Annapurna Circuit

About this trail

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the great mountain journeys of the world, sweeping around the Annapurna massif through a staggering diversity of landscape — from subtropical river valleys and terraced hillside villages to high-altitude desert plateau and the Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest river gorges on earth. The trail connects radically different ecosystems and cultures: Gurung settlements in the lower reaches give way to Tibetan-influenced communities around Manang before the route crests Thorong La and drops into the wind-carved canyon below. Few long-distance trails deliver this breadth of natural and human experience within a single continuous walk. The terrain shifts fundamentally along the way — well-worn stone staircases and river-valley paths in the lower sections become rocky, exposed ridge walking above Manang, and the Thorong La crossing can carry snow and ice outside the main seasons. Acclimatization is non-negotiable: rushing from the lowlands to the pass without adequate rest exposes walkers to a genuine risk of acute mountain sickness, and a full rest day at Manang before the push is standard practice, not just a precaution. October to November and March to April are the reliable windows; monsoon brings serious landslide risk in the valley floors, and the pass is often closed by deep snow through the heart of winter. Tea house accommodation is well established along most of the route, so there is no need to carry camping gear, though options thin considerably above Manang. A TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area permit are mandatory for all foreign trekkers and can be arranged in Besisahar or in Kathmandu before setting out.