Trace river gorges and climb to Thorong La on the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. This 18-day loop moves from lush valleys to windy high passes—expect long days, tea-house stays, and dramatic mountain panoramas.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks on a ragged ridge and the first light slices across icy cornices on Annapurna I. You stand on a trail that climbs from subtropical river valleys into a high, wind-swept world where rock and sky compete for scale. The Annapurna Circuit Trek threads villages, mani walls and suspension bridges, moving from terraced rice paddies into juniper scrub and finally to the lunar ridgelines above Thorong La.
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
18 days
Fitness Level
Good-to-excellent cardiovascular fitness and experience with consecutive day hikes; ability to carry a 8–12 kg daypack.
Wildlife
History
The circuit follows ancient trade routes between Nepal and Tibet; villages along the Kali Gandaki grew as mule and salt-trade stops before modern roads.
Conservation
Much of the route lies within Annapurna Conservation Area—stay on trails, pack out waste where possible, and use registered guide services to support local stewardship.
Reserve your spot on the Annapurna Circuit Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize with purpose
Add an extra rest/acclimatization day in Manang to reduce altitude sickness risk and do short hikes to test symptoms.
Start pre-dawn on Thorong La day
Begin the summit push very early to avoid high winds and afternoon cloud build—this also gives clearer summit views.
Carry cash and permits
ATMs are scarce; bring Nepali rupees and have ACAP and TIMS permits photocopied and accessible.
Footwear and traction
Use sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support; in shoulder seasons consider microspikes for icy sections.
Insulated down jacket
Warmth for cold nights and high-altitude winds above 4,000m.
fall
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Protects ankles on rocky, uneven trails and in mixed weather.
Sleeping bag (-10°C rating)
Tea-house rooms can be cold at altitude—bring a warm, compressible bag.
winter
Water purification (tablets or filter)
Allows safe hydration from streams when bottled water is limited.
summer