You have ten days off and one big question: will the Annapurna Circuit still feel like a trek, or will you spend much of it walking beside jeeps on dusty roads?
It is a fair concern.
Over the last decade, roads have pushed farther into the Annapurna region, changing the way trekkers approach the classic circuit. Sections that were once long days on foot can now be covered by jeep, while other parts of the route remain firmly on trail.
So, is the Annapurna Circuit trek still worth doing?
Yes, but it is a different trek from the one described in older guidebooks.
This Annapurna Circuit road update gives you the 2026 picture section by section. It covers current road and trail conditions, the Annapurna Circuit trek distance, how many days you actually need, which sections are still worth walking, how road transfers affect acclimatisation, current permit requirements and how to plan around disruptions.
Conditions can change quickly because of landslides, flooding and snow. Use this as a planning guide, but confirm local conditions shortly before departure.
Is the Annapurna Circuit Still a Real Trek in 2026?
Yes. The Annapurna Circuit is still a genuine high-altitude trek in 2026, but it is no longer a completely road-free walking route. Roads now cover much of the lower eastern and western sections, allowing trekkers to drive through parts of the route that were traditionally walked.
The best continuous trekking remains around Chame, Pisang, Manang, Thorong La and Muktinath. The upper route from Pisang through Ghyaru and Ngawal provides a particularly good road-free walking experience, while the crossing from Manang over Thorong La at 5,416 metres remains the defining challenge of the trek.
As of 6 October 2026, the main Annapurna Circuit trekking route has reopened after late-September snowfall blocked Thorong La. The pass was cleared on 5 October, and current reports say trekkers are again crossing between Manang and Mustang. At the same time, some lower roads remain disrupted by flooding, landslides and bridge work, while the Tilicho Lake side route continues to face difficult snow conditions.
For most trekkers, the best strategy is simple: drive the least rewarding road sections, walk the strongest trail sections and leave enough buffer days for weather and road disruptions.
Annapurna Circuit Road Update: What Is Open on 6 October 2026?
The current situation is mixed rather than completely open or completely closed.
That distinction matters because the road status and trekking-trail status are not always the same. A road can be damaged while the walking trail remains usable, and a high trail can be closed by snow even when vehicles are moving normally lower down.
Recent flooding, landslides and heavy snowfall caused several disruptions across the circuit in late September. The situation improved in early October, and the main circuit route over Thorong La reopened.
| Road section | Current status | What trekkers should know |
| Besisahar to Chame | Open | Vehicle access has reopened, but conditions can change after rain, landslides or road damage. |
| Chame to Bhratang | Road disrupted; walking trail open | The road remains a weak point, while the walking trail is currently more useful for trekkers. |
| Jomsom to Muktinath | Open | Two-way vehicle traffic has resumed. |
| Ghasa to Korala | Open | Traffic is operating, but local road conditions can change. |
| Tatopani area | Traffic resumed; works ongoing | Road and retaining-wall work can still cause delays. |
| Galeshwor to Dana | Severely damaged | Flooding and landslides have heavily damaged the road; do not assume normal road travel. |
| Pokharebazar Bridge approach | Construction ongoing | Approach-road and bridge work can slow or interrupt vehicle movement. |
The Besisahar to Chame road reopened after recent disruption, while the Chame–Bhratang road remains a weak point and the walking trail is currently more useful than relying on vehicles there. The Galeshwor–Dana stretch remains one of the most seriously damaged parts of the western approach.
Which road sections are open?
The most important improvement for trekkers is that road access has resumed on several major sections.
Besisahar to Chame: Vehicle access has reopened after flood and landslide disruption. However, reopening does not mean the road is permanently stable. Check the status immediately before your journey.
Jomsom to Muktinath: Two-way vehicle traffic has resumed. This makes it possible to use transport for the western section if you do not want to walk beside the road.
Ghasa and Tatopani area: Traffic has resumed after clearance and road work. Expect occasional delays where construction is still underway.
How Has the Road Changed the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The classic Annapurna Circuit was once a much longer walking journey.
Trekkers started around Besisahar, followed the Marsyangdi River through villages and forests, crossed Thorong La and then continued down the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Today, much of that lower route has road access.
The road has changed the experience in three major ways:
- The circuit can be completed in fewer walking days.
- Some lower sections are noisier and dustier than they used to be.
- Trekkers can be more selective about where they walk.
