If you’re standing on the edge of a decision—wondering whether to commit to one of the world’s most spectacular treks—let me tell you something that might just tip the scales: the Annapurna Circuit isn’t just another mountain trek. It’s a 160-230 kilometer journey that circumnavigates the entire Annapurna Massif, weaving through subtropical forests, ancient villages, and some of the most breathtaking alpine terrain on planet Earth. But here’s the kicker—unlike many famous treks, the Annapurna Circuit hits an often-overlooked sweet spot where accessibility meets adventure, where genuine cultural encounters merge seamlessly with jaw-dropping mountain vistas.
I’ve walked these trails myself, felt the thin air at Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), shared dal bhat with local families in teahouses warmed by central stoves, and watched the sun rise over a landscape so pristine it seemed almost unreal. What struck me most wasn’t just the physical achievement or the Instagram-worthy moments (though there are plenty of those). It was the profound sense of transformation—the way this trek strips away distractions and leaves you with something raw and real.
Here’s what makes the Annapurna Circuit Trek different from everything else you might have heard: you can complete it entirely staying in family-run teahouses without camping. You’ll eat actual home-cooked meals. You’ll see mountains towering over 8,000 meters while walking through valleys where locals still live as they have for centuries. And somehow, remarkably, you can do all of this for somewhere between $500-$800 USD for the entire trek, depending on your choices and budget.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker looking for your next adventure or someone who’s never hiked above 2,000 meters and is feeling nervous about taking the leap, I’m here to walk you through absolutely everything you need to know. By the end of this guide, you won’t just have information—you’ll have the confidence to book that flight to Kathmandu.
Let’s get real for a moment. Every trekking guide on the internet will tell you about the stunning views. They’ll mention the cultural experiences. They’ll list the mountains and the passes. But what they don’t always tell you is why this specific route has captured the hearts of over 50,000 trekkers annually from every corner of the globe.
The Annapurna Circuit holds the distinction of being the first major teahouse trekking route established in Nepal. Since the 1970s, it’s been refined and improved, meaning that the infrastructure is genuinely excellent. Unlike newer routes where you might find sporadic teahouses or uncertain availability, the Annapurna Circuit has a well-established ecosystem of family-run lodges that have been perfecting hospitality for decades.
But beyond logistics, there’s something uniquely compelling about this route. You’re not just climbing a mountain (though you’ll reach 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass). You’re not just trekking through scenery (though it’s genuinely world-class). You’re essentially circumnavigating an entire mountain massif—which means you get to experience multiple climate zones, multiple cultures, and multiple landscapes all in one continuous journey.
Starting in subtropical forests where you’re sweating through your t-shirt, you’ll gradually transition through temperate pine forests, alpine meadows, and eventually into stark, high-altitude desert terrain. Along the way, you’ll pass through villages where the ethnic makeup changes entirely—from the Hindu plains culture to the Buddhist-influenced communities of the high mountains. This variation is what makes the Annapurna Circuit feel less like a single trek and more like an entire expedition.
Timing your trek correctly makes the difference between a life-changing adventure and a challenging slog through unfavorable conditions. While technically you can trek the Annapurna Circuit during any season, some periods are distinctly better than others.
Spring (March to May): This is my personal favorite season, and for good reason. Temperatures are mild, ranging from around 25°C in the lower regions to -5°C at night at higher altitudes. The rhododendron forests are in absolutely full bloom, painting the landscape in shades of pink, red, and purple. The days are longer, giving you more time to trek each day. However, by late May, haze and dust can start obscuring mountain views, and you might encounter occasional pre-monsoon showers. Pro tip: March and early April offer the best balance of manageable crowds and pristine conditions.
Autumn (September to November): This is peak season, and honestly, for good reason. September tends to be wetter with occasional rain left over from the monsoon, but by October and November, you get absolutely crystal-clear skies, stable weather, and phenomenal visibility. Expect temperatures ranging from 15°C in lower regions to -10°C at altitude. The downside? October especially gets crowded, with trails packed with trekkers. If you’re okay with company and don’t mind teahouses being fully booked, this is your golden window. November offers the best combination of clear weather and fewer trekkers—many people have already returned home.
