Annapurna Circuit Trek Planning Guide for 2026-2027

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the longest classic routes in Nepal, covering a full loop around the Annapurna massif across two of the country’s most remote districts  

But here’s the thing: it is not just long. The route crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, the highest known trekking pass in the world. That means a proper acclimatization schedule, solid physical preparation, and a clear understanding of the route are all non-negotiable!

The trek starts in the Manang district and moves into the Mustang district after the pass crossing, before finishing in Jomsom (some even stretch and take it to Ghorepani-Poon Hill via Tatopani). 

For most trekkers, the complete experience runs 14 to 21 days from Kathmandu, depending on the itinerary, side trips, and pace. If you are planning the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2026 or 2027, this full planning guide from Everest Trekking Routes covers the route, itinerary, cost, best time, permits, and difficulty in detail.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Guide

The standard Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary from Kathmandu at Everest Trekking Routes runs 15 days. 

Many trekking agencies today drive groups directly to Manang by vehicle since the road has been paved that far, cutting the trek to a fraction of its original length. Our itinerary does not do that! We follow a traditional trekking approach from Jagat onward, as that is where proper acclimatization begins, and the cultural depth of the Manang district.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route and Day-By-Day Guide

Full Route: Jagat > Chamje > Tal > Dharapani > Bagarchhap > Timang > Thanchok > Koto > Chame > Bhartang > Dhikur Pokhari > Upper Pisang > Green Lake in Lower Pisang > Ghyaru > Ngwal > Humde > Braka > Manang > Tilicho route towards Khangsar (optional) > Yak Kharka > Phedi > High Camp > Thorang La Pass (for map, check here)

Here’s the day-by-day breakdown of the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek with major attractions you’ll see along the way:

Lower Annapurna Circuit: Jagat to Chame (Days 1–3)

The drive on Day 1 heads from Kathmandu toward Besi Sahar, the headquarters of Lamjung district and the original starting point of the classic Annapurna Circuit. Vehicle roads have extended well beyond it now!

Majority of itineraries from Everest Trekking Routes reach up to Jagat, from where the trek begins on Day 2 and the trail follows the Marsyangdi River. This is a river fed up by the confluence of Khangsar Khola and Jharsang Khola in the Manang valley. The lower sections pass through Tal village and the Octopus Waterfall, two of the most memorable spots on the circuit that shorter itineraries skip entirely.

Day 3 brings you to Chame at 2,650 m, the administrative headquarters of Manang district. Most trekkers pass through without much attention, but Chame is actually the departure point for two exceptional optional routes: the Kajin Sara Lake trek, leading to a glacial lake at approximately 5,002 m (even higher than Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m), and even the Lamjung Himal Base Camp.

Upper Manang Valley and Acclimatization: Pisang to Manang (Days 4–7) 

Day 4 leads you to Upper Pisang or Lower Pisang (wherever you’d like to stop for the night). This is well-known as the home of the trending Green Lake.

Day 5 stops at Ngawal village at 3,650 m, which most shorter itineraries bypass by going directly from Pisang to Manang. Our main itinerary includes Ngawal because it gives some of the clearest views of Annapurna II and IV in the district and is also where the Kang La Pass route from the Nar Phu Valley comes in.

Day 6 you’ll reach Manang and on Day 7, it’s the acclimatization day here at 3,519 m. Manang is the most complete village at this altitude in the Annapurna region. Gangapurna Lake is a 30-minute walk from the main village. From here, you can also hike toward Kicho Ice Lake, visit Praken Gumba (above Braka), explore the Blue Lake nearby, or push toward Annapurna IV Base Camp for a more demanding half-day. 

Thorong La Pass and Muktinath: The High-Altitude Crossing (Days 8–10)

After the acclimatization days, you’ll reach Yak Kharka on Day 8, Phedi or High Camp on Day 9, and finally comes Day 10, which is the defining one. You’ll cross Thorong La Pass (or Thorang-La Pass) at 5,416 m, the highest trekking pass in the world. The climb starts before dawn, and the descent to Muktinath covers around 1,600 meters of elevation loss in a single day.

Muktinath Temple at 3,710 m is the first major cultural stop after the pass, and one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Nepal. It is equally sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus revere it as the temple of Mukti Narayana (Lord Vishnu) and consider it the only Divya Desam outside India.

For Tibetan Buddhists, it is Chumig Gyatsa (meaning “Hundred Waters“), one of the 24 sacred Tantric places, with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) believed to have meditated here on his way to Tibet. There’s this 108 bull-headed stone water spouts (Muktidhara) arranged in a semicircle are the complex’s most iconic feature.

Pilgrims from both traditions bathe under each spout as a purification ritual. Right beside the main shrine stands Jwala Mai Temple, where a natural gas seep from underground sustains an eternal flame that has been burning continuously for centuries.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Extensions

The classic Annapurna Circuit in Manang is a complete trek on its own for sure, but the region offers extensions worth planning for if you have the time:

• The Tilicho Lake side trip from Khangsar village near Manang adds 2 to 3 days and brings you to one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas at 4,919 m. Check our Tilicho Lake packages here.
• The Nar Phu Valley extension is a restricted-area journey that connects with the circuit through Kang La Pass at 5,322 m, requiring a separate permit through a registered agency. 
• Some trekkers combine both circuits into a Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek for an extended expedition. 
• For those choosing between the circuit and a different landscape, the Annapurna Circuit vs Upper Mustang Trek comparison is worth going through, since both share the same exit at Kagbeni but offer very different terrain and culture.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost Guide 2026/2027

The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek depends on your itinerary length, travel style, and which side trips you include. All packages from Everest Trekking Routes include a licensed guide, teahouse accommodation, meals on the trail, trekking permits, and airport transfers.

