The Annapurna Circuit Trek is widely considered one of the toughest, incredible and iconic long-distance treks in the world. Roughly 130–230 km or 80–145 miles in distance, it is a circular trek around the Annapurna Massif in the Annapurna Conservation Area, central Nepal. It is a journey of extremes that includes crossing the famous high-altitude mountain pass, Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft).
The defining feature of the Annapurna round trek is its diversity. You get to experience each side of the Himalayas, in its rawest and authentic form. The trekkers begin their journey from Kathmandu and the lush lowlands like Besisahar and Jagat and walk through tropical jungles, rice fields, verdant hills and majestic waterfalls, where, mostly Brahmin and Chhetri communities live.
As you climb to Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang, the landscape slowly changes to fragrant pine forests, and rhododendrons, steep cliffs, arid and rocky slopes that foreshadow the high-altitude mountain desert to come. These places are mainly home to Gurung people.
Similarly, once you reach Manang and Mustang, the trails completely change, the clouds disappear and you enter almost like bone-dry desert places. There is a reason why these villages are called "cold deserts". These are high-altitude dry valleys carved by the Kali Gandaki River and the lands have sharp slopes and rugged terrain. The upper hills are home to Thakuri, Thakali, and Gurung people.
Another highlight of the trek is visiting one of the world's highest and sacred temples, Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Also, you will get the intimate views of the mountains like never before. Himalayas such as Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Manaslu (8,163m) will be in their glorious form and you will be one of the few to witness them.
This 15 days itinerary trek also includes a flight out of Jomsom which is one of the most unique experiences when your plane will fly through the Kali Gandaki Gorge which is one of the world's deepest canyons. The difficulty level is moderate, while no technical climbing is needed, the high altitude climb to Thorong Phedi and Thorong La High Pass makes it physically demanding.
As for the logistical and technical aspects for your smooth Annapurna voyage, the best months to trek are October-November and March-April, the cost is estimated at $1700 US dollars, and the permits required to enter the trekking routes are Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
In 2026, the Annapurna Loop Trek is more accessible than ever with better and safer trails implemented by Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT), luxuries and authentic teahouses, improved food and water quality, better restrooms facilities. The expedition offers a thoughtfully curated mountain experience compared to other remote treks, without sacrificing the raw beauty of the high Himalayas.
Magnificent Annapurna Trek- What Trekkers Should Expect?
Annapurna Round Trek (often referred to as the “Magnificent Annapurna Trek”) is a classic 15 day Annapurna journey that circles the Annapurna massif, passing diverse landscapes, crossing the high Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, and trekking on some of the most scenic and photographic trails in Nepal. If you are gearing up for one of the best trekking routes in the world, here are the highlights of what you should expect from the moment you start the adventure.
The dramatic shift in geography is definitely one of the main highlights. You would be amazed at how quickly the surrounding changes around you. The first three 3 days in places like Kathmandu, Nedi Bazaar, expect humidity, lush, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and terraced rice fields. With the growing altitude, in the middle days, the forest vanishes, and you enter the surroundings of massive pine forests and barren, rocky terrain. As you trek above Manang, the scenery disappears, and the world around you turns white and grey. It is a lunar landscape of scree, ice, and rock, and it will be one of the most breathtaking views you will ever see. After crossing the pass, you enter the Mustang region, a golden, bone-dry, desert-like place that makes you wonder if you're in Nepal or somewhere else.
Do not miss the NATT experience during your Annapurna trail. Though, as of 2026, the motorable road for the Annapurna circuit is a reality, the most "magnificent" aspect of this trek is its trail, Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT). The route is well-marked with colors like red/white or blue/white, and you cross many small and large suspension bridges.
Another thing to expect on this journey is a high-altitude hospitality that includes teahouse culture. The most social part of your day will be in the dining hall of the tea house you are staying at. You will sit around a wood-burning stove to avoid heat and swap stories, experiences and memories with fellow trekkers-people from all over the world. The foods are also the best part of the whole journey. Although you are advised to eat Dal Bhat at least once a day, as it is one of the filling, nutritious, and affordable foods available, you can also have a menu that will amaze you. For example, you can have yak steaks in Manang, wood-fired pizza in Muktinath, and apple crumble in Jomsom.