Winter (December to February): This is the off-season, and for experienced winter trekkers, it’s absolutely magical. You get stunning, clear views, virtually zero crowds, and significantly cheaper accommodation and food. Temperatures drop dramatically, though—expect -10°C to -20°C at higher altitudes. Snow covers the higher passes, and some teahouses close entirely, making logistics trickier. This season requires serious preparation, proper winter gear, and experience with cold-weather trekking. The reward? The Thorong La Pass was covered in fresh snow, and the entire mountain range glittered in pristine silence.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August): I genuinely don’t recommend this for the main Annapurna Circuit, though the upper regions (Mustang and Manang) lie in a rain shadow and see less precipitation. The lower sections get hammered with heavy rain, trails become muddy and treacherous, landslides are more common, and leeches emerge in swarms. Visibility is constantly obscured by clouds and mist. If you’re determined to trek during these months, early June or late August offer slightly less rain.
My recommendation? If you’ve never done this trek before, aim for late September through November. The weather is stable, the mountains are visible, and even though you might see more trekkers, the social aspect of the trail adds its own kind of magic. If you’re experienced and want solitude, November is your sweet spot.
Understanding the route structure helps immensely with planning and managing expectations. The Annapurna Circuit typically takes 18-22 days to complete, depending on how many acclimatization days you build in and whether you include side treks like Tilicho Lake. Most standard itineraries run 20-21 days when including acclimatization and rest days.
You’ll typically start by flying from Kathmandu to Besisahar (or driving there), then officially beginning your trek at Bhulbhule or Ngadi. The first section takes you through what I call “the warm zone”—subtropical and temperate forests, with lush vegetation and relatively modest elevation gain.
Day 1-2 usually involves getting to a place like Jagat, passing through villages, and crossing multiple suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River. The landscape here is incredibly green, with terraced fields and local villages going about their daily lives. This is one of my favorite parts because it’s genuinely beautiful but often overlooked—trekkers are so focused on the higher mountains they miss the majesty of these lower sections.
Day 3-4 takes you to places like Tal and Bagarchap, where the forest transitions from subtropical to temperate pine. The walk is moderately strenuous but manageable, and you’re still at altitudes where breathing feels completely normal.
Day 5-6 brings you to Chame (2,680 meters), a significant village that marks entry into more elevated terrain. Accommodation improves here, with better facilities and more developed teahouses. You’ll start noticing the air getting slightly thinner and temperatures dropping noticeably in the lower valleys.
Budget and costs for Section 1: Accommodation typically runs $3-$8 per night, meals $4-$8 per dish. Most trekkers spend $25-$35 per day total in this section. This is where Booking.com becomes useful for arranging your initial Kathmandu accommodations before the trek starts—I’d recommend booking a quality hotel in Kathmandu’s Thamel district to rest properly before beginning.
This section is where things get seriously impressive. You’re now entering the realm where mountains over 6,000 meters surround you, and the air noticeably gets thinner. Pisang (3,200 meters) offers incredible views and is famous for its charming traditional villages perched on hillsides. From here, you have a choice of routes—the main lower trail or the more scenic upper route through Ghyaru and Ngawal. I highly recommend the upper route if your knees can handle it; the views are incomparable.
Manang (3,540 meters) is often called the unofficial capital of acclimatization, and for good reason. It’s a substantial village with more facilities than anywhere else at this altitude—hot showers, Wi-Fi (which you’ll be absolutely craving by now), and better quality accommodation. This is where you must take at least one acclimatization day, ideally two. Don’t rush through Manang. Your body is under significant physiological stress at this altitude, and giving it time to adapt isn’t wasting time—it’s investing in your success.
Many trekkers use their Manang rest day to take side trips to Ice Lake (4,600 meters) or Gangapurna Lake (4,100 meters). These “climb high, sleep low” hikes aid acclimatization while providing stunning alpine lake views. I did the Ice Lake hike during my second acclimatization day, and it was transformative—the stark, glacial landscape gives you a preview of what’s coming at the higher passes.
Budget and costs for Section 2: Accommodation runs $5-$10 per night, meals $4-$8, but you might spend $20-$30 on Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charges for using lodge facilities. Daily spend $25-$40. This is a good time to use Revolut or Wise for currency exchange—get Nepali rupees at excellent rates before entering higher altitude areas where ATM options become limited.
This section gets your body ready for the final assault. From Manang, the route takes you through increasingly sparse terrain to Yak Kharka (4,020 meters), then Thorong Phedi (4,450 meters), and potentially High Camp (4,880 meters), depending on your itinerary.
