Introduction
The Annapurna Circuit isn’t just another trek—it’s one of the most diverse and dramatic long-distance hiking routes in the world. You pass through subtropical forests, ancient villages, barren high-altitude deserts, and over the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416m). But in 2025, with Nepal seeing a renewed boom in trekking tourism post-COVID, the big question for many Nepali and international trekkers is:
When is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit in 2025?
Not just for good weather—but to enjoy the views, avoid the crowds, and truly feel the soul of the Himalayas.
In this article, we break down:
- The four trekking seasons in Nepal
- Month-by-month analysis for the Annapurna Circuit in 2025
- When you’ll face fewer crowds
- Real trekking insights from Nepali hikers
- Expert recommendations for choosing your ideal window
The Four Trekking Seasons in Nepal
To understand the best time to trek, we first need to understand the trekking seasons:
- Spring (March–May): Warm days, blooming rhododendrons, and clear skies in the morning.
- Summer/Monsoon (June–August): Heavy rainfall, leeches, landslides in lower regions.
- Autumn (September–November): The most popular season. Crisp skies, stable weather, and ideal for high passes.
- Winter (December–February): Cold, especially at altitude. Snowfall can block Thorong La.
Each season has pros and cons—but the key is to match your expectations (weather, crowd, visibility, budget) with the right month.
Month-by-Month Guide to the Annapurna Circuit in 2025
January – February: Quiet but Cold
- Weather: Dry but freezing cold. Thorong La may be closed due to snow.
- Pros: Very few trekkers. Pure solitude.
- Cons: Harsh cold, frozen pipes, limited teahouse openings.
- Best for: Hardcore trekkers with winter gear, looking for isolation.
March – April: Bloom and Balance
- Weather: Mild, clear skies, rhododendrons in full bloom.
- Pros: Fewer trekkers compared to October, magical landscapes.
- Cons: Some trails may still have residual snow at higher altitudes.
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, first-time trekkers.
March 2025 Insight:
Due to Holi and spring holidays, expect more Nepali trekkers in March. Foreign traffic increases in April.
May: Warmer but Hazy
- Weather: Warmer, with hazier skies. Occasional pre-monsoon rain.
- Pros: Long daylight hours, quiet trails.
- Cons: Poor mountain visibility after noon.
- Best for: Those who don’t mind less dramatic views but want peace.
June – August: Monsoon Madness
- Weather: Heavy rain, especially below 3,000m. Landslides possible.
- Pros: Wildflowers bloom. Manang to Mustang area (rain-shadow) is relatively dry.
- Cons: Dangerous in many sections. Not recommended for full circuit.
- Best for: Short treks in Upper Mustang or Manang, not for Thorong La.
2025 Warning:
Increased monsoon unpredictability due to climate change. Avoid full circuit during this time.
September: Post-Monsoon Freshness
- Weather: Clear skies return. Mountains look freshly washed.
- Pros: Stunning views, green valleys, fewer trekkers early in the month.
- Cons: Trails still muddy in lower elevations.
- Best for: Early starters who want beauty before the crowds.
October: The Peak of Perfection
- Weather: Stable, dry, crystal-clear mornings.
- Pros: Unbeatable views, great trail conditions, full services.
- Cons: Massive crowds, especially between Manang and Thorong La.
- Best for: Trekkers who value scenery and don’t mind traffic.
2025 Forecast:
Tourism is expected to spike this year. Book your permits and lodges early if going in October.
November: Cooler but Quieter
- Weather: Cold at night, but still stable and clear.
- Pros: Fewer people, golden lighting, peaceful.
- Cons: Higher risk of snow at Thorong La after mid-Nov.
- Best for: Late-season trekkers who want a quieter trail with decent weather.
December: Crisp and Quiet
- Weather: Dry but very cold. Increasing chance of snow.
- Pros: No crowds, silent mountains.
- Cons: Shorter daylight, limited teahouses open, extreme cold above 4,000m.
- Best for: Experienced Nepali trekkers who prefer winter and don’t mind risks.
How to Avoid the Crowds in 2025
While the Annapurna Circuit doesn’t get as crowded as Everest Base Camp, certain sections like Manang, Thorong Phedi, and Muktinath become packed during October and April.
To avoid crowds:
- Start your trek before the season peak (early March or mid-September).
- Trek counter-clockwise (the standard way), but start from Dharapani or even Besisahar to avoid tourist congestion.
- Skip the standard stops. For example, stay at Yak Kharka instead of Letdar, or between Muktinath and Jomsom at smaller villages.
- Use early morning starts to beat the traffic on the trail.
Real Insights from Nepali Trekkers
Many Nepali trekkers prefer:
- March (after exams or holidays)
- November (after Tihar)
- September (when holidays align and weather is still good)
Because Nepali trekkers don’t always have long vacation windows, the autumn and spring holidays dictate the foot traffic from locals.
In 2025, Tihar is expected to fall in late October, so early November will likely see a spike in domestic trekkers on the trail.
Expert Recommendation: When Should You Go?
Here’s a simple breakdown depending on your preferences:
| Preference | Best Time |
| Fewer trekkers | Early March, Late Nov |
| Best mountain views | Late Oct, Early Nov |
| Blooming forests | April |
| Budget/cheap prices | December, May |
| Avoid risk of snow | April, early Oct |
| Want solitude & adventure | January, February |
If you’re a Nepali trekker with flexibility, try late March or early November. You’ll still get the views, but with less traffic and lower prices.
Conclusion
There’s no “one perfect time” to trek the Annapurna Circuit in 2025 — it depends on what you want.
If you want stable weather and unbeatable views, October wins.
If you want peace and solitude, November and early March are ideal.
And if you don’t mind a little cold and want to save money, December has its own magic.
The real key is knowing what to expect and planning accordingly. The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s most dynamic trails — whether you chase the bloom of rhododendrons, golden harvests of Manang, or the snow-tipped serenity of winter, 2025 offers something for everyone.
