Nepal · Annapurna Conservation Area

Annapurna Circuit + Base Camp Trek

Nepal's classic trek — 5,416m Thorong La Pass + Annapurna Base Camp option

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's classic long-distance treks — 160-230 km + 5,416m Thorong La Pass. Alternative: shorter Annapurna Base Camp (ABC, 7-10 days) or 4-5 day Poon Hill trek. Base town: Pokhara.

Circuit length
160-230 km / 15-20 days
ABC length
7-10 days (shorter alternative)
Poon Hill length
4-5 days (shortest option)
Thorong La
5,416m — highest pass on circuit

Annapurna Circuit + Base Camp Trek highlights

Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

The classic Annapurna Circuit high point. Cross before 10:00 for safety (afternoon wind + snow).

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC, 4,130m)

The shorter alternative — 7-10 days to a natural amphitheatre surrounded by Annapurna I + Machapuchare.

Poon Hill (3,210m) sunrise

The easiest option — 4-5 days from Pokhara. Sunrise panorama over Dhaulagiri + Annapurna range.

Ghandruk + Chhomrong Gurung villages

Traditional Gurung villages with stone-flagged paths + panoramic mountain views.

Manang village (Circuit)

3,540m acclimatisation stop. Ice lake day hike (4,600m) + Milarepa's Cave.

Muktinath temple

Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage site — 108 sacred waterspouts + eternal flame.

Jomsom + Kagbeni villages

Post-Thorong La descent — apple orchards + Tibetan Buddhist culture in the Kali Gandaki gorge.

Muktinath heli-return

Instead of full circuit, fly Jomsom → Pokhara (~$130) after Thorong La to save time.

Getting there

Fly Kathmandu KTM to Pokhara PKR (25 min) — trailhead. Then bus to Besisahar (start of Circuit) or Nayapul (start of ABC). Book 2-4 months ahead in October-November.

Getting around

Walking. Teahouses every 2-4h. Yak + porter for gear. Buses to trailheads from Pokhara.

Best time to visit

October-November (best) + March-May (spring). Avoid June-September (monsoon).

Budget per day

$25-50 basic teahouse · $60-150 mid-range guided · $2,000+ luxury (Ker + Downey Nepal)

Fly to Pokhara International — trailhead + supply base (PKR)

Popular direct routes from: Pokhara (trailhead), Kathmandu → Pokhara

Where to stay in Annapurna Circuit + Base Camp Trek

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Frequently asked about Annapurna Circuit + Base Camp Trek

Which Annapurna trek is best?
Full Circuit (15-20 days) is the classic + hardest. ABC (7-10 days) is shorter + more accessible. Poon Hill (4-5 days) is easiest + best for time-limited trekkers.
Do I need a guide for Annapurna?
Since 2023 Nepal requires all trekkers to hire a licensed guide. Budget $25-40/day. Also need TIMS card + ACAP permit (~$30 combined).
How difficult is Annapurna Circuit?
Physically demanding — 15-20 days with a 5,416m pass. Altitude is the main challenge. ABC + Poon Hill significantly easier.
When is the best time for Annapurna?
October-November for clearest sky. March-May for spring rhododendron. Avoid June-September (monsoon, leeches, cloud).