The best time for the Annapurna Circuit is October to November (clear, dry, stable weather and the safest crossing of Thorong La, at 5,416 m) and March to April (warmer, with rhododendrons, but colder mornings on the pass). October is the most reliable and the busiest. December to February brings severe cold and a real chance that the pass is blocked by snow. June to August is monsoon, with rain, landslides and leeches on the lower sections, although the dry upper valley beyond Manang can stay surprisingly clear.
The circuit crosses very different climates in about two weeks: subtropical valleys near 800 m, alpine villages near 3,500 m and a high pass above 5,400 m. That is why the question “when should I go?” matters more here than on a short trek. This guide gives a season snapshot, a month-by-month table with a risk rating, what changes at Thorong La, a gear list and a permit checklist. For route stages and distances, see our Best Treks in Nepal hub; for an Annapurna alternative without a pass, see the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Introduction: what the Annapurna Circuit is and why it matters
The Annapurna Circuit is a long-distance trek around the Annapurna massif in central Nepal. It starts in the Marsyangdi river valley, at about 600 m in the tropics, and climbs to the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft), with a total elevation gain of about 4,107 m, according to Wikipedia. It is usually described as a 15 to 20 day trek, and the same page says it has been voted the best long-distance trek in the world. This guide is about when to go, but the circuit’s character, from subtropical valleys to a high Tibetan-style landscape around Manang and Muktinath, explains why timing matters so much.
Origin: how the trail opened to foreigners
Wikipedia says the area opened to foreign trekkers in 1977, after disputes between Khampa guerrillas, local people and the Nepal army were settled. The original trek took about 23 days, starting at Dhumre and ending in Pokhara. The route follows older village-to-village paths through the Marsyangdi valley and over the pass; the villages of the Manang valley have a Tibetan culture, which Wikipedia mentions. We did not find a sourced account of who first walked the whole loop, so we do not name one.
Purpose and motive: why people walk it
The motive has changed over time. For local communities the paths were routes for trade and daily life. For trekkers the draw is variety: the page describes a trail that passes from tropical forest to alpine desert in a few days, with numerous river crossings on suspension bridges. For pilgrims, the circuit’s end at Muktinath adds a religious purpose; see Muktinath Yatra from India.
Historical context: roads change the trek
Road construction began in the early 1980s. Wikipedia says up to 75% of the original route has been affected by new roads, that roads now reach Manang and Muktinath, and that only two sections remain without a motor road: Thorong La and the Ghorepani/Poon Hill stretch. The Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT) were created to avoid much of the new road. Since 2011, companies in Muktinath and Jomsom have rented mountain bikes, and riders can descend from Muktinath to Tatopani. These changes explain why many trekkers now shorten the walk or start further along by jeep.
The 1950 French Annapurna expedition, led by Maurice Herzog, made the first ascent of an 8,000 m peak (well documented; cite the Himalayan Club or a mountaineering history). It put the Annapurna range on the world map, and the sanctuary side of the massif was first entered by outsiders in 1956 (Wikipedia, Annapurna Sanctuary).
Stories and legends
The name Annapurna comes from Sanskrit and is commonly translated as goddess of nourishment (general knowledge; add a source). Our sources record a different local belief about the nearby sanctuary: the Gurung people held it sacred and believed it held gold and treasures left by Nagas (serpent-gods), and Machapuchare was believed to be Shiva’s home, its daily snow plume his incense smoke (Wikipedia, Annapurna Sanctuary). At the far end of the circuit, Muktinath’s sacred flame and 108 water spouts add their own stories; see Muktinath Yatra from India.
Literary references
Maurice Herzog’s book Annapurna (1951) is the classic account of the 1950 expedition (general knowledge; verify the publication year). Wilfrid Noyce’s Climbing the Fish’s Tail describes the 1957 attempt on Machapuchare and is cited by Wikipedia as the first description of the Sanctuary. Neither book is a guide to the circuit, but both shaped how readers imagine these mountains.
