The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's great long-distance treks: a 160–230km walk that circumnavigates the entire Annapurna massif through an astonishing variety of landscapes, cultures, and altitudes. Starting from Besisahar (820m), the trail climbs through terraced rice paddies and subtropical forest, passes through the deep gorge of the Marsyangdi River, ascends into the arid Tibetan plateau around Manang, crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416m), and descends into the Kali Gandaki valley — one of the deepest gorges on earth — before looping back via Tatopani and Poon Hill to the Pokhara Valley.
The full circuit takes between 14 and 21 days depending on pace and acclimatisation stops. The first half of the route has been significantly shortened since the construction of roads along the Marsyangdi valley, so many trekkers now start at Dharapani or Chame by jeep to skip the less interesting lower sections. The trail above Manang remains the heart of the experience: three to five days through a moonscape of eroded cliffs, mani walls, and ancient gompa. Teahouses exist along the entire route, with more choice and lower prices in the popular towns like Manang, Thorong Phedi, and Muktinath.
Altitude sickness is a serious risk above 4,000m. Spend at least two nights in Manang (3,500m) for acclimatisation before attempting the pass. The crossing of Thorong La requires an early start — typically 3–4am from the high camp — to reach the top before afternoon winds and clouds close in. From the summit, the descent to Muktinath (3,760m) is steep and long but straightforward.