Trekking around the famous Annapurna Circuit is like nothing you'll ever experience. If you're planning a trip, be ready to witness different cultures, diverse scenery, and impressive views. But there are a few things you need to know first…
Planning a trip to the Himalayas is no mean feat, and there are a few things you need to prepare for. This guide will cover permits, accommodation, essential items, and more.
So, if you want to be prepared for the Annapurna Circuit, keep reading or head to the different sections of the guide if you're searching for something specific!
Overview of the Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude: 760m – 5,416m - Elevation Gain: Approx. +4,650 m - Trek Distance: 160–230 km (100–145 miles) - Hiking Time: 15–20 days
FAQs About the Annapurna Circuit Hike
Like many trekkers wanting to complete the Annapurna Circuit, you probably have many questions you need answers to before embarking on your Nepalese adventure.
We've combined some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers to help inform your trip below…
What is the Annapurna Circuit's Highest Point?
Your trek's highest point will beThorong La Pass,5416 metres(17,769 feet)above sea level.
It’s one of the highest trekking passes in the world and the most physically demanding part of the circuit.
It connects Manang (on the east side) with Muktinath and the Mustang region (on the west side).
Do You Need a Guide for the Annapurna Circuit?
There is actually a bit of confusion about this online, but the fact is – yes. You do need a guide.
While the Nepal Tourism Board (NTP) made this decision fairly recently (1 April 2023, to be exact), the rule still stands, and trekkers must now have a licensed guide in conservation and national park areas, including the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Most Annapurna Circuit tours will provide you with a guide if you don't want to arrange one yourself.
When is the Best Time to Hike the Annapurna Circuit?
The best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn)seasons, when the weather is stable, skies are clear, and temperatures are ideal for high-altitude trekking.
Typically, this isMarch-April and October-November.
It's seriously not recommended to plan your hike from June to September or from December to February, because you'll face heavy rain, mudslides, poor visibility, and heavy snow.
Plus, many of the teahouses will be closed during this time.
How Difficult is the Annapurna Circuit?
Your fitness levels, experience, and ability to handle high altitudes will determine how easy or difficult you'll find the Annapurna Circuit.
Most consider it a moderate to challenging trek, not technical but physically demanding due to its length, altitude, and terrain.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but good fitness and endurance are essential, and if you've completed multi-day hikes before, even better.
If you are a beginner on high-altitude treks, proper acclimatisation, preparation, and expectations are essential, but it is doable.
How Long Does It Take to Walk the Annapurna Circuit?
It depends on which route you take, your start/end point, and any detours you wish to take. Generally, the circuit can take anywhere between 15 and 20 days.
With the government's addition of dirt roads (controversial, we know), there are now options to skip sections of the walk (missing out on some, not all scenery) and bypass some traditional sections of the trail to get to points quicker.
Don't worry, though, as long as you choose the right guide for you and explain what you hope to see and experience, they won't let you miss the good stuff.
We'll go over a standard itinerary later, but ultimately, it's up to you what you'd like to include and exclude from your trip.
If you're trekking with a registered tour operator, it's likely they'll handle these for you, but if you're going independently with a licensed guide, you can get them from the NTP offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost?
The cost of trekking the Annapurna Circuit depends on how you do it. For a budget-friendly, independent trek,expect to spend around £430-700, covering permits, basic teahouse stays, meals, and transport.
However, now guides are required, most trekkers opt for guided packages, which typically range from£510 to £1,090, depending on the level of service, guide and porter fees, and whether permits and transport are included.
Daily costs usually range from£25-50 for food and accommodation, and extras like hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, and tips can add a bit more, especially at higher altitudes.
In total, a typical 15-20 day trek with a guide will cost around£730-3000, but can be much higher if you choose a luxury package or include extras.
If you're on a budget, consider trekking with others to share guide/porter costs, stick to local providers, and use public transport.
Oh, and remember, that doesn't include flights, visas you may need, and everything else. As long as you know this isn't a budget trip, we've done our job.
Do You Carry Luggage with You?
You can, but this will be physically demanding, so you don't have to.
There are options (independently sourced or through your guide/tour operator) to hire a porterwho'll carry your things for you.
You should ask someone local to help ensure they are properly trained, have weight limits, and are paid and treated reasonably.
How Do You Get to the Annapurna Circuit?
To get to the Annapurna Circuit from the UK, you'll first need tofly into Kathmandu, Nepal(Tribhuvan International Airport).
There are no direct flights from the UK, so you will have a layover in somewhere like Dubai. There aren't many airports to choose from when flying to Kathmandu, so you'd have to travel from a major city like London or Manchester.
