004 and 2009, when major road construction took place. During the period, the Nepalese Government constructed roads on both the eastern side (Chame-Manang) and the western side (Pokhara-Muktinath). Due to this development, only about five of the original twenty-three trekking days remained completely free of roads.

To keep the trekking experience special, the Government of Nepal and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) have been working on alternative trails jointly since 2010. These new alternatives are the Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT), which follow the paths locals have used for ages. They are well-marked and safe for travel.

Your safety is our number one priority. From the start of your trip to the very end, we plan everything carefully so you can trek without worry. Our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor show the trust and satisfaction of past travelers. Our safety plan is based on three things: an experienced guide, a carefully planned itinerary, and strong emergency support.

• Expert Guides: Our guides know the Annapurna region’s trails, villages, and even the changing mountain weather very well. They are first-aid trained too, so they can handle common trekking problems. They also check your oxygen level every day and watch for early signs of altitude sickness.
• Acclimatization and Safe Itinerary: Trekking at high altitude takes time, so our itinerary plan includes an acclimatization day in Manang. We stay two nights there, with a short hike to higher ground during the day and sleep at a lower altitude at night. This helps your body adjust slowly and safely. Further, each day is paced carefully to reduce the chance of altitude sickness.
• Emergency Support: We are ready for unexpected things that happen during the trek. Our guides carry radios or satellite phones in case there is no mobile service. They also carry a full first-aid kit for small problems like sprains or blisters. If there is a serious emergency, like strong altitude sickness, we can arrange a helicopter rescue and work with your insurance to get you help quickly.

Permit for ACT

To trek the Annapurna Circuit, you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Since the trek lies within the conservation area, it is mandatory to get this permit. You can get it from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara by filling out a form (either online or in person). If you book this trek with us, we will handle the paperwork for you, and the permit cost is included in the package price.

The ACAP permit costs:

• NRs 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
• NRs 3,000 for Non-SAARC nationals.
• Children under 10 years old don’t need to pay.

Payment Method:

If you pay online, there’s a small extra charge (2.9% for the payment gateway). Also, if you get this permit at the checkpoint, the double fee applies, so it’s better to get it in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Remember to always carry your permit, as officials will check it at various points along the trail, including Birethanti and Chhomrong.

Note: TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) is no longer required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Travel Insurance

For a high-altitude trek like the Annapurna Circuit, Travel Insurance is mandatory and highly recommended. Since you will walk up to 5,416 m, where altitude-related sickness is common, it is best to get travel insurance. Likewise, at this elevation, unforeseen medical issues or emergencies may arise. At such times, insurance helps cover emergency medical evacuation costs. Travel insurance also covers baggage losses, trek cancellations, and postponements. Having said that, when getting travel insurance, make sure that your insurance company has ticked all your trekking-related policies, such as rescue missions, medical expenses, and loss of personal equipment.

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will trek through diverse landscapes, villages, important religious sites, acclimatization hubs, and a high mountain pass of the Annapurna region. Each stop around the way offers a unique experience, be that cultural immersion or stunning mountain views. Now let’s take a look at those major stops and attractions:

Chame Village (2,710 m) – The starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The drive from Besisahar takes you to Chame. It is the administrative headquarters of the Manang district. The village lies on the eastern side of the Annapurna Conservation Area. There, you can rest, prepare, and get the first taste of the higher terrain here. Surrounded by dense pine forests, fields of potatoes, maize, buckwheat, and barley (which vary by season), and towering cliffs, Chame feels like a natural amphitheater.

At Chame, you can already spot the summits of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal rising above the valley. Likewise, you can see a stunning view of the winding Marsyangdi River through the valley below. Sunsets and sunrises in Chame are especially stunning, painting the mountains in hues of gold and crimson.

Upper Pisang (3,300 m) – Balcony of the Annapurnas

Walking through the forest area and alpine terrain from Chame, you reach Upper Pisang. It is a beautiful Tibetan-influenced village that doubles as one of the best viewpoints on the circuit. Here, you are rewarded with a sweeping view of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, and Tilicho Peak. Also, the view of Lower Pisang lying in the valley below offers a striking contrast. Its stone houses, fluttering prayer flags, monasteries, and stupas give a serene, spiritual atmosphere. Many trekkers consider Upper Pisang one of the most photogenic stops of the trek.

Manang (3,550 m) – Cultural and Acclimatization Hub

The Manang village sits between the gorgeous mountains. It is one of the most memorable stops on the Annapurna Circuit. Surrounded by tall cliffs and snowy peaks, this village has a desert-like setting that feels very different from the lush valleys below. You will stay here for two nights to acclimatize to the higher altitude before continuing up the Annapurna Circuit trail.

There are many places to visit in Manang. These include Gangapurna Lake, Manang Culture Museum, Ice Lake / Kicho Tal, Parken Gompa, Milarapa Cave, Braga Gompa, etc. Also, the people of Manang dress in Tibetan-style clothing. Both men and women wear woolen garments to protect themselves from the cold weather. You can also witness the festival celebration if you get there during the festive season. Major festivals celebrated here include Yartung and Toran La.

Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – High Mountain Viewpoint

Thorong La Pass is the toughest challenge and the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. At 5,416 m, it is also one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The ascent to the pass is demanding. However, once you reach the top, you can see a splendid view of the entire Annapurna III, Dhaulagiri, Thorong Peak, Khatungkang, Yakawa Kang, and other surrounding peaks.

Similarly, you can also witness stunning landscapes from the top, which is a grand view of the world’s deepest valley, the Kali Gandaki Valley. Snow-covered trails, barren highland deserts, and endless mountain walls stretch in every direction, creating a sense of awe that makes Thorong La a defining moment of the trek.

Muktinath (3,800 m) – Sacred Pilgrimage in Mustang

Descending from Thorong La brings you to Mustang, where you can visit Muktinath, a sacred site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims from all over South Asia visit to bathe in the 108 water spouts and pay homage to the eternal flame at the Muktinath Temple. It is believed that bathing here cleanses one’s sins.

Beyond its spiritual atmosphere, Muktinath offers incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Nilgiri, and Tilicho Peak. The contrast of reddish-brown cliffs, barren hills, and patches of green vegetation along the Kali Gandaki River creates scenery unlike anywhere else on the trek. Muktinath blends spirituality with natural beauty, making it a cultural and scenic highlight.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular route with well-established accommodation options. Hence, there are plenty of tea houses, lodges, homestays, and guest houses available on the route. All accommodations in the Annapurna Circuit provide basic facilities such as beds, blankets, and pillows. You will not find luxurious stays on the trekking routes. Most rooms are shared, with communal bathrooms. These bathrooms are usually squat-style. However, you can find rooms with attached bathrooms in the lower regions.

The rooms have no heating, so you should bring sleeping bags. Usually, these places have one massive stove in a communal dining space for heating. Almost all stays have electricity facilities, but those that don’t may have solar panels. During cloudy and overcast days, there may not be electricity available. The accommodations offer services such as internet, hot showers/water, and electronic device charging, etc., for an additional cost.

Our agency has arranged the accommodations for our 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek package. We arrange your stay at local lodges at each stop on our trek. The lodge accommodation is shared. As you move to higher elevations, the accommodations are less luxurious, with only basic facilities. Nonetheless, they are comfortable. Note that accommodation in Kathmandu is not included in this package.

Healthy and hearty meals are available at the teahouses and lodges along the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. The menu offers a variety of options, from traditional Nepali cuisine to Tibetan and Western delicacies. However, the menu will become limited as you move to higher altitudes. Almost all ingredients are produced locally and fresh, so you don’t have to worry about hygiene.

You will find breakfast options such as eggs, toast, porridge, pancakes, bread (Tibetan/Indian), soups, tea (black/milk/green), and coffee. For lunch and dinner, you will mostly find options like Dal Bhat (assortment of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, curries, and pickles), thukpa, chowmein, fried rice, soup, momo, noodles, pasta, pizza, burger, chapati, curries, and desserts like rice pudding, apple pie, etc.

We provide meals three times a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as you wish. The meals are healthy and in sufficient quantities. We also provide healthy Nepali and Western food during the 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Note: We do not provide any meal facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The package also includes no soft or hard drinks during the trek, except for tea or coffee with the meal. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when booking.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek covers a total of 65 km. However, the distance depends on the itinerary and transportation options chosen:

• Trekking Distance: 65 km (40 miles)
• Total Distance (Trek and Drive Combined): 689 km (428 miles)
• Driving Distance Only: 624 km (388 miles)

Take a look at the itinerary and the maximum elevation and duration during Nepal Alternative Treks’ 11 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Highest Elevation on the Trek

The highest elevation on the entire trek is Thorong La pass at 5,416 m above sea level. However, the highest place where you’ll spend a night is 4,400 m at Thorong Phedi. At those altitudes, proper acclimatization and staying hydrated are mandatory to reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness.

Changing Elevation That Makes Annapurna Circuit Special

The Annapurna Circuit involves significant elevation change throughout the adventure. Starting from 800 m from dense forest and river valley, you reach an elevation above 5,000 m in a rugged mountain landscape and again descend to the lower arid landscape of Mustang. This changing elevation is indeed one of the challenging parts of the trek, but it also creates an incredible variety of scenery. In fact, the landscape’s diversity is one of the reasons the Annapurna Circuit is among the world’s most celebrated trekking adventures.

As the Annapurna Circuit is a challenging journey in the Himalayas, it requires proper preparation in order to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. The preparation not only includes physical preparation but also mental preparation and packing the right gear.

Prepare Your Body, Especially for Thorong La Pass

One of the toughest parts of the Annapurna Circuit is the ascent to Thorong La Pass. Besides, trekking from Chame to Pisang, descending from Thorong La to Muktinath, and challenging terrain also require proper fitness to safely complete the journey. You must be able to ascend and descend steep, narrow paths across varied terrain.