The road has therefore not simply “ruined” the trek. It has changed the way you should plan it.
Which parts of the original route were replaced by roads?
On the eastern side, roads now reach far into the Marsyangdi Valley and up toward Manang.
On the western side, roads connect Muktinath with Jomsom and continue down the Kali Gandaki Valley.
That means a trekker who wants to complete the classic route does not necessarily need to walk every lower kilometre.
Many modern itineraries therefore begin walking around Dharapani or Chame, rather than starting the long approach from Besisahar.
What has changed for trekkers?
Traffic: Jeeps, buses, trucks and motorcycles use sections that were once primarily trekking trails.
Dust and noise: Dry conditions can make road sections dusty, while rain can turn unpaved stretches muddy.
Shorter itineraries: Road transfers remove some lower walking days.
Village access: Roads make it easier for supplies, vehicles and visitors to reach remote communities.
Trail experience: Some sections now feel less like wilderness trekking and more like walking through a developing mountain transport corridor.
The difference is especially noticeable at lower elevations.
Once you get higher into the Manang Valley, however, the experience becomes much more recognisably Himalayan.
Has the road ruined the Annapurna Circuit?
No.
But it has changed.
If your idea of a perfect trek is a completely road-free wilderness journey from the first kilometre to the last, the Annapurna Circuit may disappoint you.
If you want a long-distance Himalayan trek where you can choose the best walking sections and use transport strategically, the road can actually make the circuit more accessible.
The high section remains the reason to go.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map: Where the Road Changes the Trek
The modern route looks like this:
Besisahar → Dharapani → Chame → Pisang → Manang → Thorong La → Muktinath → Jomsom → Kali Gandaki Valley
The route is normally walked anticlockwise because that allows a more gradual approach to the high pass.
The road is most significant at the beginning and end.
The middle — particularly from upper Pisang through Manang and across Thorong La — is where the walking experience becomes much stronger.
Route at a glance
| Section | Road exposure | Trekking value | What most trekkers do |
| Besisahar → Dharapani | High | Low | Drive |
| Dharapani → Chame | Medium to high | Low to medium | Drive or walk selectively |
| Chame → Pisang | Medium | Medium to high | Walk |
| Pisang → Manang, upper trail | Very low | High | Walk |
| Manang → Thorong Phedi | None | High | Walk |
| Thorong La → Muktinath | None | Very high | Walk |
| Muktinath → Jomsom | Medium | Medium to high | Walk or drive |
| Jomsom → Beni | High | Low | Drive or fly |
The basic rule is simple:
Drive where the road has replaced a less interesting walking section. Walk where the trail still gives you the experience you came for.
Which Sections of the Annapurna Circuit Are Still Worth Walking?
Besisahar to Dharapani
This is one of the easiest sections to shorten with transport.
If your time is limited, driving this stretch gives you more time for the higher parts of the trek.
There are still villages, river views and changing landscapes, but the road is now an important part of the journey.
Dharapani to Chame
The valley becomes narrower and more mountainous as you approach Chame.
Some trekkers still walk this section because it provides a gradual introduction to the trail, but if your itinerary is short, you can save time here.
Chame to Pisang
This is where the trek begins to feel more like a proper Himalayan walking journey.
The landscape becomes more dramatic, with pine forest, steep valley walls and views toward the Annapurna range.
The road still exists, but walking becomes much more rewarding.
Pisang to Manang
This is one of the sections you should prioritise.
You can take the lower route closer to the road or climb through Ghyaru and Ngawal on the upper trail.
The upper route is steeper, but it gives you wider mountain views and keeps you away from vehicle traffic for much of the day.
If you have to choose between spending extra time on a lower road section or taking the upper Pisang route, choose the upper trail.
Manang to Thorong Phedi
This is the heart of the trek.
Beyond Manang, the road becomes much less relevant to the classic walking experience.
You climb gradually through Yak Kharka and toward Thorong Phedi.
This is also where acclimatisation becomes increasingly important because sleeping elevations are high.
Thorong Phedi to Thorong La to Muktinath
This is the defining day.
Thorong La rises to 5,416 metres, and the crossing is a genuine high-altitude mountain pass rather than a road transfer.
The descent toward Muktinath is steep and long.
Plan around weather, daylight, fitness and acclimatisation rather than treating this as an ordinary walking day.
Muktinath to Jomsom
This is a mixed section.
