The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a world-famous trekking route in Nepal’s Himalayas, looping around the Annapurna Massif. It’s one of the planet’s most renowned long-distance treks​, typically 160–230 km long​. The trail winds from subtropical valleys through alpine villages, forests and up to the high passes. Its highest point is Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)​, connecting the Manang and Mustang regions. Along the way, trekkers enjoy stunning mountain vistas – from Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) to Machhapuchhre – as well as diverse cultures in Gurung and Tibetan villages. In total the circuit offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural immersion over roughly 15–20 days of trekking​

A complete Annapurna Circuit trek typically takes 15–20 days​. This includes the approach drive from Kathmandu (about 7–8 hours to Besisahar/Chame) and an equal-length return (often a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara). Most itineraries build in 1–2 extra days for acclimatization (especially in Manang) before crossing Thorong La Pass​. Some trekkers extend the schedule to 18–21 days for a more relaxed pace, while very fit hikers might do it in 12–14 days. In general, planning 2–3 weeks ensures you can hike steadily (5–7 hours/day) and rest adequately at high altitude​.

A typical Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary begins with a long drive from Kathmandu into the Marshyangdi Valley (to Besisahar or Jagat)​. From there you trek north through lush farmland and subtropical forests to villages like Dharapani and Chame. The trail then climbs gradually through apple orchards and high pastures to Pisang and the cultural village of Manang (3,500 m), where many trekkers take a rest day to acclimatize. Leaving Manang, the trail ascends via Yak Kharka and Thorong High Camp (4,880 m) before early-morning ascent of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)​. On the descent you enter the Mustang region, passing the sacred Muktinath temple and ending in the Kali Gandaki Valley (around Kagbeni/Jomsom)​. Flights from Jomsom return trekkers to Pokhara (and onwards to Kathmandu). In short, the journey encircles the Annapurna Massif, starting in the Marshyangdi Valley and finishing in the Kali Gandaki Gorge​, with key stops at Chame, Pisang, Manang, Thorong La Pass and Muktinath along the way.

Thorong La Pass is the highest point (5,416 m) on the Annapurna Circuit​. It sits on the watershed between Manang and Mustang. This steep, high mountain pass is a legendary challenge and the trek’s climax. Trekkers must acclimatize in Manang (often staying 4–5 nights) before attempting the pass​. Most people make the summit push very early (around 3–4 AM) to avoid afternoon winds​. At the pass you’ll find a prayer-flag–draped marker (as shown above) and a truly panoramic Himalayan view. From here you can see massive peaks (Annapurna range behind you, Dhaulagiri ahead)​ and an expanse of sky – a rewarding sight after the hard climb. In short, Thorong La is both the trek’s highest altitude point and its most dramatic landmark.

The best time for the Annapurna Circuit is during the spring or fall seasons. Late March through May (spring) and late September through November (autumn) offer the most stable weather and clear mountain views. October and November are especially popular – days are warm and skies are clear​ – though teahouses can fill up quickly. Spring also brings longer daylight and blooming rhododendrons (with daytime highs around 20–25°C and cool nights)​. The monsoon season (June–August) brings heavy rain and landslide risk, making trails muddy and vistas often foggy. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold and snowy above 3,000m. In fact, trekking guides note that Thorong La is safest in March–April and Oct–Nov. Overall, schedule your trek for March–May or Sept–Nov for the best hiking conditions.

The total cost of an Annapurna Circuit trek varies widely with itinerary length, services and season. A standard 10–12 day guided trek package often runs $800–$1,000 USD per person. For example, one operator advertises a 12-day package starting around US$860–995​. Higher-end or longer tours (with deluxe lodges or private guides) can cost $1,200–$2,500. These packages typically include transportation, permits, lodging, meals, guide and porter. Independent trekkers can save money by skipping a guide, but must budget for permits (~$50 total), food (tea-house meals ~$15–$30/day), and accommodation (teahouses ~$7–$15/night). In summary, a safe ballpark is $1,000–$2,000 USD per person for the classic trek when accounting for all gear, permits, food and services​.

