The Annapurna Circuit trek is the one walk that goes around an entire Himalayan range instead of into it. In fourteen days you pass from subtropical river gorges through pine forest and Tibetan-style high villages to a trans-Himalayan desert — crossing the mighty Thorong La at 17,769 ft (5,416 m) in between. Trekkers have called the Annapurna Circuit the world's greatest trek for fifty years, and the label still fits.
What is the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary?
From Kathmandu, a wild nine-hour jeep ride up the Marsyangdi gorge delivers you to Dharapani, where the walking begins. The first days climb steadily — pine forest and apple orchards to Chame, then beneath the astonishing curved granite of Paungda Danda to Upper Pisang. We take the high route through Ghyaru and Ngawal, medieval stone villages with the whole Annapurna massif for a backdrop, before arriving in Manang, the most atmospheric acclimatisation village anywhere.
After a rest day at Manang's glacier-lake viewpoint, the trail steps deliberately upward: Yak Kharka, then a short day to Thorong Phedi at 14,600 ft. Pass day starts at 4 AM — switchbacks of scree and snow to the prayer flags of Thorong La, then a knee-testing 1,600 m descent into another world entirely: the arid Mustang side and the sacred shrine of Muktinath, with its 108 water spouts and eternal flame. From Jomsom you descend the Kali Gandaki — the deepest gorge on Earth — and finish with a well-earned rest day on Pokhara's lakeside.
Which month is best for the Annapurna Circuit?
March to May and September to November are the windows that work. Autumn brings the famous crystal skies over Thorong La; spring adds warmth and blossom to the lower Marsyangdi. Avoid winter, when snow can close the pass for days, and the monsoon, when the approach valleys are at their wettest.
How hard is the Thorong La crossing?
This is a moderate-difficult trek and we recommend prior high-altitude experience before attempting the Thorong La. The good news is that the circuit's geometry is on your side — you gain altitude gradually over a week, with a full acclimatisation day in Manang and short, deliberate stages above 13,000 ft. Our team carries oxygen backup and runs health checks twice a day, so pass day is hard in the honest, satisfying way rather than the risky one.
What does the Annapurna Circuit trek cost?
The TrekNova Annapurna Circuit trek package costs ₹85,000 per person. The price includes two hotel nights in Kathmandu and one in Pokhara with breakfast, all overland transfers including the Kathmandu-Dharapani and Jomsom-Pokhara drives, teahouse accommodation on twin sharing, every meal on the trail, the ACAP permit and TIMS card, an experienced trek leader with local guide and porter team, and a down jacket and sleeping bag on loan. Flights to Kathmandu and mandatory high-altitude evacuation insurance are extra.
Do Indians need a visa for Nepal treks?
No. Kathmandu is a short direct flight from Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata, and Indian citizens need no visa for Nepal — carry a valid passport or government photo ID and you're through. Day one in Kathmandu covers the briefing and permit formalities; we handle the ACAP and TIMS paperwork so you can spend the evening in Thamel instead of a queue.
Walk the full circle
Few treks anywhere pack this much world into two weeks. Spring and autumn 2026 batches are live — visit the Annapurna Circuit trek page on TrekNova to choose your dates and reserve your spot.
