Duration
10 to 14 Days (Standard Circuit) / 14 to 17 Days (with Tilicho Lake)
Max Altitude
5,416m (Thorong La Pass) / 4,919m (Tilicho Lake Option)
Difficulty
Challenging (High-Pass Crossing & Sustained Ascents)
Best Season
October to November (Crisp Clear Skies) & March to May (Wildflower Blooms & Warm Sun)
Age Range
Fit Trekkers (14 to 72 Years)
Destination
Annapurna Conservation Area (Lamjung, Manang & Mustang Districts, Gandaki Province)
Activities
Thorong La Crossing, High-Route Trail via Ghyaru/Ngawal, Tilicho Lake, Muktinath Pilgrimage, Marpha Apple Orchards
Accommodation
Traditional Alpine Teahouses (Twin-Share Rooms with Wood-Fired Dining Commons)
Transportation
Overland Bus/Car (Kathmandu/Pokhara to Besishahar) + 4WD Jeep (Besishahar to Dharapani/Chame)
1. Trailhead Realities: Where to Start & Where to End
The classic Annapurna Circuit historically began in Besishahar (760m) or Dumre. Over the last fifteen years, an unpaved road has expanded up the Marshyangdi River gorge through Tal, Dharapani, Chame, and into the Manang Valley. Walking on this road from Besishahar exposes trekkers to dust, loud construction vehicles, and heavy 4WD traffic from local hydro projects.
The smart strategy is to take a 4WD shared jeep from Besishahar to Dharapani (1,860m) or Chame (2,670m), bypass the lower construction corridor, and begin trekking on foot in clean mountain air.
Option 1: 4WD Jeep to Dharapani (Recommended Trailhead)
Standard Modern Starting Point- 1 Take an early morning microbus or private car from Kathmandu (5–6 hours) or Pokhara (3.5–4 hours) along the Prithvi Highway to Besishahar, the administrative seat of Lamjung District.
- 2 Transfer at the Besishahar jeep counter to a shared or private 4WD bolero jeep heading up the Marshyangdi gorge to Dharapani (1,860m; 4 to 5 hours on steep unpaved mountain roads).
- 3 Check in at the ACAP and police post in Dharapani. You bypass roughly 40 kilometers of dusty motor road and start walking on foot at an altitude safe from immediate altitude sickness.
Field Note: Shared jeeps from Besishahar to Dharapani cost NPR 2,500 to 3,500 per seat. Private jeep charters run between NPR 18,000 and 22,000 depending on season and diesel tariffs.
Option 2: 4WD Jeep Further Up to Chame (Fast-Track Start)
Time-Constrained Trekkers Only- 1 Extend the jeep journey past Dharapani and Timang directly to Chame (2,670m; 6 to 7 hours total driving time from Besishahar).
- 2 Chame is the headquarters of Manang District, offering hot water, pharmacies, bakeries, and several equipment shops.
- 3 Saves one full walking day, but forces you to sleep at 2,670 meters on your first night in the mountains. Trekkers choosing this option must take their next two walking days very slowly.
Field Note: Jeep track conditions beyond Dharapani are prone to rockfall and mud during rain. Inspect tires and vehicle clearance before departing Besishahar.
Critical Medical Warning: Driving Directly to Manang
High AMS Hazard - Do Not Attempt- 1 Dirt roads now technically extend all the way past Pisang into Manang village (3,519m). Some commercial operators offer direct jeep transfers from Besishahar.
- 2 Wilderness doctors and the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) strongly advise against driving directly to Manang. Jumping from 760 meters to 3,519 meters in one day causes Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in over 70% of passengers.
- 3 Starting your trek in Manang without walking up the valley often leads to severe headaches, vomiting, pulmonary complications, and expensive helicopter evacuations before even reaching the pass.
Field Note: Always start on foot at Dharapani or Chame. Your body needs 4 to 5 days of gradual uphill movement to generate red blood cells.
Western Exit Strategy at Muktinath & Jomsom
Once you cross Thorong La Pass, you drop into the arid Mustang valley at Muktinath (3,760m). The motor road down the Kali Gandaki is paved or hard-packed gravel. To avoid walking along bus traffic, hike the quiet New Annapurna Trekking Trail (NATT) route through Jhong to Kagbeni, or board a local bus/jeep to Marpha or Jomsom. From Jomsom, you can catch a 20-minute STOL flight back to Pokhara or take an overland jeep down through Tatopani hot springs.
2. Mandatory 2026 Permits & Certified Guide Rules
Trekking anywhere in the Annapurna massif requires two specific documents: an ACAP entry permit and a central TIMS card. In accordance with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) safety guidelines, solo trekking without an authorized guide is restricted across the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Administered by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Funds local forestry preservation, trail signage, waste cleanup, and wildlife protection across Lamjung, Manang, and Mustang.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
Issued by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) in coordination with the Nepal Tourism Board. Records entry and exit data at mountain checkposts for search and rescue accountability.