Once in Kathmandu, the most common way to reach the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit is by travelling overland to Besisahar, the traditional entry town for the trek.
From Besisahar, many trekkers choose to take a short jeep ride further into the mountains, which helps avoid the dusty new road sections and shortens the early part of the trek.
But if you want the full, traditional experience, you can start right from Besisahar.
Everything You Need to Know About Annapurna Circuit Accommodation
If you've booked a good guide for your Annapurna Circuit trip, they should handle booking your accommodation in plenty of time, since during the busy seasons, accommodations fill up relatively quickly.
That said, you'll probably want to know a bit more about what to expect, so here's your guide to the Annapurna Circuit teahouses…
On your circuit, you'll stay in basic guest houses called teahouses, which are the beating heart of the community, and you'll find them in almost all villages along the circuit.
Facilities
They're basic, there's no doubt about that, but they will provide you with a bed, pillow (for which you'll probably need a pillow case), blanket, toilets,a cosy common room, and a food menu.
At lower elevations, you'll probably find you're more comfortable. The rooms will be warmer, you'll have access to western-style flush toilets, and you might even have access to showers in some modern teahouses.
However, as you climb the Himalayas, the rooms will be cold due to the thin walls and windows,toilets will be long-drop toilets in outhouses, and you won't have access to showers – only a pot of hot water which you can buy through your teahouse.
Prepare yourself for this, and always pack good deodorant!
Meals & Drinks
Teahouses are really affordable, and they barely make any money when you come to stay. They do make their money, though, through meals.
It's expected that you eat where you stay on your Annapurna Circuit trip, but don't worry, there's usually a good range of options.
Meals aren't pricey and tend to range from £3-6. You can even order yourself a packed lunch ready for the next day of hiking.
Bottled water is available to buy at all teahouses, buttap water isn't recommended to drinkunless you have a water purification method. You don't want an upset stomach on a hiking day, that's for sure.
Electricity
Most teahouses have electricity and a few outlets to charge your devices, but these are usually only in the common room, and there will probably be a small fee.
Teahouses also usually rely on solar power, so electricity isn't guaranteed on a cloudy day.
We recommend bringing a portable charger for your devices, and even a torch or headlamp to get around the teahouse if there is no electricity through the night.
WiFi is also available in some teahouses, usually only in the lower accommodations, but this will be for a small fee. We wouldn't rely on the connection, though. You might want to use this trip as a digital detox!
Cost
As we mentioned earlier, teahouses are extremely affordable, making most of their money on the meals, snacks, and drinks guests buy during their stay.
By staying in a teahouse, you're helping sustain a rural community that would otherwise see no tourism. So, just know, you're bringing much-needed and much-appreciated economy to the mountain.
At lower altitudes, you'll only pay£3-5 per night, and the higher you go, the cheaper they get. That's with the assumption you'll pay for meals, of course, which are between£3 and £6.
Other extras you might need to pay for are WiFi access (around £1-£2 per session), hot water (£1-£3), and device charging (£1-£3/hour).
So, as you can see, your accommodation on the mountain is super affordable, and you'll have the opportunity to make new connections with people from all over the world!
It's amazing how much you can learn from someone when you're stripped back to basics.
Tips for Staying in Teahouses
Here are some tips on making your stay even more pleasant:
Bring your own loo roll – you don't want to get caught short!
Always ask before charging your device or using the WiFi, there will probably be a fee.
Respect quiet hours, as most trekkers will be trying to get some rest.
Bring earplugs! The walls are very thin, and you need your beauty sleep.
Bring a sleeping bag suitable for 4-season camping. It will be very cold, and they only provide a thin blanket.
A Typical Annapurna Circuit Itinerary
There are many routes, detours, starting points, side treks, and paces to take on the Annapurna Circuit, which is whyno itinerary is the same.
Below is anexample of an 18-day trek, which is great for acclimatisation to the high altitudes. It includes a Tilicho Lake side trip and 3-9 hours of daily trekking to give you an idea of the Annapurna Circuit.
Please bear in mind that if you choose to take on your trip with a tour operator, they'll likely set the route and any stop-offs.You can always ask your guide if there are specific things you'd like to see.
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu
This is your arrival at the buzzing Nepalese capital. Wander through Thamel, a traveller's hub filled with trekking shops, cafes, and authentic street vendors.
Take your time exploring here. It's a colourful, vibrant place.
