Mod–Hard

Annapurna Circuit: The Honest Guide

14–21 daysDuration 5,416 mMax altitude NepalRegion ₹70,000+From / pp

Overview

Trek nameAnnapurna Circuit
CountryNepal
RegionNepal
Duration14–21 days
Max altitude5,416 m
GradeMod–Hard
Best seasonMar–May · Oct–Nov
Indicative cost₹70,000+
Gateway / baseKathmandu / Pokhara
Rail head
AirportKathmandu (KTM) / Pokhara
StayCamps, teahouses & guesthouses

Why do this trek?

  • In Nepal — the Himalaya’s home.
  • One of the world’s great walks — 160–230 km circling the whole massif and crossing the dramatic Thorong La, from subtropical valleys to high desert.
  • Climbs to 5,416 m over 14–21 days, graded Mod–Hard — best for fit trekkers with some hill experience.
  • Best trekked in Mar–May · Oct–Nov.

About Annapurna Circuit

One of the world’s great walks — 160–230 km circling the whole massif and crossing the dramatic Thorong La, from subtropical valleys to high desert.

Nepal pioneered commercial trekking, and its two great arenas — Everest and Annapurna — remain the most loved on earth. You sleep and eat in village lodges rather than tents, which makes even the highest routes surprisingly accessible. Beyond the classics lie wilder, restricted trails for those craving solitude.

Over 14–21 days, the trail reaches a high point of 5,416 m at a Mod–Hard grade. The best window is Mar–May · Oct–Nov.

Enquire about this trek →

Itinerary

Full day-by-day on request

We haven’t published the detailed schedule for this trek yet. Send a quick enquiry and we’ll email the complete day-by-day — altitudes, stays and the next departure dates — usually the same day.

Request the itinerary →

Best time to go

This is a snow-season trek — its prime months are Mar–May · Oct–Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Good to trek Monsoon — avoid Off-season

The July–August monsoon is best avoided here — trails turn slippery and the landslide risk rises. Aim for the windows highlighted above for the clearest skies and safest conditions.

Difficulty & fitness

Graded moderately hard. Long days, real altitude and some steep ground reward prior trekking experience and solid fitness.

It tops out at 5,416 m, so sensible acclimatisation and a steady pace matter more than raw speed. Three to four weeks of light cardio — jogging, cycling, stair climbs and a couple of practice hikes — makes a real difference.

Who it suits

  • Trekkers with prior Himalayan or hill experience.
  • Those comfortable with long days and real altitude.
  • Well-prepared adventurers seeking a serious objective.
  • Photographers chasing high-mountain light.

Enquire about this trek →

Getting there

Most Nepal treks set off from Kathmandu / Pokhara. Your road transfer from the gateway is normally part of a guided departure.

Permits & what's included

Nepal requires a licensed guide on most trekking routes, plus national-park or conservation-area permits and a TIMS card. On a guided departure these are all arranged for you.

Typically included

  • Permits & entry fees
  • Trek leader, cook & support staff
  • All meals on the trek
  • Tents / lodge stays, sleeping gear
  • Transport from the gateway town
  • Safety & first-aid equipment

Usually not included

  • Travel to the gateway town
  • Personal trekking clothing & gear
  • Personal porter / offloading (on request)
  • Tips for the mountain staff
  • Taxes (e.g. GST) where applicable
  • Anything caused by delays beyond our control

What to pack

This is a cold-weather trek, so warmth and dry feet come first. Big technical items can often be rented from your operator; anything next to your skin is worth owning. Our field-tested essentials:

Safety & acclimatisation

This trek reaches 5,416 m, so altitude — not gradient — is usually the real challenge. Ascend steadily, drink three to four litres of water a day, eat well even when your appetite dips, and tell your trek leader early about any persistent headache. Descending even a little resolves almost all mild altitude symptoms.

Mountain weather can turn quickly, so a good team builds in buffer time and will happily adjust or turn a group around when conditions demand it. Carry a small personal kit — any regular medication, lip balm, blister plasters and a reusable bottle — on top of the group first-aid, and treat the mountains with the respect they deserve.

Annapurna Circuit FAQ

Is the Annapurna Circuit good for beginners?

It is graded Mod–Hard, so it is better suited to trekkers with some hill experience, good fitness and ideally prior time at altitude — not a first-ever trek.

When is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit?

The best window is Mar–May · Oct–Nov. For the snow you are picturing, aim for the heart of that window.

Can you do the Annapurna Circuit without a guide?

In practice, no — a licensed guide is required here, and it is sensible: permits, navigation and safety at altitude are all handled by your team.

How cold does it get / what is the weather like?

Expect snow and cold: nights at the higher camps drop well below freezing. The best months are Mar–May · Oct–Nov. Warm layers, a good sleeping bag and insulated boots are essential.

How many days do you need?

Plan for 14–21 days on the trail, plus travel to and from the trailhead. In winter or for remote routes, keep a buffer day for delays.

How much does the Annapurna Circuit cost?

A guided departure is around ₹70,000+ per person, varying with group size and dates. Send an enquiry for the current all-in price.

More in Nepal

Ready when you are

Tell us your dream trek. We’ll map the route.

Share your dates, fitness and the peaks you’re chasing — and get a tailored itinerary and honest budget in return.

Plan your trek