Question 1

Is the Annapurna Circuit still worth doing with the jeep roads?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely yes — though it has changed. Roads now parallel much of the lower circuit (Besisahar to Chame, and parts of the upper valley), meaning you'll share some sections with dusty jeep traffic. However, the heart of the trek — Manang, Thorong La, Muktinath, Kagbeni — remains magnificently road-free and wild. Many trekkers now start the walk from Dharapani or even Chame, cutting the road-heavy lower section, and focus energy on the upper circuit. The diversity of landscapes, cultures, and the Thorong La crossing still make this one of the world's great trekking routes.

Question 2

What is Thorong La Pass actually like to cross?

Accepted Answer

Thorong La (5,416m) is a serious high-altitude crossing that demands respect but is not a technical climb — no ropes or mountaineering skills required. You depart High Camp (4,925m) at 3–4am in the dark, climbing 491m of steep switchbacks in thin air over roughly 3–4 hours to the pass. The top is marked by prayer flags and offers staggering 360° Himalayan views. The descent to Muktinath (1,616m below) is long and knee-heavy. Go slowly, start early, and carry snacks and warm layers. Altitude sickness is the primary risk — if you feel seriously unwell, turn back.

Question 3

Can I skip sections of the circuit by jeep?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and many trekkers do. The lower valley from Besisahar to Dharapani or even Chame is heavily road-affected — taking a jeep over this section is a perfectly reasonable decision that saves 3–4 days and reserves energy for the upper circuit. Similarly, the section from Jomsom to Pokhara is best done by flight or jeep rather than walking. The upper circuit from Chame to Jomsom is where the magic lies and is best walked in full.

Question 4

What is the acclimatization schedule?

Accepted Answer

The circuit's itinerary is designed with acclimatization built in if you follow a 13-day schedule. The key principle is 'climb high, sleep low.' Day 7 in Manang is a mandatory rest day — do not skip this and push directly toward Thorong La. The optional Ice Lake hike (4,600m) on the acclimatization day significantly improves altitude adaptation. The two short days (Yak Kharka and High Camp) also serve to gradually raise your sleeping altitude. Spending the night at High Camp (4,925m) rather than Thorong Phedi is strongly recommended to reduce the Thorong La summit day effort.

Question 5

What's the difference between the upper and lower Pisang routes?

Accepted Answer

Both routes travel from Pisang (3,200m) to Manang (3,519m), but they offer very different experiences. The lower route follows the valley floor through Humde (with a small airstrip) and is flatter and faster, taking about 4 hours. The upper route climbs to Ghyaru (3,730m) and Ngawal (3,657m) — two ancient Tibetan-style villages perched on a high ridge — offering panoramic views of the entire Annapurna-Gangapurna range. The upper route takes 5–6 hours and gains more elevation but is by far the more scenic option. Choose upper if the weather is clear.

Question 6

Are there ATMs on the Annapurna Circuit?

Accepted Answer

ATMs are very limited beyond Besisahar. There is one ATM in Chame and one in Jomsom, but both are unreliable and frequently out of cash or service. The advice is consistent: withdraw all the Nepali rupees you'll need in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek. Budget roughly NPR 3,000–5,000 per day for food and accommodation at teahouses, plus tips and emergency funds. USD and EUR cash can sometimes be exchanged at hotels in Manang and Jomsom but at poor rates.

Question 7

What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit?

Accepted Answer

You need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at $30 USD and the Trekkers' Information Management System card (TIMS) at $20 USD. Both are available in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap, and in Pokhara at the TAAN office. You'll need one passport-sized photo for each. Carry the originals with you — there are multiple checkpoints that will ask to see them. Note: if you plan to continue into Upper Mustang beyond Kagbeni, you need a separate Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit ($500 for 10 days), arranged through a registered trekking agency.

Question 8

Is a Tilicho Lake side trip worth it?

Accepted Answer

Tilicho Lake (4,919m) is one of the highest lakes in the world and is spectacular — glacially turquoise, encircled by 6,000m-7,000m peaks, and often nearly deserted. The side trip adds 2 days (Manang → Tilicho Base Camp → Tilicho Lake → back to Manang) before continuing the main circuit. It is strenuous and adds significant elevation, so it is best saved for trekkers who are already well acclimatized and feeling strong in Manang. If you have the extra days and energy, it is absolutely worth it and transforms the circuit into a true Himalayan epic.

Item	Cost	Notes
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)	$30 USD	Required for all trekkers in the Annapurna region. Purchase in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office (Bhrikutimandap) or in Pokhara. Bring passport-size photos.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)	$20 USD	Mandatory for all independent and guided trekkers. Available at the same offices as ACAP. Keep both cards accessible as there are multiple checkpoints along the route.

Item	Cost	Notes
Licensed Trek Guide	$35–45 USD/day	Highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insight on this long high-altitude route. A guide also significantly assists in emergency situations near Thorong La.
Porter	$20–25 USD/day	Porters typically carry up to 25 kg. Hiring a porter not only eases your load but directly supports local livelihoods. Ensure your porter has proper gear and insurance.
Teahouse Accommodation	$10–25 USD/night	Basic twin-share rooms are cheapest; rooms with attached bathroom cost more. Accommodation is often subsidized if you eat your meals at the teahouse — a common and expected arrangement.
Meals (per day)	$25–45 USD/day	Dal bhat is the best-value, most nutritious option and is usually unlimited refill. Prices rise significantly at altitude (Manang, High Camp). Budget more for Manang and above.
Bus / Jeep to Besisahar	$15–20 USD	Tourist buses from Kathmandu to Besisahar depart Gongabu bus park. Shared jeeps are faster. A private jeep to Syange or Dharapani (skipping some road sections) costs $80–120.
Jomsom–Pokhara Flight	$80–120 USD	Tara Air and Summit Air operate this route. Book in advance during peak season. Morning flights only — book the earliest slot available. Jeep alternative costs $25–35.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

Day by Day Itinerary

Permits & Cost Breakdown

Required Permits

Additional Costs

What to Pack

Tips & Important Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1—Kathmandu to Besisahar — Bhulbhule (840m)

Day 2—Bhulbhule to Jagat (1,300m)

Day 3—Jagat to Dharapani (1,900m)

Day 4—Dharapani to Chame (2,710m)

Day 5—Chame to Pisang (3,200m)

Day 6—Pisang to Manang (3,519m)

Day 7—Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,519m)

Day 8—Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018m)

Day 9—Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi / High Camp (4,925m)

Day 10—High Camp over Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m)

Day 11—Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m) via Kagbeni

Day 12—Jomsom to Pokhara

Day 13—Free Day in Pokhara / Travel to Kathmandu