Road access is now extensive, but there are still places worth exploring on foot.
Kagbeni is a particularly good example. Rather than simply rushing through by vehicle, allow time to walk through the old settlement and experience the landscape around it.
Jomsom to Tatopani and Beni
This is where transport becomes increasingly useful.
The Kali Gandaki Valley is spectacular, but much of the route now follows or runs close to roads.
If your priority is the best trekking experience rather than completing every kilometre on foot, this is one of the sections where driving or flying makes sense.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance: How Far Do You Actually Walk?
One of the most confusing things about the Annapurna Circuit is the distance.
You will see figures ranging from around 160 km to more than 230 km.
The reason is simple: there is no single modern walking route that everyone follows.
The total depends on:
- Where you start
- Where you finish
- Which road sections you drive
- Whether you include Tilicho Lake
- Whether you take the upper Pisang route
- Whether you continue through the lower Kali Gandaki Valley
- Whether you finish at Jomsom, Pokhara or another point
The approximate total trail distance is 170 to 230 km, while current trekking guides commonly place the overall range around 160 to 230 km. These figures refer to different ways of completing the circuit, so they should not be treated as competing measurements of the same route.
How much will you actually walk?
If you drive to Chame and use transport again after Muktinath or Jomsom, your actual walking distance can be significantly shorter than the full historical route.
A practical modern trek may involve roughly 110 to 130 km of walking, depending on the exact start, finish and side trips.
Treat that figure as an itinerary estimate rather than a precise measurement.
The important point is this:
The Annapurna Circuit trek distance is not one fixed number anymore.
Two trekkers can both say they completed the Annapurna Circuit while walking noticeably different distances.
Does driving make the trek easy?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about the modern circuit.
Driving removes kilometres.
It does not remove altitude.
You still have to acclimatise before crossing Thorong La, and the most demanding part of the trek remains at high elevation.
How Long Does the Annapurna Circuit Take?
There is no single answer to Annapurna Circuit how long because the modern route can be shortened or extended significantly.
Nepal Tourism Board still describes the classic circuit as a roughly three-week journey, while modern road-assisted itineraries are often considerably shorter.
Annapurna Circuit: How Many Days Do You Need?
| Trek style | Typical duration | What it involves |
| Very short | 7 to 9 days | Fast transport, limited walking, little flexibility |
| Short modern circuit | 10 to 12 days | Drive lower sections and focus on high route |
| Standard modern itinerary | 12 to 14 days | Good balance of walking, acclimatisation and transport |
| With Tilicho Lake | 14 to 16 days | Adds the side trip and extra acclimatisation |
| Fuller walking itinerary | 16 to 20+ days | More lower-valley walking |
| Traditional-style journey | Around 3 weeks | Much more walking and fewer road shortcuts |
For most trekkers, 12 to 14 days is a more practical plan.
It gives you enough time to walk the best sections without turning the trip into a race.
It also leaves some room for weather and transport delays.
Can You Trek the Annapurna Circuit in 7 Days?
Technically, a very compressed road-assisted itinerary can be attempted in seven days.
That does not make it a good plan for most people.
A seven-day itinerary means using transport aggressively and leaving very little room for:
- Weather delays
- Road closures
- Altitude symptoms
- Flight disruptions
- Slow acclimatisation
- Unexpected trail conditions
The biggest concern is not simply the number of kilometres.
It is how quickly you gain altitude.
A rushed itinerary can move you from relatively low elevations to more than 4,000 metres in a short period.
The CDC recommends gradual acclimatisation and advises that, above 3,000 metres, sleeping altitude should generally increase by no more than about 500 metres per day, with an additional acclimatisation day for each further 1,000 metres of sleeping-altitude gain.
So, if someone asks:
“Can I do the Annapurna Circuit trek for 7 days?”
The honest answer is:
It may be physically possible for some experienced trekkers, but it is not the itinerary I would recommend for most people.
A short itinerary should never sacrifice the acclimatisation day in Manang simply to save time.
What Does a 10 Day Annapurna Circuit Itinerary Look Like?
A realistic road-assisted itinerary could look like this:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Dharapani or Chame by road, depending on current access.
Day 2: Chame to Pisang.
Day 3: Pisang to Manang via the upper trail.
Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Manang.
Day 5: Manang to Yak Kharka.
Day 6: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi.
Day 7: Thorong Phedi → Thorong La → Muktinath.
