The Annapurna Circuit trek is a classic, but it is not the same trek it was twenty years ago. Roads now extend well beyond the old starting point of Besisahar, and many agencies drive groups part of the way before walking begins. For many trekkers that raises a fair question: is it still worth doing, and which parts should you actually walk? Our answer is yes, if you plan the route deliberately. The sections above Manang, the Thorong La crossing and the descent to Muktinath are still the heart of the trek. Highland’s 14-day Annapurna Circuit is from USD 1,880 for the remaining 2026 departures (USD 1,980 for 2027 departures).
Key takeaways
- Vehicles now cover much of the lower route. You can walk it all, but you can also choose where to start.
- A typical itinerary is 14 to 21 days, and a standard walking plan is around 15 days.
- Thorong La (5,416 m) is the high point and the hardest day, so acclimatisation in Manang matters more than the number of days walked.
- Permits: the ACAP is NPR 3,000, and Highland’s price includes it.
How the road changed the Annapurna Circuit
Jeep tracks have replaced the trekking trail on much of the lower section from Besisahar to Chame, and the road keeps extending in places beyond it. Between Upper Pisang and Manang the route is still mostly trail, and there is no road between Manang and Thorong La. On the far side, a road runs from Muktinath to Jomsom. Walking beside vehicles and dust is much less appealing than the quiet trail it used to be.
What this means in practice:
- The lower sections are the most affected. Many operators now drive them and start walking higher up, or use side trails away from the road.
- The upper sections, from around Manang to Thorong La and down to Muktinath, are where the classic mountain atmosphere remains.
- Shorter itineraries are possible because you can skip road sections, but a shorter trek is not a faster way to acclimatise. The altitude profile is the same.
Highland’s 14-day itinerary drives from Kathmandu to Besisahar and on to Chame by jeep, walks for about 8 days over the pass to Muktinath and Jomsom, and then drives to Pokhara.
So what should you walk?
There is no single right answer. It depends on your time, your fitness and what you want from the trek. Three common choices:
| Choice | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Walk the full circuit | Trekkers with time who want the whole journey | 18 to 21 days; some sections share the road |
| Start higher up (for example from Chame), walk to Thorong La and Muktinath | Most trekkers, around 14 to 15 days | Misses the lower valley scenery |
| Add Tilicho Lake | Trekkers who want a challenging extra | Adds roughly 2 to 3 days and more altitude |
Our view: driving the first section is a sensible use of time, and we would not advise skipping Manang acclimatisation to save a day. If you want a less road-affected alternative, the Annapurna Sanctuary (Base Camp) trek is worth considering, and our comparison of Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit will help you choose.
Key altitudes on the Annapurna Circuit
| Place | Approx. altitude |
|---|---|
| Manang | about 3,540 m |
| Thorong Phedi | about 4,450 m |
| High Camp | about 4,850 m |
| Thorong La | 5,416 m |
| Muktinath | about 3,800 m |
The Thorong La day involves a very early start, a steep climb and a long descent of roughly 1,600 m to Muktinath. Read our Annapurna Circuit tips and the guidance in our acclimatisation guide before you go. If any symptom of altitude sickness appears, do not continue upward.
How many days do you need?
A typical Annapurna Circuit takes 14 to 21 days depending on where you start and what you add. The standard walking itinerary is about 15 days. Add 2 to 3 days if you include Tilicho Lake. The Nar Phu valley is a separate, more remote extension that needs its own restricted area permit, issued only through a registered agency.
Permits and costs
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | NPR 3,000. Included in Highland’s price. |
| Nar Phu | Separate restricted area permit, only if you add it |
Highland’s Annapurna Circuit is from USD 1,880 for 14 days on 2026 departures, and USD 1,980 on 2027 departures. Costs usually extra: international flights, visa (see our Nepal visa guide), insurance that covers trekking to the pass altitude (5,416 m) and helicopter evacuation, gear, tips, and personal spending.
Best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit
Autumn (October to early November) is the peak season, with clear skies and the most trekkers. Spring (late March to May) is also popular, with April excellent. Thorong La is most reliably clear from late September to mid-November and from late March through May. December to February is for experienced trekkers only, because snow can close the pass. June to August is the monsoon and is not recommended.
Frequently asked questions about the Annapurna Circuit trek
Is the Annapurna Circuit still worth doing with the road?
Yes, if you plan it. The upper section, including Thorong La, still delivers the mountain trek. Many trekkers drive the lowest sections and walk the rest.
How much does the Annapurna Circuit trek cost?
Highland’s 14-day guided Annapurna Circuit is from USD 1,880 for 2026 departures and USD 1,980 for 2027 departures, and the price includes the ACAP permit. Flights, visa, insurance, gear, tips and personal spending are extra.
How many days does the Annapurna Circuit take?
Usually 14 to 21 days. A standard walking plan is about 15 days.
How high is Thorong La?
5,416 m. It is the highest point on the circuit.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit?
Rules for foreign trekkers in the Annapurna Conservation Area have been tightened, but how strictly they are enforced at checkpoints has varied, so confirm the current position with your operator. A guide also adds safety at high altitude and on the pass, and Highland’s trek is guided.
Which permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit?
The ACAP (NPR 3,000). If you add Nar Phu, you also need a restricted area permit, which only a registered agency can arrange.
What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
October to early November and late March to May are the usual windows.
Ready to plan? See the Annapurna Circuit trek or speak to our team.
