Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit is enjoying a strong comeback, with 5,384 foreign trekkers arriving during the Dashain festival in October 2026. Despite floods, landslides and snowfall disrupting the start of the autumn trekking season, thousands of international visitors have returned to one of the Himalayas’ most spectacular trekking routes.

The renewed popularity of the Annapurna Circuit is welcome news for Nepal’s tourism industry, mountain communities, trekking guides and local businesses.

For travellers who know Mount Everest but have never heard of Annapurna, the region offers a very different Himalayan adventure: a journey through mountain villages, deep river valleys, Buddhist culture and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.

The Annapurna Circuit takes trekkers around the Annapurna massif in central Nepal, crossing the famous Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres.

It is one of several extraordinary routes featured in our Nepal Trek Finder, which helps travellers compare trekking destinations across Nepal.

Thousands of Trekkers Return to the Annapurna Circuit

According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), 5,384 foreign tourists registered at the Dharapani checkpoint between October 11 and 25, 2026, during Nepal’s Dashain festival period.

The strong turnout marks an encouraging recovery after floods and landslides disrupted the start of the autumn trekking season.

The busiest day was October 13, when 552 foreign trekkers registered at Dharapani. Another 473 arrived on October 14, followed by 443 on October 15.

By October 27, the checkpoint had registered 30,135 foreign visitors since the beginning of 2026.

These figures underline the Annapurna Circuit’s enduring international appeal.

Where Are Annapurna’s Trekkers Coming From?

The 5,384 international visitors recorded during Dashain came from countries around the world.

Among the leading nationalities were:

The visitor breakdown also included 4,775 travellers from outside the SAARC region and 609 from SAARC countries.

The figures illustrate the Annapurna Circuit’s popularity among both nearby South Asian visitors and long-distance travellers from Europe, North America and elsewhere.

For many, Nepal offers something difficult to find anywhere else: accessible trekking routes through some of the world’s highest mountains, combined with distinctive local cultures and welcoming mountain communities.

A Strong Comeback After Floods and Landslides

The autumn trekking season did not begin smoothly.

Heavy rainfall from September 24 to 27 caused flooding and landslides in parts of the Manang region. Snowfall at higher elevations created additional difficulties.

Roads and trekking trails were damaged, forcing some visitors to abandon their plans or return before completing their treks.

According to ACAP officials, trekking activity slowed dramatically during the disruption.

But as the weather improved, recovery work began.

Local authorities, security personnel, conservation staff and hotel operators worked to restore access, repair damaged sections and clear snow from important trails.

A temporary crossing near Chame helped reconnect Upper Manang, while work on routes towards Thorong La and Tilicho Lake allowed trekking activity to resume.

The return of thousands of trekkers shows how quickly visitor confidence can recover once access improves.

Nepal’s mountains remain vulnerable to extreme weather, however, and conditions can differ significantly between regions.

Travellers concerned about recent weather events can consult our Nepal Flood Travel Update for Tourists for broader information about affected destinations and travel routes.

What Makes the Annapurna Circuit So Popular?

The Annapurna Circuit is much more than a walk through spectacular mountains. Unlike trekking routes that lead to a single destination, it takes visitors on a journey through dramatically changing landscapes and cultural regions. The traditional route begins near Besisahar in Lamjung, following the Marsyangdi Valley towards Manang. Along the way, trekkers pass terraced farmland, waterfalls, suspension bridges and traditional villages, with the Himalayan peaks growing ever more impressive in the distance.

As the route climbs higher, the lush green hills gradually give way to dry Himalayan valleys, rugged cliffs and settlements influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture. The journey reaches its greatest challenge at Thorong La Pass, approximately 5,416 metres above sea level. From there, trekkers descend towards Muktinath in Mustang, a sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhists, before some itineraries continue through the Kali Gandaki Valley towards Pokhara.

It is this combination of extraordinary scenery, cultural diversity and physical challenge that makes the Annapurna Circuit so memorable. Rather than experiencing just one famous mountain destination, trekkers discover several different sides of Nepal during a single journey.

Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp: Which Trek Is Better?

For many first-time visitors, Everest Base Camp is the first trek that comes to mind when thinking about Nepal.

After all, Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain.

But the Annapurna Circuit offers an entirely different experience.

The Everest Base Camp trek takes visitors into the Khumbu region, through Sherpa villages and towards the foot of Everest.

The Annapurna Circuit is a journey around a mountain range, with constantly changing scenery, cultural environments and climatic conditions.

Both treks are demanding, and both involve serious altitude considerations.

The Annapurna Circuit’s highest point, Thorong La, is actually higher than Everest Base Camp itself, which sits at approximately 5,364 metres.

That does not automatically make Annapurna more difficult. Trekking difficulty depends on the entire itinerary, acclimatisation, daily walking distances, weather and individual fitness.

