Annapurna Circuit and Pokhara: A Guide for Kiwi Trekkers

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the classic long-distance treks in the Himalayas, and it suits Kiwi walkers who love variety. In a single journey you pass through subtropical farmland, alpine forest, dry high-desert valleys and a high pass above 5,400 metres. This guide covers what to expect and how to prepare when you are travelling from New Zealand. If you’ve been searching “Annapurna Circuit Nepal” to work out whether it suits you, this guide covers the essentials.

What is the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal?

The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is a loop around the Annapurna massif in the north-central part of the country. Trekkers typically spend around two to three weeks on the trail, although the exact length depends on where you start and finish and how much of the route you cover on foot or by road. Like most trekking in Nepal, you stay in teahouses along the way, which means you can travel without a tent and with a fairly light pack.

The highlight is the crossing of Thorong La, which sits at about 5,416 metres. The days leading up to it are about gradual altitude gain, and the days after it drop into the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley, one of the deepest gorges on Earth.

Why Kiwis love the Nepal Annapurna Circuit

Many New Zealanders will recognise the appeal. If you have enjoyed the Great Walks, the Routeburn or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Nepal Annapurna Circuit offers a bigger, more cultural version of the same thing. Villages, prayer flags and teahouse dinners are as much part of the experience as the mountains.

Road construction has changed parts of the traditional route over the years, so trekkers now often mix walking with short jeep or bus sections. Ask locally about current trail conditions before you set off, and check official sources rather than relying on older blog posts.

Best season for the Annapurna Circuit

As with other major treks, the main seasons are spring and autumn. These months tend to bring clearer weather and better visibility. Winter snow can close the high pass, and the monsoon months bring heavy rain and leeches on the lower sections.

Plan around the pass. Snow or poor weather on Thorong La can force a delay, so leave spare days in your schedule instead of booking a flight home for the day after you finish.

Altitude and acclimatisation on Thorong La

The Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La at roughly 5,416 metres, so altitude sickness is the main safety concern. The standard advice is to climb gradually, take planned rest days, drink plenty of fluids and not rush your ascent. Early symptoms include headache, nausea and unusual fatigue.

If symptoms worsen, descend. Never push on hoping they will pass. Speak to your doctor before you travel about your personal risk and whether altitude medication is suitable for you, and make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers high-altitude trekking to the height of the pass.

Pokhara Nepal: the gateway and the reward

Most people start or finish their Annapurna adventures in Pokhara. Pokhara, Nepal sits beside Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range rising behind it, and it is easily the most relaxed base in the country. Trekkers use it to rest, resupply, hire gear and recover after the trail.

For many Kiwis, Nepal Pokhara is also a holiday in itself. You can walk to the World Peace Pagoda, paddle on the lake, try paragliding or simply sit in a lakeside cafe watching the peaks turn pink at sunrise. If you are curious about the language, Pokhara in Nepali is written पोखरा, and a few polite Nepali phrases such as "namaste" and "dhanyabad" (thank you) go a long way with teahouse hosts.

Getting from New Zealand to Pokhara

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Nepal. Routes connect through hubs, and you will usually land in Kathmandu first. From there, travellers commonly continue to Pokhara by a short domestic flight or a longer road journey, but schedules and conditions change, so confirm your plan locally.

Build a rest day into your itinerary after the long haul from New Zealand. Arriving tired and heading straight for altitude is a common mistake that makes the first days harder than they need to be.

Permits, safety and official information

Trekking permits and entry requirements for the Annapurna region change, and we do not state costs or current rules here. Check directly with:

• Nepal's Department of Immigration for visa information
• The Nepal Tourism Board for permit and regional trekking requirements
• SafeTravel (safetravel.govt.nz) for current advice for New Zealanders

Pack for temperature swings, with warm layers, a waterproof jacket, trekking poles and well-worn boots. Carry a basic first-aid kit and let someone at home know your rough plan.

FAQ

How long does the Annapurna Circuit take?

Most trekkers allow roughly two to three weeks, depending on the route variation and whether they use roads for some sections. Allow extra days for rest and weather. Your travel time from New Zealand is on top of this.

How hard is the Annapurna Circuit?

It is demanding but achievable for fit, well-prepared walkers. The biggest challenge is altitude, particularly the crossing of Thorong La. Training with long hikes carrying a pack for a few months beforehand makes a real difference.

Is Pokhara worth visiting if I am not trekking?

Yes. Pokhara is a popular lakeside town with mountain views, cafes, boating and adventure activities. It also makes a gentler introduction to Nepal than Kathmandu for some travellers.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Choose a policy that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, and read the exclusions closely before you buy.

Plan your trip

Ready to start planning? QuickTrips is our Auckland travel agency, and you can learn more on our travel page. Contact us to ask QuickTrips for a flight quote and a consultant will follow up.