Past, present and future
The past is a 23-day trek from Dhumre to Pokhara in 1977; the present is a mix of jeep tracks, teahouse villages and a protected area that limits firewood and grazing (Wikipedia, ACAP). On the future, Wikipedia notes road construction is continuing and that newer areas such as Upper Mustang, Nar-Pho, Manaslu and Tsum have opened with restrictions and extra permits. For trekkers this points to more variety and shorter itineraries, but also to a need to check the current road status before choosing a month.
Educational value: key facts for students and exams
- Highest point: Thorong La, 5,416 m (17,769 ft).
- Typical duration: 15 to 20 days; length 131 km (infobox) or 160 to 230 km depending on where vehicles are used.
- Opened to foreign trekkers in 1977.
- Starts in the Marsyangdi river valley at Besisahar or Bhulbhule.
- A blizzard in October 2014 killed more than 43 people, half of them Nepalese, with about 350 hikers caught in it (Wikipedia).
- The area lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
Fun facts
- The fastest known time cited by Wikipedia is 68 hours 22 minutes, reportedly set by Lefteris Paraskevas in May 2017; it says Seth Wolpin held the earlier record of 72 hours 4 minutes (October 2014).
- The trail begins in the tropics and reaches an alpine desert in a few days.
- Only Thorong La and the Ghorepani/Poon Hill section remain without a motor road.
Additional insights
Because roads now cover so much of the old trail, the best month matters more for the pass than for the whole circuit. A short plan can start by jeep and still give you the pass, the Manang acclimatisation days and Muktinath. If you value quiet more than speed, choose the NATT trails and the shoulder months.
Season snapshot: which months work?
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Oct–Nov | Dry, clear, stable; coldest nights at High Camp | Highest in October, moderate in November | Best overall |
| Spring | Mar–Apr (to mid-May) | Warmer valleys, rhododendron bloom; ice on the pass in March mornings | High in April | Very good |
| Pre-monsoon | May | Good views early; haze and afternoon cloud build; monsoon arrives early to mid June | Moderate | Fair |
| Monsoon | Jun–Aug | Heavy rain below 3,000 m; views often hidden; landslides | Very low | Avoid unless experienced |
| Early autumn | Sep | Wet early, clearing late | Low | Fair late in the month |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Very cold; heavy snow risk on the pass; some lodges closed above Manang | Low | Experienced trekkers only |
Why is October the most popular month?
October follows the monsoon, so the air is washed clear, rainfall is minimal and the weather is stable. A November operator guide (Himalayan Hero) lists typical Manang temperatures of 8–14°C by day and -8 to -5°C at night, with Deurali around -10 to -15°C at night, and says Thorong La is reliably open in the early morning. The price is crowds: teahouses fill fast, so book ahead for Manang, Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, and start days early to claim a bed. October also overlaps Dashain and Tihar, when Nepali families travel and some guides and porters take leave; see our Nepal Festivals Calendar.
Is spring (March–May) as good as autumn?
Spring is a close second. Lower valleys are warm, rhododendron forests flower, and the trail is firm by April. The trade-offs are colder mornings in March (the pass can be icy early in the month and microspikes help) and haze from mid-May, which softens views. April is the best spring month: low snow risk, good trail conditions and high demand, so book teahouses in advance.
What is the weather at Thorong La by month?
