The Annapurna Circuit — 13 Days
Two hundred kilometres around a massif of four eight-thousanders — from rice terraces to a pass at 5,416 metres.
- Duration
- 13 d
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max altitude
- 5416 m
- Starts in
- Kathmandu
- Group size
- 6–18
- From
- $900
About this route
Annapurna is not a single mountain but a massif of fourteen peaks in central Nepal, four of them above 7,500 metres, with the main summit — Annapurna I (8,091 m) — the tenth highest in the world. The Circuit rounds this massif clockwise, beginning in valleys of rice terraces at 800 metres and crossing the Himalayan range over the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres. Over thirteen days the route leads you through four climatic zones and three cultural layers — the Hindu lowlands, the Buddhist (Tibetan) highlands, and arid Mustang beyond the range.
The classic long version takes 18–21 days. The thirteen-day option follows the same geometry but is compressed by two jeep transfers, at the start (Kathmandu → Chame, 215 km) and the end (Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu). It is a compromise between a true long trek and the reality of a holiday: you get the acclimatisation arc up to Thorong La without the four days of lowland villages that were historically walked before the road was built.
The route is non-technical — no ropes, no glaciers. The difficulty comes from altitude and distance: six nights above 3,000 metres, one day with 1,000 metres of ascent over the pass, followed by 1,700 metres of descent into the Muktinath valley. Accommodation is in mountain lodges in the villages — simple rooms with a stove in the shared dining hall. Hot showers aren't available everywhere, and electricity runs off a generator on a schedule.
We don't promise spiritual rebirth. We offer 130–150 kilometres on foot around the massif — one worth approaching prepared, in body, time, and attitude toward altitude.
Day by day
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
2,670 m8 h on trail215 km
- Day 4
3,190 m6 h on trail16 km
- Day 5
3,540 m4 h on trail10 km
- Day 6
3,540 m
- Day 7
4,018 m4 h on trail8 km
- Day 8
4,450 m3 h on trail4 km
- Day 9
3,700 m9 h on trail16 km
- Day 10
3,750 m
- Day 11
1,400 m7 h on trail200 km
- Day 12
- Day 13
Gallery
Safety and health
What you need to know before the route
Physical requirements
The route is rated 5 out of 10 in difficulty. There are no technical sections, but the physical demands are real due to altitude and overall distance.
What you need to be able to do
Walk 4–7 hours per day with a daypack of 5–7 kg on mountain trail (stone, dirt, and on the pass — snow and scree)
Ascend 966 metres in 4 hours on day 9 (Thorong Phedi → Thorong La) and then descend 1656 metres in 5 hours — this is the most demanding section of the route
Sleep at altitudes of 3000–4500 metres for six consecutive nights
What to know about altitude sickness
Symptoms of mild altitude sickness (headache, nausea, fatigue, sleep disturbance) occur above 4000 m in approximately 50% of people without prior high-altitude experience. This is not an indicator of poor fitness — acclimatisation genetics are individual. Moderate symptoms (persistent headache, vomiting, shortness of breath at rest) are grounds for stopping the ascent and descending. Severe forms (HACE — cerebral oedema, HAPE — pulmonary oedema) develop in 1–2% of trekkers and require immediate evacuation.
Our protocol: an acclimatisation day in Manang with a radial excursion to the Milarepa Cave following the "climb high, sleep low" principle, short stages Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi to adapt to 4400 m before the pass, daily saturation monitoring with a portable pulse oximeter (normal at 4400 m: SpO2 80–85%), Diamox 125–250 mg twice daily as prophylaxis (at your physician's discretion — we do not prescribe), immediate descent upon deterioration.