There is also an important distinction between the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Base Camp is a separate trek leading into the Annapurna Sanctuary, reaching approximately 4,130 metres.

For a broader comparison of these destinations, explore our Nepal Trek Finder, covering popular routes including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu and Langtang.

How Long Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Take?

The traditional Annapurna Circuit once required around three weeks.

Today, road development has changed how many travellers approach the trek.

Vehicles can reach farther into the region, making it possible to complete shortened versions of the circuit in approximately 7–10 days.

However, shorter is not necessarily better.

The Annapurna Circuit involves significant altitude gain, and crossing Thorong La requires proper acclimatisation.

Travellers who ascend too quickly increase their risk of altitude sickness.

For that reason, an itinerary should never be chosen solely on the basis of how quickly the route can be completed.

Extra acclimatisation days, weather flexibility and a realistic assessment of fitness are essential.

Those with limited time may prefer shorter Himalayan treks such as Poon Hill or Mardi Himal.

Both can offer remarkable mountain views without committing to the full Annapurna Circuit.

When Is the Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit?

Autumn is traditionally one of Nepal’s most popular trekking seasons.

October and November often offer clear mountain views, comfortable daytime temperatures at lower elevations and relatively stable conditions after the monsoon.

Spring, particularly March and April, is another popular period.

However, the events of September and October 2026 demonstrate why mountain weather should never be taken for granted.

Heavy rainfall, landslides and snowfall can affect access even close to the main trekking season.

Thorong La is especially exposed to severe weather, and conditions can change rapidly at high altitude.

For a broader overview of seasonal conditions, read our Best Time to Visit Nepal: Month-by-Month Guide.

Do You Need a Guide for the Annapurna Circuit?

Before planning an Annapurna Circuit trek, visitors should understand Nepal’s current guide and permit requirements.

The route passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, where an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required.

The Annapurna Circuit is also included in the Nepal Tourism Board’s published list of trekking routes subject to its licensed-guide and TIMS requirements.

TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System. It is separate from the conservation-area permit.

Confusion about these requirements is common, particularly because older travel blogs and personal trekking reports may describe different rules or inconsistent enforcement.

Our detailed guide, Do I Need a Guide to Trek in Nepal? TIMS, Trekking Permits and Rules Explained, explains the published requirements and why travellers should check them before departure.

You can also consult our Nepal Entrance Fees and Permits Guide for more information about fees and protected areas.

Annapurna’s Recovery Is Good News for Nepal Tourism

The return of thousands of trekkers is about more than visitor statistics.

Trekking supports a wide network of businesses and workers across Nepal’s mountain regions.

Local guides, porters, guesthouse owners, restaurants, transport operators and suppliers all depend on visitors travelling through the mountains.

When floods or landslides interrupt a major trekking route, the effects reach far beyond the trail itself.

The recovery of the Annapurna Circuit therefore matters to entire communities.

ACAP officials also reported that some visitors originally planning to trek in the Manaslu region switched to Annapurna after flooding affected access to their intended route.

This flexibility is one of Nepal’s strengths as a trekking destination.

With so many different Himalayan regions and routes, travellers can often consider alternatives when conditions affect their original plans.

The renewed activity in Annapurna is an encouraging sign for Nepal’s wider trekking industry, even though the long-term trend will need to be assessed using complete annual visitor figures.

Is the Annapurna Circuit Worth Trekking in 2027?

For travellers planning a Himalayan adventure in 2027, the Annapurna Circuit remains one of Nepal’s most compelling options.

Its appeal goes far beyond the famous Thorong La crossing.

The trek combines dramatic mountain scenery with village life, Buddhist traditions, varied landscapes and a genuine sense of travelling through the Himalayas rather than simply reaching a single viewpoint.

The strong return of visitors in October 2026 confirms that international interest remains high.

However, visitor numbers alone cannot guarantee trail conditions for a future trip. Anyone planning a trek should check current access, weather, permits and itinerary requirements before travelling.

For first-time visitors, the biggest decision is often not whether to visit Nepal, but which of its remarkable trekking regions to explore.

Find the Right Trek in Nepal

Everest Base Camp may be Nepal’s most internationally recognised trek, but it is far from the only unforgettable Himalayan experience.

The Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu, Langtang, Mardi Himal and many other routes offer different combinations of scenery, culture, altitude and difficulty.

Explore the Amazing Kathmandu Tours Nepal Trek Finder to compare trekking routes and find the experience that best matches your interests, fitness and available time.

Sources

• The Kathmandu Post — Annapurna Circuit Sees Trekking Arrivals Rebound After Floods, October 29, 2026.
• Ratopati — 5,384 Tourists on Annapurna Trek During Dashain, October 2026.
• Tourism Mail — Annapurna Trekking Visitor Report, October 2026.