Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is a high-altitude long-distance hiking trek in central Nepal that encircles the Annapurna Massif. The route tops out at Thorung La Pass (5416 m), and most trekkers hike the circuit counterclockwise to make altitude gain feel less abrupt and to make the high crossing easier. Length commonly falls in the 160–230 km range depending on how much of the circuit is walked versus shortened using motor transport on parts of the route.

The trek is built as a multi-day circuit through changing terrain belts: subtropical foothills and river valleys early on, then higher alpine landscapes as you move north toward the pass and beyond into Tibetan-influenced areas. The classic line reaches the pass via a long push from high camps and then turns into a major descent after Thorung La.

A typical itinerary runs about 12–20 days. The common structure is a low-to-mid elevation build-up in the Marsyangdi River valley, a stay in/around Manang for acclimatization, a final ascent toward High Camp, then the pre-dawn summit day across Thorung La Pass followed by continued descent toward the western side of the circuit.

Along the route you’ll pass through towns and villages used for teahouse trekking rather than camping-focused travel. This means most overnighting and meals are handled at guesthouses in the settlements you walk through, including in the lower sections before the highest terrain and on the days approaching the pass.

Season planning is central on the Annapurna Circuit because the highest section can be affected by snow and cold. October–November is the most popular window, while December–March is the coldest period; snow at Thorung La Pass can block the crossing for days at a time. Late spring (April–May) is another popular season, and the monsoon period (June–September) tends to bring rain in some lower valleys even though parts of the north can sit in a rain shadow.

Logistics matter on the circuit: the route begins around Besisahar/Bhulbhule and can involve long transfers before you reach the start of serious hiking. Many trekkers manage the trip by taking jeeps on portions where the road runs alongside the trek, then resuming the hike farther up-valley rather than walking the lowest, more road-adjacent stretches.

More information: Wikipedia, Why You Should NOT Hike the Annapurna Circuit, 10 things I wish I knew before hiking the Annapurna Circuit