Annapurna Circuit Trek

Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek is autumn season as it offers clear skies and mild temperatures, making your trekking journey a pleasant breeze. Although the trek is open all year round, each season has its own strengths and challenges.

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, crisp air, and fleeting perfection

The autumn season is considered the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek as the monsoon rain clears the dust and skies start to turn crystal clear. The season offers a stunning view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan peaks. The temperature is moderate, and nights are a bit chilly but totally manageable if you're prepared. 

If you decide to trek at this time, you will be greeted with Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar as they fall in this season. Since October is a peak month for trekkers all around the world, it would be best to book your accommodation early or you can contact us at Himalaya Trekking Nepal and we will take care of it for you.

• Best mountain views with clear, dust-free skies

• Comfortable days, chilly but bearable nights

• Festive season with Dashain and Tihar

• Busy trails, especially in October. Book early

• Ideal overall for scenery, weather, and culture
   

Spring (Mar–May): Blossoms bloom as clarity fades

Spring is close to autumn in being one of the best seasons, especially for nature lovers. The trails around Ghorepani and Ghandruk come alive with beautiful blooming rhododendrons, orchids, and other flowers.

The season has a warmer temperature than autumn, and you get to see more wildlife as the visibility in the early spring is very clear. But do care that early morning may be hazy by May due to rising humidity.

• Rhododendrons and wildflowers line the trails.

• Warm temperatures and vibrant landscapes

• Views are slightly hazy by late spring

• Lively yet less crowded than autumn

• Great for nature and moderate trekking conditions

Winter (December to February): Snowy peaks for solitude seekers

Winter is the season for people who prefer fewer crowds and more peace & immersion with nature. The trails are often quiet, snowy, and you can feel a sense of solitude. However, the temperatures drop hard, especially above 3,000 meters, as you are looking at temperatures below freezing.

One of the hard points would be the Thorong La Pass as snow accumulation can make it dangerous or even impassable, especially around January. Though the lower sections of the trek remain accessible and peaceful. If you are equipped properly and can add in a few extra days in response to the ever changing weather then this trail can be rewarding for you.

• Quiet trails and snow-covered landscapes

• Bitter cold, especially at high altitude

• Thorong La Pass may be closed

• Best for experienced trekkers with proper gear

• Peaceful, remote experience

Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Misty trails and mountain ghosts

The monsoon season is the least favorable time for trekking, not just the Annapurna Circuit but almost all of Nepal's treks. There is frequent rainfall, the trails are always muddy and slippery, with leeches around every route, clouds at every hour of the day, and most of the teahouses are closed. You would be better off not planning your trek in this season.

• Frequent rain, clouds, and poor visibility

• Slippery paths, leeches, and landslide risk

• Few trekkers and limited teahouse access

• Best avoided unless heading to rain-shadow regions
   

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost 

The total cost of your Annapurna Circuit Trek will depend on what you spend on. Anything other than the already necessary things like permit, accommodation, guide, and porter services. Your budget mainly depends on how much comfort you want, how premium a trek you want, and other things like:

What Affects the Price?

• Trek duration: Longer treks = more nights, meals, and logistics

• Guides/porters: highly recommended for safety and support

• Side trips: Add-on routes like Tilicho Lake or Poon Hill increase costs

• Transport mode: Buses are cheaper, flights (e.g., Jomsom) cost more

• Accommodation type: Basic teahouses vs. upgraded stays

• Season: Autumn and spring are the peak (and more expensive) seasons

Permits Needed for Annapurna Circuit Trek

At Himalaya Trekking Nepal, our package offers all the necessary trekking permits so that you can fully focus on your journey. The permits are all mandatory to enter and trek through the Annapurna region and it helps fund the coservation and safety efforts.

ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)

• Required for all trekkers

• Issued in Kathmandu or Pokhara ( we’ll handle it for you)

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

• Not required for guided treks (as of 2023)

• If you're trekking with us, you won’t need to worry about this

Optional Permits for Side Trips

• Nar Phu Valley: $100 for 7 days

• Upper Mustang: Restricted area permit ($50/day as of 2025)

• We can arrange these in advance if you're planning to explore off the main circuit

No need to stand in line or deal with paperwork, all permit arrangements are included in our Annapurna Circuit Trek package for your convenience.

Book your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Himalaya Trekking Nepal

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate to challenging trail as the duration of the trek is around 15-18 days. You will be walking around 5 to 8 hours on a daily basis for almost 18 days. Though there are rest and acclimitization days inbetween, you should still be prepared for the trail ahead.

Challenges on the Annapurna Circuit:

• High Altitude (up to 5,416m): Thorong La Pass is physically demanding as you need to trek through it for the final stretch.

• Long Duration: Trek spans between 12 and 18 days with 5 to 8 hours of trekking each day.

• Steep Elevation Gain: Rapid ascents, especially past Manang, can strain lungs and legs.

• Unpredictable Weather: Sudden snow, wind, or temperature drops even in peak season.

• Thin Air & Fatigue: Lower oxygen levels can cause tiredness, headache, or dizziness.

But It’s Manageable:

• Fit beginners can complete it if they have some  training (especially cardio, stairs, and hikes)

• Experienced trekkers will find it a solid challenge, but very doable

• Guides and porters greatly improve safety and comfort, especially if you're unsure about pacing or altitude

• Trekking slowly and steadily, drinking lots of water, and listening to your body will help you avoid overexertion and altitude sickness (AMS)

Gears for Annapurna Circuit Trek

For a trek like the Annapurna Circuit, a good gear is very essential as being unprepared can lead to discomfort or even dangers. You will be climbing over the altitude of 5,000 meters so make sure you have to make sure got the necessary equipments for those conditions.

Some of the essential listings can be as follows:

Clothing

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

• Fleece jacket + insulated down jacket

• Waterproof windbreaker/shell

• Trekking pants + warm layers

• Woolen hat, sun cap, gloves, neck gaiter

Footwear

• Broken-in trekking boots (waterproof)

• Extra socks (thermal + liner)

• Camp shoes/sandals for evenings

Essential Gear

• Trekking poles

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Sunglasses + sunscreen

• A backpack of 25 to 35L capacity with a rain cover

Safety and Travel Insurance for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekking through the Annapurna Circuit Trek comes with risk as the trail is in a remote, high-altitude location. From unpredictable weather to sudden health issues, incidents are common, so being prepared with proper insurance and a trained guide is always a welcome factor for your own safety.

Why Having a Guide Matters:

• Emergency Ready: Guides are trained in mountain first-aid and quick decision-making.

• Local Expertise: They know safer detours, updated weather forecasts, and the nearest aid posts.

• Evacuation Support: In case of an emergency, your guide handles logistics and contacts rescue.

• Navigation & Communication: Especially helpful during off-season or in poor visibility.

Travel Insurance: Non-Negotiable

• Must cover elevations up to 6,000m (Thorong La Pass reaches 5,416m).

• Helicopter evacuation, which should include the essentials for remote rescue.

• Covers delays or cancellations due to weather or illness.

• Valid in Nepal with clear trekking-specific clauses.

Book with Himalaya Trekking Nepal

At Himalaya Trekking Nepal, we believe that the Annapurna Circuit is more than just a trail. It's a journey through Nepal's diverse landscapes, local culture, and stunning Himalayan giants.

Whether you're a solo adventurer, traveling with a group, or looking for a custom itinerary to match your schedule, we are here to make that experience seamless.

Get in touch today and start planning your Annapurna Circuit adventure with a group of expertise that knows their way around every situation.

Reserve your spots now with Himalaya Trekking Nepal