Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most complete trekking routes in Nepal. In a single 16-day loop, it takes you from subtropical river valleys at 1,860m to a glaciated pass at 5,416m, then down through the Mustang rain shadow and back south through rhododendron forest to the lowlands above Pokhara. No other circuit in Nepal covers this range of altitude, climate, culture, and terrain in one continuous route.

The trek has a long history. It became popular with foreign trekkers in the 1980s and through the 1990s was considered one of the greatest long-distance walks in the world. Road construction along sections of the Marsyangdi Valley over the following decade changed the character of the lower approach, and some trekkers shifted attention to Manaslu and other restricted-area routes. What remained is a circuit that still delivers its best sections fully intact: the Manang valley, the Thorong La crossing, the Mustang approach to Muktinath, and the Poon Hill ridge. These parts of the route are unchanged.

The circuit starts in Dharapani (1,860m) in the upper Marsyangdi Valley and follows the river north and west before crossing Thorong La and descending into Mustang. After Muktinath, the route turns south through the Kali Gandaki gorge and climbs back east to Ghorepani and Poon Hill before ending in Ghandruk and driving to Pokhara. The total trekking distance is approximately 160 to 170 kilometers over 12 days of walking, with one full acclimatisation day in Manang and transport days at either end.

The classic circuit historically started from Besisahar (760m), but road construction along the lower Marsyangdi Valley has made the Besisahar–Dharapani section largely a jeep road rather than a trekking trail, which is why this itinerary begins at Dharapani. 

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit and TIMS Card are the two permits required. Unlike the Manaslu Circuit, the Annapurna Circuit is not a restricted-area trek, so there is no expensive restricted-area permit. This makes it more accessible in cost while still delivering high-altitude, high-quality trekking. However, a licensed Nepal Government guide is mandatory for all foreign trekkers on the ACAP route from 2025 onward.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek 

Here are the highlights rewritten in the concise bullet format:

• Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) with a 4 am start from Thorong Phedi, gaining 1,000m before the clouds build and descending approximately 1,650m into the Mustang scrubland the same day
• Follow the Marsyangdi River upstream for five days through rice terraces, pine forest, and high cliffs above Chame, where the river runs turquoise
• Spend two nights in Manang (3,519m) with an acclimatisation hike to Ice Lake (approx. 4,600m), putting you 1,000m above your sleeping altitude before Thorong La
• Visit Braga Monastery (approx. 3,519m), one of the oldest monasteries in the circuit, carved into the cliff face, 20 minutes off the main trail between Ngawal and Manang
• Take the ridge trail above Upper Pisang through Ghyaru and Ngawal (3,300m to 3,660m) for direct views of Annapurna II and III, 30 to 40 minutes longer than the valley route
• Arrive at Muktinath (3,760m), a working pilgrimage site for Hindu and Buddhist traditions, where Jeep traffic from Jomsom makes it feel like a different Nepal after ten days on trail
• Rest in the natural hot springs at Tatopani (1,190m) after the cold of the pass and before the long climb to Ghorepani the following day
• Climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) before dawn for a clear October view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) in a single frame
• Trek through the Ghorepani rhododendron forest, deep pink and red in March and April, quiet and clear-skied in October
• Pass through Gurung villages in the lower south and Tibetan-influenced settlements in the upper Manang valley, two distinct cultures in one circuit

Who This Trek Is For and Who Should Skip It

This circuit suits you if:

• You are reasonably fit and can walk 4 to 9 hours a day on mixed terrain
• You want a complete Nepal trekking experience: subtropical forest, high-alpine pass, Mustang plateau, and rhododendron forest in a single loop
• You want to cross a 5,416m pass with no technical climbing equipment required
• You are travelling as a family, with older trekkers, or as a solo traveller. There is no age limit as long as you are in good health
• You have 16 days available and want a route where every day brings different terrain and altitude

Skip this and consider alternatives if:

• This is your first Nepal trek, and you have no multi-day hiking experience: start with the Ghorepani-Poon Hill circuit (5 to 6 days) or Langtang Valley trek (10 to 12 days) to build confidence first
• You have fewer than 14 days available: the Annapurna Base Camp trek (12 to 14 days) is a better fit
• You have a history of serious AMS, heart conditions, or lung problems such as asthma or COPD: Thorong La at 5,416m places significant demand on the respiratory system. Consult a physician before booking.
• You prefer a non-trekking Nepal experience: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing covers Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square. Pokhara offers paragliding, boating on Phewa Lake, and day hikes with Annapurna views. Both are manageable without high-altitude commitment.

What is the 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek Like?

The Annapurna Circuit is a loop route. You never retrace your steps. Every day brings new terrain, new villages, and a different altitude. That variety is what separates this circuit from point-to-point routes like Everest Base Camp.

