Annapurna Circuit Trek

There are treks in Nepal that are beautiful. There are treks that are dramatic. And then there is the Annapurna Circuit — a route that is both of those things and something more: a complete journey through the full geographical and cultural spectrum of the Nepal Himalaya in a single continuous walk.

In 18 days, the Annapurna Circuit Trek circumnavigates the entire Annapurna massif — Nepal’s most extensive mountain group, containing three 8,000-metre peaks and dozens of satellite summits above 6,000 metres. The route begins in the subtropical Marsyangdi River valley, climbs through five distinct climate zones, crosses the 5,416-metre Thorong La — the highest point of any standard Nepal circuit trek — and descends into the extraordinary Tibetan plateau landscape of the Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge.

The cultural journey is equally extraordinary. You begin among the Gurung and Brahmin farmers of the lower Marsyangdi, progress through the Tibetan Buddhist communities of Manang and Samdo, cross into the ancient trading culture of the Thakali people in the Kali Gandaki valley, and visit Muktinath — one of the holiest sites in Nepal, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and a pilgrimage destination for hundreds of thousands of people each year.

No other standard Nepal trek delivers this combination of altitude drama, geographical diversity, and cultural depth in a single route. The Annapurna Circuit was voted the world’s greatest trek throughout much of the 1990s and 2000s. Road construction has changed the lower sections, but the upper circuit — from Chame through Manang, over Thorong La, and down through the Kali Gandaki — remains magnificent, road-free, and in every sense worth every one of the 18 days it takes. This complete guide covers the day-by-day itinerary with altitude profiles, the Thorong La crossing in full detail, what to pack, best seasons, permits, costs, and everything you need to plan the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2026.

Why Choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Five climate zones in one trek. From the subtropical forest and terraced rice paddies of the lower Marsyangdi valley to the high alpine desert of the Tibetan plateau at Thorong La — the Annapurna Circuit passes through more distinct ecological zones than any other standard Nepal trek. Few long-distance routes anywhere in the world offer such compressed geographical diversity.

Thorong La (5,416m) — a true Himalayan achievement. Crossing Thorong La on foot is one of the genuine high-altitude achievements available to non-climbers. At 5,416 metres, higher than any point in Europe, North America, or Africa – the pass demands proper acclimatisation, appropriate gear, and physical preparation. The reward is a mountain crossing that stays in memory for decades.

The Kali Gandaki Gorge. Descending from Muktinath into the Kali Gandaki valley is one of the most dramatic geographical transitions in the world. The gorge — with Dhaulagiri (8,167m) rising to the west and Annapurna I (8,091m) to the east — is measurably the world’s deepest, with vertical relief from river to summit exceeding 5,000 metres on both sides. Walking through it is a humbling experience.

Muktinath — one of Asia’s great pilgrimage sites. The temple complex at Muktinath (3,760m) has drawn Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims for centuries. The eternal flame of natural gas burning at the shrine, the 108 sacred water spouts, and the gathering of sadhus and Tibetan monks create a spiritual atmosphere that is genuinely unlike anywhere else on the trek circuit.

Manang and the upper circuit culture. The Tibetan Buddhist communities of the upper Marsyangdi — Manang, Braga, Ngawal, Pisang — maintain a culture that feels completely distinct from the lowland Nepal most visitors experience. The 500-year-old Braga Gompa, carved into the cliff face above the village, is one of the finest ancient monasteries accessible on any Nepal trek.

Marpha — the apple village. The Thakali trading town of Marpha, on the Kali Gandaki descent, is famous throughout Nepal for its orchards and locally produced apple brandy. Sitting in Marpha’s whitewashed lanes with a glass of apple cider as the Nilgiri peaks glow in the afternoon light is one of the classic Annapurna Circuit pleasures.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

• Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — the highest point of any standard Nepal circuit trek
• Descend the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the world’s deepest gorge between two 8,000m peaks
• Explore Manang (3,519m) — an ancient Tibetan Buddhist town at altitude
• Visit Muktinath temple — sacred to Hindus and Buddhists with 108 sacred water spouts
• Trek through diverse climate zones, from subtropical to high-alpine desert
• Walk through Marpha — Nepal’s apple orchard village, famous for apple brandy
• Village of Braga and its 500-year-old cliff-face monastery
• Ancient trading town of Kagbeni at the gateway to Upper Mustang
• Dramatic transition from Nepal Himalaya to Tibetan plateau at Thorong La
• Significantly less crowded than the Everest Base Camp route