Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek – 14 Days

Experience the legendary Annapurna Circuit Trek in 14 days, crossing the spectacular Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, exploring the high Manang valley and the dry Trans-Himalayan landscapes of Mustang, visiting the sacred Muktinath Temple, and walking through some of the most diverse mountain scenery in Nepal. Royal Nepal Holidays runs this trek with licensed guides, experienced porters, and a carefully paced itinerary built for proper acclimatization.

Price from US$999 per person (for more than 10+ person)| Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights | Max Altitude: 5,416 m

Quick Trip Facts

Permit fees change from time to time. Royal Nepal Holidays keeps permit costs updated in line with the Nepal Tourism Board's current published rates rather than quoting a fixed figure here — please confirm the latest ACAP and TIMS fees with our team at the time of booking.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most celebrated long-distance treks in the world, looping around the Annapurna massif through a chain of landscapes that shift from terraced farmland and subtropical forest to alpine meadow and high-altitude desert. Few treks anywhere pack this much variety into a single route. Within roughly two weeks you pass through Gurung villages in the lower Marsyangdi valley, Tibetan-influenced settlements in Manang, the wind-scoured plateau below Thorong La, and the apple orchards and Thakali villages of the Kali Gandaki valley on the Mustang side.

Royal Nepal Holidays designed this 14-day itinerary to be the practical, balanced version of the classic circuit. It keeps the sections that matter most for acclimatization, scenery, and cultural exposure, while using road transportation on the lower sections that are now largely motorable — the same sections most trekkers no longer walk in full. The result is a trip that respects your time without cutting corners on safety or experience.

This route is suitable for trekkers with reasonable fitness and some prior hiking experience. It is not a technical climb, but it does involve consecutive days of walking at altitude and one high, cold pass crossing, so honest preparation matters more than raw athletic ability.

Route direction: Kathmandu – Besisahar – Chame – Manang – Thorong La Pass – Muktinath – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu Highest point: Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m Approximate trekking distance: Varies by exact road usage and side trips, generally in the 110–160 km range Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara; teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the trekking section Transportation: Private vehicle or tourist jeep for road sections, on foot for the trekking sections

Why Trek Annapurna Circuit with Royal Nepal Holidays

• Carefully paced 14-day itinerary built around proper acclimatization, not just the fastest possible schedule
• Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide on every departure
• Experienced, fairly treated porter support
• A dedicated acclimatization day in Manang before the push toward Thorong La
• Thorong La Pass crossing led by a guide who knows the weather patterns and the safest departure times
• Visit to Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims
• Genuine teahouse experience rather than a rushed, transactional itinerary
• Private and custom departures available on almost any date
• Small-group departures that keep the trail experience personal
• Flexible transportation choices between jeep, private vehicle, and tourist bus
• Airport transfers included on arrival and departure
• A full trek briefing in Kathmandu before you head to the mountains, covering altitude, gear, and daily routine
• Emergency assistance and 24/7 contact with our Kathmandu office throughout the trip
• Transparent inclusions and exclusions with no hidden costs added after booking

We don't just say we offer "the best service" — every item above is something our team actually does on this trek, from the way we schedule acclimatization to the way we brief you before departure.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

• Cross the dramatic Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world
• Explore Manang, a high-altitude Tibetan-influenced village surrounded by glaciers and peaks
• Walk through villages shaped by Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali culture
• Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike
• Descend through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges on Earth
• See the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from multiple angles as the route wraps around the massif
• Experience the trek's signature contrast: subtropical forest at the start, high-altitude desert near Mustang
• Stay in traditional mountain teahouses run by local families
• Visit apple orchards and taste local apple products around Marpha
• Optional side trip to the turquoise Tilicho Lake and Gangapurna Lake near Manang

Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude Profile

The Annapurna Circuit Trek gradually climbs from Kathmandu at 1,400 m to the highest point, Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, before descending through Muktinath, Jomsom, Tatopani and Pokhara. The profile highlights the major altitude changes, acclimatization point at Manang (3,540 m), and the challenging Thorong La crossing.