The landscape becomes progressively more barren—you’re now in a high-altitude desert zone where vegetation is minimal and the mountains are stark and imposing. The air is noticeably thin, and most trekkers start experiencing some mild altitude symptoms here (nothing serious if you’ve acclimatized properly, but a reminder that your body is working hard).
Thorong Phedi is your typical last stop before the big push to Thorong La Pass. It’s a small collection of basic teahouses at 4,450 meters, and the accommodation is genuinely primitive compared to lower sections. Expect thin walls, basic bedding, minimal heating, and shared squat toilets. The reason everyone stops here is strategic—it’s the logical jumping-off point for the early-morning ascent to Thorong La Pass.
Budget and costs for Section 3: Accommodation $8-$12 per night (prices increase dramatically at altitude), meals $6-$10, other costs $10-$20. Daily spend $30-$45. At this altitude, carrying VisitorsCoverage travel insurance becomes especially important—ensure your policy covers mountain rescue and evacuation.
Here’s where it all comes together. You’ll wake up around 4-5 AM, bundle up in every warm layer you own, and start the ascent to Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters). The climb is relentless but not technically difficult—it’s a slog rather than technical climbing. You’ll gain roughly 1,000 meters of elevation over 5-6 hours of hiking.
The experience of reaching Thorong La Pass is genuinely indescribable. At 5,416 meters, you’re standing on top of a pass where prayer flags flutter in the thin Himalayan air, and the views extend in every direction to mountains over 8,000 meters. I remember standing there for nearly 30 minutes just absorbing the moment—the physical achievement, the sheer majesty of the landscape, and the knowledge that I’d successfully navigated one of the world’s classic treks.
After summiting, the descent to Muktinath (3,802 meters) is steep but relatively quick—about 5-6 hours. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, with temples, monasteries, and natural hot springs. There’s a monastery you can visit, and the 108 sacred taps of natural hot spring water running down the hillside are incredible to experience.
From Muktinath, most trekkers head to Jomsom (2,720 meters), a larger town with better facilities. From Jomsom, you have the option of flying back to Pokhara (about 20-30 minutes, $40-$60 USD) or continuing on to Marpha or other villages if you want to end more gradually.
Budget and costs for Section 4: Accommodation $10-$15 at higher altitudes, meals $6-$10, plus potential flight costs if taking the plane from Jomsom. Daily spend $40-$50. Use CheapOair or similar platforms in advance to research potential flight options for backup, though GetYourGuide can arrange flights locally once you’re in Nepal.
Let me be completely transparent about money because it’s one of the biggest factors in deciding whether to trek.
Ultra-Budget Route ($20-$25 per day): This means staying in the cheapest basic teahouses, eating primarily local meals (dal bhat with free refills, noodles, basic eggs), and skipping extras like Wi-Fi, hot showers, chocolate bars, and extra cups of tea. You’d be sharing rooms, skipping side hikes, and being very conscious of every expense. This is possible, but honestly, quite uncomfortable for 20 days.
Budget-Conscious Route ($25-$35 per day): This is the most common choice for independent trekkers. You stay in decent basic teahouses, eat a mix of local and some Western food, take occasional hot showers (paying the $1-$2 fee), buy snacks for energy, and might splurge on a better meal every few days. This gives you reasonable comfort without extravagance.
Mid-Range Route ($35-$50 per day): This means choosing better teahouses with private rooms, eating a wider variety of food, including Western options, taking regular hot showers, enjoying hot chocolate and snacks without guilt, possibly including a guide or porter, and taking more side hikes.
Comfortable Route ($50+ per day): This might include hiring a guide ($35-$50 per day), porter ($30-$40 per day), better accommodation selections, and eating whatever you want whenever you want.
| Expense Category | Budget Low | Budget Mid | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $3-$5 | $6-$8 | $10-$15 |
| Breakfast | $1.50-$2.50 | $2.50-$3.50 | $3.50-$5 |
| Lunch | $2-$4 | $3-$5 | $5-$7 |
| Dinner | $3-$5 | $4-$6 | $6-$10 |
| Tea/Coffee/Snacks | $0.50-$1.50 | $1.50-$3 | $3-$5 |
| Hot Showers | $0-$0.50 | $0.50-$1 | $1-$2 |
| Wi-Fi | $0-$0.50 | $0.50-$1 | $1-$1.50 |
| Misc (permits, tips, emergencies) | $2-$5 | $3-$8 | $5-$10 |
| Daily Total | $15-$25 | $25-$40 | $40-$55 |
Total pre-trek expenses: Budget roughly $200-$500 before you even start walking, depending on your choices and starting point.