Similarly, expect a full team or a partner for your journey. To ensure tourist safety, the Nepal Tourism Board has introduced new regulations that imply that a trekker must have a guide with them. So, you will be accompanied by the licensed guide and an optional porter who will handle all your logistical aspects, provide you with the best rooms and food, and keep you safe and entertained.
The toughest part of the whole trek is crossing the pass, and you have to take it very seriously as it will be one of the hardest things you will ever do, and of course, the most rewarding as well. Expect to wake up very early in the morning at around 3 am and go for the journey of life that includes barren, rocky terrain and snow-covered loose rocks. Here is what most trekkers don't expect-it is difficult to cross Thorong La Pass, but it is very hard and knee-jarring to descend from the pass to Muktinath on the same day.
The Annapurna trek is also a spiritual transaction. The lower valleys are mostly inhabited by Hindus, where you will see many colorful temples and shrines. Then in the upper region, expect to see Buddhists and many monasteries, prayer wheels, and "Mani" walls. And in the sacred Muktinath, you can witness both religions worshipping at the same temple, which is a powerful and inspirational lesson in Himalayan harmony.
In the long list of Annapurna expectations do not forget to add the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. This 20-minute flight passes through the deepest canyons of the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, and takes you between two beautiful mountain giants, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri.
Also, what about digital connectivity? Well, the Annapurna region is surprisingly well digitally connected to the world. You can have a 4G signal in many villages and paid WI-FI, however, in high-altitude places like Thorong Phedi, you have to pay for charging your devices.
So, what to expect in the Annapurna Circuit Trek Nepal 2026? Well, expect to be challenged, humbled, surprised, grateful, and emotional, and expect to return home with so much gratitude and a completely different perspective on the mountains and world.
Preparing Your Journey- Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary And Cost
A well-planned Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary in this case, the 15 days itinerary is very crucial because it directly affects the safety, pleasure, cost, and overall success of your trip. Given the high altitude climb, where oxygen is roughly half that at sea level, a thoughtful itinerary helps build the gradual ascent days for your body to adjust to lower oxygen. The acclimatization day at Manang with planned short hikes will help reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
A detailed schedule will be most beneficial while crossing Thorong La (5,416 m), as it will help trekkers to not feel exhausted, cold, or caught in bad weather on the pass day. Likewise, a proper distribution between distance and elevation, to avoid back-to-back long or steep days, matching daily stages to the group’s fitness level and including light and rest days to recover and enjoy the trip without a burnout is a must.
Likewise, when planning the Annapurna loop trek, proper budgeting is also equally important. The total cost is estimated to be $1700 US dollars which includes mandatory fixed costs such as food and accommodation, ACAP Permit, TIMS Card, Mandatory Guide, transportation costs, the hidden extras such as hot showers, charging devices. Wi-Fi.
So, how to choose a better and cost friendly itinerary to enjoy the trek in the most safest and reasonable way? Well, there are many experienced travel companies in Nepal, one of them being Nepal Nomad, to help you with your trekking plan. It is a well-established travel company with a team of guides, porters, and mountaineers with extensive experiences in summiting peaks including Annapurna and Everest. All of them are NNMGA and IFMGA certified, equipped in first aid, wilderness medicine, and map reading and showcase the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
A Landscape Kaleidoscope-The Ever- Changing Annapurna Circuit Trek
The "Landscape Kaleidoscope" is the main reason the Annapurna Circuit is one of the most loved treks in the world. While many popular treks, such as Everest Base Camp Trek, offer breathtaking but relatively constant high-alpine scenery, the Annapurna circuit is the only trek with 5 climatic zones. The landscapes change so much that trekkers will never get scenery fatigue, as every day, the journey feels like a brand new route in a brand new country.