Most all-inclusive Annapurna Circuit packages cover everything you need on the trail. For example, a standard package will typically include:
Permits: All required permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
Transportation: Ground transport from Kathmandu to the trailhead (e.g. drive to BesiSahar) and return from Jomsom/Pokhara​.
Accommodation: Teahouse lodging every night on trek (shared rooms), arranged in advance.
Meals: Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on trek; often tea and water are extra fees.
Guide & Porter: An experienced English-speaking guide (and a porter if requested) to lead the trek​.
Support: Basic first-aid kit and emergency support.

Packages are quite comprehensive​. (Typically NOT included: international flights, Nepal visa fees or travel insurance​.) Always confirm the fine print, but in general a quoted “all-inclusive” trek price means all local logistics (trailhead transport, permits, teahouses, meals, guide/porter, etc.) are handled for you​.

Hiring a guide is optional but recommended, especially if you’re not an experienced high-altitude hiker. Nepal does not legally require a guide for this trek – independent trekkers can obtain permits (TIMS and ACAP) themselves. However, a guide brings many benefits: they handle all logistics, speak the local language, monitor acclimatization, and provide valuable safety. Solo trekking is possible and many fit hikers do it, but be aware that you’ll need to navigate and solve any issues on your own. Guides and porters also support the local economy. In short, if you’re new to Himalayan trekking or prefer the reassurance of an escort, book a licensed guide (and porter) with your package. If you’re very experienced, confident and traveling in a small group, you can trek on your own once permits are arranged.

Two permits are needed for the Annapurna Circuit: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. ACAP is required for all trekkers in this region and costs about NPR 3,000 (≈US$25)​. TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) is also mandatory; it’s NPR 2,000 (≈US$18) for independent trekkers, or NPR 1,000 (≈US$9) if you trek with a guide​. You can obtain both permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek. (Note: The same permits are valid throughout the circuit, and no extra special permits are needed unless you detour into restricted areas.) In practice, most trekking agencies handle all permit paperwork for you.

The Annapurna Circuit is strenuous but non-technical. It has long hiking days (5–7 hours on average) and steep sections, especially near Thorong La. Overall, the trail is considered “moderate to fairly challenging”​. Most difficulty comes from altitude: you gain from ~800 m to over 5,400 m, so fatigue and shortness of breath can occur. Proper acclimatization (extra rest days in Manang) is critical​. The trek itself involves well-marked trails and tea-house accommodations, so no technical climbing is needed. Beginners who are fit, well-prepared, and ascend slowly can complete it safely. In comparison to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit is often described as slightly easier because the daily altitude gain is more gradual (the route is mostly anti-clockwise)​. In summary: it’s a challenging hike at high altitude, but entirely doable with fitness training and respect for acclimatization.

The circuit offers spectacular scenery and cultural experiences. Major highlights include crossing the lofty Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m and descending into Mustang’s Tibetan Plateau. From the pass you’ll see a breathtaking panorama of snow-clad peaks – Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri range above you​. On the Mustang side, many visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site. Along the way you trek through lush rhododendron forests and quaint Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages like Manang and Chame. If time permits, popular side trips include the alpine Tilicho Lake (one of the world’s highest lakes) or the Poon Hill viewpoint (near Ghorepani) for sunrise views. Natural hot springs at Tatopani (mid-trek) offer relaxation. Culturally, you’ll encounter old monasteries, Mani walls and mountain hospitality. In short, the trek’s mix of towering Himalayan vistas (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, etc.) and rich local culture are its greatest rewards​.

Yes. Recently many sections of the old trail are now road, so trekkers often take alternate footpaths. One popular option is the Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT) – color-coded blue/red side routes that reconnect the traditional trail between villages (avoiding roads)​. These routes, pioneered by local guide Prem Rai, restore the classic mountain walking experience. You can also customize length: for a shorter trek, some start at Chame or Ghyaru and end at Jomsom or Muktinath (skipping lower parts). Extensions are possible too – many combine the Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill for extra adventure. Transport-wise, you can drive to or from various trailheads (e.g. finish in Tatopani via hot springs). In sum, while the traditional loop is well-trodden, trail variations and transport options allow you to tailor the trek’s route and length to your schedule​.