Can a beginner do the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Yes, a beginner can do the Annapurna Circuit trek with proper preparation and good fitness. Many beginners have tried and successfully completed this trail. Yes, experience matters, but with determination and good preparation, anyone can ace this trek.

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is normally considered a moderate to challenging journey. Various factors are responsible for making this journey challenging, such as varied landscapes, unpredictable climate, and high altitude.

Where to start ACT trek?

This trek starts from Beshishahar and Chame. It depends on the duration of your trek. The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Besishar, and another shorter version ACT Trek, starts from Chyamche or Chame, depending on the trip duration.

Where is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

It is located in the Annapurna Region of Central Nepal. It is a long-distance trekking route that circles the Annapurna Massif. Also, it lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area.

How much does it cost to trek the Annapurna Circuit?

It costs $555 to $799 per person; the price varies depending on the group size and peak season.

How fit do you need to be for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

For this trek, you have to be fit both physically and mentally. You should have a strong and active body with the absence of major disease. No matter whether you are an experienced trekker or just a beginner, your fitness level plays a major role in a safe and successful journey.

Do I need a sleeping bag for ACT trek?

Yes, a sleeping bag is necessary for this trek. Even though you will stay at tea houses in higher altitudes, the unpredictable climate and extra comfort demand a sleeping bag.

What is the success rate of the Annapurna Circuit?

The success of this trek is between 95 to 98 %. As you do not need to climb a mountain and it is all about just a circular trek of the massif, you will do this comfortably with proper fitness and preparation.

Can we do ACT trek without a guide?

No, you are not allowed to do this trek without a guide. There is no legal provision to do this trek without a guide, as it is one of the challenging trails of Nepal. You must deal with high altitudes, unpredictable weather, and unusual terrain. Still, people are doing this without a guide, as there is no action has yet been taken by the government.

How far is the Annapurna Circuit Trek to Tilicho Lake?

The exact distance between the Annapurna Circuit trek and Tilicho Lake is 22km.

Can we do this trek with kids?

Yes, you can do an ACT trek with kids, with proper planning and preparation. Breeze Adventure will help you in advance with your training for the successful trek with kids.

What is the Annapurna Circuit trek altitude?

Its altitude is 5416 meters, with Thorung La Pass being the highest point. The trek begins at a lower elevation of about 800 meters.

What is the best season for this trek?

The best season for ACT trek is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

Is ACT is a luxury trek?

No, this trek cannot be considered a luxury trek, as you will start the journey taking a bus or jeep from Kathmandu. After that, you will trek for some days in rugged, steep, and narrow paths. You will have to spend nights at local tea houses and consume local food in local hotels.

Do you need training for this trek?

No, training is not strictly required for this trek. However, you should have a good fitness level to deal with challenging terrain. The high altitude, unusual paths, and unpredictable weather demand good fitness and preparation.

What is the weather and temperature in this trek?

The weather and temperature in this trek vary according to the season. In Spring, you will enjoy mild and pleasant weather with blooming rhododendron. The daytime temperature ranges between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius while nighttime drops to 5 degrees Celsius.

How long do I need to walk per day during my trek to Annapurna Circuit Trek?

During the Annapurna circuit trek, you need to walk between 10 and 15 km, which will take 5 to 6 hours every day. Only on the 7th day do you hike for about 10 hours to cross the Throng Phedi. As per data, 10-day Annapurna circuit trek distance is almost 120kms.

Are there ATMs available on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route?

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, obviously has lots of ATMs, and you can draw your case any time here. The last ATM you will find before the trip is a besisahar. Beyond that, you will not find any ATM until you reach Jomsom. Even then, the ATM in Jomsom might not always function properly, so we suggest you take all the needed cash for 10 days Annapurna Circuit Trek cost from Kathmandu itself.

Is there Wi-Fi in every hotel along the route?

Yes, nowadays, almost all hotels on the route of the Annapurna circuit trek have Wi-Fi. However, the internet speed in Nepal's mountain region is not very good. Even if you use the mobile data of the local SIM cards, you only contact people, i.e. use services such as calls and messages. It might not be possible to upload heavy videos and all the work during the 10-day Annapurna Circuit trek.

Can I buy the trekking gear in Nepal and sell it afterwards?

Once you buy the trekking gear for 10 days ACT trek, it might be difficult to sell them after the war. There are no proper thrift stores in Nepal where you can sell the Annapurna trekking gear after the trek. So, if you're not planning to take back your packing list for the Annapurna 10-day trek, we suggest you rent the gear instead of buying it. You can easily rent all kinds of trekking gear from Thamel and other areas of Kathmandu once you are in Nepal. The prices of these trekking gears in Thamel can range from $ 1 to $5 per day for each item.