Always obtain your permits at the NTB / ACAP counters in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) or Pokhara (Damside) before heading to the trailhead. Purchasing at trail checkposts incurs a 100% late fee penalty (NPR 6,000 + VAT for ACAP). Checkpoints verify your documents at Besishahar, Dharapani, Chame, Manang, and Muktinath. For detailed fee tables and region comparisons, check our Nepal Trekking Permits Guide.
3. The Proven 12-Day Acclimatization Itinerary
The primary hazard on the Annapurna Circuit is pushing uphill too rapidly. The transition from subtropical forest to high alpine desert happens across just 60 kilometers of valley. This schedule incorporates the critical Upper Pisang–Ngawal High Route and a mandatory two-night acclimatization pause in Manang (3,519m).
Kathmandu / Pokhara to Besishahar → 4WD Jeep to Dharapani (1,860m)
Highway drive along the Trisuli and Marshyangdi rivers to Besishahar. Transfer to a 4WD jeep for a rough drive through the canyon past Chamje and Tal waterfall into Dharapani. Register at the ACAP checkpost.
Dharapani to Chame (2,670m)
The footpath enters pine and fir forests, climbing through Bagarchhap and Danaque. Climb the steep stone staircase to Timang for a front-row view of Manaslu (8,163m). Walk through fragrant pine groves past apple orchards in Koto to Chame.
Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Cross the Marshyangdi river via wooden suspension bridges. Pass through Bhratang apple orchards and round the curved slate cliff known as Paungda Danda (Swarga Dwar, the Gateway to Heaven). Cross into Upper Pisang for traditional stone lodges and panoramic views of Annapurna II.
Upper Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru & Ngawal (The High Route)
Bypass the lower dusty motor road. Climb the steep switchbacks to Ghyaru (3,670m) for an extraordinary balcony view across the Annapurna range. Traverse high pasture to the Tibetan village of Ngawal, visit ancient chortens, and drop down through Braka to Manang.
Mandatory Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,519m)
Essential rest day. Morning options include climbing to Chongkor Viewpoint and Gangapurna Lake (3,800m, 2.5 hrs) or tackling the steep climb to Ice Lake / Kicho Tal (4,620m, 5–6 hrs round trip). Attend the 3:00 PM altitude medicine talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Aid Post.
Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
The trail exits the tree line and enters high-altitude alpine tundra. Walk past scrub juniper and grazing herds of yaks and Himalayan blue sheep (bharal). Pass through Gunsang, crossing wooden bridges over glacier-fed streams to reach Yak Kharka. Keep a slow, steady pace.
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525m)
A short, focused ascent to save energy for pass day. Descend slightly to cross the Kone Khola bridge, then cross an active scree slope (watch for loose rocks dislodged by animals above). Check into Thorong Phedi base lodge by midday. Hydrate, eat an early dinner, and sleep by 7:30 PM.
Summit Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Descend to Muktinath (3,760m)
Depart Phedi at 4:00 AM with headlamps. Climb the switchbacks to High Camp (4,880m), then push through moraine rubble and frozen snowfields to reach Thorong La Pass before 9:30 AM. Sip tea at the pass tea shack, photograph the prayer flags, and begin the steep 1,656m knee-crushing descent to Muktinath.
Muktinath (3,760m) to Marpha (2,670m) via Kagbeni & Kali Gandaki
Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple with its 108 stone waterspouts and continuous natural gas flame. Walk down through the arid Mustang landscape to the medieval fortified town of Kagbeni, then head down the windy Kali Gandaki riverbed into Marpha, celebrated for its stone alleys and apple cider.
Marpha to Tatopani (1,200m) via Kali Gandaki Gorge
Take a local bus or shared jeep down the deepest gorge on Earth, flanked by Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Arrive at Tatopani and soak in the natural riverside sulfur hot springs to soothe sore muscles.
Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860m)
A demanding climb leaving the subtropical river valley. Pass through Magar villages at Ghara and Sikha, climbing endless stone steps through dense rhododendron and oak forests to reach the high ridge town of Ghorepani.
Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) → Trek to Nayapul (1,070m) → Drive to Pokhara
Dawn 45-minute hike up Poon Hill for a 360-degree sunrise view over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Descend past Tikhedhunga and Birethanti to Nayapul, then take a private taxi or bus back to lakeside Pokhara.
Integrating the Tilicho Lake Spur
From Manang, head west via Khangsar to Siri Kharka. Next morning, cross the scree landslide zone to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m) and climb up to one of the highest glacial lakes in the world (4,919m). Reconnect directly to Yak Kharka via the high bypass trail without backtracking down to Manang. Adding Tilicho provides exceptional high-altitude conditioning before tackling Thorong La Pass.
4. Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m): The Safety Rules
Thorong La is the highest point of the circuit. Standing at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), it separates the Buddhist valley of Manang from the dry desert plateaus of Lower Mustang. Crossing it safely requires strict discipline regarding timing, gear, and pacing.
Thorong Phedi (4,525m) vs. High Camp (4,880m)
High Camp sits 355 meters higher and cuts an hour off your morning climb, but sleeping at nearly 4,900 meters dramatically increases the risk of severe AMS, insomnia, and nausea. Phedi offers lower elevation, warmer lodges, and better sleep quality.
The 10:00 AM Kali Gandaki Wind Deadline
As the sun warms the arid plateau of Mustang, huge temperature differentials create violent upward thermal winds through the Kali Gandaki canyon. By mid-morning, severe gales howl across Thorong La Pass, dropping effective temperatures below -20°C and stirring blinding snowdrifts.
Knee Care on the -1,656m Descent to Muktinath
The descent from Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,760m) is one of the steepest continuous downhill sections in commercial trekking. You drop 1,656 vertical meters over loose shale, frozen mud, and dusty gravel. Shorten your trekking poles, lock your wrist straps, and take small, calculated steps. Wear microspikes if hard-packed snow or morning ice is present on the upper switchbacks.
5. Daily Costs & Teahouse Budgets (2026 Tariffs)
The Annapurna Circuit follows the classic Nepali teahouse system. Lodging prices remain subsidized on the condition that you purchase your evening dinner and morning breakfast at the same teahouse. Teahouse dining rooms are heated in the evening with central wood or dried yak-dung stoves.
| Cost Item | Foreigner | SAARC Citizen | Nepali Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACAP Conservation Entry Permit | NPR 3,390 (~$26 USD) | NPR 1,130 (~$9 USD) | NPR 100 |
| TIMS Card (Trekking Information System) | NPR 2,000 (~$15 USD) | NPR 1,000 (~$8 USD) | Exempt |
| Kathmandu to Besishahar Microbus | NPR 800 – 1,200 | NPR 800 – 1,200 | NPR 700 – 1,000 |
| Besishahar to Dharapani 4WD Jeep (Seat) | NPR 2,500 – 3,500 | NPR 2,500 – 3,500 | NPR 1,800 – 2,500 |
| Licensed Trekking Guide (Daily) | $30 – $40 USD / day | $30 – $40 USD / day | NPR 3,500 – 4,500 / day |
| Mountain Porter (Carries up to 20kg) | $22 – $28 USD / day | $22 – $28 USD / day | NPR 2,800 – 3,200 / day |
| Teahouse Twin Room (Per Night) | NPR 500 – 1,000 ($4–$8 USD) | NPR 500 – 1,000 | NPR 300 – 600 |
| Daily Food & Hot Drinks (3 Meals) | $25 – $38 USD / day | $22 – $32 USD / day | NPR 2,200 – 3,500 / day |
| Hot Shower (Gas or Solar) | NPR 300 – 500 per use | NPR 300 – 500 | NPR 200 – 300 |
| Battery / Power Bank Charging | NPR 200 – 500 per charge | NPR 200 – 500 | NPR 150 – 300 |
| Muktinath to Jomsom Local Jeep / Bus | NPR 500 – 800 | NPR 500 – 800 | NPR 400 – 600 |
| Jomsom to Pokhara STOL Flight (Optional) | $125 – $145 USD | $95 – $115 USD | NPR 6,500 – 8,500 |
The Dal Bhat Economy: A plate of Dal Bhat costs approximately NPR 600 in Dharapani (1,860m) but rises to NPR 1,200–1,400 at Thorong Phedi and High Camp due to the cost of porter transport and gas cylinders. Dal Bhat comes with unlimited refills of rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry, making it the most cost-effective and nutritious meal on the trail.
6. High-Altitude Medicine & The Manang HRA Aid Post
Above 3,000 meters, atmospheric pressure drops, reducing the effective amount of oxygen per breath by up to 50% at Thorong La Pass. Acclimatization is a physical process that requires time, hydration, and slow pacing.
Altitude Warning Symptoms
Mild AMS: Throbbing headache, mild nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and restless sleep. Stop ascending and rest for 24 hours.
Severe HAPE / HACE: Persistent wet rattling cough, pink frothy phlegm, extreme breathlessness at rest, loss of motor coordination (ataxia), and severe confusion.
Action: Immediate descent of at least 500 to 1,000 meters. Delaying descent can become life-threatening within hours.
The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA)
Manang Aid Post: The HRA operates an aid post in Manang village staffed by volunteer high-altitude physicians during the spring and autumn seasons.
Daily 3:00 PM Lecture: Doctors host a daily educational talk covering symptoms, prevention, and Diamox (Acetazolamide) dosing (125mg twice daily). Trekkers can also get pulse oximeter saturation checks.