Listen, I’m not going to lie—navigating permits in Nepal can feel bureaucratic and slightly confusing. But here’s what you absolutely must know:
The ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project): This is mandatory for anyone trekking in the Annapurna region. It costs around $25-$30 USD for foreign nationals (roughly NPR 3,000). The permit supports conservation efforts in the region, funds community development projects, and is genuinely worth it—the money goes directly into maintaining trails and protecting the environment.
Important Update for 2025: As of April 2023, the TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System) is no longer mandatory for Annapurna trekking. This is actually great news because it simplifies things and saves money. You previously needed both ACAP and TIMS; now, ACAP alone is sufficient. The system was streamlined because ACAP already handles registration and safety monitoring.
Where to get permits: You can obtain your ACAP permit at:
Documents you’ll need:
Pro tip: Get your permit sorted in Kathmandu before you leave for the trek. Don’t leave it for the last minute. I’ve seen trekkers have to backtrack to get permits at entry points when they tried to skip this step.
One of the beautiful things about the Annapurna Circuit is that you don’t need to camp. You stay in family-run teahouses—and yes, once you understand what to expect, they’re genuinely charming.
In villages like Jagat, Tal, and Bagarchap, teahouses are slightly more developed. Expect:
Places like Chame, Pisang, and Manang have better infrastructure:
Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and High Camp are deliberately basic because they’re primarily functional stops before the pass push:
One of the unexpected joys of teahouse trekking is the communal dining experience. You’ll sit at long wooden tables with other trekkers from around the world, sharing stories over steaming bowls of dal bhat. This is genuine cultural exchange and one of my favorite memories from the trek.
Typical meals include:
Practical tip about meals: The teahouse system works on the assumption that you eat where you stay. It’s both economical and culturally appropriate. Teahouses depend on meal sales for income. While you’re not obligated to eat there, doing so supports the local economy and ensures you get the best meal (they’ll prepare fresher food for their guests). Plus, meals are genuinely inexpensive—$2-$4 for a massive, filling dal bhat.
After personally trekking this route and learning through experience, here’s what you actually need versus what you think you need:
Base Layers:
Mid Layers:
Outer Layers:
Specific Items:
Packing strategy: Keep your total backpack weight under 12-15 kg (26-33 lbs). Seriously. Every kilo matters at altitude when you’re hiking 15-20 km per day. I met trekkers struggling with 30+ kg backpacks, and it genuinely diminished their experience.
Let me be completely frank: altitude sickness is real, it’s unpredictable, and it can strike anyone regardless of fitness level. I’ve seen ultra-marathoners suffer from it and sedentary people sail through. It’s genuinely not about fitness—it’s about how your individual physiology responds to lower oxygen levels.
At sea level, your blood oxygen levels are about 98% saturated. At Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the air has only about 47% of the oxygen available at sea level. That’s a massive reduction, and your body needs time to adapt—this adaptation process is called acclimatization.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): The most common form, typically appearing above 2,500m. Symptoms include:
AMS is uncomfortable but not immediately dangerous. Most people experience at least mild symptoms.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): This is the serious version—fluid builds up in the brain. Symptoms include severe headache, confusion, difficulty walking, and altered consciousness. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate descent.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid builds up in the lungs. Symptoms include extreme shortness of breath at rest, chest tightness, and cough. Also a medical emergency.
Good news: The Annapurna Circuit is reasonably safe for AMS if you follow smart protocols. Serious conditions like HACE and HAPE are rare, especially if you acclimatize properly.
1. Start acclimatizing early: Build in proper rest days, especially at Manang (3,540m). I spent two nights there, used one day for the Ice Lake side hike (climb high, sleep low principle), and felt significantly better afterward.
2. Ascend gradually: The golden rule is no more than 500m of sleeping altitude gain per day above 3,000m. If the trail forces bigger gains, add an acclimatization day or split it into two nights.
3. Hydration is paramount: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily (seriously, even if you don’t feel thirsty). I added electrolyte tablets to mine—your body loses minerals with increased breathing at altitude.
4. Eat enough: High altitude kills appetite precisely when your body needs energy. Force yourself to eat, especially carbohydrates which are easier to digest than heavy proteins.