Detailed Itinerary

Cost Details for this Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Cost Includes

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu by private vehicle
• 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
• 10 nights' teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
• All necessary trekking permits, including Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS
• Licensed, experienced and English-speaking trekking guide
• Porter service — 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
• Guide and porter salary, food, accommodation, transportation and insurance
• Kathmandu–Besisahar transportation by tourist vehicle/private vehicle as per itinerary
• Local 4WD/Jeep transportation on the Annapurna Circuit route as required
• Jomsom/Tatopani–Pokhara transportation
• Pokhara–Kathmandu tourist bus/private vehicle
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking portion
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Trekking duffel bag and sleeping bag during the trek, if required
• Basic first-aid medical kit carried by the guide
• Government taxes and official service charges
• Company service and trekking arrangement charges

Cost Excludes

• International airfare to and from Nepal
• Nepal entry visa fee
• Travel and trekking insurance
• Emergency helicopter evacuation and medical expenses
• Personal expenses
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless specifically mentioned
• Bottled/mineral water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Tea, coffee and other beverages beyond included meals
• Hot showers during the trek
• Wi-Fi/internet charges
• Battery charging/electricity fees
• Laundry services
• Personal trekking equipment and clothing
• Personal medication and medical expenses
• Snacks and additional food
• Tips for trekking guide, porter and driver
• Any additional accommodation or transportation caused by flight delays, bad weather, natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances
• Any services not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes

Optional Add-ons

These are good add-ons to display on the Royal Nepal Holidays booking page:

Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days Route Map

Captured Memories Of Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days

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More Information about this Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance

Trekkers often ask for a single distance figure, but the honest answer is that it depends on the route taken. The total distance of a 14-day Annapurna Circuit itinerary generally falls in the 110 to 160 km range, and it varies according to:

• How much of the lower Marsyangdi valley is covered by road transportation versus walking
• The exact starting and ending points (Besisahar versus Dharapani, Jomsom versus Tatopani versus Pokhara)
• Whether optional side trips, such as the upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal or a detour toward Tilicho Lake, are included
• Route variations chosen for acclimatization or weather reasons

Rather than quoting one number as if every Annapurna Circuit itinerary is identical, Royal Nepal Holidays will confirm the exact day-by-day distances for your specific departure once your route is finalized.

Thorong La Pass – The Highest Point of the Trek

At 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), Thorong La Pass is the highlight and the single biggest physical challenge of the Annapurna Circuit. The crossing typically begins from Thorong Phedi or High Camp with a pre-dawn departure, since winds on the pass tend to strengthen through the late morning and afternoon. The climb from Phedi or High Camp to the pass takes roughly four to six hours depending on conditions and pace, followed by a long, steep descent of over four hours to Muktinath.

Weather on the pass can change quickly, and temperatures well below freezing are normal even outside the winter months. Snow, ice, and strong wind are all possible even in the recommended trekking seasons. This is exactly why the days leading up to the crossing are built around gradual altitude gain and one full acclimatization day in Manang — arriving at Thorong Phedi already well-acclimatized is the single biggest factor in a safe, comfortable crossing. Our guides carry basic first-aid and oximeters to monitor the group, and they make the final call on timing and pacing based on real-time weather and everyone's condition.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

The honest difficulty rating for this trek is moderate to challenging. It is not a technical trek requiring climbing skills or specialized equipment, but it should not be marketed as easy either. Several factors combine to make it demanding:

• Sustained high altitude, with more than a week spent above 3,000 m
• Long walking days, particularly the Thorong La crossing, which can involve 7–9 hours on the trail
• Steep, sustained ascents and descents, especially the drop from Thorong La to Muktinath
• Unpredictable mountain weather, including cold, wind, and occasional snow near the pass
• Road sections on rough, sometimes bumpy jeep tracks in the lower valley
• A baseline level of cardiovascular fitness and, ideally, some prior multi-day hiking experience

Trekkers who prepare with regular cardio and hiking training in the months before departure, and who take acclimatization seriously, generally find the trek very manageable. Those who arrive unprepared or try to rush the itinerary are the ones who struggle.