Emergency Rescue: For helicopter evacuation protocols, consult our verified Emergency Contacts Directory.
7. Field Rules & Expedition Essentials
Expedition Essentials
The 10:00 AM Thorong La Deadline:
Cross Thorong La Pass before 9:30–10:00 AM. After 10:00 AM, high-velocity thermal winds funnel out of the Kali Gandaki canyon, dropping wind chill to -20°C and creating hazardous whiteout conditions.
Phedi vs High Camp Sleep Choice:
High Camp (4,880m) cuts 1 hour off pass morning, but causes severe altitude insomnia and headaches. Sleeping at Thorong Phedi (4,525m) provides significantly better rest and oxygen saturation.
Pack Microspikes Without Exception:
Even in dry autumn, hard-packed ice and frozen meltwater coat the steep switchbacks above High Camp. A pair of slip-on trail microspikes prevents dangerous slips on steep shale.
No Working ATMs on Route:
The ATM in Manang is frequently offline, out of cash, or disabled by power cuts. Withdraw all required cash in Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara before heading to Besishahar.
Carry Dual Water Filtration:
Bottled plastic water is discouraged and costs up to NPR 300 per liter in High Camp. Carry two 1-liter wide-mouth Nalgene bottles with a Sawyer Squeeze filter or chlorine dioxide tablets.
Nepal Telecom (Namaste) SIM Card:
Namaste (NTC) provides reliable voice and 4G data coverage in Manang, Ngawal, and Muktinath, whereas Ncell signal drops completely once you pass Chame.
Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs
Field-tested answers to the most common questions regarding trailheads, road conditions, pass safety, permits, and costs.
How long does the Annapurna Circuit trek take in 2026?
A standard Annapurna Circuit trek starting on foot at Dharapani and ending in Muktinath/Jomsom takes 10 to 12 days. If you include the side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), plan for 14 to 15 days. If you also hike through Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill rather than taking road transport from Muktinath, allow 16 to 18 days.
Where should I start walking to avoid the dirt road on the Annapurna Circuit?
Start walking at Dharapani (1,860m). The lower 40 kilometers from Besishahar to Dharapani is an unpaved road with heavy truck, bus, and construction traffic for hydroelectric projects. Taking a 4WD jeep from Besishahar to Dharapani cuts out two full days of walking on dusty motor roads while keeping your trailhead starting elevation below 2,000 meters for natural acclimatization.
What permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?
You require two permits: (1) The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit (NPR 3,390 for foreigners, NPR 1,130 for SAARC nationals), and (2) The Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card (NPR 2,000 for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC). Both must be obtained in advance at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) or Pokhara (Damside). Purchasing them at trailhead checkpoints incurs a 100% late penalty fee.
Is a guide mandatory for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?
Yes. Under the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) directive enforced across national parks and conservation areas, foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a government-licensed trekking guide. Checkposts at Besishahar, Dharapani, Chame, Manang, and Muktinath inspect TIMS cards and register certified guide credentials.
Should I sleep at Thorong Phedi or High Camp before crossing the pass?
Most high-altitude medical experts and experienced mountain guides recommend sleeping at Thorong Phedi (4,525m). While High Camp (4,880m) sits 355 meters higher and cuts approximately one hour off your pass morning climb, sleeping at nearly 4,900 meters frequently causes severe altitude headaches, nausea, and sleeplessness. Sleeping at Phedi ensures deeper sleep and better physical recovery.
What is the best month to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
The two primary trekking seasons are Autumn (October to November) and Spring (March to May). October and November deliver clear skies, minimal precipitation, and crisp mountain views after the monsoon. March and April offer warmer daytime temperatures and blooming rhododendron forests in the lower valleys, though high passes may still hold winter snow packs.
How hard is crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m)?
Crossing Thorong La is a non-technical trek that requires no ropes, ice axes, or climbing equipment. However, it is physically demanding. You gain nearly 900 meters of elevation in the dark on freezing switchbacks, followed by an exhausting 1,656-meter descent down loose scree to Muktinath. Trekking poles and microspikes are essential.
Can I add Tilicho Lake to the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes. Trekkers branch off the main circuit at Manang, heading west to Khangsar and Siri Kharka, and onward across an active scree traverse to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m). From Base Camp, you make an early morning hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and return to Siri Kharka. A high traverse connects Siri Kharka directly to Yak Kharka, rejoinining the circuit without backtracking to Manang. This addition adds 3 days and provides exceptional active acclimatization before Thorong La.
Independent Mountain Intelligence
Our Annapurna Circuit route notes are compiled by the Expedition Logistics Desk and audited against official ACAP, NTNC, and NTB records. Read our Editorial Policy or report updated road and checkpoint rules in our anonymous Reader Survey.