Distance: ~160–230 km (depending on route)
Highest Point: Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769 ft)
Duration: 12–20 days
Best Season: March–May, October–November
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world’s most famous trekking routes, located in the heart of Nepal. It circles the magnificent Annapurna mountain range, offering breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Starting from lush green valleys and subtropical forests, the trail gradually climbs to high alpine areas and crosses the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), one of the highest trekking passes on Earth.
The trek typically takes between 12 to 20 days, depending on the starting and ending points, and covers a distance of around 160 to 230 kilometers. Along the way, trekkers pass through charming villages, Buddhist monasteries, terraced fields, and deep river gorges. You’ll experience both Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist cultures, taste delicious local foods like dal bhat and momos, and stay in cozy mountain teahouses.
The best seasons to trek are autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) when the skies are clear and the temperatures are comfortable. The journey is physically demanding but doesn’t require technical mountaineering skills—good fitness and proper acclimatization are the keys to success.
Whether you seek stunning Himalayan scenery, cultural adventure, or a personal challenge, the Annapurna Circuit offers an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
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Thorong La Pass – the highest point of the trek
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Manang Village – acclimatization stop with stunning views
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Muktinath Temple – a sacred pilgrimage site
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Apple orchards of Marpha
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Hot springs at Tatopani
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Poon Hill sunrise view (optional detour)
What Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit is a multi-day trek that takes you around the Annapurna Massif in central Nepal. It’s known for:
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Dramatic landscapes that change from lush subtropical forests to high alpine terrain
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Panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks like Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
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Cultural immersion in both Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist communities
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Crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft), one of the highest trekking passes in the world
Why the Annapurna Circuit?
There’s something almost mythical about the Annapurna Circuit. Maybe it’s the way the landscape shifts from lush green valleys to barren high-altitude deserts. Or the steady rhythm of prayer wheels turning as you walk past stone stupas and fluttering prayer flags. Or maybe, it’s the sheer scale of the mountains that makes you feel tiny and infinite at the same time.
This isn’t just a trek. It’s a spiritual pilgrimage, a cultural dive, and a high-altitude endurance challenge rolled into one.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (Sample)
Day 1: Besisahar to Jagat (via jeep)
After a long, bumpy jeep ride from Kathmandu, you’ll reach Jagat – a quiet village with traditional stone houses, waterfalls, and the soothing hum of the Marsyangdi River.
Day 2–4: Trekking Through Marshyangdi Valley
The trail meanders through forests and terraced fields, with dramatic views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Stay in places like Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang. Each village introduces a new flavor of Nepali culture.
Tip: Don’t rush. Take your time to acclimatize — altitude sickness is real up here.
Day 5–7: Pisang to Manang
As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes drier, almost Tibetan in appearance. Manang is the perfect place for an acclimatization day. Visit the ice lake or take a day hike up to Gangapurna Glacier.
Day 8–9: Manang to Thorong Phedi
The oxygen thins, and every step feels heavier. You pass yak pastures, highland monasteries, and meet other trekkers from around the world — all on the same mission.
Packing must: Buff or scarf — it gets dusty and cold!
Day 10: Thorong La Pass Day!
The big one. Wake at 4am. It’s pitch black, freezing cold, and your breath fogs up instantly. The climb is relentless, but reaching the top is nothing short of euphoric. Thorong La sits at 5,416m — the highest point on the trail, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks in every direction.
Take a photo. Eat that Snickers bar you saved. You earned it.
Day 11–14: Descent to Muktinath, Jomsom & Tatopani
You descend into Mustang — a region of dramatic desert landscapes, apple orchards, and ancient temples. Muktinath is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Tatopani offers natural hot springs for your sore muscles.
Optional: Poon Hill Extension
If you’ve got energy left, a short detour to Poon Hill offers one of the best sunrise views over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Food & Teahouse Life
Don’t expect luxury — but what you do get is warmth, simplicity, and the occasional surprise apple pie. Teahouses offer dal bhat (rice and lentils), Tibetan bread, noodles, and steaming mugs of tea.
Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour! Trust the saying — you’ll be full and fueled.
Acclimatization Tips
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Hydrate — even when you’re not thirsty.
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Climb high, sleep low — take day hikes above your sleep altitude.
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Listen to your body — headaches, nausea, or dizziness? Slow down.
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Diamox — consider taking it preventatively (ask your doctor first).
Culture Along the Trail
Expect spinning prayer wheels, mani walls etched with Tibetan script, and the calming chant of Om Mani Padme Hum. You’ll share the trail with yaks, monks, and resilient mountain communities who live in harmony with the harshest of environments.
The Big Views
You’ll see:
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Annapurna I (8,091m) – the 10th highest mountain in the world
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Gangapurna – gorgeous glacier-fed rivers below
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Dhaulagiri (8,167m) – rising dramatically near Poon Hill
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Tilicho Lake (optional side trip) – one of the world’s highest lakes
Every turn of the trail reveals another postcard moment.
What to Pack
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Warm layers (even in spring)
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Sleeping bag (teahouse blankets are thin)
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Water purifier or tablets
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First-aid kit
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Trekking poles
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Headlamp
Final Thoughts
“Into Thin Air and Big Views” isn’t just a clever title. It’s a feeling. It’s that moment at 4,500 meters when your lungs burn, but your soul soars. When strangers become trail friends, and when the world narrows down to one step in front of the other.
If you’re looking for more than just a trek — if you want an experience that challenges, humbles, and transforms — the Annapurna Circuit is waiting.