Acclimatization and Altitude

Altitude is the single biggest safety factor on the Annapurna Circuit, and it deserves its own explanation rather than a footnote. The Nepal Tourism Board's mountain-safety guidance recommends gradual increases in sleeping altitude above 2,500 m, with a rest day built in after roughly every 1,000 meters of elevation gain, and our itinerary is built around that principle.

The dedicated acclimatization day in Manang (Day 6) is the centerpiece of this approach. Rather than resting completely, trekkers are encouraged to take a guided day hike above the village — commonly toward Gangapurna Lake or one of the nearby viewpoints above 3,900 m — before returning to sleep at Manang's lower altitude. This "climb high, sleep low" pattern is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Signs of altitude illness to watch for include persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and unusual fatigue. Mild symptoms are common and usually resolve with rest, hydration, and slower pacing; symptoms that worsen or include confusion, severe headache, or difficulty breathing at rest require immediate descent. Your guide is trained to recognize these signs and will not hesitate to adjust the schedule, arrange descent, or coordinate evacuation if needed. Staying well hydrated, avoiding alcohol at altitude, and communicating honestly with your guide about how you feel are the most important things you can do.

Best Time to Trek Annapurna Circuit

Spring and autumn are the two recommended trekking seasons for the Annapurna region, offering the most stable weather and clearest mountain views.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in March: Early spring brings blooming rhododendrons in the lower valleys and generally stable weather, though nights near Thorong La remain very cold.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in April: One of the most popular months, with warmer days, longer daylight, and excellent visibility on clear days.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in May: Late spring can bring haze and occasional pre-monsoon showers, but trails are quieter and lodges less crowded than peak April.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in September: The tail end of monsoon; trails are green and lush, though early-month rain is still possible in the lower valleys.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in October: The single most popular month for the circuit, with the clearest skies, stable weather, and the busiest teahouses.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in November: Consistently clear and cold, with excellent mountain visibility, though nights near the pass are significantly colder than October.

Winter trekking is possible for well-prepared, experienced trekkers, but Thorong La can close temporarily after heavy snowfall, and cold-related risk increases significantly. Monsoon season brings the added risks of slippery trails, leeches in the lower forested sections, and cloud cover that can obscure mountain views, though the upper Manang and Mustang sections sit in a rain shadow and see less rainfall than the lower valley.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

Royal Nepal Holidays prices this 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek according to group size, with better per-person rates for larger groups and a straightforward private option for solo travelers.

Private departures are available on any preferred date, and custom itineraries can be arranged on request.

What is included?

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
• Two nights' hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (on a bed-and-breakfast basis)
• One night's hotel accommodation in Pokhara
• All ground transportation as per the itinerary (private vehicle/jeep/tourist bus)
• Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
• Porter service (typically one porter for every two trekkers)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trekking days
• Teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the trek
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card
• All applicable government and local taxes
• First-aid kit carried by the guide
• Guide and porter salaries, insurance, food, and accommodation

What is not included?

• International airfare to and from Nepal
• Nepal entry visa fee
• Travel and high-altitude trekking insurance (including emergency evacuation coverage)
• Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs
• Bottled or boiled drinking water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
• Wi-Fi charges at teahouses
• Battery charging fees at teahouses
• Hot shower charges where not included
• Tips for your guide and porter
• Emergency evacuation costs beyond what your insurance covers
• Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, down jacket if not owned)
• Any costs arising from itinerary changes due to weather, health, or personal reasons

Additional and optional costs to budget for:

These figures are indicative and can vary by teahouse and season. Our guides can advise on realistic daily budgets once you're on the trail.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits

Two permits are required for this trek:

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): Required for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, which the entire circuit passes through. Fees support conservation and community development in the region.