5. Avoid alcohol: Save the rakshi (local moonshine) for the celebration at the bottom. Alcohol at altitude accelerates dehydration.
6. Consider Diamox: This medication (acetazolamide) helps some people acclimatize faster. Talk to your doctor before the trek. If they recommend it, start 1-2 days before your highest sleeping altitude. It’s not a cure-all, and some people get side effects, but many swear by it.
7. Know your escape route: If you’re experiencing more than mild symptoms, descent is the cure. Don’t be a hero. I met a trekker who pushed through symptoms and ended up in a helicopter rescue—not the adventure they were hoping for.
The day you summit Thorong La Pass is intentionally brutally early. You wake up at 4-5 AM, the temperature is probably -15°C or colder, and you’ll hike in darkness for the first 2-3 hours. By the time dawn breaks, you’ve already been hiking for hours in the cold and thin air.
Why so early? Wind intensifies dramatically as the day progresses at 5,400m. An early start means calmer conditions, though it’s colder. It also means reaching the pass before mid-afternoon when the weather deteriorates.
My honest experience: It was hard. Really hard. I was breathing heavily even on relatively flat sections. I felt like my lungs were working overtime. But I’d spent two solid weeks acclimatizing, stayed hydrated, ate enough, and moved at a steady pace without rushing. By the time I summited, I was genuinely proud—not just of the physical achievement, but of the intelligent preparation that made it possible.
What struck me most about the Annapurna Circuit wasn’t actually the mountain views (though they’re extraordinary). It was the unexpected humanity.
In Manang, I spent an evening with a teahouse owner named Pemba. He’d lived his entire life in that mountain village, watched the trekking industry transform his community, and maintained a genuine kindness even during the busy season. He showed me photos of his kids, told me stories about avalanches and harsh winters, and invited me to stay longer. That conversation taught me more about resilience than any self-help book ever could.
In Muktinath, I met a group of Hindu pilgrims on the sacred hike to visit the temples and holy springs. I witnessed genuine spiritual practice—not tourism, but actual faith and devotion. It was humbling.
The Tibetan Buddhist culture of upper villages like Kagbeni is palpable. Prayer wheels, monasteries, and prayer flags aren’t tourist decorations—they’re integral to daily life. Respectfully asking before taking photos, understanding that some sacred spaces are for worship, not selfies, and genuinely engaging with the people (learning their names, asking about their lives) transforms the experience.
Here’s something important: the communities that host us depend on trekking income, but they’re also suffering from its negative impacts—waste, environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and water usage strain.
Practical sustainable practices:
Your ACAP permit fee goes directly into conservation. Since 1986, ACAP has planted over 3 million trees, protected rare species like snow leopards and red pandas, and funded community development projects including schools, clinics, and infrastructure.
When you trek responsibly, you’re not just enjoying a destination—you’re actively contributing to its preservation.
Honestly, getting to the start of the Annapurna Circuit involves a bit of logistics, but it’s manageable.
Most international trekkers fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Use CheapOair or similar platforms to compare flight prices—prices vary dramatically depending on season and booking timing.
Once you land:
Day 1-2 in Kathmandu:
Stay in Kathmandu’s Thamel district—it’s the traveler hub with good accommodation (book on Booking.com), restaurants, and trek preparation shops. Use Welcome Pickups for reliable airport transfers—they’re genuinely professional and take stress out of arrival chaos.
Things to do in Kathmandu before trekking:
From Kathmandu, you have options:
Option 1: Local Bus ($3-$5, 6-8 hours)
The authentic but uncomfortable option. Buses are crowded, roads are winding, and it’s a test of patience. However, you’ll experience genuine Nepal.
Option 2: Tourist/Private Bus ($15-$30, 5-6 hours)
Companies like GetYourGuide can arrange these—they’re more comfortable than local buses, stops are included, and pickup from your hotel is usually included.
Option 3: Fly to Pokhara, then Drive ($60-$100)
This is what I did. A 25-minute flight to Pokhara (use CheapOair for comparing flight prices), then a jeep ride to the trek start. It’s more expensive but faster, less physically demanding, and leaves you fresher for the actual trek.
My recommendation: If the budget allows, fly to Pokhara. You preserve energy for the actual trekking and avoid the grueling, long bus journey.
This is completely optional—you can trek independently. However:
Hiring a guide ($35-$50/day):
Hiring a porter ($30-$40/day):
Most reputable trekking agencies can arrange these. Ensure they’re properly licensed guides (not just friendly locals), insured, and properly paid (not underpaid contractor models).
