Annapurna Circuit Trek

Who the Annapurna Circuit suits

The Circuit is the great all-rounder: rice terraces and waterfalls in the Marsyangdi valley, pine forest and Tibetan-style villages around Manang, a high crossing of the Thorong La at 5,416 m, then the dry, wind-carved Kali Gandaki side down to Muktinath and Jomsom.

It's challenging mainly because of the pass. Thorong La is a long, cold day: you start before dawn from Thorong Phedi or High Camp and climb for several hours in thin air. Before that, the trail is gradual and gives your body time to adjust. It suits fit trekkers with at least a couple of weeks to spare. It's not ideal as a very first trek unless you're comfortable with the altitude plan.

Do you need a guide or permit?

No guide is required and no TIMS card. You need the ACAP permit, which you can get yourself in Pokhara or Kathmandu. See Do You Need a Guide to Trek in Nepal?

We still strongly recommend a guide or at least a partner for the pass. In fresh snow the trail over Thorong La can disappear, and if someone gets altitude sickness on the climb, you don't want to be alone.

Best months, and when it's easiest to find a partner

October–November is the best time, with clear skies and the pass usually open. March–April is the second season, but late snow can close Thorong La for a few days. From December to February the pass is often snowbound, and some high lodges close. The monsoon is wet on the east side, though the Mustang side stays fairly dry.

In peak months, hundreds of trekkers start from Besisahar every week, so partners are easy to find. Outside them, post your dates early.

Doing the Circuit with a partner

• Where to meet: Kathmandu or Pokhara before you take the bus or jeep to Besisahar. Many partnerships also form in Manang, where nearly everyone takes an acclimatisation day, and it's a good place to find someone for the pass.
• What to share: jeeps along the road sections, twin rooms, and a guide or porter for the pass.
• Where you can split up: one of you might add the side trip to Tilicho Lake from Manang. After Muktinath, some walk down the Kali Gandaki while others take a jeep or flight from Jomsom.
• Stay together on pass day. Agree on a turnaround time the night before at High Camp or Thorong Phedi.