The first few days of the trek in places like Nadi Bazaar and Jagat (1,500m-2,500m), you walk through subtropical emerald landscapes. The surroundings will be vibrant lime greens and deep earth browns with a humid and lush vibe. While walking here, you witness shimmering rice terraces, small temples and shrines of lord Shiva, huge waterfalls, banana trees, citrus groves, and poinsettias. The air will be thick, and the journey will be filled with the roaring sound of the raging Marsyangdi River.
As you move upward from Jagat to Dharapani (1,500m-2,500m), the color slowly changes to forest greens, fiery reds mostly in spring, and silver mists as you begin walking through the temperate cloud forest landscape. The humidity starts to drop, and you may make your way to ancient oak and maple forests, witnessing a vibe becoming refreshing, cool, and silent. In the spring, the surrounding hills will be covered by beautiful Rhododendron (Nepal’s national flower), which paints the hillsides in shades of red and pink. The trail will start becoming narrow and deep with dramatic canyons, and you can see the sun only for a few hours a day.
From Chame to Pisang (2,500m-3,500m), you enter the alpine pine & needle zone climate where the surroundings will be in blue-greens and slate greys, and the air will smell of pine resin and juniper. This is where the land landscape opens up, and you will walk through a huge and dense forest of Himalayan Blue Pine, the Annapurna Massif will begin to show itself, and the geography starts becoming "U-shaped," a classic sign of ancient glacial carving.
The High-Alpine Tundra landscape in Manang to ThorongPhedi (3,500m-4,500m) gives the vibe of silent and majestic surroundings with tawny golds, dry browns, and turquoise colors in the sky. You are now above the tree line in a high-altitude desert-like climate. You will see Yaks and Blue Sheep (if you are fortunate enough), camouflaged against the rocks.
From High Camp and Thorong La Pass (4,500m-5,416m), you will now enter the Artic Zone-deep blues, showcasing the stark white sky, and the rainbow of prayer flags everywhere. You are in a world of rock and ice with no vegetation. The landscape is mostly massive glaciers spilling off the surrounding 6,000m and 7,000m mountains.
The last day, while descending from Muktinath to Jomsom (5,416m-2,800m), you will witness the Trans-Himalayan Desert landscape and skies in burnt orange, mustard yellow, and bone-white colors. It will almost feel like entering a new planet, a grey expanse of stones and fossils, bordered by cliffs that have been carved into weird shapes by millions of years of wind.
Remember, all these climatic changes happen only in 15 days trek, which proves that the Annapurna loop trek does not just show the Himalayas, it shows you the world. You start in the dense forest and end in an arctic desert, witnessing every sort of diversity of life hidden in the shadow of the world's highest peaks.
Thorong La Pass as a Threshold, Not Just a Crowning Point
Thorong La Pass-the reason for your journey, the sense of achievement for your patience, the relief for your hard work, the climax of your Annapurna Circuit trek lies at the 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) and is one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Reaching this summit, a crowing point is a badge of honors for trekkers, a sense of pride that cannot be describe in words.
The crossing typically takes 8 to 10 hours and is a massive 12 to 16 kilometer journey. For this Annapurna Circuit Trek Package, you will start from Thorong Phedi (4,450 m / 14,599 ft) which is the crucial overnight stop for this adventure at about 3: 30 am to make sure to reach the summit by 8:00 or 9:00 am. Timing is crucial as the weather at the mountains is very unpredictable and can change within seconds.
The climb is the unstoppable series of switchbacks through a lunar-like landscape of scree and rock. As you are climbing even higher than the Everest Base Camp, the air contains only 50% of the oxygen available at sea level which is every step you take, even the slightest movements such as drinking water or zipping a jacket can leave you breathless.
Similarly, the cold will be your worst enemy, even in the "warm" months the temperatures can be -15°C (5°F) and will leave you significantly colder. The trek to Thorong La Pass is as much as mental journey as it is physical. The previous climbers have called the journey a mental game as the route features many 'false summits" that can be demoralizing.
One of the highlights of the trip can also be the visual change of the journey. As you start from the beautiful world of pine forests and glaciers on the Manang side to the copper like world of Mustang which many people have pointed to have a surface life Mars. Once you reach the pass, there a huge mound of prayer flags and a small hut which popularly serves the most expensive tea in the world at one of the world’s highest peaks.