Day 2: Drive to Besisahar
A scenic 6–8 hour drive through green valleys, terraced farms, and alongside rivers. You'll pass vibrant villages and glimpse the Himalayas in the distance.
You'll stay here overnight before your trip really begins the next day.
Day 3: Jeep to Chame
The road winds through steep cliffs and gorges beside the Marsyangdi River. You'll pass waterfalls cascading down rock faces and lush pine forests, before arriving in Chame, where you can see the first full views of Annapurna II overhead.
Day 4: Trek to Upper Pisang
The Jeep rides stop here for a while, and today you'll be trekking through dense pine forests.
You'll cross swinging suspended bridges and pass Tibetan-style villages before reaching Upper Pisang, perched high on the mountainside with impressive panoramic views.
Day 5: Trek to Manang via Ghyaru and Ngawal
Take the high route: a tough but visually rewarding day.
You’ll zigzag up stone paths to Ghyaru, where snow-capped peaks dominate the skyline before descending into Manang.
Day 6: Acclimatisation day in Manang
A rest day in a dramatic Himalayan amphitheatre. This might not be necessary for experienced climbers, so you can continue on, or take an optional hike to Ice Lake, explore the town, or enjoy sunset over the Gangapurna glacier.
Day 7: Trek to Khangsar
Head off the main trail toward Tilicho Lake, where the landscape becomes more barren and rugged.
Cross small wooden bridges over glacial streams and hike through windy valleys surrounded by jagged cliffs.
Day 8: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
Today’s trail hugs cliff edges and loose scree slopes. It’s slow going, but surreal.
At base camp, behold towering granite peaks and icy winds. It's going to get a little tougher from here.
Day 9: Tilicho Lake and back to Siri Kharka
Start before sunrise. After a steep ascent, you're rewarded with a shimmering turquoise lake at nearly 5,000m.
Descend back down to the warmer, more sheltered village.
Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka
Cross a high suspension bridge and walk through wide alpine meadows with grazing yaks. It’s stark, dry, and windy – a true high-altitude landscape.
Day 11: Trek to Thorong Phedi
Climb slowly through rocky terrain, where the mountain walls press in on you. Phedi is a small cluster of stone lodges at the foot of the pass, surrounded by cliffs and prayer flags.
An early night in a teahouse is advised, because tomorrow is the toughest stretch of the journey.
Day 12: Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Wake at 4 am and ascend by headlamp into snow and thin air. This is the most difficult part of the whole trek.
The pass is marked with colourful prayer flags, a small teahouse, and epic 360° views of the Dhaulagiri range.
Descend past icy slopes and into the dry, ochre-coloured Mustang region. Muktinath is sacred, home to temples.
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom or Kagbeni
Trek through a desert-like valley with wide, windy, and crumbly cliffs. Kagbeni feels like a medieval stone village with narrow alleys and apple orchards. Jomsom is more modern, but framed by mountain silhouettes.
Day 14: Rest day in Jomsom or Jeep to Tatopani
Optional Jeep ride (3–5 hrs) down to Tatopani, where you can soak in natural hot springsbeside the river, surrounded by greenery and banana trees.
This is a sudden change from the cold, dry highlands and provides a much-needed break.
Day 15: Trek to Ghorepani
Back on foot through forested trails. Rhododendrons bloom in spring, turning the hills red and pink for a beautiful scenic day.
Ghorepani sits high in the hills, with cosy teahouses and distant views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Day 16: Poon Hill sunrise, then Trek to Ulleri or Hile
Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill, where you’ll see the sun rise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare and more. It’s one of the most famous Himalayan panoramas.
You'll then descend thousands of stone steps through forests and villages.
Day 17: Trek to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara
Your final walk is through rice terraces, small settlements, and river valleys.
Reach Nayapul, then take a 2-hour drive to Pokhara — a chilled lakeside town with cafes, massage spots, and a view of Machapuchare over Phewa Lake.
Day 18: Return to Kathmandu
Drive (6–8 hrs) back to Kathmandu. Time for souvenir shopping, one last dal bhat, and maybe a cold celebratory Everest beer!
Annapurna Circuit Map
Your tour operator will likely provide you and your group with a map, but if you want to plan ahead or see what you’re in for, we recommend looking at the online Annapurna Circuit map from Magical Nepal (provided by Himalayan Map House).
The Annapurna Circuit Packing List
The Annapurna Circuit calls for a well-prepared packing list, so we've highlighted the most important things you need to bring on your trip.
It's a long trek, and you need to make sure you're comfortable for the entirety.
Of course, you'll need personal items likemedication, toiletries, and devices, but below are the main items you'll need for a hike of this kind.
