The Annapurna Circuit is one of the best known and most impressive trekking routes in the world, set in the very heart of the Himalaya in Nepal. Running for about 160-230 kilometres depending on the line you take, it encircles the Annapurna massif and opens up an extraordinary range of landscapes, cultures and climatic zones.
The Annapurna Circuit is a genuine adventure for anyone who wants to test themselves, enjoy the views of snow-covered summits, cross high passes and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of traditional Nepali village life. Trekking the Annapurna Circuit is within reach of experienced walkers and newcomers alike, thanks to the flexibility of the route and the infrastructure along it.
The Annapurna Circuit: what the route is like
The Annapurna Circuit begins in the town of Besisahar, from where trekkers head east to the Marsyangdi river. As you go you will watch the climatic zones change, from subtropical jungle with rice terraces to harsh high country with sparse vegetation. The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit is the Thorong La pass, at 5416 metres. Crossing it is the key moment of the route, and it calls for good fitness and good acclimatisation.
The Annapurna Circuit is also known for its remarkable villages, where you can meet the culture and the way of life of the Himalayan peoples. Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom and the rest offer hospitality, local food and buildings unlike any others.
The country and the views on the Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit trek captivates with its landscapes. On one side you will see green valleys watered by waterfalls, and on the other the great snow summits. Eight peaks above 7000 metres stand here, among them Annapurna I (8091 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Manaslu (8163 m). Sunrise and sunset on the Annapurna Circuit turn every morning and evening into a sight you will not forget.
One of the most striking parts of the Annapurna Circuit is the Annapurna Conservation Area, which protects the region’s remarkable flora and fauna. Snow leopards, Himalayan tahr and a great many species of bird live here.
Culture and people on the Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is a chance to immerse yourself in the cultural variety of Nepal. Here you will meet people from a range of ethnic groups: Gurung, Tibetan, Manangi and Tamang. Every village on the Annapurna Circuit has an atmosphere, an architecture and a set of traditions of its own.
Many trekkers stop in Muktinath, a place sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. This temple complex stands at over 3700 metres and is known for its 108 water spouts, which stand for the cleansing of the soul.
Logistics and preparation for the Annapurna Circuit
To trek the Annapurna Circuit you need permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). The route can take anything from 10 to 21 days depending on your pace and on the version of the trek you choose.
Experienced trekkers can walk the Annapurna Circuit independently, following the signs, but many travellers prefer to go to a company that organises tours of this kind. Our own Annapurna Circuit tour, for example, is ideal for anyone who wants to be fully immersed in the mountains: throughout the trek you will be accompanied by an experienced guide from the Mountainguide team. The tour also includes an English-speaking local guide, a luxury hotel in Kathmandu, comfortable lodges on the trek, reliable porters, the internal flight, group equipment (first-aid kit, satellite navigator and so on), a duffel bag for your personal things (our team provides one on the spot), all the permits the trek requires, convenient transfers to the start of the trek and back to Kathmandu, and airport meeting and send-off. That leaves you free of the organising side of the journey, saves you a great deal of time, and gives you as a bonus a team of like-minded people you will certainly not be bored with on the trail. You can read more about the Annapurna Circuit tour on our site, where you will also find the dates, the prices and the list of equipment you need.
As for fitness, the Annapurna Circuit calls for good stamina, since the daily stages can take 6-8 hours. Altitude is a serious factor too, so it is important to plan acclimatisation days, particularly in Manang. We recommend starting your preparation for trekking early, so that you not only have the strength to reach the end but enjoy the days on the trail.
The infrastructure of the Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit offers travellers a wide network of lodges where you can stay the night and enjoy hot food. Most of them serve local dishes such as dal bhat, momo and Tibetan bread. Western food is popular too, including pasta, pizza and pancakes.
Electricity and a phone signal are available in most villages, which lets trekkers stay in touch with the people at home. Some lodges also offer wifi, though the quality of the connection varies.
When is the best time to walk the Annapurna Circuit?
The best time for trekking the Annapurna Circuit is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring you will see the rhododendrons in flower, and in autumn you can enjoy crystal-clear views of the mountains. In summer, during the monsoon, the route becomes harder because of landslides and washed-out trails, and in winter the high passes can be closed by snow.
Why the Annapurna Circuit is worth choosing
The Annapurna Circuit combines everything mountain lovers value: extraordinary views, a variety of cultures, comfortable conditions and the chance to lose yourself in solitude. The route suits both those looking for adventure and those who want the calm and balance of Himalayan life.
For many travellers the Annapurna Circuit becomes not simply a trek but a real experience of life. The great mountains, the clean air, the hospitality of the people who live there and the sense of freedom make this one of the finest routes in the world.
Everyone who has walked the Annapurna Circuit even once goes home with memories that stay with them for the rest of their life.
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The circuit is only one of the region’s routes; the differences between the big crossing, Tilicho Lake and base camp are set out in the guide to Annapurna. The main article on this subject.