Annapurna Circuit

Understand

Traditionally hiked as a counter-clockwise loop from Besisahar to Nayapul, the Annapurna Circuit peaks at the formidable Thorong La Pass (5,416m). While some intrepid trekkers attempt the route clockwise, it is a perilous choice; the ascent from West to East requires a grueling 1.5 km vertical climb over unstable gullies with no marked trails or teahouses. Most find even the descent of this section exhausting, making the gradual acclimatization of the counter-clockwise route the standard preference. The trek’s greatest appeal is its radical ecological diversity. The trail transforms from the tropical forests of Besisahar and the lush valleys of Lamjung into the high-altitude glacial moraines of Manang. After crossing the pass, the landscape shifts again into the arid, windswept rain shadow of Lower Mustang—a region often cited by locals as the circuit’s most beautiful. This transition is mirrored by a cultural shift across four regions: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi. The lower Hindu valleys give way to the Tibetan Buddhist highlands. In Manang, the Gurung people maintain a unique heritage, while Mustang remains a rare sanctuary for the ancient Bonpo religion, still practiced in villages like Thini and Lupra. Spiritual landmarks punctuate the journey, from the centuries-old monastery in Braga to the sacred shrines of Muktinath, a holy site for both faiths. The scenery is dominated by giants. The route circumnavigates Manaslu, Annapurna I, and Dhaulagiri—all exceeding 8,000 meters—and plunges through the Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge. The journey often culminates at Poon Hill, offering iconic panoramas of the Annapurna massif and the distinct "Fishtail" peak of Machapuchare.

Prepare

Before departing each morning, consult your guesthouse host about trail conditions. Expanding road construction has disrupted several sections, making some paths dangerous, so stick to the primary red-and-white blazed trails whenever possible. Avoid walking on the motorable roads, as they are often choked with heavy dust from passing vehicles. For a steeper and more adventurous alternative, follow the blue-and-white secondary trails. As of 2024, the government has reinforced the mandate that all foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide or porter-guide through a registered agency. While some checkpoints may appear lax, trekking without a guide now risks immediate removal from the route or heavy fines. Since this is a "teahouse trek," you do not need to carry food or camping gear, but hiring local support remains the best way to navigate safely while contributing to the local economy. Cash is essential because there are no ATMs after Manang until you reach Muktinath and Jomsom. While you can exchange US dollars or traveler's checks in Chame or Jomsom, it is safest to carry a sufficient supply of Nepalese Rupees for the entire trek. Prices generally rise with the altitude, and you should expect a daily budget of approximately Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 for modest spending, or up to Rs 4,000 at higher points. Pricing can be unpredictable; for example, the stretch between Tal and Chame is often more expensive than the more remote path to Manang. Since lodge prices are typically standardized within each village, there is no need to hunt for bargains. Instead, consider walking toward the far end of a village, as the most pleasant lodges are often located on the way out of town. For a high-end experience including beer and ample meals, a total budget of Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per person is sufficient for the journey from Besisahar to Jomsom.

Eat

Because this is a "teahouse trek," you do not need to carry food or a camping stove. There are villages with restaurants and shops along the entire route, providing ready meals and snacks. It is customary, and often expected, that you eat both dinner and breakfast at the lodge where you spend the night, as these bu

Get in

The traditional starting point for the Annapurna Circuit is Besisahar. This town is accessible from Kathmandu (KTM IATA) by a tourist bus, which is a six to eight-hour journey departing daily from Kathmandu's new bus station, or by a private jeep or car, which is a faster but more expensive option. To get to If you arrive late from Kathmandu, it is worth stopping in Khudi after about 7 km and 2 hr from Besisahar for a cheaper, quieter first night and a cooler start. Due to road extensions in the area, many trekkers now choose to take a jeep from Besisahar further into the valley. This allows them to start their trek from villages such as Syange, Jagat, or Chame, which can save several days of walking.

Walk

A hot, jungly opener through rice terraces, waterfalls, and suspension bridges before a stiff climb to finish. Despite road construction having changed the lower valley, the walk remains worthwhile — the terraced middle hills are gentle and rewarding in a way the upper circuit never repeats. The road from 1 Besisahar (760 m) to Bhulbhule is dusty and busy, and some trekkers bus or jeep ahead to save their legs. From Besisahar the trail heads north into the Marsyangdi valley, reaching Bhulbhule (840 m) after 2 km, where there is an ACAP checkpoint and a waterfall just beyond. Views of Manaslu (8,156 m) open up across the rice terraces toward Ngadi (890 m), 4 km further; cross the long suspension bridge over the Ngadi Khola here, where the road and trail diverge and the climbing begins. The final 4 km to 2 Bahundanda (1,310 m) is a sustained 350 m ascent through terraced farmland. The name means "Brahmin Hill" — the village sits high on a ridge as the most northerly Brahmin settlement in the valley, with sweeping views back down the Marsyangdi. There is an ACAP and TIMS checkpoint here.

The trail drops steeply from Bahundanda through green rice terraces before levelling out along the river. Ghermu (1,130 m), 5 km along, sits in a pleasant open bowl and is a popular overnight alternative to pushing on — many prefer it to the gloomier atmosphere of Jagat. From Ghermu the valley narrows into a gorge, with waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs and the Marsyangdi audible everywhere. 3 Jagat (1,300 m), 3 km further, is a tightly packed stone village with carved gateways and a permit checkpoint; it has a rougher reputation than Ghermu and some guides recommend skipping it for the night. The final 4 km to Chamche (1,385 m) follows the river through dense forest past cliffs and more waterfalls.

A steep climb out of Chamche on steps and footpaths leads 5 km up to Tal (1,700 m), which announces itself dramatically as the narrow gorge suddenly opens into a wide, flat river terrace — the village's name means "lake" in Nepali, a nod to the ancient lake bed it sits on — the first village in Manang District, and the first real breathing room since Besisahar. A large waterfall dro

Stay safe

Your safety on the Annapurna Circuit hinges on respecting the altitude. Acclimatize by ascending gradually, staying well-hydrated, and never ignoring the early signs of Acute Mountain Sickness like headaches or nausea; if symptoms worsen, you must descend. Equally important is preparing for the unpredictable mountain weather, so pack essential layers including waterproof and windproof gear, even if the forecast seems clear. Finally, maintain your health by drinking only purified water and carrying a basic first-aid kit. Responsible trekking is key to safely experiencing the majesty of the Himalayas.

Go next

Many trekkers choose to finish their trek in Muktinath or Jomsom, either taking a very bumpy jeep or bus ride from Muktinath to Pokhara, or a small plane from Jomsom. Another option is to ride down by mountain bike from Muktinath or Jomsom, turning those bumpy roads into a positive thing for tourism. If you still have the energy for more trekking, Pokhara is the gateway to the Mardi Himal trek, a short ridge route to viewpoints below Machhapuchhre. At the western end of the trek by Nayapul, several options are available, including adding on a trek to Poon Hill