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): A safety and tracking document required for trekkers in the Annapurna region. The Nepal Tourism Board currently lists the Annapurna Circuit among routes that require both a guide and an agency-issued TIMS card.

Who arranges them?

Royal Nepal Holidays arranges both the ACAP permit and the TIMS card on your behalf as part of your package through the appropriate registered process — you simply provide passport details and photos in advance. Permit fees are updated periodically by the relevant authorities, so we always confirm current pricing at the time of booking rather than relying on outdated figures.

Accommodation During Annapurna Circuit Trek

In Kathmandu: A comfortable, centrally located hotel in the Thamel area, typically 3-star or equivalent, on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Upgrades to boutique or higher-category hotels can be arranged on request.

On the trekking route: Teahouses and lodges run by local families, offering twin-sharing rooms with basic furnishings. Rooms are simple — typically a bed, blanket, and small table — and shared bathrooms are the norm, though some lower-altitude lodges offer attached bathrooms. Hot showers are usually available for an extra charge, generated by gas or solar heating, and can be limited or unavailable at the highest elevations such as Thorong Phedi or High Camp. Electricity is generally available for charging at a fee. Wi-Fi is increasingly common but slower and less reliable as you climb higher. Dining rooms are typically heated by a central stove in the evening and double as the social hub of each teahouse. We do not promise luxury facilities at high altitude — conditions become simpler the higher you go, and that's part of the authentic teahouse trekking experience.

Food During Annapurna Circuit Trek

Teahouse menus along the Annapurna Circuit are more varied than many trekkers expect, though choices narrow somewhat at higher elevations. Typical options include:

• Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetable curry) — the trekker's staple, often served with unlimited refills
• Noodle dishes, including chow mein and thukpa
• Fried and steamed momos
• Pasta and simple pizza in the lower and mid-altitude villages
• Soups, including garlic soup, often recommended for altitude
• Tibetan bread and chapati
• Potato dishes, including hash browns and boiled potatoes
• Eggs prepared various ways
• Seasonal vegetables
• Porridge and muesli for breakfast
• Tea, coffee, and hot lemon

Vegetarian food is widely available and often recommended at altitude for easier digestion. Vegan and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice to your guide, though options become more limited the higher you climb. Let us know about any dietary restrictions when booking so your guide can plan accordingly.

Transportation on Annapurna Circuit Trek

Understanding exactly where you drive and where you walk is one of the most useful things we can tell you before booking, since many generic itineraries leave this vague.

Kathmandu to Chame: Covered entirely by private vehicle or jeep on Day 3 — this is the section of the "classic" full-walking circuit that has been progressively opened to road access over the past decade, and almost no commercial 14-day itinerary walks it in full anymore.

Chame to Thorong La to Muktinath: Walked in full, on foot, over five to six days — this is the heart of the trekking experience and includes the pass crossing itself.

Muktinath to Jomsom: A combination of walking and a short jeep transfer, depending on time and preference.

Jomsom to Pokhara: Either continued walking/jeep travel through Tatopani, or a direct jeep transfer, or a scenic mountain flight, depending on the option selected for your departure.

Pokhara to Kathmandu: By tourist bus, private vehicle, or a short domestic flight.