Thorong La is the one place that can end the trip. The same operator guide gives the following picture; we have summarised its risk levels, which are the guide’s judgement and not official data.
| Month | Manang (3,519 m) | Thorong La and high camps | Snow and pass risk | Crowds and teahouses | Risk rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Day 0–5°C; night well below -15°C | Severe cold; frostbite risk | High; pass closure possible | Very low; limited lodges above Manang | High |
| Feb | Cold but improving | Usually passable with proper gear | Moderate to high | Low; confirm bookings | Moderate |
| Mar | Day 4–10°C; night -10 to -5°C | Open; mornings near -15°C; early-month ice | Moderate | Low to moderate | Low to moderate |
| Apr | Day 10–18°C; night -3 to 5°C | Good, trail firm | Low | High; book ahead | Low |
| May | Lower sections 18–25°C | Good; afternoon weather builds quickly | Low | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Jun | Not stated | Mist and cloud | Elevated | Very low; some lodges closed | High |
| Jul | Not stated | Views often hidden | Elevated | Very low | High |
| Aug | Not stated | Views often hidden | Moderate to elevated | Very low | High |
| Sep | Improving | Early month still damp | Low by late month | Minimal early, low to moderate late | Moderate early, low late |
| Oct | Day 8–14°C; night -8 to -5°C | Deurali -10 to -15°C at night; pass reliably open early | Low | Very high | Low |
| Nov | Day 2–10°C; night -12 to -8°C | Open most of the month | Rising late; first seasonal snow toward the end | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Dec | Day 0–5°C; night -15 to -20°C | Risk growing | High | Low; limited lodges | High |
The source article is inconsistent in places (for example, March and October night temperatures differ between sections), so treat the figures as indicative and ask a local lodge for current conditions.
What happens at Thorong La in bad weather?
Thorong La (5,416 m) is crossed in a single long day from Thorong Phedi (4,525 m) or High Camp (4,800 m), starting well before dawn. Afternoon winds rise quickly, so trekkers aim to cross by mid-morning. After fresh snow, the trail can be hard to follow and the pass can be closed for a day or more. The Annapurna region also saw a deadly blizzard in October 2014 that killed trekkers and guides; the lesson is that even October is not risk-free. We have not verified the exact toll here, so check an official or news source before quoting it.
Practical rules:
- Start by 4–5 am from High Camp and leave before conditions worsen.
- Carry a headlamp, insulated gloves, a windproof shell and a warm hat.
- Check the forecast with lodge staff the night before, and be willing to wait a day.
- Never cross alone or in a whiteout.
- Know the signs of altitude sickness and descend if they worsen. See Altitude Sickness in Nepal.
What changes in the monsoon (June–August)?
The south side of the circuit receives heavy rain: landslides can block the road and trail, and leeches are common below about 2,000 m. The upper valley around Manang sits in a rain shadow and gets less rain than Besisahar, so it can stay drier, which is why Upper Mustang and Nar Phu are monsoon alternatives for experienced trekkers. Views from the pass are often hidden, many teahouses close, and flights in and out of Jomsom are less reliable. If you must go in monsoon, start on the dry side with a guide, keep plenty of buffer days and carry rain gear.
What changes in winter (December–February)?
Nights in the high villages fall to -15 to -20°C, and the pass faces heavy snow. Some teahouses above Manang close for the season. The trek is possible for experienced trekkers with winter gear and flexibility, but it is not a good first Himalayan trek. If you want winter views, consider Poon Hill instead; see Best Treks in Nepal.
What does a day-by-day schedule look like?
A March 2026 operator guide describes the usual stages. Jeep roads now reach parts of the circuit, so many trekkers shorten the walk to 10–14 days.
| Day | Stage | Altitude | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive to Dharapani or Jagat | Dharapani 1,860 m | Jeep takes 7–9 hours from Kathmandu |
| 2–3 | Chame | 2,610 m | Valley opens up |
| 4 | Pisang | 3,300 m | Choose upper or lower Pisang |
| 5–6 | Manang, with a rest day | 3,540 m | Acclimatise here |
| 7 | Yak Kharka | 4,018 m | Climb high, sleep low |
| 8 | Thorong Phedi or High Camp | 4,525 m / 4,800 m | Early night |
| 9 | Cross Thorong La, descend to Muktinath | 5,416 m / 3,780 m | Long day, start before dawn |
| 10 | Jomsom and onward | 2,740 m | Fly or jeep to Pokhara |
For pilgrims, the day ends at Muktinath; see Muktinath Temple Guide.