Day 8: Muktinath to Kagbeni/Jomsom.
Day 9: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight or road.
Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu.
If conditions or road access require it, add one or two buffer days.
This is why a 12 to 14-day allowance is more comfortable than trying to fit everything into exactly ten days.
Is Annapurna Circuit Still Worth It?
Yes, especially if you are looking for the high-altitude sections rather than a completely road-free trek.
The lower route has become more practical to shorten by vehicle, but the sections around Pisang, Manang and Thorong La still offer the landscapes and high-altitude experience that make the circuit worth doing.
You still get Manang, the upper Pisang trail, Thorong La at 5,416 metres, Muktinath, Kagbeni and the changing landscapes of the Kali Gandaki Valley.
The key is to plan the route around the parts you actually want to walk, rather than trying to cover every kilometre on foot.
The Nepal Tourism Board continues to describe the Annapurna region as one of Nepal’s major trekking areas, with routes ranging from shorter walks to the full circuit.
What you lose compared with the old circuit
You do lose some of the traditional experience.
The lower valleys are no longer as quiet as they once were.
You may encounter:
- Jeeps
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Dust
- Construction
- Road noise
There is also less reason to walk every lower kilometre simply for the sake of saying you walked it.
That is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives you a choice.
Annapurna Circuit Difficulty: How Hard Is the Trek?
The biggest challenge is altitude, not technical climbing.
The Annapurna Circuit does not require ropes or mountaineering equipment on the standard route, but it takes you to 5,416 metres at Thorong La.
You also spend several nights above 3,000 metres.
That makes acclimatisation more important than simply being able to walk long distances at sea level.
Altitude and Thorong La
Acute mountain sickness can cause:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
More serious altitude illness can become life-threatening.
The CDC advises travellers not to ascend higher when experiencing altitude-illness symptoms and recommends descending if symptoms worsen or serious symptoms develop.
Speak to a doctor before a high-altitude trek if you have concerns about your health, particularly if you have a heart or lung condition or a history of altitude illness.
Daily walking and terrain
Most trekking days involve several hours of walking.
Five to eight hours is a reasonable planning range for many days, but the exact time depends on:
- Elevation
- Terrain
- Weather
- Fitness
- Pack weight
- Acclimatisation
- Trail conditions
The Thorong La crossing is usually the longest and most demanding day.
How road transfers affect acclimatisation
This is where the road can actually create a problem.
A jeep can take you upward much faster than your body can adapt.
If you drive from a low elevation to a high sleeping elevation in a short period, you may arrive at a place your body is not ready for.
So don’t think: “The road makes the trek easier.”
Think: “The road makes the trek shorter, but I still have to acclimatise.”
Annapurna Circuit Weather and Road Conditions by Season
The Annapurna Circuit weather changes dramatically because the route crosses several climatic zones.
Autumn: September to November
This is generally the strongest trekking season.
September marks the transition away from monsoon conditions, while October and November usually bring clearer skies and more stable trekking weather.
However, the current 2026 situation shows why even autumn cannot be treated as guaranteed.
So even during the best season, check current conditions.
Spring: March to May
Spring is another strong trekking window.
Lower forests become greener, temperatures are generally more comfortable and rhododendrons can add colour to the landscape.
Snow can still remain around the pass early in spring.
Winter
Winter is much colder.
High-altitude snow can close Thorong La, and some lodges may operate with reduced services.
If you trek in winter, you need a more flexible itinerary and appropriate cold-weather equipment.
Monsoon: June to September
The lower valleys are vulnerable to heavy rain, landslides and flooding.
The Manang and Mustang sides can be considerably drier because of the rain-shadow effect, but reaching them can still involve travelling through wetter lower valleys.
For most trekkers, monsoon is not the easiest season for the full circuit.
What Is the Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit?
If your priority is the best balance of weather, visibility and trail conditions, October and November are generally strong choices.
March to May is another popular window.
March–May and September–November are among the best seasons for the Annapurna region.
But the best time is not the same as a guaranteed-condition period.
The 2026 late-September snowfall is a useful reminder.
If you are travelling in October, check:
- Thorong La snow
- Road conditions
- Local weather
- Trail closures
- ACAP notices
- Transport availability
Permits, TIMS, Costs and Guides
This section has changed significantly compared with older Annapurna Circuit information online.