The first five days follow the Marsyangdi River north from Dharapani through Gurung and Magar villages with terraced rice and millet fields. The trail climbs through dense rhododendron and oak forest, home to langur monkeys and Himalayan tahr in the lower sections. Bagarchhap (2,160m) is the first village with distinctly Tibetan-style stone architecture. Above Chame, the valley narrows into a dramatic gorge before opening into the wide, dry landscape of the upper Marsyangdi.

From Upper Pisang (3,300m), the high ridge trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal gives direct views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Annapurna III (7,555m). The trail descends to Manang (3,519m), where the culture shifts entirely to Tibetan Buddhism. Mani walls, chortens, and active monasteries like Braga line the trail. Snow leopard territory begins above this elevation, though sightings are rare.

Above Manang, vegetation thins and yaks replace cattle. The section from Manang to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) demands a slower pace. After crossing Thorong La (5,416m), the descent drops 1,650m into the dry Mustang hillsides to Muktinath, a working pilgrimage site sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

The southern return from Tatopani through Ghorepani to Ghandruk passes through some of the densest rhododendron forest in Nepal, which blooms deep pink and red from March to April. Red pandas have been spotted in this section below 3,000m. Poon Hill (3,210m) is the final high point, with a clear view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre at sunrise.

You can extend this circuit by combining it with the Manaslu Circuit, entering the Annapurna route at Dharapani after completing the Manaslu loop.

Why Choose Madcap Adventure for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

• Operating since 2004, Madcap Adventure has guided trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit across every season and knows the current trail, permit checkpoints, and tea house conditions at each stage
• All guides are Nepal Government licensed with route-specific experience on the Annapurna Circuit. Certification numbers and circuit completions are provided before your departure
• Porter rate is fixed at USD 20 per day covering up to two trekkers. No hidden per-person surcharges
• Locked-in pricing: once your deposit is paid, your quoted price does not change regardless of permit increases or seasonal adjustments
• 24/7 Kathmandu office support during your active trek. If a problem arises at Thorong Phedi or in Manang, someone answers
• Free Nepal SIM card on arrival, pre-loaded with data, so you stay connected where signal exists above Manang
• Early bird discounts of up to 15% for bookings made 6 or more months in advance, and up to 10% for bookings made 3 to 6 months out
• Groups of four or more qualify for an additional group discount on top of any early bird rate
• 2027 departures can be locked in at 2026 pricing with a 20% deposit before December 31, 2026
• Booking is direct: send your dates and group size, receive a full cost breakdown within 24 hours, confirm with a 20% deposit

Who Can Do This 16 Day Annapurna Circuit Trek and How to Prepare?

The 16-day Annapurna Circuit is a moderate trek with no technical climbing required. There is no age limit. Fit children, older trekkers, and families have completed this circuit. The itinerary is designed with gradual altitude gain and a full acclimatisation day in Manang, which makes it accessible to a wider range of trekkers than most high-altitude routes in Nepal.

No previous high-altitude experience is mandatory, though a night above 3,500m beforehand helps. If this is your first Nepal trek, the Ghorepani-Poon Hill circuit (5 to 6 days) or Langtang Valley trek (10 to 12 days) are better starting points.

To prepare, focus on cardiovascular fitness and leg strength. Strength training and regular uphill hiking with a pack in the weeks before departure are the most useful preparation.

Packing essentials:

• Layering system rated to -10°C for Thorong La and nights above 4,000m
• Trekking poles (essential above 4,000m)
• Waterproof boots with ankle support
• Head torch with spare batteries for the 4 am Thorong La start
• Sleeping bag liner if you run cold
• High-SPF sunscreen for snow and high-altitude UV exposure
• Water purification tablets or a filter
• Snacks, energy bars, and ORS sachets bought in Kathmandu
• Power bank for charging above 3,500m where tea house charging costs NPR 100 to 300 per device

What is the Cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2026/2027?

The Annapurna Circuit trek with Madcap Adventure costs USD 1,179 to 1,687 per person for a 16-day package. This covers your licensed guide, all meals, tea house and hotel accommodation, ground transport, and permit processing. It does not cover international flights, travel insurance, personal gear, or optional upgrades.

Several factors affect the final price:

• Group size: Private departures cost more per person than shared group departures. Groups of four or more qualify for an additional discount on top of any early bird rate.
• Porter hire: At USD 20 per day covering up to two trekkers, a shared porter adds roughly USD 130 to 150 per person across the full trek. Optional but strongly recommended above 4,000m.
• Room type: Attached bathroom rooms cost more than shared-bath rooms in the lower and mid sections. Above Manang, shared facilities are standard regardless.
• Season: Peak season departures in October to November and late March to April are in higher demand. Book earlier for these dates.
• Booking timing: Book 6 or more months in advance and save up to 15% off the standard price. Book 3 to 6 months out and save up to 10%. For 2027 departures, lock in 2026 pricing with a 20% deposit before December 31, 2026.
• Optional flight: The Pokhara to Kathmandu leg on Day 15 can be upgraded from a 5- to 7-hour tourist bus to a 25-minute flight at additional cost.

Send your dates and group size to Madcap Adventure and receive a full cost breakdown within 24 hours