To prepare for those challenges:

• Practice hiking uphill for 4-6 hours continuously.
• Walk up staircases or steep hills carrying a daypack.
• To improve lung capacity, include cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming.
• Practice squats and lunges that help you to strengthen your legs, which help during the long descent from Thorong to Muktinath.

Train for Continuous Trekking Days

Annapurna Circuit takes 11 days to complete, out of which you must walk for 6 days in the region and the other drive. Walking continuously for 6 days with limited recovery time might be harsh on your body. So, prepare yourself for continuous walking days, ready to repeat the effort for over a week.

Include preparations:

• Back-to-back weekend hikes.
• Walk 10-15 km on consecutive days.
• Walk with a loaded backpack.

This preparation is valuable on sections between Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi, where daily elevation gains increase.

Mental Preparation

You must be mentally prepared for the Annapurna Circuit Trek and its challenges. Because as much as the trek is physically challenging, it is mentally draining, especially if it is your first Himalayan experience. Hence, you must have strong mental resilience and a positive mindset to participate in the trek.

The best way to prepare mentally is to research the difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You must also learn about the possible challenges and events that can occur during the journey. Trekkers must understand that the Himalayas are unpredictable, and the weather at higher altitudes can change at any time. So, you must be prepared for any unforeseen events. Additionally, you need strong determination to complete the trek successfully.

Mental preparation helps when:

• Walking for several hours through the windswept landscapes of Manang.
• Spending cold nights at Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.
• Starting the Thorong La crossing before sunrise in freezing temperatures.
• Adapting to changing weather and basic tea-house facilities.

Pack for Annapurna’s Diverse Climate Zones

The Annapurna Circuit takes you through diverse climatic zones within a short span of time. Thus, trekkers should pack a variety of clothing suited to the Annapurna region’s diverse climatic zones.

Essential Packing includes:

• Lightweight trekking shirts for lower elevations around Chame and Pisang.
• A fleece jacket for cool evenings in Manang.
• A down jacket for overnight stays above 4,000 m.
• Waterproof dress for unexpected rain in the lower region or snow in the higher region.
• Thermal base layers for the Thorong Phedi and High Camp area.
• Trekking boots with ankle support for rocky sections between Chame and Upper Pisang, loose gravel paths near Thorong La, and the long downhill section to Muktinath.

When budgeting for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, most trekkers consider permit, accommodation, food, and transportation costs. But if you book through an agency, those costs are covered in your trek package. What adds to the cost of the trek are additional personal expenses incurred during the journey.

The personal expenses include:

• Bottled water: NPR 100-300 per bottle, gets more expensive with an increase in altitude.
• Hot drinks (tea, coffee, lemon honey): NPR 100-250 per cup.
• Energy drinks and juice: NPR 200-500 per bottle at higher elevations.
• Phone/camera charging: NPR 100-300 per charge.
• Hot shower: NPR 200-500 per shower.
• Wi-Fi: NPR 100-400 per hour or per session.
• Souvenirs and Shopping: USD 20-25.
• Snacks and Extra Food: NPR 500-1100.
• Guide and porter tips: USD 100-200.

If you are thinking of making an immediate for Annapurna Circuit Trek, we have your back. Nepal Alternative Trek provides last-minute bookings and multiple departures. The cost of the booking will remain the same for last-minute bookings as for regular packages. Contact us 24 hours before you wish to set off for the trek. We will make the arrangements and provide you with an online briefing for the trek.

Both the Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are well-known and most preferred destinations of the Annapurna region of Nepal. But, confused about which one to choose for your 2026 adventure?

Here is a detailed comparison between the world-class trek destinations: Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek to help you choose the right trek:

The Annapurna Circuit is among the journeys where your typical day starts early. On the journey, you wake up before sunrise, hearing the wind outside or smelling wood smoke from the teahouse kitchen. In higher places like Manang or Thorong Phedi, you have to wake up in very cold, close to freezing, which is one of the difficult parts of the trek.

You’ll have breakfast by 6:00 AM in the shared dining room. After breakfast, you hit the trail by 7:00 AM. The early morning hours on the trail are generally the most enjoyable. The air is fresh and cool, the mountain views are at their clearest, and the paths are peaceful before more trekkers arrive later in the day. After 2-3 hours of trek, most trekkers take a break at a small teahouse along the way. These stops are not only for food and rest but for staying hydrated and removing a layer as the rising sun makes the temperature hot.

By midday, you’ll reach lunch point, where you’ll rest and recharge your body with a hearty meal. The afternoon walk after lunch is shorter, lasting about 2-3 hours. However, temperatures are warmer, the trail is busier, and tiredness from the morning’s hike starts. By 5:00 PM, you get to the day’s destination and enjoy your evening watching stunning sunset. Dinner is served early on the Annapurna Circuit, between 6:00 and 7:00 PM. After a full day of trekking, most trekkers head to bed by 8:00 PM, marking the end of the day.

Sample Typical Day in Annapurna Circuit at a Glance

Contact us today to book your Annapurna Circuit Trek for 2026. Want to talk with experts about the itinerary, fitness requirements, or booking? Get in touch with us directly via info@nepalalternativetreks.com! Our teams are ready to assist you.