We're upfront about this because current itineraries across the industry vary considerably in how they present road versus walking sections, and we'd rather you know exactly what a 14-day version of this trek actually involves before you commit.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing List

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
• Fleece or down mid-layer
• Insulated down jacket for high altitude
• Waterproof, windproof outer shell jacket and pants
• Trekking trousers (2–3 pairs)
• Thermal underwear for high-altitude nights
• Warm hat, sun hat, and buff or scarf
• Gloves (a lightweight pair and a warm insulated pair)
• Trekking socks (4–5 pairs) plus liner socks

Footwear

• Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots
• Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
• Gaiters (useful in early spring or late autumn snow)

Sleeping Equipment

• Four-season sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C for high-altitude nights
• Sleeping bag liner

Backpack

• Daypack (30–40L) for personal items carried while walking
• Duffel bag for the porter to carry
• Rain cover for both bags

Documents

• Passport with at least six months' validity
• Passport-size photos for permits
• Travel insurance details, including evacuation coverage
• Printed copies of booking confirmation

Electronics

• Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for the pre-dawn pass crossing)
• Power bank
• Universal travel adapter
• Camera or phone with extra memory/storage

Personal Medicine

• Personal prescription medication
• Diamox (consult your doctor before the trip)
• Basic first-aid items: blister plasters, pain relief, altitude-related medication, rehydration salts
• Water purification tablets or a filter as backup

Water and Hydration

• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
• Electrolyte powders

Trekking Accessories

• Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the Thorong La descent)
• Sunglasses with strong UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Small towel and toiletries
• Snacks or energy bars from home

A detailed, downloadable packing checklist is available on request from our team.

Travel Insurance and Emergency Support

Comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking up to at least 5,500 meters, including helicopter evacuation, is required for this trek. Standard travel insurance policies often exclude high-altitude activities, so please check your policy carefully before departure.

In the event of a medical emergency, your guide will assess the situation, coordinate descent where possible, and contact our Kathmandu office to arrange helicopter evacuation if needed. Evacuation and related medical costs are the responsibility of your insurance provider — we do not include evacuation costs in the trek price, and we do not claim that evacuation is automatically covered by booking with us. Our office maintains contact with your guide throughout the trek via phone or satellite communication where mobile coverage is unavailable, and we keep a contingency plan in place for weather delays, route changes, or medical situations.

Electricity, Wi-Fi and Mobile Network

Electricity for charging phones, cameras, and power banks is available at most teahouses along the route, typically for a small per-device fee that increases with altitude. Carrying a power bank charged in advance is a smart backup for the higher, more remote nights.

Wi-Fi is available at many teahouses for an additional daily or per-use fee, though speed and reliability drop noticeably above Manang. A local Nepali SIM card or eSIM with data can provide better connectivity in villages with mobile network coverage, though signal becomes patchy or disappears entirely near Thorong Phedi, High Camp, and the pass itself. Don't plan on reliable connectivity for the two days surrounding the pass crossing.

ATM and Money on Annapurna Circuit

Carry sufficient Nepalese cash before starting the trek. ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Besisahar, but become limited or unreliable once you're on the trekking route — Chame and Jomsom have occasional ATM access, but machines can be out of service or out of cash, so treat them as a backup rather than a plan. Withdraw enough cash before entering the higher sections of the route to comfortably cover meals not included in your package, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and tips for your guide and porter. Small denomination notes are more useful than large ones in remote teahouses.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

This 14-day itinerary does not include the side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes of its size in the world at over 4,900 meters. Want to visit Tilicho Lake as part of your trip? Ask Royal Nepal Holidays about our extended Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake itinerary, which adds two to three additional days from Manang before rejoining the main circuit route toward Thorong La.

Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners

Yes, beginners can complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek, but genuine preparation matters. This is not a trek to attempt on a whim. We recommend:

• Several months of cardiovascular and leg-strength training before departure
• Some prior experience with multi-day hiking, even at lower altitude, to know how your body handles sustained walking
• A realistic understanding that altitude affects everyone differently, regardless of general fitness
• Full guide support, which is included in every Royal Nepal Holidays departure and is especially valuable for first-time high-altitude trekkers
• Following the built-in acclimatization schedule rather than trying to rush ahead of the group

We won't tell you that everyone can do this trek without effort — some days are genuinely demanding — but with preparation, a realistic pace, and proper acclimatization, most reasonably fit beginners complete it successfully.

