ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK (14 DAYS)

Best Time

Aim for autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May): the pass is usually most stable, with clearer skies and excellent visibility. Winter brings very cold, windy mornings at Thorong La and a higher chance of snow/ice; monsoon (Jun–Aug) means wetter, cloudier lower trails and occasional landslides. If you’re targeting fewer crowds, late Nov or late Apr can be sweet spots with cooler nights.

Distance and Days

Total distance varies with start/end and whether you add jeep/flight shortcuts or extensions: expect roughly 160-239 km over 12-18 days; our plan is 14 days with a flight out of Jomson. Classic versions via Tatopani-Ghorepani to Nayapul push the distance and add 3-5 trekking days.

Permits

Foreign trekkers need an ACAP( Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) + TIMS; since March/April 2023, a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS are mandatory on most protected-area routes (including Annapurna). ACAP can be obtained online; current posted fees: NPR 3,000 (foreign)/ NPR 1,000 (SAARC) plus 2.9% gateway fee; double fees if you buy at a check-post. We handle all paperwork and carry printed/e-copies. (fees/policies may change; we reconfirm during booking)

Bags & weight

Pack a duffel bag, 10-12 kg, for the porter and a daypack, 5-7 kg, for water, layers, and camera. Ethical load for one porter is commonly kept near 20-24 kg total across 1-2 trekkers; we add porters if needed so nobody’s overloaded. If you fly from Jomson to Pokhara, mountain routes typically allow 10 kg checked + 5kg hand; we’ll weigh bags the night before.

Insurance

Buy trekking insurance that explicitly covers helicopter evacuation and high altitude (ideally up to 6,000 m). Check that emergency search & rescue and medical are included, plus trip interruption for weather-related delays (Jomsom flights). Keep the insurer’s 24/7 assistance number handy; most providers require you/your guide to call before any heli is dispatched.

Power & Wi-Fi

Expect patchy power and internet as you go higher. Lodges usually charge a small fee for charging and Wi-Fi above Manang, and sockets can be limited at peak times. Bring a 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank, spare cables, and download offline maps (Maps.me/Gaia) before you leave Pokhara/Kathmandu.

Water

Refill at lodges/taps and treat every liter (chlorine-dioxide tabs or a filter + UV pen). Hot drinks and boiled water cost extra at altitude, so budget a little daily. Avoid single-use plastic where possible—carry two 1-liter bottles or a 2–3 L bladder and top up at lunch and camp.

Difficulty

Overall grade: moderate–challenging. Trails are non-technical, but the pass day to 5,416 m is long and exposed. A comfortable week of pre-trip hiking, plus steady ascent, hydration, and a real acclimatization day in Manang, makes the biggest difference. We monitor symptoms daily and adjust pace, overnights, or add a buffer day if conditions dictate. Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,759 ft) above sea level is the peak point, where altitude sickness is a significant risk. Being physically fit, properly acclimatization, and mentally prepared are crucial for this trek.

People also ask

How long does it take to trek the Annapurna Circuit?

• Most itineraries take 12-18 days(full classic up to 18+ days), depending on start/end points and transportation shortcuts.

How far is the Annapurna Circuit?

• Expect ~160/230 km overall, varying with jeep sections, side trips (e.g., Tilicho), and whether you finish at Jomsom or extend to Nayapul.

What is the highest point of the trek?

• Thorong La Pass(5,416 m) is the highest point and the hardest day for most trekkers.

Which direction is safer, clockwise or anticlockwise?

• Anticlockwise (Besisahr→ Manang → Muktinath) is standard for gentler altitude gain and a safer pass crossing.

When is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit?

• Autumn (Sep-Nov) and spring (March-May) bring the most stable weather and clear views; winter is very cold/ windy on the pass, and the monsoon is wetter/cloudier.

Do I need a guide and TIMS in 2025?

• Yes, on Annapurna routes, a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS card are required under NTB’s revised policy (effective from March/May 2023). Nepali citizens are exempt from the solo restrictions.

How hard is the Annapurna Circuit?

• It’s moderate–challenging: trails are non-technical, but altitude and the long Thorong La day demand solid fitness and proper acclimatization.

Can beginners do the Circuit?

• Yes, with good fitness, a licensed guide, and an acclimatization day in Manang (HRA altitude talk recommended).

Is Annapurna Circuit harder than Everest Base Camp?

• Different challenges: Annapurna has one huge pass day (5,416 m), whereas EBC keeps you high for more days; success on both hinges on acclimatization.

What about Tilicho Lake? Can I add it?

• Yes, Tilicho Lake is a 2–3 day side trip from Manang, typically added before Yak Kharka.

Are Jomsom flights reliable?

• They run early mornings when winds/visibility are better; weather often delays/cancels later flights in the day.

What is the baggage allowance on Jomsom flights?

• Typical limits are 10 kg checked + 5 kg hand for routes like Jomsom (excess charged per kg).

Is the Kali Gandaki really the world’s deepest gorge?

• It’s widely cited as among the deepest by relief, lying between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I; definitions vary, but the claim is common in academic/popular sources.