TIMS and guide requirement
The Nepal Tourism Board’s current TIMS information lists the Annapurna Circuit Trek among the routes where trekkers need a licensed trekking guide and a trekking-agency-issued TIMS card.
The current page lists the TIMS charge as NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for other applicants, payable online through the agency system.
Permit and guide rules can change, so confirm the current requirements with your registered trekking agency before departure.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
The Annapurna Conservation Area also requires an entry permit.
The Nepal Tourism Board currently shows NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors on its park-entry fee table, while another dedicated Annapurna page displays a different amount. Because the official pages do not currently show the same figure, check the applicable fee on your travel date rather than relying on an older article.
Upper Mustang permit
If you continue from Kagbeni into Upper Mustang, a separate Restricted Area Permit is required.
Do not confuse the standard Annapurna Conservation Area entry requirements with the additional permit rules for Upper Mustang.
How much does the Annapurna Circuit cost?
There is no single reliable “2026 Annapurna Circuit cost” because package prices vary according to:
- Number of days
- Group size
- Guide and porter arrangements
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Flights
- Meals
- Route variations
- Tilicho lake
- Private versus shared vehicles
Current 2026 operator estimates commonly put a standard guided trek in roughly the US$900 to 1,800 range, with budget group packages below that and higher-comfort or private trips costing substantially more. These figures are not directly comparable because operators may include different transport, accommodation, guide and meal arrangements.
We Ramblers currently has the Annapurna Circuit package at INR 37,000. Package inclusions should always be compared before judging one headline price against another.
A cheap package may exclude flights, insurance, personal expenses, tips or certain transport legs.
What should your budget include?
Plan for:
- ACAP permit
- TIMS, where applicable
- Licensed guide
- Porter, if required
- Accommodation
- Food
- Kathmandu transport
- Trailhead transport
- Jomsom flight, if you choose to fly
- Travel insurance
- Emergency funds
- Charging and Wi-Fi
- Hot showers
- Snacks
- Tips
- Equipment rental or purchase
Travel insurance with appropriate high-altitude and evacuation coverage is particularly important on a remote Himalayan trek.
Can You Cycle the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, cycling the Annapurna Circuit is possible and has become more common as roads have extended into the region.
The experience, however, is very different from trekking.
Where cyclists use the road
Cyclists can use the eastern road toward Manang and the western road from Muktinath toward Jomsom and the Kali Gandaki Valley.
The road is not equivalent to a smooth mountain highway.
Expect:
- Gravel
- Loose rock
- Steep gradients
- Dust
- River crossings or wet sections
- Landslide debris
- Vehicle traffic
- Rapidly changing weather
Can you cycle over Thorong La?
The high section is much more difficult.
Beyond Manang, the route becomes increasingly trail-like, and around Thorong La many cyclists may need to push or carry their bikes over difficult sections.
This means Annapurna Circuit bike trips require more than cycling fitness.
You need experience with mountain terrain and altitude.
How long does Annapurna Circuit cycling take?
A strong cyclist may complete a road-assisted circuit in roughly 8–12 days, depending on route, conditions and acclimatisation.
But speed should never be the only goal.
The same altitude rules apply to cyclists as trekkers.
Moving quickly does not mean your body acclimatises quickly.
Which Parts of the Annapurna Circuit Should You Drive?
If your time is limited, use the road strategically.
-
Drive Besisahar to Dharapani or Chame
This is the easiest time-saving decision.
It removes lower-valley kilometres and gives you more time for the high trail.
-
Walk Chame to Manang
This is where the trekking experience becomes much stronger.
Prioritise:
-
Chame → Pisang → Manang
If possible, use the upper Pisang route.
-
Walk Manang to Muktinath
This is the section you should not rush.
You need time for acclimatisation and for the Thorong La crossing.
-
Consider transport after Muktinath
Depending on your priorities, you can:
- Walk to Jomsom
- Use a jeep
- Combine walking and transport
- Fly from Jomsom if flights are operating
Current road conditions can influence this decision.
-
Do not build a rigid itinerary around a damaged road
The Galeshwor–Dana disruption is a good example.
If you assume that every road will operate normally, one landslide can affect several days of your plan.
How Should You Plan the Circuit Around the Roads?
Walk the best sections and drive the rest
For most modern trekkers, this is the smartest approach.
Drive the lower sections where roads have replaced much of the original walking experience.
Walk the upper sections where the trail remains scenic and largely free from road traffic.
