Mountain Lodges Annapurna Route: Teahouse Guide for the Circuit

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit trek (typically 14 to 21 days) has one of the world's most developed teahouse trail systems. From Besisahar at 760 m to Thorong La at 5,416 m and down through Muktinath, Jomsom, and Tatopani, lodges are available every 1 to 3 hours of walking. Quality has improved dramatically since the Besisahar-Chame road opened, with lower elevation lodges now offering en-suite bathrooms and wi-fi -- amenities that disappear as you gain altitude.

Lower Circuit (Besisahar to Manang, 760 to 3,519 m)

Below Chame (2,710 m), lodges are comfortable with hot showers included, en-suite bathrooms, and menus of 30 to 50 items. Rates NPR 500 to 1,200 per room. Above Chame, quality drops slightly -- hot showers cost NPR 300 to 500 extra and menus shrink to 15 to 20 items. Manang (3,519 m) has the circuit's best high-altitude lodges.

Upper Circuit (Thorong La to Tatopani)

Muktinath (3,760 m) has 20 plus lodges clustered near the famous temple. Rates NPR 600 to 1,200. Jomsom (2,720 m) is the circuit's lower-altitude hub with the airport -- the largest selection of lodges (NPR 800 to 2,500) and the most reliable meals (pizza, pasta, apple pie, Tibetan bread).

Marpha (2,670 m) is the most charming village on the lower circuit -- a whitewashed medieval town famous for apple brandy. Several excellent lodges at NPR 700 to 1,500. Tatopani (1,190 m) has natural hot springs and marks the end of the high-altitude section -- celebrate with a long soak and a beer.

Book onward bus transport from Beni (the end point for many circuit trekkers) to Pokhara through Sajilo's platform.

FAQ

Do I need to book teahouses in advance on the Annapurna Circuit?
In October and November, Manang and Thorong Phedi teahouses fill early -- booking two to three nights in advance is wise. The rest of the circuit can be done on walk-in even in peak season for most of the route.

Is the Annapurna Circuit still worth doing since the road was built?
The lower circuit now has a road and many trekkers start from Chame or Timang to avoid the motorised sections. The upper circuit from Manang to Muktinath remains entirely on footpath and is the most spectacular section.

How much should I budget for food on the Annapurna Circuit?
Budget NPR 2,500 to 4,000 per day for three meals and tea stops. Dal bhat is always the best value (NPR 600 to 900) and is the only dish refilled for free. Western dishes are available but expensive (NPR 800 to 1,400 per item).