Why Choose Royal Nepal Holidays

Royal Nepal Holidays is a Kathmandu-based trekking and travel company operating out of Thamel, under the direction of owner Sushil Tiwari. Our strengths on this trek come down to a few concrete things:

• Deep local expertise in the Annapurna region built up over years of running this exact route
• Licensed trekking guides who know the trail, the weather patterns, and the acclimatization needs of international trekkers
• Experienced, fairly treated porters
• Small-group departures that keep the experience personal rather than crowded
• Private departures available on your preferred dates
• A flexible itinerary that can be adjusted for fitness level, interests, or side trips like Tilicho Lake
• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no surprise add-ons
• Airport pickup and drop-off handled without you having to arrange anything
• Full permit arrangement (ACAP and TIMS) handled by our office before you arrive
• 24/7 local emergency support throughout your trip

Meet our trekking team: Guides including Bashu, Chandra, and Uttam lead our Annapurna departures, each licensed and experienced across the region's major routes. Visit our team page to learn more about the guides who could be leading your trek.

Responsible Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Royal Nepal Holidays asks all trekkers to help protect the Annapurna Conservation Area for the communities and environment that depend on it:

• Avoid single-use plastic; carry a reusable bottle and use water purification instead of buying bottled water where possible
• Respect local culture, including appropriate dress near temples and monasteries and asking before photographing local people
• Support local teahouses and family-run lodges rather than skipping meals or accommodation to save money
• Dispose of waste responsibly and carry out what you carry in wherever bins are unavailable
• Show respect at monasteries and religious sites, including walking clockwise around mani walls and chortens
• Ensure fair treatment of porters, including appropriate loads, clothing, and pay — a standard we hold ourselves to on every departure
• Stay on established trails to avoid erosion and damage to fragile alpine vegetation
• Conserve water, particularly at higher elevations where it is scarce
• Support local communities by buying local snacks, crafts, and services along the way

Related Annapurna Treks

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek
• Tilicho Lake Trek
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
• Mardi Himal Trek
• Nar Phu Valley Trek
• Upper Mustang Trek

Travel Services

• Kathmandu Airport Transfer
• Private Jeep Rental
• Tourist Bus, Kathmandu to Pokhara

Related Tours

• Pokhara Tour
• Muktinath Tour
• Kathmandu Pokhara Tour

14 Days vs Other Annapurna Circuit Durations

The 14-day format is one of the most commonly offered commercial versions of the Annapurna Circuit, balancing a manageable trip length with proper acclimatization time and the flexibility to add side trips like Tilicho Lake for trekkers who want them.

What is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a long-distance Himalayan trek in Nepal that loops around the Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters and passing through the Manang and Mustang regions.

How long is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The duration varies by route and transportation choices, but 14 days is one of the most widely offered commercial formats for the circuit, balancing time, acclimatization, and cost.

What is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The highest point is Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).

Traveller's Reviews

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Aveline Lampard | On April 2026

5 Excellent

My First Himalayan Circuit Was Better Than I Imagined

The Annapurna Circuit Was My First Himalayan Trek, And I Was Impressed By How Much The Landscape Changed Throughout The Journey. From The Green Valleys Around Dharapani To The Dry Mountain Scenery Of Manang And Mustang, Every Few Days Felt Completely Different. The Acclimatization Day In Manang Was Particularly Helpful Before Heading Higher.

Crossing Thorong La Pass At 5,416 Meters Was The Biggest Challenge, But Chandra Prasad Puri Kept Our Pace Comfortable And Regularly Checked How We Were Feeling. He Also Explained The Local Villages, Mountains And Traditions Along The Way. Sushil Tiwari Was Very Helpful Before The Trek And Made The Arrangements Straightforward. The Combination Of Scenery, Culture And Careful Guidance Made This A Very Memorable Experience.