What should you pack for each season?
| Season | Add to the standard kit |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Down jacket, -10°C sleeping bag, sun cream, warm gloves |
| Spring | Layers, light rain shell, microspikes for early March |
| Monsoon | Full rain gear, leech socks, dry bags |
| Winter | -20°C bag, insulated boots, goggles, spare gloves, extra days |
All seasons: sturdy boots, trekking poles, headlamp with spare batteries, water purification, first-aid kit and travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation above 5,000 m.
What permits do you need, and what do they cost for Indians?
Rules and fees change, so confirm with a registered agency. A September 2026 guide to permit costs lists Indian (SAARC) rates of NPR 1,000 for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and NPR 1,000 for a TIMS card through an agency, against NPR 3,000 for ACAP for non-SAARC foreigners. Permit counters accept only Nepali rupees, so change money first. Carry your passport or original voter ID to prove nationality. Operator guides disagree on whether TIMS is mandatory, so ask your agency.
Permit checklist:
- ☐ Passport or voter ID (original)
- ☐ ACAP (NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals)
- ☐ TIMS card if your agency or checkpoint requires it
- ☐ Passport photos
- ☐ NPR cash for the counters
- ☐ Travel insurance papers
- ☐ Guide or porter agreement, if hiring
Full details are in Nepal Trekking Permits.
What should Indian trekkers know?
- You do not need a visa, only a passport or voter ID; see Do Indians Need a Visa for Nepal?.
- The permit rates above are lower than for non-SAARC visitors.
- If you plan to visit Muktinath as a pilgrim before or after the pass, give yourself extra days for altitude; see Muktinath Yatra from India.
- Hindi-speaking guides are easy to find in Pokhara and Besisahar.
- Plan around Holi, Dashain and Tihar, when the trails and buses are crowded.
Month-by-month checklist
- Three months before: choose your month, start fitness training (hill walking with a loaded pack), book flights and insurance.
- Six weeks before: book a guide or agency, reserve teahouses if going in October or April, buy boots and break them in.
- Two weeks before: check the forecast, confirm the road and jeep status, buy medicines.
- At Manang: take the rest day, drink 4–5 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol.
- Before Thorong La: check weather, charge headlamps, pack the day bag with warm layers and snacks.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Skipping the Manang rest day. It is the most important acclimatisation day.
- Starting the pass late. Winds rise by midday.
- Trusting a single forecast. Mountain weather changes fast; ask lodge owners.
- Booking only October without a buffer. One bad day can break the plan.
- Underestimating winter cold. A summer-weight bag is unsafe.
- Ignoring road changes. Jeep tracks have altered the classic route; check the current road with your agency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month for the Annapurna Circuit?
October is the best month for stable weather and the safest crossing of Thorong La, with November and March–April close behind. October is also the busiest month, so book lodges early. If you prefer fewer people, choose early November or April.
Can you trek the Annapurna Circuit in winter?
Yes, but only experienced trekkers should try it. Nights at Manang fall to -15 to -20°C, snow can close Thorong La, and some lodges above Manang shut. Carry a -20°C sleeping bag, allow spare days and hire a guide.
Is Thorong La open all year?
Not reliably. The pass is usually passable in most months, but heavy snow can close it in December to February and sometimes in late November. Monsoon cloud and rain also make crossing unpleasant. Check with lodge owners the day before.
How crowded is the circuit in October?
Very crowded. October is the peak month, teahouses fill quickly at Manang, Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, and some trekkers sleep in dining rooms. Book ahead, start early each day and expect higher prices.
Can you do the Annapurna Circuit in the monsoon?
It is possible but not recommended. Heavy rain, landslides and leeches affect the lower trail, views are hidden and many lodges close. The dry upper valley beyond Manang is the main reason experienced trekkers still go.