Who this route is not suitable for
Pregnant women
People with uncontrolled hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, or severe asthma
Those without altitude experience above 3000 m who have not undergone a medical assessment with a physician in the month before departure
Age 65+ — individual decision after consultation, not an outright prohibition
What we recommend doing in advance
At least one trek to 3000–4000 m within the year before Annapurna
Cardio training 2–3 times per week (running, cycling, swimming) for 3 months before departure; include downhill training (quadriceps) — the pass day loads them harder than the ascent
A basic medical check-up (ECG, full blood count) one month before departure
Equipment
Equipment falls into three categories: critical (without it you will not set out on the route), important (without it your comfort suffers), and optional.
Critical
Trekking boots — broken in, with a membrane, ankle support. New boots = blisters by day three.
Sleeping bag rated to −5 °C comfort (not "extreme" — that is a different scale). Nira Travels specifies −5 °C for Annapurna, but nights at Thorong Phedi can realistically drop to −10. If you are travelling in April or October, bring a −10 bag.
Waterproof jacket and trousers (wind- and weatherproof). On Thorong La the weather can change in 30 minutes.
A warm down jacket or warm fleece jacket for evenings at the lodge.
Base layers — two sets; merino wool is preferable to synthetic on long treks.
Gloves — fleece + a spare pair.
UV-protection sunglasses, category 3–4 — at 5400 m ultraviolet is intense; without glasses there is a risk of snow blindness.
SPF 50 cream for face and lips.
1 L water bottle + 0.5–1 L thermos — lodges sell hot water for $1–2 per refill.
Personal first-aid kit — Diamox (acetazolamide, on physician's advice), ibuprofen, anti-diarrhoeal, oral rehydration salts, blister plasters, bandage, your regular medications with a reserve supply.
Important
Trekking poles (telescopic, two) — especially important on the descent from Thorong La
Headlamp + spare batteries — departure for the pass in darkness
Daypack 30–45 L + rain cover
Thin trekking socks 3 pairs + warm socks 2 pairs
Buff or bandana against dust and sun
Wet wipes, toilet paper (no showers on the Yak Kharka → Muktinath section)
Asian power adapter
Optional
A book or downloaded playlist — evenings at the lodges are long
A camera if photography matters — a phone in the cold drains in an hour
Powerbank 10000+ mAh
A few small-denomination dollar bills for tips and minor purchases
Gaiters for snow (if travelling in May or October)
Altitude regime
The route climbs to 5416 m. Above 2500 m the body acclimatizes more slowly: pressure drops and there is 25–40% less oxygen. We schedule altitude gain to stay under 500 m per day above 3000 m and include acclimatization days.
Evacuation
The guide carries a link to Nepali rescue services and the insurance assistance line. The guide decides on evacuation at the first signs of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or injury. Each participant must hold insurance covering high-altitude evacuation up to 5416 m.
Before the trip
- Insurance covering high-altitude evacuation
- Medical clearance from a physician
- At least 4 weeks of cardio preparation
- Personal first-aid kit (we'll discuss the contents)
From
What's included
| Position | Currency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Base tour price (per person, lodge basis, double occupancy) | USD | $900 | |
Nepal visa (30 days, on arrival) | USD | $50 |
Base tour price (per person, lodge basis, double occupancy)
USD
$900
Nepal visa (30 days, on arrival)
USD
$50
Optional extras
| Position | Currency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Single supplement in Kathmandu (3 nights) | USD | $100 | Optional |
Jeep transfer Jomsom → Pokhara surcharge if flight cancelled | USD | $100 | Optional |
Tips for guides and porters (recommended) | USD | $80 | Optional |
Single supplement in Kathmandu (3 nights)
USD
$100
OptionalJeep transfer Jomsom → Pokhara surcharge if flight cancelled
USD
$100
OptionalTips for guides and porters (recommended)
USD
$80
Optional
The total shown is per participant. The exact price depends on the chosen date and group size.
Upcoming dates
Departure calendar
FAQ
The route geometry is the same — circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif via Thorong La. The difference is two jeep transfers: Kathmandu → Chame, 215 km (saving 3 days of walking through the lower valleys), and Muktinath → Jomsom → Pokhara at the finish (saving 2 days along the road through Kalopani and Tatopani). The drawback of the 13-day version: acclimatisation begins immediately at 2670 m, without natural adaptation over 4 days in the lower valleys. We compensate for this with the rest day in Manang and the short stages Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi.
