Hiking the Annapurna Circuit – Trekking Information [2024]

Hiking the Annapurna Circuit trek is as challenging as it is beautiful. It is arguably still one of the best treks in the world which sees tens of thousands of people undertake it each year.

If you open yourself to this experience, you will not be disappointed.

An Introduction Hiking the Annapurna Circuit

Whether you are organising your trek from Kathmandu or Pokhara you will need to do some prep work to ensure your trek is a success.

This Annapurna Circuit trek guide will provide you with all the information you need to make that happen!

1. Overview
2. Permits
3. Guide and/or Porter?
4. What to Pack:
   • Money
   • Clothing & Equipment
   • First Aid Kit Items
5. What to Expect:
   • Getting There & Back
   • On the Trek
   • Accommodation
   • Meals & Snacks

Ok, the Annapurna Circuit adventure awaits, so let’s get started!

READ MORE – Don’t miss our brand new, ultimate guide to trekking in Nepal!

1) Overview

• Days Required: 14-21
• Distance: Route varies between 160km – 230km depending on start and finish points and optional side treks.
• Altitude: Ranges from 820 meters at Besisahar to 5416 meters at the Thorung La Pass
• Best Times to Trek: March – April and October – November
• Cost: 53,900 rupees/$490USD

Here we go for the costs involved when hiking the Annapurna Circuit

• Permits: 4,000 rupees/$36.50
• Gear: 8,000 rupees/$73
• Food & Drinks: 31,000 rupees/$283
• Accommodation: 1,711 rupees/$15.50

Note – Initially we were traveling as a group of 6, then a group of 4, so we were often able to negotiate free accommodation as long as we bought food. This however was not the case for every group we met, so bargain hard!

2) Required Permits

You will need to organise your Trekker’s Information Management System card (TIMS) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). You will use these to check-in at various checkpoints along the trek.

The offices to complete the paperwork are located at:

Kathmandu

Pokhara

Note, I can only speak from my experience in Kathmandu, but the process was fairly straightforward.

• Obtain a ticket and the required paperwork from a clerk
• Each card costs $20 USD or 2000 rupees
• Bring 4 passport photos (2 for each permit)
• The whole process should take less than 1 hour

3) What About A Guide And Porter?

Deciding on a guide is a personal choice. Your decision is largely dependent on your confidence and physical condition.

The Annapurna Circuit trek is a well-traveled…