What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 5416m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Mardi Himal Vs Annapurna Circuit Scenery Time.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: 12 Day Annapurna Circuit Too Rushed Acclimatization, Annapurna Circuit Itinerary Thorong La Acclimatization.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Annapurna Circuit Packing List Warm Valleys Cold Pass.

What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 5416m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Mardi Himal Vs Annapurna Circuit Scenery Time.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: 12 Day Annapurna Circuit Too Rushed Acclimatization, Annapurna Circuit Itinerary Thorong La Acclimatization.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Annapurna Circuit Packing List Warm Valleys Cold Pass.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Transportation
Private Vehicle + Bus/Flight
Group Size
Max 14
Maximum Altitude
5416
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Tea House
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Guiding method
Live Personal Trekking Guide
Tour type
Trekking
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD)
Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card.
Destinations
Annapurna Region
Activities
Hiking, Trekking
Trip Type
High Altitude, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Hard

Map

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 14-day classic trek around the Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, then climbs through the Marsyangdi river valley past Gurung, Tibetan, and Thakali villages, varied ecology from subtropical forest to alpine tundra, and dramatic mountain scenery. The route crosses the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to the Kali Gandaki valley, then descends through the world’s deepest gorge to Tatopani (hot springs) and Ghorepani before concluding with the famous Poon Hill sunrise view. The Annapurna Circuit is widely considered the best long-distance trek in Nepal for its ecological and cultural diversity, dramatic mountain scenery, and the iconic Thorong La pass crossing.

Highlights

Cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
Walk through varied ecology from subtropical forest to alpine tundra in a single trek.
Experience Gurung, Tibetan, and Thakali culture in traditional villages.
Visit the sacred Muktinath temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Witness the sunrise view from Poon Hill (3,210m) over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Things to Carry for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Headwear

Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow

Upper Body Layering

2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
1x mid-layer fleece jacket
1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)

Lower Body

2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
2x merino wool underwear
1x swimwear (for hot springs)

Hands

1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
1x insulated waterproof gloves
1x expedition mittens for passes above 5,000m

Footwear

1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
2x pairs liner socks
Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud

Sleeping Gear

1x 4-season sleeping bag rated to -20C (we provide rental for USD 30)
1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)

Trekking Equipment

1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
1x 20-30L day pack
1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
1x dry bag for electronics
1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)

First Aid & Health

Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Imodium for stomach issues
Rehydration sachets (ORS)
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and wet wipes

Electronics

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
Headphones
eReader or book

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 5416m)
Flight tickets
Credit cards and USD cash
Emergency contacts

What We Provide (Rental)

4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
Water purification tablets
Satellite phone on remote treks

Related Packing Guides

Read our detailed packing guides: Annapurna Circuit Packing List Warm Valleys Cold Pass, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Gear List, Manaslu Circuit Trek Gear Cash Documents Checklist, Kanchenjunga Circuit Gear To Prepare Before Booking.

Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.

Know Before You Book – Annapurna Circuit Trek Information

Trip Name: Annapurna Circuit Trek – 14 Days
Duration: 14 days
Difficulty: Hard
Maximum Altitude: 5416m
Group Size: Max 14

Difficulty & Fitness

This trek is rated Hard. Hard treks involve 6-8+ hours of walking daily at high altitude. Previous high-altitude experience strongly recommended. The maximum altitude is 5416m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.

Read our difficulty guides: Annapurna Circuit Difficulty Regular Hiker, Annapurna Base Camp Vs Mardi Himal Scenery Difficulty.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.

Read our seasonal guides: Annapurna Region Treks Crowded Peak Season, Spring Vs Autumn Annapurna Circuit.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Food and water guides: Tea House Trekking Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill Trek Teahouses And Food Guide.

Transportation

Transport: Private Vehicle + Bus/Flight. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Australian Travelers Flights Rest Days Annapurna Base Camp, Jomsom Muktinath Trek Transport Backup Flights Roads.

Required Permits

Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Mardi Himal Vs Annapurna Circuit Scenery Time, How Much Does A Private Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost With Guide Porter Permits An.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 5416m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: 12 Day Annapurna Circuit Too Rushed Acclimatization, Annapurna Circuit Itinerary Thorong La Acclimatization.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Annapurna Circuit Trek Fitness Level, Annapurna Circuit Fitness Level.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 5416m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Manaslu Vs Annapurna Circuit Village Culture, Annapurna Circuit Mountain Views Villages Culture.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.