From the summit, you will witness the magic that are called mountains. The trekkers are rewarded with the panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Also, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, and the Chulu and Tilicho peaks. It is the moment where time stops for you, where all the hard work, the sleepless and tired nights, every heartbreak along the way, every wounds may be a laceration, every time when you almost gave up or did not gave up will finally pays you up. Some of the feelings you will feel will be too powerful for words and may find their ways through your eyes. Whatever you will be felling, one thing for sure is it will be worth it.
Though it might be very difficult but you are advised not to stay at the top for long. The risk of HACE, the High Altitude Cerebral Edema increases the longer you stay above 5000m so, you are advised to take the photos, drink the tea and start the descent within 15 to 20 minutes.
After the magnificent Thorong La Pass, the trail descents into the Kali Gandaki Gorge and the Muktinath Valley transiting from the scared mountains to the sacred hills.
Muktinath Temple- A Holy Sanctuary for Hindus and Buddhists
In the Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Muktinath Temple is a defining stop on the massive Annapurna Massif, a landmark of deep significance. Located at the foot of the Thorong La pass, the temple sacred to both Hindu and Buddhists is one of the world's highest temples at an altitude of 3,800 meters or 12467 ft. The pilgrims worship this holy place as an abode of Hindu god Vishnu and Buddhist deity Avalokiteśvara respectively.
For Hindus, Muktinath temple is to worship lord Vishnu; the Preserver and Protector of the universe. He is known for several incarnations (avatars), most famously of lords Krishna and Rama who appear on earth to fight evil and guide humanity. For Buddhist, the temple is also known as ChumigGyatsa (Hundred Waters) and is linked with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). He was a tantric Buddhist and is often referred as a second Buddha who removed spiritual obstacles and guided followers and practitioners toward awakening.
Interestingly, this holy place which represents Hinduism in a very larger scale is mostly handled by Lama Buddhist Nuns that includes the daily rituals and maintenance of the temple complex which further illustrated the cross-over of believes ritual, tradition and faith.
The name Mukti means spiritual liberation and for Hindus, it is one of the sacred places where the concept of cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is believed to be attainable. Similarly, the temple is known for its 108 Sprouts. The number 108 is sacred "perfect number" in terms of both Hindu and Buddhists tradition as it is said to the product of 12 horoscope signs multiplied by nine planets. A standard holy mala, aka prayer beads also has 108 beads.
Similarly, there are 108 names for various gods in Hinduism and 108 volumes of the Buddha's teachings mainly known as the Kangyur in Buddhism. According to the ritual and people's belief, passing under the 108 sprouts of the temple will help you wash away the sins committed in 108 several types of human emotions. The sprouts are arranged in a semi circle behind the main temple and the pilgrims start at the first tap and run under all 108 fountains without stopping for about 3 to seven times.
Another defining experience on the temple is the eternal Flame of Jwala Mai (Mother of Fire). Located just few meters from the main temple, the Jwala Mai Temple also called DholaMebarGompa is considered a miracle site as you can witness a tiny blue flames flickering out of a rock inside a darkened temple which never extinguishes. As far as science is concern, it is mainly because of geography as there are natural gases such as methane coming through the rock, however, spirituality explains it as the only place on earth where all five sacred elements-air, water, fire, earth and sky exist in one specific spot. For Hindu community the flame was lit by lord Brahma, and for Buddhist community, the flame represents the transformative energy of the elements.
Likewise, Muktinath is the home to mysterious shaligrams (fossils of vishnu). Kali Gandaki, which flows below Lo Manthang is the only source for Shaligrams in the world, Hindu believes that the black ammonite fossils that are believed to be approximately 65 to 130 million years old are a natural manifestation of Lord Vishnu and the spiral shape of the fossil represents his Sudarshana Chakra (divine discus).