It depends on severity. Mild headache and fatigue — we monitor and adjust the pace. Moderate symptoms (vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath at rest) — immediate descent with one of the guides. Severe form — helicopter evacuation to Pokhara or Kathmandu through your insurer. This is why insurance covering up to 6000 m is mandatory — without it we do not confirm departure.
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Nepal visa — on arrival in Kathmandu ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days; we take 30 to allow for contingencies). ACAP permit ($30) and TIMS card ($20) — we arrange these for you; bring 2 passport photos. Tibetan visa not required — the route is entirely within Nepal.
In October the pass is statistically open approximately 95% of days. In November — approximately 85%. In May — approximately 80%. A rest day at Thorong Phedi is standard procedure, not unusual. If forecasts show a storm, we wait a day at the lodge. The tour includes one buffer day in Kathmandu at the end precisely for such delays.
Vegetarian diet — no problem; the lodge menu is predominantly vegetarian (dal bhat, chowmein, vegetable momos, vegetable curry). Gluten-free — more difficult: the staples are rice and wheat noodles. Dal bhat (rice + lentils + vegetables) is gluten-free and available everywhere. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking; the guide communicates with the lodges in advance.
$400–600 for the route, predominantly in small denominations and Nepali rupees. Daily expenses: $25–40 for lunch and dinner at the lodge, $2–5 for a shower, $2–5 for Wi-Fi, $2–4 for charging, $1–2 for a thermos refill of hot water. In Manang there is one ATM (frequently out of service) and some card-payment points; above that — cash only. Exchange $200–300 in Kathmandu beforehand.
Yes, this is the least reliable section of the route. The small aircraft flies through the Kali Gandaki gorge with crosswinds; flights are cancelled when cloud cover exceeds 30% or wind exceeds 25 knots. Statistics: in October cancellations occur on approximately 10% of days, in November–March up to 30%. Alternative in case of cancellation — jeep Jomsom → Pokhara (8–10 hours on a rough road, $80–120 per person surcharge). Allow a buffer of 1 day after returning to Kathmandu before your international flight home.
Based on overall Annapurna Circuit statistics over the past 5 seasons, approximately 85% of participants complete the full route including Thorong La. Of the 15% who do not finish: roughly half are affected by acute altitude sickness between Manang and the pass, one third by weather (pass closure, Jomsom–Pokhara flight cancellation), and the remainder by injuries or personal decisions. Our groups have had no emergency helicopter evacuations in the past 2 years, but we always plan as if one were likely.
Ready to join?
Submit an inquiry — we'll respond within a business day.
10% off this tour
“The Annapurna Circuit — 13 Days” — follow the dates and unlock 10% off
Subscribe and we'll send the promo code for this route, upcoming booking windows, and a few field notes from the guide before each departure. No spam, no more than once a month.
Similar journeys
Other routes with a kindred character and season.
Kathmandu · 15 days
Upper Mustang: The Lost Tibetan Kingdom of Lo
Fifteen days inside a kingdom that was closed to foreigners until 1992 and still preserves Tibetan culture in its pre-censorship form.
$900
Kathmandu · 18 days
Mera Peak Expedition
Nepal's highest trekking peak — 6461 metres — from which five eight-thousanders are visible at once.
$900
Kathmandu · 17 days
Lobuche East Peak Climb
A 6000-metre summit one hour from Everest Base Camp — for people who want not just to see the eight-thousanders, but to stand at their altitude.
$900
Kathmandu · 14 days
Everest Base Camp via Pheriche, with Helicopter Return
On foot up to 5364 metres — and back through the air, past four eight-thousanders in a single flight.
$900
Kathmandu · 10 days
Everest Base Camp on Horseback
The same road to the foot of Everest, but part of it in the saddle of a mountain horse, used to the altitude.
$900