The rhythm
Daily hiking stages of five to eight hours; teahouse evenings; acclimatisation rest days built in.
Mission 45
Nepal Annapurna Circuit
One of the world's great high-altitude walks, from subtropical to arctic.
The briefing
Why this one
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the great long-distance walks - altitude, drama, and teahouse warmth combine perfectly.
The classic high-altitude circuit through Himalayan foothills, sub-alpine villages, and the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m - finishing with Pokhara's lakeside recovery.
The energy
Epic and meditative. The mountain scale dissolves everyday concerns.
The shape of it
A loose day-by-day
- 01Kathmandu; permits, gear check, one cultural day.
- 02Circuit days 1 - 8: climbing through subtropical and alpine zones.
- 03Thorong La summit day at 5,416 m.
- 04Descent to Pokhara; lakeside recovery for two days.
The signature
Mission DNA
A read on the character of this trip - derived from how it actually moves, not a marketing label. Use it to sanity-check the fit before you commit.
Mission DNA
Extended expedition - how this trip actually feels and what it takes to pull off.
Intensity5/5
Visual payoff5/5
Logistical friction5/5
Comfort1/5
Getting there
Long-haul journey
Planning
More planning
Remoteness
remote
Best season
Winter
Good for
Couples
Budget
Modest
Plan the moves
Trip readiness
The order you lock things in matters more than the price you pay. Here's the sequence that keeps this mission from falling apart.
Ready to make it real?
TIMS trekking permit and ACAP conservation fee - arrange before leaving Kathmandu.
- 1Choose your travel window
- 2Lock your way there
- 3Reserve the guided experience
- 4Pick your basecamp
- 5Add cover before you go
- 6Check official conditions before you leave
Sequence only - always confirm live availability, permits, and conditions with official sources before booking.
Make it real
Book it in the right order
Booked top to bottom, this sequence keeps your options open. Start with TIMS trekking permit and ACAP conservation fee - arrange before leaving Kathmandu.
- FlightsGet into the region first - lock the dates that anchor everything else.Kiwi.com(opens in new tab)
- Guided adventuresFor the technical or high-consequence days, go with licensed guides.
- Where to stayBase yourself close to the trailheads and you buy back hours every day.
- Flight protectionIf the flight goes wrong, AirHelp fights the airline so you don't have to.Compensair(opens in new tab)
- Tours & activitiesSkip-the-research local experiences for the days you want handled.Tiqets(opens in new tab)Go City(opens in new tab)KKday(opens in new tab)WeGoTrip(opens in new tab)
- Luggage storageDrop your bags in the city so you can move unencumbered between checkout and the trail.
Stay connected in the field
An eSIM or travel SIM means no roaming surprises. Get one before you fly.
We only surface categories that genuinely fit this trip.
Before you go
Altitude sickness above 3,500 m is a genuine medical emergency. Acclimatise slowly, descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Adventure Missions are planning inspiration, not real-time travel or safety guidance. Always verify weather, permits, closures, local regulations, and official conditions before you leave.