Here’s the actual route I completed, with realistic timing and details:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Besisahar (drive, 176km via bus or flight to Pokhara, then drive)
Day 2: Besisahar/Chamje to Ngadi (trek start, 1,000m elevation, 12km, 4-5 hours)
Day 3: Ngadi to Jagat (850m, 10km, 4 hours) – First day hiking feels longer than the distance suggests
Day 4: Jagat to Tal (1,700m, 14km, 5-6 hours) – Significant elevation gain, harder than Day 3
Day 5: Tal to Bagarchap (2,160m, 9km, 4 hours) – Gradual ascent through forest
Day 6: Bagarchap to Chame (2,680m, 12km, 5 hours) – Starting to feel the altitude slightly
Day 7: Chame to Pisang (3,200m, 15km, 5-6 hours) – Views start becoming spectacular
Day 8: Pisang to Manang via Upper Route through Ghyaru/Ngawal (3,540m, 15km, 6-7 hours) – More challenging but more scenic than the lower route
Day 9: Manang Acclimatization Day #1 – Rest, visit villages, or do an Ice Lake side hike
Day 10: Manang Acclimatization Day #2 (optional but recommended) – Second day aids acclimatization
Day 11: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,020m, 12km, 5-6 hours) – Air noticeably thinner, terrain becomes barren
Day 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m, 5km, 3-4 hours) – Short day before the pass push
Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass to Muktinath (3,802m, 15km, 7-8 hours) – The big day! Start 4-5 AM, summit around 10-11 AM, descend to Muktinath by afternoon
Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m, 14km, 4-5 hours) – Steep descent, knee pain potential
Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara (option to fly 20-30 min, $40-$60, or drive 5-6 hours) – Celebrate completion
Days 16+: Pokhara exploration or return to Kathmandu
This is the standard route. Variations exist (alternative passes, different route orders for acclimatization, adding Tilicho Lake side trek), but this is the most common and reliable 15-day itinerary.
Wake up, drink hot water with ginger and lemon (helps digestion at altitude), eat breakfast, and pack your bag systematically. Mornings at teahouses get cold—everyone huddles near the wood stove until it’s time to go.
Walk slower than you think you need to. Seriously. The golden rule of trekking is “pole pole” (slow slow in Swahili, but the principle applies universally). I started each day energetic and learned by day 6 that patience works better than pace.
Blister prevention is genuinely more important than you think. Bring proper hiking boots that are completely broken in. Change socks if they get wet. Use moleskin before blisters fully form. I met trekkers with severe blisters turning back on Day 8—it’s genuinely preventable.
Toilet paper is precious at altitude. Squat toilets require practice if you’re not used to them. Wash hands with hand sanitizer if water isn’t available. Bring your own toilet paper and pack it out (yes, pack out your used TP in a small bag—it’s necessary).
Embrace the disconnection but stay practical. Download offline maps on your phone. Carry a portable charger—electricity becomes precious above Manang. Accept that emails won’t get immediate responses. Live in the present moment; it’s one of the trek’s greatest gifts.
You’ll meet other trekkers constantly. Some friendships form that last years beyond the trek. Others are pleasant for the moment but don’t continue. Both are fine. You might trek solo, with friends, with a group tour, or a combination. All experiences are valid.
By days 12-14, some people hit a mental wall. The novelty fades, the physical exhaustion accumulates, and sometimes the altitude brings emotional sensitivity. Acknowledge it, talk about it with other trekkers (they’re feeling it too), and remember why you came. The last few days are still incredibly rewarding even if they’re harder.
The trek won’t be perfect. Weather might not cooperate. You might be sick for a day. Your feet will hurt. You might have conflicts with other trekkers. That’s all normal. The imperfect parts often become the best stories.
Don’t get so caught up in capturing photos that you forget to experience the trek. Some of my best memories are from moments I didn’t photograph because I was too present to think about my camera.
That said, the photography opportunities are genuinely extraordinary:
Photography Spots NOT to Miss:
Photography Tips:
Altitude sickness symptoms → Ascend more slowly, rest, stay hydrated. Descend if symptoms worsen.
Digestive issues → Common at altitude. Eat simpler foods, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter remedies if needed.
Exhaustion → Normal. Slower pace, extra rest days, and light meals help.