Clothing and footwear for all weathers
Sleeping equipment (sleeping bag, pillow, etc)
Trekking/hiking poles
A big enough (and comfortable) rucksack
Snacks and hydration equipment
Clothing & Footwear for all Weathers
You'll pass through different altitude ranges, from warm, low valleys to freezing high passes, so you need to ensure your clothing will keep you warm and cool at the same time.
It's essential to pack warm, thermal base layers, waterproof outer layers, winter items like hats and gloves, as well asthermal socks for the freezing parts of your trek.
For lower altitudes, you need some moisture-wicking tops and socks, plus some hiking shorts to keep the air flowing.
A good pair of hiking boots is almost as important as all your clothes combined. Breaking them in is even more important.
To avoid blisters, aches, sores, and more, take them for a spin at home beforehand.
Sleeping Equipment
Although you'll be provided with the basic essentials in your teahouses of choice, you'll still need a sleeping bag. It's paramount to a comfortable, warm night's sleep.
Since you'll be sleeping in temperatures well below freezing, your sleeping bag's temperature rating should reflect that.
Remember to also bring asleeping bag liner for added insulationand protection. Due to the thin walls, temperatures inside a teahouse can feel the same as the outside air.
You are provided with a pillow in the teahouses, but if you want to be extra hygienic, you can bring your own.
Trekking poles on hikes as long as the Annapurna Circuit are an absolute mustto save your joints from pain and fatigue.
You'll be hiking through uneven terrain, high passes, and climbing many steps, so extra stability will be your best friend.
You'll even be thankful for some poles on your descent, because the pressure on your knees will be enormous.
As always, we recommend something lightweight so you don't add extra weight to your load. Below are some of our recommendations from top outdoor brands.
A comfortable bag is an absolute necessity on treks like the Annapurna Circuit. You don't want to deal with aching shoulders, armpit rubs, and a bad back while trying to enjoy the Himalayan scenery.
Luckily, you have the option to hire a porter for your large luggage bag.
Of course, there will be a weight limit, but we recommend a70-90 litre bag. The trek is long, and you want to ensure you have everything you need.
That doesn't mean you won't be carrying anything along the circuit, though.
You'll need a day bag with at least 20-30 litres of capacity, and ideally a rain cover, as things can get quite wet on the circuit.
Below are some of our recommendations for both day and general luggage bags from top brands like Highlander and Mystery Ranch.
Staying hydrated on the circuit is paramount, or you could run into a whole host of problems.
To start, high altitude can sometimes cause sickness if you haven't properly acclimatised, and staying hydrated is one way to combat it.
You'll also spend hours a day walking, which calls for litres of water in itself.
You can purchase bottles of water from teahouses, but they might not be enough to tide you over until the next one. You can't fill up your own bottle with tap water, because it's unsafe to drink. So, what do you do?
You need to bring water purification methods with you to make the tap water safe to consume.
We have many options, such as water filters and purification tablets, that you can bring with you on your trek. They'reconvenient and quick to use, and make drinking water muchmore accessible.
Prepare for Your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Wood To Water
Hopefully, we've put your mind at ease, and you know exactly what to expect and what you need to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime trip around the famed Annapurna Circuit.
From top-of-the-range sleeping bags to water purification methods and more, preparing for your Himalayan hike has never been easier with Wood To Water.
Browse our range of equipment, gear, and accessories from top outdoor brands, and have confidence knowing you're about to have the most comfortable, pleasant trek yet!
We also offer free delivery on orders over £60 and same-day shipping to ensure you're ready to set off!
While it depends on people's fitness levels, tolerance to high altitude, and other factors, Annapurna is generally considered harder than Kilimanjaro. Neither trek is technical, but Annapurna is significantly longer, has varying terrain, and can be more physically challenging. If you think you'd like to take on Kilimanjaro, head to our extensive guide!
How Many Routes Are There in the Annapurna Region?
There are many! From the Annapurna Circuit to the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Tillicho trek, and more, come under the Annapurna region. The circuit is one of the most popular treks, and you can find more information on it above!
Are there Toilets on the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes! There are western-style flush toilets closer to the bottom of the trek, and as you climb, toilets start to become long-drop toilets in outhouses. You'll also find toilets in the different teahouses you'll stay in on the route. It's recommended you bring your own toilet paper, though!
Is There WiFi on the Annapurna Circuit?
There can be! WiFi is usually available in the teahouses along the route, but there is usually a small fee per session. Connection can be a little patchy, too, so it's best not to rely on your devices while you're on the trek.