Check road and trail conditions before departure
Don’t rely solely on an article published weeks or months earlier.
Check again:
- One or two days before departure
- When you reach Kathmandu
- When you reach Besisahar
- Before entering the higher Manang section
- Before crossing Thorong La
Ask your registered operator or guide for the latest local information.
Keep buffer days
One or two buffer days can make a huge difference.
A road closure, landslide or flight cancellation can quickly disrupt a tightly packed itinerary.
If you have exactly ten days between flights and no flexibility, the Annapurna Circuit becomes much harder to manage.
Have a Plan B
Your backup plan might be:
- Drive instead of walk
- Walk instead of drive
- Use a different road section
- Fly from Jomsom
- Spend an extra night in Manang
- Remove Tilicho Lake
- Delay the Thorong La crossing until conditions improve
Flexibility is part of good Himalayan planning.
What Should You Pack for a Road-Assisted Annapurna Circuit?
The presence of roads does not mean you can pack like you are going on a normal road trip.
The upper section remains a high-altitude trek.
Carry:
- Waterproof trekking shoes
- Warm layers
- Down or insulated jacket
- Fleece
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof shell
- Gloves
- Warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Water bottles
- Water purification method
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Personal medication
- Power bank
- Offline maps
- Snacks
- Rain protection
For late autumn or winter travel, additional cold-weather gear may be necessary.
If you are using a trekking operator, check exactly what equipment is included before buying or renting everything yourself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Annapurna Circuit
Treating the road map as a guarantee
A mapped road can still be closed.
Landslides and floods can change access within hours.
Assuming a short itinerary is automatically easier
Shorter means faster altitude gain.
That can make the trip harder rather than easier.
Skipping acclimatisation
Do not sacrifice your Manang rest day simply to save one calendar day.
Planning around an old blog post
The Annapurna Circuit changes.
A road status from last season is not a current road status.
Assuming Tilicho Lake is always available as an easy add-on
Current October 2026 conditions show why this is risky. Heavy snow is still affecting the Tilicho area, so check before adding the side trip.
Treating Thorong La like an ordinary day
The pass is at 5,416 metres.
Weather, altitude and early starts matter.
Carrying a rigid itinerary
Build flexibility into the plan.
The mountains do not care about your return-flight schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Annapurna Circuit Road Update
Can I trek the Annapurna Circuit in 7 days?
Yes, a road-assisted Annapurna Circuit can technically be completed in 7 days, but it is too compressed for most trekkers. It requires aggressive use of road transport and leaves very little flexibility for acclimatisation, weather, road closures or altitude-related problems. If you have only seven days, prioritise the higher trekking sections and do not sacrifice acclimatisation simply to complete the full circuit.
Can I trek the Annapurna Circuit in 10 days?
Yes, a 10 day road-assisted Annapurna Circuit is possible if you shorten the lower road sections and avoid additional side trips. A practical plan is to drive toward Chame, walk through Pisang and Manang, allow time for acclimatisation, cross Thorong La, and use transport after Muktinath or Jomsom where necessary. Keep at least some flexibility for road, weather and flight disruptions.
How many days does the Annapurna Circuit take?
A modern road-assisted Annapurna Circuit usually takes around 10 to 14 days, while longer itineraries can take 14 to 16 days or more if you include Tilicho Lake or walk more of the lower route. A traditional-style journey with substantially more walking can take around three weeks. The ideal duration depends on how much road transport you use, your acclimatisation needs and whether you include side trips.
Is the Annapurna Circuit road open in 2026?
The main Annapurna Circuit route is currently open, but road conditions vary across the circuit. As of 6 October 2026, Thorong La has reopened after the late-September snowfall, while some lower road sections remain affected by flooding, landslides and construction. Check the latest local road and trail conditions before departure because access can change quickly.
The Annapurna Circuit: Still an Adventure Worth Taking
Yes, the Annapurna Circuit is still a real trek. The roads have changed the route, not what makes the trek worth doing.
You can drive the sections where road travel makes sense and save your walking days for the parts that still offer the best mountain views, villages and high-altitude experience. Plan with some flexibility, allow enough time to acclimatise and check the latest conditions before you leave.
The route has changed, but the trek is still worth the journey.
Ready to plan your trek? Explore our Annapurna Circuit Trek package or contact our team to build your route around the latest road and trail conditions.