Do I need to tip my porter and guide?

Yes, the porter and guide to Annapurna circuit Trek 10 days often expect the travellers to tip them. Although tipping culture is not very popular in Nepal, the guide and porter only make a basic salary, which is also the case in the peak trekking season. Even a small amount of the tip can be beneficial to them. In general, there is a culture of tipping 10% to 20% of the total amount at the end of the 10 -days Annapurna Circuit trek if you like the service.

I am a vegetarian. Is it possible to get vegetarian food?

Yes, the options for vegetarian food are really great in Nepal. In fact, we do not suggest anyone have meat items in the mountains and would rather go vegetarian. However, there is no vegan-specific menu for food during Annapurna Circuit trek.

What types of liquid should I drink at high altitudes?

It is really important to remain hydrated when you are trekking to a higher altitude. Since the oxygen level in the blood is very low, it is important to compensate for it with a higher water level. Besides water, we recommend drinking tea, coffee, and juice to keep yourself hydrated. Energy drinks can also be used while you are trekking. However, we highly discourage all kinds of alcoholic products while on Annapurna Circuit Himalayas. Especially at a higher altitude, consumption of alcohol makes you prone to altitude sickness.

What is the luggage limit for our porter?

Typically, a porter will carry 25 kgs in total. The travel agency often provides one porter for two people so he can carry 2 kgs of bags for each person. If you need to carry more than 15 Kgs in your backpack, you need to hire a personal porter.

How long will it take to reach Annapurna Circuit Trekking?

Annapurna circuit trek has become very flexible after the introduction of the road network in this region. The Annapurna circuit trek itinerary starts from 7 days and lasts up to 22 days. Depending upon your duration, you can design the route as per your needs. Ideally, the Annapurna Circle trek takes about 12 days.

Do I need insurance for Annapurna trekking?

Yes, it is compulsory that you get travel insurance before booking your Annapurna Circuit Himalayas Trek in Nepal. In fact, you must get travel insurance that covers high-altitude helicopter rescue with a cover-up for cancellation or changes due to altitude sickness before booking any treks in Nepal.

Where can I store extra clothing that I will not need for the trip?

Storage facilities are available in the hotels where you stay in Kathmandu. You can request the owner or reception to keep the extra clothes and baggage for you until the completion of the Annapurna Circuit Himalayas Trek.You can also leave the cloth at the Breeze Adventure office. We are happy to keep the valuables of our trekkers safe until they return from Annapurna circuit trek safely.

Do I need to bring any bags for trekking? If yes, what kind?

You need two kinds of bags for the Annapurna Circle Himalayas.. The first one is a day bag backpack where you keep your valuables, gadgets, some food, and a water bottle for the daytime. The other one is a duffle or trekking bag where you keep all your clothes and trekking gear like boots and a sleeping bag, which can store up to 20kgs. The porter will carry the duffel bag for you on the 10 days Annapurna Circuit Himalayas trek.

Are there toilet facilities on the trail?

Rooms with private bathrooms are available only in Manang Valley and Mustang during Annapurna region trekking. Otherwise, you need to share the common bathroom with people in the tea house. Thankfully, almost all toilets in Annapurna region trek now have Indian seats replaced by Western seats.

What opportunities will I have for a shower during Annapurna trekking?

Mostly all tea houses in Annapurna Circle trek now have common bathrooms with hot showers coming from the geyser. You are allowed to shower when you pay 2- 3 dollars extra. Since the charge for the hotel room in Annapurna circuit trek Itinerary is kept at a minimum, i.e., about five dollars, all the additional benefits need to be paid.

What problems can arise on High mountain?

Accident and Injury: Since the Annapurna region trekking mountain trail is steep and often slippery, especially due to rainfall and snowfall, there is a chance that you met accident while you are trekking in the high mountain. If the accident is minor, we will provide you the first aid and manage to rest for short time. Otherwise we will arrange for a helicopter evacuation. Altitude sickness: As we reach over 5500m, there is high chance that you suffer from altitude sickness during the Thorang La Pass Trek The minor altitude sickness can be treated with medication and enough rest. If the situation gets worse we will have to evacuate you. Bad weather: The weather in the mountains are always flactuating and sometime we might have to stop the trek due to bad weather. These might extend your trip for a few days but it will not be life-threatening. Weather plays a big role while you are crossing Larke La Pass.

Is there an age limit for Annapurna Circle trekking?

No, the government of Nepal has not implemented any age limit for trekking in Nepal. It has been recorded that children as young as 10 years old and elderly people up to 70 years old have successfully completed the Annapurna base camp trek before. As long as you are healthy and physically fit, People of any age can complete the Annapurna Circuit trekking. However, our recommended age for Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary ranges from 15 to 65.