Mateo Rinaldi | On April 2026

5 Excellent

Excellent Organization From Kathmandu To Thorong La

What I Appreciated Most About Royal Nepal Holidays Was The Organization. Sushil Tiwari Communicated Clearly Before The Trek, And The Transportation, Permits, Accommodation And Guide Arrangements Were Handled Smoothly.

Uttam Timilsina Was An Excellent Companion On The Trail. He Understood That The Altitude Required Patience And Never Pushed Us Unnecessarily. The Gradual Ascent Through Chame, Pisang And Manang Made The Transition To Higher Elevations Much Easier To Manage. Thorong Phedi And The Crossing Of Thorong La Were Demanding, But Having An Experienced Guide Made A Big Difference.

The Route Itself Was Fantastic, Especially The Contrast Between The Annapurna Side And The Dry Landscapes Around Muktinath And Jomsom. Overall, It Was A Well-organized Trek With Very Good Local Support.

Elara Wayne | On May 2026

5 Excellent

From Green Valleys To The High Desert Of Mustang

What Stayed With Me Most From The Annapurna Circuit Was The Changing Landscape. We Started Surrounded By Green Hills, Forests And Rushing Rivers, And Gradually Climbed Into The Much More Rugged World Around Manang. By The Time We Reached The Thorong La Region, The Scenery Felt Almost Otherworldly.

Standing At The Thorong La Pass At 5,416 Meters Was A Particularly Special Moment. The Cold Wind, Enormous Mountains And Sense Of Achievement Made The Long Climb Worthwhile. Chandra Prasad Puri Was Calm And Knowledgeable Throughout The Trek And Gave Us Plenty Of Information About The Places We Passed.

The Descent To Muktinath Brought Another Dramatic Change In Scenery, And I Especially Enjoyed The Atmosphere Around The Old Villages And Kali Gandaki Valley. Sushil Tiwari And The Royal Nepal Holidays Team Made The Arrangements Feel Easy From The Beginning.

Niko Vassiliou | On May 2026

5 Excellent

A Well-Paced Circuit For A Solo Traveler

I Joined The Annapurna Circuit As A Solo Traveler, So Having Reliable Local Support Was Important To Me. From The First Communication With Sushil Tiwari, I Felt That The Arrangements Were Clear And Well Organized.

The Trek Had A Great Rhythm. There Were Challenging Walking Days, Relaxed Evenings In The Teahouses And Plenty Of Opportunities To Meet Other Trekkers Along The Route. I Particularly Enjoyed The Acclimatization Day In Manang Because It Gave Me Time To Explore Without Feeling Rushed.

Uttam Timilsina Was Very Practical And Attentive On The Trail. He Kept An Eye On Our Pace And Made Sure We Were Prepared For The Thorong La Crossing. Reaching The Pass And Then Descending Toward Muktinath Felt Like A Real Achievement. I Also Loved The Quieter Atmosphere Around Jomsom After The High-altitude Section. For A Solo Traveler, The Combination Of Independence And Local Support Worked Very Well.

Linnea Bergström | On August 2026

5 Excellent

Professional Service And An Incredible Annapurna Route

I Have Completed Mountain Treks In Several Countries, And The Annapurna Circuit Stands Out For Its Remarkable Variety. Within One Journey, You Experience Forests, Traditional Mountain Villages, High Alpine Terrain, Thorong La Pass And The Dry Landscapes Of Mustang.

Royal Nepal Holidays Handled The Logistics Professionally, And Communication With Sushil Tiwari Before The Trek Was Clear And Efficient. Chandra Prasad Puri Brought Strong Local Knowledge To The Trek And Was Particularly Helpful During The Higher-altitude Sections.

The Crossing Of Thorong La Was Certainly The Most Demanding Part, But The Preparation And Steady Pace Made It Manageable. I Also Appreciated The Cultural Side Of The Trek, Particularly Manang And Muktinath. The Route Offers Much More Than Mountain Views, And The Local Guidance Made The Experience Considerably Richer.