Annapurna Circuit Trekking - 11 Days

What is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit is widely regarded as one of the most incredible long-distance trekking routes in the world. This legendary journey takes trekkers around the massive Annapurna Massif in central Nepal, offering a spectacular range of landscapes and cultural experiences. The trek acts as a geographical and cultural "elevator," taking you from lush, subtropical banana groves at 800 meters to the high-altitude, arctic desert of the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.

Since its inception, the Annapurna Circuit has remained a top choice for trekkers seeking a diverse and dynamic trekking experience. Unlike other treks that offer a singular landscape throughout, the circuit changes its face daily shifting from terraced rice paddies and waterfalls to deep pine forests, and finally to the stark, windswept landscapes of the trans-Himalayan rain-shadow. In 2026, the Annapurna Circuit remains the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) because of its unparalleled diversity.

Key Highlights of the Journey:

• Thorong La Pass (5,416m): The physical and emotional pinnacle of the trek, offering 360-degree panoramas of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, and a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to match.

• Muktinath Temple: A sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, home to 108 holy water spouts and an eternal flame that has burned for centuries, making it one of the most iconic destinations on the trek.

• Manang Valley: A Tibetan-influenced cultural hub that serves as a perfect spot for altitude acclimatization and side hikes to stunning turquoise glacial lakes.

• The Kali Gandaki Gorge: Walk alongside the deepest river gorge in the world, carved between the towering 8,000m giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I. This gorge, known for its immense depth, offers one of the most spectacular views on the entire trek.

The Annapurna Circuit trek is not just about breathtaking mountain vistas; it is an opportunity to experience the vibrant local culture, from ancient Buddhist monasteries to traditional villages that have existed for centuries. The trek takes you through a range of landscapes, including dense forests, suspension bridges, and rugged high-altitude deserts, offering a variety of terrain and environments that are unmatched anywhere else.

Permits Required for the annapurna circuit trek 11 days

Trekking in the Annapurna region requires two official permits that help support conservation and trekking management:

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit allows entry into the protected Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to hundreds of rare plant, animal, and bird species. The cost is approximately NPR 3,000 (USD 25) for foreigners.

2. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): Managed by the Nepal Tourism Board and trekking agencies, this card helps track trekkers for safety purposes. It costs around NPR 2,000 (USD 17) for solo trekkers and NPR 1,000 (USD 8) if you're part of a group through a licensed agency.

These permits are checked at various checkpoints along the trail. You can obtain them at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and we will handle this for you. Make sure to carry multiple passport-size photos and a copy of your passport.

Altitude and Acclimatization

One of the defining features of the annapurna circuit trek in nepal  is its drastic elevation gain from 800 meters at Besisahar to 5,416 meters at Thorong La. This shift in altitude happens gradually but steadily, making acclimatization essential. Our bodies need time to adapt to lower oxygen levels, and this is where the trek’s design is so brilliant.

 Villages like Manang (3,540m) serve as natural acclimatization points where trekkers spend an extra day to rest and explore nearby hikes. It's vital to follow the golden rule: "climb high, sleep low" and always listen to your body.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. If not addressed, it can progress to more serious conditions like HAPE or HACE. 

Hydration, slow ascent, and proper rest days are your best prevention. Carrying Diamox (with doctor’s advice) and walking with experienced guides also adds a layer of safety to your journey.

Food and Drinks Availability Along the annapurna trekking circuit Route

Food is more than fuel on annapurna trekking circuit. It's a comfort, a culture, and a shared experience. The tea houses along the trail serve freshly prepared hot meals that blend local and international tastes. The staple dish is Dal Bhat Tarkari, a generous plate of rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and pickles. Not only is it nutritious and energy-packed, but it also comes with unlimited refills, making it a favorite among hungry trekkers.

In addition to local food like momos, thukpa, Tibetan bread, and yak cheese, many teahouses offer pasta, pancakes, fried rice, noodles, and omelets. The higher you go, the more limited the ingredients become, but the warmth and effort put into every meal never change.

For drinks, boiled water, ginger tea, masala tea, and herbal infusions are common. Bottled water is available but expensive at altitude and not environmentally friendly. A reusable bottle with water purification tablets or a filter is highly recommended. Avoid alcohol and caffeine above 3,000m as they worsen dehydration and increase the risk of altitude sickness.

Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

One of the unique features of trekking the annapurna circuit  is the network of teahouses (mountain lodges) that line the trail. These family-run accommodations offer basic but comfortable lodging with shared or private rooms. A typical room comes with two single beds, foam mattresses, blankets, and sometimes a small table. In lower altitudes, you’ll find attached bathrooms, hot showers, and sometimes Wi-Fi. As you climb higher, the facilities become more rustic, but still cozy.

The dining area in each teahouse becomes a communal gathering spot, often centered around a wood stove where trekkers from around the world share stories over tea or dinner. In larger villages like Chame, Manang, and Jomsom, you may find nicer hotels and bakeries, but once you’re above Yak Kharka, simplicity is the norm. Electricity is available in most places for charging devices at a small cost, and some lodges offer Everest Link Wi-Fi cards, though the connection can be patchy.

Booking in advance isn’t typically required except during peak season (October–November, March–April), when teahouses can fill up quickly. A guide or porter can help secure your rooms, and having someone local always opens doors literally and culturally.

Guide and Porter – Do You Need One?

Hiring a guide and/or porter is not only a wise decision, it’s a life-enriching one. As of 2025, the Nepal Tourism Board recommends a licensed guide for safety in major trekking regions, and in some areas, they are now mandatory. A guide provides more than just directions; they offer local knowledge, cultural insight, and medical assistance if needed. They also handle communication with locals, teahouse bookings, and act as a liaison during emergencies.

A porter, on the other hand, carries your main luggage (usually up to 20–25kg), allowing you to walk light and enjoy the trail without strain. This can be a game-changer, especially at higher altitudes where even 5kg feels like 50.

By hiring local staff, you're not just helping yourself; you’re supporting Nepal’s rural economy and helping sustain tourism-based livelihoods. Most importantly, trekking with a Nepali team builds deep connections and lifelong memories that you’d never get from hiking alone.

Safety and Communication

Safety is a critical element of any high-altitude trek, and the annapurna circuit himalayas is no exception. The trails are generally well-marked and populated, but weather, altitude, and terrain can all pose challenges. Snowstorms near Thorong La, landslides in lower sections, and rockfall areas around Yak Kharka need to be navigated cautiously. Always check weather forecasts before crossing high passes and listen to the advice of locals and your guide.

Carry a well-stocked first aid kit, extra batteries for your headlamp, and have travel insurance that covers evacuation by helicopter, many trekkers are airlifted out every year due to AMS or injuries. Communication has improved greatly, with NTC and Ncell mobile networks available in many villages, and Everest Link Wi-Fi cards providing internet at teahouses. Still, don't depend entirely on technology. Prepare a printed itinerary and emergency contacts for backup.