Here is the full breakdown of the current package options we have for you (with starting prices):

• Annapurna Circuit Trek (main, 15 days): $950/person
• Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days: $470/person
• Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 Days: $750/person
• Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days: $790/person
• Annapurna Circuit Trek 20 Days: $1,080/person
• Annapurna Circuit Trek Solo (15 days): $990/person
• Annapurna Circuit Luxury Trek (12 days): $1,550/person
• Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek (22 days): $1,825/person
• Annapurna Circuit vs Upper Mustang Trek (24 days): $2,250/person
• Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek (16 days): $950/person 

The full Annapurna Circuit Trek cost breakdown with permits and guide fees is available separately for trekkers planning an independent or agency-assisted budget.

Outside the package, make sure you budget separately for your Nepal tourist visa ($30 for 15 days or $50 for 30 days), daily trail expenses (WiFi, hot showers, charging: approximately NPR 500 to 1,000 per day), and tipping at roughly 10% of total trek cost, which is standard across all Nepal trekking routes.

When is the Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The two best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are:

• Autumn (October and early November) is the peak season for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The sky after monsoon is clean, Annapurna range views from Manang and Thorong La are sharp, and trail conditions are also excellent! But teahouses at Thorong Phedi and High Camp fill up fast. So, we suggest booking your accommodation in advance during this period (or book our package so we can confirm that for you!).
• Spring (late March to May) is also a great window. Rhododendrons bloom on the lower sections toward Ghorepani, and pass conditions are generally stable, though pre-monsoon clouds can build by afternoon in May.

While Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible in winter, it’s the most risky. So, only go with a guide and learn about the latest conditions before heading for the Thorang La Pass crossing.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit and Cost Details

The Annapurna Circuit requires just one permit (with TIMS these days becoming optional, although included by maximum trekking agencies). It’s the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at NPR 3,000 for most foreign nationals (slightly reduced fee at NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals). 

Good news for everyone thinking ot book your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Everest Trekking Routes. The permit is included in all Everest Trekking Routes packages!

But in case you’re planning to add the Nar Phu Valley section or wish to do both Manaslu and Annapurna circuits in one go, you’ll require a separate restricted area permit, which must be processed through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. In short, independent trekking isn’t allowed.

And talking only about the Annapurna Circuit, independent trekking is allowed, but you should still go with a guide for safety reasons in such a high-altitude region.

Difficulty Guide: Is Annapurna Circuit Right for You?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek’s difficulty grade is rated “Challenging”. That’s because Thorong La Pass crossing at 5,416 m, the total route distance of 160 to 230 km depending on side trips, and the extended days at altitude above 4,000 m are what push it beyond the moderate category!

Also, altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit is a genuine concern. Most serious AMS cases on this route happen when trekkers skip the acclimatization day in Manang or push too fast from Yak Kharka to High Camp. 

For beginners, this circuit is indeed possible but requires honest self-assessment. In case you do not have prior high-altitude trekking experience, we would rather suggest completing a 4000-meter trek. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek would be a better fit in the same region, and then you may attempt the circuit in a future season (or within the same time).

Trekking Tips for Your Upcoming Annapurna Circuit Trek

If you’re planning Annapurna Circuit Trek this 2026/27 season, be sure you’re physically and mentally prepared. Here are some tips from our Everest Trekking Routes team:

• Do not treat the acclimatization day as passive rest. Hiking to Gangapurna Lake or Kicho Ice Lake will directly improve your Thorong La performance two days later.
• Watch for AMS symptoms above 3,500m: persistent headache, nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, and dry cough. Inform your guide immediately and do not push on.
• Acetazolamide (Diamox) is commonly used on this route as a preventive measure. However, only consume it after discussing with your physician.
• Crampons are highly recommended for Thorong La from October onward. They can be rented in Manang if needed or even in shops of Thamel.
• Carry a power bank! Charging at Thorong Phedi and High Camp is unreliable.
• A universal travel adapter supporting 230V/50Hz is necessary.
• When passing mani walls and chortens throughout Manang district, keep them on your right and walk clockwise.
• At Muktinath Temple, remove shoes before entering the temple complex and dress respectfully.
• Ask permission before photographing anyone, particularly in monasteries along the route.
• Carry a refillable bottle and purification tablets. Plastic bottles create a significant waste problem in a region with no waste infrastructure.
• Choose locally-run teahouses and hire local porters. The communities across Manang and Mustang districts maintain this trail year-round and depend on that revenue directly (so, you’re helping them out directly).
• For safety tips, do read this guide.

Without a doubt, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the few routes in Nepal where the geography actually forces the experience. And now, after preparing the right way as this guide outlines, our team at Everest Trekking Routes is sure you’re going to get a genuinely complete Himalayan experience!