How many days is the Annapurna Circuit?

The standard 2026 itinerary is 14 days with jeep shortcuts on the first and last stages. The old 21-day full-walking version is still possible but less common now that roads reach Chame and Tatopani.

How hard is Thorong La pass?

Thorong La (5,416 m) is the hardest day of the trek: 9–10 hours with +880 m ascent and -1,700 m descent, often in cold windy conditions. You need to be acclimatized (2+ days above 3,500 m) before attempting it.

Can I do the Annapurna Circuit without a guide?

As of 2023, no — foreign trekkers must hire a registered guide for national park and conservation area treks. Nepali nationals can still trek solo. Budget USD 25–35 per day for a guide.

What permits do I need for Annapurna Circuit?

Two permits totaling NPR 6,000: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, NPR 3,000) and TIMS card (NPR 3,000). Obtain both in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.

Annapurna Circuit or ABC — which is better?

ABC if you have 7–10 days and prefer in-and-out simplicity. Circuit if you have 14+ days and want variety (high pass, Mustang rain-shadow landscape, hot springs, Poon Hill). Circuit is harder but more rewarding.

When should I do the Annapurna Circuit?

October and November for stable weather and clear views. March and April for warmer temperatures and rhododendron bloom. Avoid monsoon (June-August) and winter (December-February) when the Thorong La pass is often closed by snow.

Annapurna Circuit 2026 — 14-Day Itinerary & Costs

Annapurna Circuit vs. Annapurna Base Camp

ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) is a shorter, in-and-out trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The Circuit is a longer loop that crosses the Thorong La high pass and descends through the rain-shadow Mustang region. The Circuit is more varied, more demanding, and more rewarding. If you have only 7–10 days, do ABC. If you have 14+, do the Circuit.

Classic 14-day itinerary (with road shortcuts)

Day 1: Drive Pokhara → Besisahar → Chame (2,710 m) by jeep. 8–9 hours.
Day 2: Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300 m). 5 hrs.
Day 3: Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540 m) via high route. 7 hrs.
Day 4: Acclimatization at Manang. Hike to Ice Lake (4,600 m) and return.
Day 5: Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050 m). 4 hrs.
Day 6: Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,540 m). 3 hrs.
Day 7: Thorong Phedi → Thorong La pass (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,710 m). 9–10 hrs. The crux day.
Day 8: Muktinath → Kagbeni (2,800 m) → Jomsom (2,720 m). Descend through Mustang.
Day 9: Jomsom → Marpha (2,670 m). Short stage through apple orchards and Thakali villages. 3 hrs.
Day 10: Marpha → Kalopani (2,530 m). 5 hrs.
Day 11: Kalopani → Tatopani (1,190 m). 5 hrs. Hot springs in the afternoon.
Day 12: Tatopani → Ghorepani (2,870 m). 7 hrs, big climb.
Day 13: Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m). Descend to Birethanti. 7 hrs total.
Day 14: Drive or fly Pokhara.

Alternative shortened itineraries

10-day express: jeep to Manang, cross Thorong La, jeep out from Muktinath. Skips the lower Mustang and Poon Hill sections.
18-day classic: walk the lower-altitude stages from Besisahar instead of jeeping. Slower and more immersive if you have the time.

Costs in 2026

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): NPR 3,000.
Guide: USD 25–35/day.
Porter: USD 18–25/day.
Teahouse lodging: USD 4–8/night below 3,500 m; USD 8–15/night above.
Meals: USD 20–35/day.
Guided package total: NPR 90,000–180,000 for 14 days including transport to/from Pokhara.

The Thorong La crossing day

Day 7 is the hardest. Start at 4:00 a.m. from Thorong Phedi, reach the pass (5,416 m) by 9:30 a.m., descend steeply to Muktinath by 4:00 p.m. Total elevation: +880 m and -1,700 m. Cold, often windy. Altitude sickness is the main risk — if you have symptoms, retreat to Phedi. Do not force the pass.

Best season

October–November is peak. March–April is secondary with rhododendron bloom in the lower forest sections. Monsoon (June–August) can close the pass and make the approach unsafe. Winter (December–February) is dangerous — the pass is frequently closed by snow and ice.

Permits

Get both ACAP and TIMS in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting. As of 2023, solo foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide for all Annapurna routes.

How road-building changed the trek

A jeep road now runs most of the old lower Circuit (Besisahar to Chame) and from Jomsom down to Tatopani. Most trekkers jeep these sections, cutting 3–4 days off the old 21-day classic. The walking quality on the lower sections has degraded with the dust and truck traffic; most agencies default to jeeping them.

Book the Circuit with Yatra

Yatra's trekking packages include Annapurna Circuit itineraries from 10 to 18 days, with Pokhara hotel bundles and flexible start dates.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 2026: Full 14-Day Itinerary, Costs, and Thorong La Pass Guide

Key takeaways