Annapurna Circuit Trek Guide 2027: Route, Permits, Best Season and Cost

The Annapurna Circuit is a classic long-distance Himalayan walk. You circle the Annapurna massif, climbing the Marsyangdi river valley through forest and Tibetan-style villages to Manang, crossing the 5,416 m Thorong La pass, then dropping into the deep Kali Gandaki gorge. Our 15-day plan runs from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, starts the trail at Dharapani to save time on road-side sections, and ends with a sunrise at Poon Hill.

The short version

• Highest point: Thorong La pass, about 5,416 m
• Our trip: 15 days from Kathmandu, including a rest day in Manang and a spare day at the end
• Distance: roughly 130 to 160 km on foot, less where vehicles are used
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging. Altitude, cold and the long pass day are the main challenge
• Best seasons: March to May and late September to November
• Our price: from US$1,290 per person, with a 20% deposit to secure the booking

Our 15-day route, day by day

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (about 1,350 m). Meet our team, rest and attend a trek briefing.

Day 2: Drive to Dharapani (about 1,960 m).

Day 3: Dharapani to Chame (about 2,710 m).

Day 4: Chame to Pisang (about 3,300 m).

Day 5: Pisang to Manang (about 3,540 m). Stone houses, monasteries and views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III.

Day 6: Acclimatisation day in Manang (about 3,540 m). A full rest day, with optional side trips.

Day 7: Manang to Yak Kharka (about 4,050 m).

Day 8: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (about 4,450 m).

Day 9: Cross Thorong La to Muktinath (pass about 5,416 m; Muktinath about 3,760 m). The crossing begins before dawn and the day takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom (about 2,720 m). Muktinath is a shrine sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.

Day 11: Jomsom to Tatopani (about 1,190 m). Down the Kali Gandaki valley between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Tatopani has natural hot springs.

Day 12: Tatopani to Ghorepani (about 2,860 m).

Day 13: Poon Hill sunrise, then Nayapul and Pokhara (Poon Hill about 3,210 m; Pokhara about 820 m).

Day 14: Return to Kathmandu (about 1,350 m).

Day 15: Departure or spare day.

Times and altitudes are approximate and vary by source and lodge. Keep at least one spare day before your international flight, because snow or wind can force the pass day to move.

How hard is it?

Moderate to challenging. Most days are 4 to 7 hours of walking, but the altitude is the real test. The plan uses a gradual schedule, sleeps no higher than needed before the pass, and includes a full rest day in Manang. The Thorong La crossing begins before dawn, is cold and windy, and can be closed or made harder by snow. Accommodation is simple teahouse lodges on the trail and hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Has the road changed the trek?

Yes. Jeep roads now run on parts of the circuit. For that reason we start the trail at Dharapani and choose trail and vehicle sections to keep the route enjoyable. Landslides or weather can affect both vehicles and trails, so we confirm the latest conditions before departure and adjust the mix of walking and driving where it improves your trip.

Permits you need

You usually need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a trekker registration card. We arrange them. Rules and fees change, so we confirm the current requirements, including any guide or group rules, before you book. Buy the ACAP in advance, because it costs more at a check post. Our Nepal trekking permits guide explains each permit.

Best time to go

The best seasons are March to May and late September to November. The Thorong La crossing is cold and windy, and snow can close it or make it harder, so we leave buffer time on the descent and at the end. See our best time to trek in Nepal guide.

What does it cost?

Our 15-day Annapurna Circuit trek starts from US$1,290 per person; the final price is confirmed when you book. Meals and drinks on the trail, and tips, are paid in cash separately. Your travel insurance should cover trekking up to at least 5,500 m, medical treatment and helicopter rescue, so check that it covers the 5,416 m pass.

Want a shorter Annapurna walk?

If 15 days is too long, our Ghorepani Poon Hill guide and Annapurna Base Camp guide cover shorter routes in the same region. For a remote restricted-area alternative, see the Manaslu Circuit guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for the Annapurna Circuit?

Our trip takes 15 days from Kathmandu, including the drives, a rest day in Manang and a spare day at the end.

How high is Thorong La and how risky is it?

The pass is about 5,416 m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The main hurdle is altitude. The crossing is cold and windy, and snow can close it or make it harder. We use a gradual schedule with a rest day in Manang and leave buffer time in case the crossing has to move.

What permits do I need?

The Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a trekker registration card are usually needed. We arrange them, and we confirm the current guide and group requirements with you before you book.

Has the road changed the trek?

Yes. Jeep roads now run on parts of the circuit, and landslides or weather can affect vehicles and trails. We choose trail and vehicle sections to keep the route enjoyable and confirm the latest conditions before departure.

Ready to plan it? See the Annapurna Circuit Trek package, or message us on WhatsApp +81 70 2232 4287.

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