For your Annapurna Circuit TrekNepal 2026 visit, the best season is either Autumn (Oct/Nov) for the clearest skies or Spring (April/May) for the best time for photography. If the journey falls in the late August, you will witness a very rare festival called Yartung Festival which involves horse racing, masked dances and traditional Tibetan music. The festival is celebrated to mark the end of harvest season and the beginning of the harsh winter-the last celebration before the chilling cold.
Additional information-Muktinath is also known as Shakti Peetham, it is believed that the forhead of Goddess Sati fell here while Lord Shiva was carrying her body and circling the earth in agony not being able to accept her death.
From Divine Jomsom to Serene Pokhara-The Most Scenic Mountain Flight in Nepal
After weeks of harsh trekking in the wind-swept, raw landscapes, or the spiritual journey in the sacred deserts in Muktinath and Kagbeni, this Annapurna Circuit Trek Package offers you one last adrenaline-pumping highlight which is the magical flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The word 'magical' can only be the word which gives the justice to the view which is considered one of the best mountain sceneries in the earth.
To avoid the infamous Jomsom wind you will have to take the very early flight which means you will get the golden hour light that turns mountains into molten gold. It is every mountain lover's dream to view Himalayas in the most beautiful form they can ever be. The route is mainly operated by small, twin-engine turboprop aircrafts such as DHC-6 Twin Otter or Dornier 228, depending on the season and airline. They are called STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) planes. The aircrafts are designed specifically for short takeoffs and landings with seating of 15 to 19 passengers, where every window becomes a front-row seat to witness the greatest gift of nature to the world.
Protip-Always choose left-hand side of the plane when flying to Pokhara from Jomson to witness the legendary Annapurna Massif.
One of the best factors of the Jomsom flight is its geography which is almost impossible to believe. The plane flies through the Kali Gandaki Gorge which is one of the world's deepest canyons. You are not flying over the mountains but between them-between Annapurna I (8,091m or 26545 ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m or 26794.62ft). Imagine you in a tiniest airplane flying through among the deepest gorges in the Earth witnessing the two of the world's fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, so, do tell which can be the word to justify this experience if not “magic”.
People often say, "if Annapurna Round Trek is a test of endurance, the flight to Pokhara is your reward" and that is one hundred percent accurate.
A Gentle Detour in Pokhara- A Necessary Pause Before The Final Kathmandu Flight
After the long, tiring and satisfying Annapurna Circuit Trekking and spellbinding Jomsom flight you land in Pokhara, the modern city with one of the best Himalayan views. Before rushing back to the chaotic land of Kathmandu, a gentle detour of Pokhara is a must. Though, you might think the first thing you will notice the moment you land in Pokhara would be the Himalayas, it actually will be the luxury of oxygen; thick, warm and sweet atmosphere, and the next will be the smell of fresh espresso (one of the bests in the country).
A trail to Pokhara or the City of Lakes is not about checking boxes, a detailed itinerary to follow, it is about drinking tea/coffee, walking along the banks of Phewa Lake, enjoying fish curries in a lake side, getting rid of heavy clothes and boots, and simply witnessing the colorful doongas (wooden boats) near the banks.
One of the things to do is a boating to Tal Barahi Temple which is in the middle of the Phewa Lake. You can rent a wooden boat and a rower and have them take you to the middle of the lake to visit the temple. This two-storied pagoda on a tiny island represents feminine divine power and the peace between worship and water. Similarly, on the way, in the middle of the lake, if the daylight is perfect, you will witness a classic reflection of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in the water, probably one of the easiest ways, and for you, the final look at the Annapurnas before your flight to the capital city.
In your Annapurna Circuit Trek Package, there are other many things to do in the city which includes the tour to the old seti river gorge, the bat cave (chamerogufa), World peace pagoda, GupteshorMaadev Cave, Davi's fall and so on. The one place which everyone recommends is a massage place. The post-trek recovery massage is a must after finishing one of the toughest treks on earth and Pokhara is famous for its specialized trekking massages.
A whole day in Pokhara before the next morning flight to Kathmandu is one of the best of experiences of this package. You will leave the city with a promise to come back again.