Should we bring photos for the Annapurna circuit trek Permit?

Yes, you will need to have a valid passport visa and two passport-size photos to get your Permit for Annapurna. In Nepal, the government documents are still printed on paper, and you will need a printed photo to get your Permit from the migration department.

Will I be able to charge my batteries during trekking in the Annapurna Trekking?

Yes, the tea house in Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary mostly provides charging plugs inside the room. Even if they do not have in-room plugs, you can charge your phone in the reception. If you charge your battery in the reception, it might cost 2- 3 dollars extra, but you will not remain out of charge during the entire Annapurna circuit Itinerary.

Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek 2026/2027 – Complete Guide, Map, Itinerary

Why the Classic ACT Is So Special

The Classic ACT is a full-circuit experience, beginning in the lush lower valleys and finishing in the sacred Mustang region. In just two weeks, trekkers pass through sub-tropical forests, glacial valleys, Tibetan-influenced villages, barren high-alpine deserts, and the deepest gorge in the world. No other Himalayan trek offers such diversity day after day.

Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Map

The classic Annapurna Circuit trek map shows the route rising from lush valleys to the high Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descending into the sacred Mustang region. It follows the Marsyangdi River through forests and villages en route to Manang, then crosses the Himalayan ridge into the Kali Gandaki Valley. The map highlights altitude points, acclimatization days, side trips, and safe daily elevation planning.

Understanding the Route, Elevation, and Terrain

The classic Annapurna circuit trek map shows a natural progression from green valleys to the high Himalayan pass and down into the mystical Mustang region. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River valley until Manang, ascends to Thorong La, and then descends toward the Kali Gandaki.

Breeze Adventure provides a detailed Classic ACT map, including:

key altitude points
acclimatization days
Recommended overnight stops
side trips like Tilicho Lake & Ice Lake
cultural highlights
safe acclimatization strategy

Classic ACT Route Experience

The Classic ACT follows a spectacular route through changing landscapes and cultures. It begins in lush lower valleys, passing rhododendron forests, waterfalls, rice terraces, and traditional villages along the Marsyangdi River. As you reach Manang, the scenery shifts to Tibetan-influenced Buddhist settlements, with dramatic views of snow-covered peaks. The ascent to Thorong La Pass (5416m) is the trek’s most thrilling moment, offering a vast Himalayan panorama. Descending into Muktinath, you encounter sacred temples and the unique culture of Mustang. The journey continues through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, ending with scenic viewpoints and relaxing hot springs.

Lower Valley: Lush Forests & Local Culture

The journey begins from the lower Annapurna region, where the trail winds through rhododendron and pine forests, cascading waterfalls, rice terraces, and traditional settlements. Guided by the Marsyangdi River, the first days are filled with energy and excitement.

Manang: Tibetan Buddhist Heritage

The landscape changes dramatically as you enter the Manang district. Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, and stone villages reflect Tibetan influence. This is also an ideal place for acclimatization, with side hikes to Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake, or Tilicho Base Camp.

Thorong La Pass (5416m): The High Point

Crossing Thorong La Pass is the most thrilling moment of the Classic ACT. The ascent requires patience, slow pacing, and acclimatization—but rewards you with a sweeping panorama of Himalayan peaks including:

Dhaulagiri (8167m)
Manaslu (8156m)
Annapurna I (8090m)
Annapurna II, III & South
Machhapuchhre (6993m)
Tilicho Peak (7134m)

Muktinath: A Sacred Sanctuary

Descending from the pass brings you to Muktinath Temple, a major pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Devotees bathe in the stone fountains, light butter lamps, and make offerings beneath snow-covered peaks—an unforgettable cultural moment.

Kali Gandaki Gorge & Lower Trails

From Muktinath, the trek leads into the Kali Gandaki Valley, home to the world’s deepest gorge, and continues through charming villages. A sunrise visit to Poon Hill (3210m) offers another spectacular Himalayan panorama. Trekkers often end their journey with a relaxing dip in Tatopani Hot Springs, then continue to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.

Best time for the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best time for the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is during two main trekking seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–January). Spring offers mild temperatures, clear mornings, and valleys painted with blooming rhododendron forests, creating vibrant landscapes and excellent photography. The trails feel alive with fresh greenery and panoramic mountain views. Autumn brings stable weather, crystal-clear skies, and comfortable walking conditions, making high passes like Thorong La safer and more enjoyable. This period also aligns with traditional festivals in local villages, adding cultural richness to the journey. Both seasons offer peaceful trails and the most rewarding Himalayan experience.Both seasons offer excellent photography opportunities and peaceful walking days.