Teahouse running out of rooms during peak season → Book with a trekking company that pre-arranges rooms, or trek outside peak season.
Getting sick → Happens to most trekkers. Have a first aid kit, rest if necessary, descend if serious.
Cold nights → Sleeping bag is essential. Warm layers matter. Some teahouses provide hot water bottles.
Wi-Fi withdrawal → Let it go. Embrace the disconnection.
Disagreements with other trekkers → Remember everyone’s tired and stressed. Be kind. Skip social activities if personality clashes happen.
As you prepare for this adventure, several partners can streamline your planning:
For Accommodations Before/After Trek: Use Booking.com to arrange your pre- and post-trek stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Their review system helps you choose quality hotels for proper rest.
For Tour Arrangements and Activities: GetYourGuide offers guides, porter services, and organized treks if you prefer the structured approach rather than independent trekking.
For Airport Transfers: Welcome Pickups provides reliable airport pickup in Kathmandu—eliminating the stress of navigating taxis when you’re jet-lagged.
For Travel Insurance: VisitorsCoverage provides comprehensive coverage, including altitude-related medical issues and potential helicopter evacuations—crucial for mountain trekking.
For Vehicle Rentals, If Exploring Beyond Trek: GetRentacar offers vehicle rentals for exploring Pokhara or other Nepal regions before/after your trek.
For International Flights: CheapOair helps compare flight prices to Nepal from wherever you’re flying from.
For Currency Exchange: Revolut and Wise provide excellent exchange rates for converting to Nepali rupees without heavy bank fees—essential for budget management.
For Local SIM Cards/Data: Yesim provides eSIM options for staying connected during your trek preparation and recovery phases.
Beyond dal bhat and momo (which become your staples), here’s what you’ll encounter:
Nepali Cuisine:
Available International Options:
Fruits and Vegetables:
Things You’ll Crave By Day 10:
Culinary Strategy:
Embrace the limited options rather than fighting them. You’ll develop a genuine appreciation for simple food. I found myself thinking about certain teahouse meals weeks after returning home—not because they were gourmet, but because they were precisely what my body needed at that moment.
The Thorong La Pass summit is simultaneously easier and harder than you’ll expect. Easier because it’s not technical climbing—just relentless ascending. Harder because the altitude and physical fatigue combine into something psychologically challenging.
The night before: You probably won’t sleep well. The altitude and anxiety prevent normal sleep. Most trekkers get 3-4 hours of interrupted sleep. This is normal.
The morning: You’ll wake up at 4 AM feeling like you haven’t slept despite being in bed for 8 hours. It’s freezing. Your head probably aches slightly. You’ll question your life choices that led to this moment. Drink hot water, eat something simple (I had porridge and tea), and get moving. Movement generates warmth.
The hike: The first hour is in darkness. Use your headlamp. Stay focused on the person’s headlamp in front of you rather than looking up at the enormous mountain ahead. Breathing is deliberate and heavy. You’ll take more breaks than you expect. This is fine.
The sunrise: Somewhere around 6-7 AM, depending on the season, the sun starts rising. The view expands. You realize you’re genuinely high. Keep moving.
The summit: You’ll reach it somewhere between 10 AM and 1 PM (depending on your pace and starting time). You might cry. You might feel emotional. You might just feel tired and want to sit down. All responses are legitimate. Spend 15-30 minutes here—eat something, drink water, take photos, absorb the moment.
The descent: This part is often overlooked but genuinely important. The descent to Muktinath is steep and knee-pounding. Your legs have done 20+ days of climbing; now you’re asking them to carefully navigate steep rocky terrain. Use trekking poles. Move carefully. A turned ankle on the descent after summiting would be genuinely unfortunate.
By the time you reach Muktinath in the early afternoon, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. You’ve summited a 5,416-meter pass on the Annapurna Circuit. You’ve completed one of the world’s most iconic treks (with the final descent still ahead, but the hard part is done).
Honestly, the trekking part is intense, but the recovery is equally important.
Immediate Post-Trek (Days 15-16):
Your legs will be sore. Stairs become your enemy. Your feet might be blistered or sensitive. Ibuprofen becomes your friend. Rest significantly. Eat well. Hydrate. Sleep normally again (it’s glorious).
Altitude Aftereffects:
Some people experience lingering altitude-related fatigue. It typically passes within a few days. Your appetite might be off for a day or two. This is normal.
Emotional Aftereffects:
Many trekkers experience a type of melancholy after completion. You’ve been on an intense personal journey with people you’ve bonded with daily, you’ve physically challenged yourself, and suddenly it’s over. Some friendships formed on the trail naturally fade once back in normal life. Some become lifelong. Both are okay.
Processing the Experience:
Write about it. Talk about it with other trekkers. Reflect on what you learned. The Annapurna Circuit changes perspectives in subtle ways—about your own capability, about global humanity, about what matters in life. Give yourself time to integrate these realizations.
I’ve completed many treks. I’ve summited mountains and crossed mountain passes in multiple regions of the world. But the Annapurna Circuit holds something special in my heart—not because it’s the most technically challenging (it isn’t), not because it’s the most remote (it isn’t), but because it offers something rare: genuine accessibility to extraordinary places.
You don’t need to be a mountaineer to complete this trek. You don’t need to spend enormous sums of money. You don’t need expensive gear. What you need is moderate fitness, genuine curiosity about the world and yourself, a willingness to embrace discomfort as part of growth, and the humility to respect mountains that have stood for millennia while you’re there for just a few weeks.
This trek is fundamentally about transformation. It’s about learning your own strength. It’s about encountering genuine human kindness in communities that have every reason to be guarded but choose generosity instead. It’s about walking through multiple seasons and climates in less than three weeks. It’s about standing at 5,416 meters and realizing that both the world and you are simultaneously smaller and larger than you thought.
The Annapurna Circuit will challenge you. Some days, your legs will scream. Your lungs will work harder than they ever have. You’ll sleep in basic teahouses and eat the same meals repeatedly. You’ll probably get sick for at least one day. You’ll be tired in ways you didn’t know existed. And simultaneously, you’ll experience moments of such profound beauty and clarity that they’ll reshape how you see yourself and the world.
That’s what makes this trek legendary. Not the altitude or the difficulty level, but the transformation it catalyzes.
Step 1 (Today): Get a passport if you don’t have one. Begin researching flights to Kathmandu for your preferred season.
Step 2 (Next 2-4 weeks): Book your flights. Research travel insurance (I recommend VisitorsCoverage for comprehensive coverage). Start light fitness training if you’re not currently active.
Step 3 (6-8 weeks out): Book pre-trek accommodation in Kathmandu on Booking.com. Get your ACAP permit sorted (can usually be obtained in Kathmandu). Book your flight to Pokhara if using CheapOair for good rates.
Step 4 (4-6 weeks out): Arrange airport pickup through Welcome Pickups for your arrival. Book your post-trek accommodation in Pokhara.
Step 5 (2-4 weeks out): Purchase any remaining gear needed. Break in your hiking boots properly. Set currency exchange rates through Revolut or Wise for optimal rates.
Step 6 (1-2 weeks out): Confirm all bookings. Make final packing adjustments. Download offline maps. Mentally prepare. Start getting excited about the adventure ahead.
Step 7 (Trek week): Show up with an open mind and a willing heart. Let the mountains work their magic.
I’ve shared the practical details—the costs, the permits, the daily itineraries, the gear lists, the acclimatization strategies. But the real truth about the Annapurna Circuit can’t be perfectly captured in words. It has to be experienced.
You’ll understand it when you’re walking through rhododendron forests in spring, surrounded by blooming pink and purple flowers. You’ll understand it when you’re sitting in a teahouse at 4,000 meters, eating dal bhat while a wood stove warms the room and stories of other trekkers’ adventures swirl around you. You’ll understand it when you’re summiting Thorong La Pass, breathing thin air, standing on top of a pass between earth and sky, feeling profoundly alive.
The Annapurna Circuit isn’t just a trek. It’s a pilgrimage. It’s a teacher. It’s an experience that reshapes your internal landscape as dramatically as it traverses Nepal’s external landscapes.
So here’s my genuine question for you: What are you waiting for? The mountains are calling. The teahouses are ready to welcome you. The communities are waiting to share their lives and hospitality. Your future self—the one who completes this trek—is waiting to thank your present self for being brave enough to take this leap.
Start planning today. Book that flight. Get the permit. Tell your friends about what you’re about to accomplish. And then come back here and tell me about the moment you summit Thorong La Pass, about the meals that unexpectedly changed your life, about the connections you made with people who’ll forever be part of your story.
The Annapurna Circuit isn’t waiting. Neither should you.
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Frank
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