Annapurna Circuit Trek Map

Outline of Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

The Annapurna Circuit Trek map above shows a 14-day itinerary. From the starting point to each day’s destination and ending point, the map has indicated every itinerary detail. 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

As shown in the map, day one is in Kathmandu. It is your arrival day; you’ll land in Kathmandu, Nepal, from your home country to begin your Annapurna Circuit adventure. 

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat via Besisahar

As per the Annapurna Circuit Trek map, your adventure begins on the second day with a drive. The drive starts from Kathmandu and takes you through Besisahar, Bahundanda, and finally to the day’s destination, Jagat.

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani

The trekking journey finally starts from Jagat, and you have to walk uphill. This trek goes through the Marsyangdi River, many waterfalls, and charming villages. As visible in the map, the route passes through the villages of Tal before reaching Dharapani. 

Day 4: Trek from Dharapani to Chame

On this day, you will head to Chame from Dharapani, walking through the dense forest, and get to witness the gorgeous scenery of the Annapurna ranges and Lamjung Himal. However, you can see a dotted line just above Dharapani that marks the secondary route on the map. 

Day 5: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang

On the fifth day, you will be walking through the steep, narrow valley along the Marsyangdi River from Chame to get to Upper Pisang. You can enjoy the amazing views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna III, which is also shown on the map with a symbol of a triangle. 

Day 6: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang

On this day, you will get to see the traditional houses and ancient monasteries in Braga. However, from Pisang, you can see a dotted line marked, which is a secondary route to Pisang Peak via Pisang Peak Base Camp and High Camp. Moreover, views of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna III, and Tent Peak will accompany you on the day’s trek. 

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Manang

This day is a rest day at Manang for you, as the map shows the same destination on days six and seven. You’ll let your body adjust to changing temperatures on the day. Among the secondary routes shown on the Annapurna Circuit map above, you can go for a short day hike. 

Day 8: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

You start on an ascending high this day and see totally different landscapes with pastures and juniper forests. You can see yaks and horses, and pass the wooden bridge and reach Yak Kharka on the eighth day. 

Day 9: Trek from Yak Kharka to High Camp / Thorong Phedi

This is a short trekking day; you follow steep and narrow ascending trails and descend to Thorong Phedi. However, the map highlights this as the final staging point before the trek’s highest elevation.

Day 10: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

This is the most challenging and rewarding day, clearly shown on the map as the trek’s highest point. On this remarkable day, you’ll ascend to Thorong La Pass (5,416m) early morning, then descend into the Mustang region toward Muktinath, with views of Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges.

Day 11: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani

From this day, the route shifts from trekking to driving, following the Kali Gandaki corridor as shown on the map. There is a secondary route to Kagbeni from Mustang, but you’ll drive to Jomsom. 

Day 12: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara 

Day twelve marks the completion of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, as you’ll drive back to Pokhara on this day. Continuing along the mapped road network, you pass through settlements such as Baglung and Kushma and reach Pokhara city. 

Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 

This is the final day of the drive back to Kathmandu. The drive follows Prithvi Highway and covers a distance of 202 km.

Day 14: Departure Day

It’s your departure day when you leave Nepal for your home country. or other destination. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Distance and Altitude

The Annapurna Circuit Trek map showcases the altitude of each destination. However, the distance is not included in the map. The total distance of the Annapurna Circuit is around 160-230 km (100-145 miles), depending on the itinerary. On average, you need to cover 10 to 20 km of maximum distance by walking and around 300 to 500 m of altitude each day, except for the Thorong La Pass day.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance

Annapurna Circuit Altitude Profile

Altitude is one of the factors in trekking that requires serious concern on the Annapurna Circuit. The trek starts at an elevation of 1,920 meters and reaches a high point of 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass, where the risk of altitude sickness is high. Knowing the altitude profile in advance is essential before the trek. And, one good aspect of the Annapurna Circuit Trek map is that it provides each destination’s altitude, which keeps you mentally prepared for changing elevation. 

Let’s have a discussion over the altitude profile of the Annapurna Circuit.

Jagat (1,290 m): This is your very starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Dharapani (1,860 m): You will have an initial easy walk through the terraced field and hills.

Chame (2,670 m): You will gain a slight altitude at this point.

Upper Pisang (3,300 m): You will start to feel the low oxygen levels as the air becomes thinner when you reach here.

Manang (3,540 m): Start to gain altitude. This is generally the acclimatization stop for trekkers.

Yak Kharka (4,050 m): This altitude might start challenging you if you have not prepared well for this trek.

Thorong Phedi (4,525 m): This is where you spend your night and take a proper rest before crossing the Thorong La Pass.

Thorong La Pass (5,416 m): This is the highest point of the trek, so you need to be well prepared mentally and physically, with proper rest, to conquer it.

Muktinath (3,760 m): You will descend to Muktinath from the pass; you will feel the oxygen levels is higher than at the pass.

Tatopani (1,200 m): You will be ending your trek here at this lower altitude.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Routes and Landmarks

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is famous for its varied landscape that changes at every turn. Each section in the circuit has an iconic landmark, whether it is river valleys or high-altitude passes you’re trekking through. 

• Marsyangdi Valley: Marsyangdi is a lively valley along the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. The valley is identified by dense greenery, terraced farmland, flowing rivers, and traditional Gurung villages. Likewise, the valley represents the lower-altitude phase of the trek. 
• Manang Village: Marked as a major stop on the map, Manang is not just a village but a crucial acclimatization point. The village is well known for Tibetan-influenced culture, dramatic landscapes, and the side hike to stunning Gangapurna Lake and Ice Lake.
• Thorong La Pass: Thorong La Pass is the most prominent feature on the Annapurna Circuit Trek map and the highest point of the journey. At 5,416 meters, it is the ultimate challenge of the region that connects Manang to Mustang.
• Muktinath Temple: This is a temple located in the Mustang district, which is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is a pilgrimage site, so along with visitors, pilgrims also visit the temple yearly from across the country and the world.
• Kali Gandaki Gorge: It is one of the deepest gorges in the world, in which water flows rapidly between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

How accurate is the printed Annapurna Circuit Trek Map?

The printed Annapurna Circuit Trek map is the latest version, but it may not be 100% accurate regarding new trails, recent changes, and weather-affected difficult routes. Still, the Annapurna Circuit doesn’t have many alternative routes; it is useful to have detailed information on routes, distances, and elevations. For more accurate information on the Annapurna Circuit Trek map, follow these:

• You can purchase an updated map from the trusted trekking agencies or stores in Kathmandu or Pokhara, which costs around USD 2 to 3, depending on the size of the map.
• You can download trekking apps for the route updates and live GPS.
• You can also talk to your guide for detailed information regarding the route and the trail conditions.

Conclusion

The detailed Annapurna Circuit Trek map is essential for trekkers planning to trek the Annapurna Circuit, especially solo. Whether you use the printed Annapurna Circuit Trek map or a live GPS tracker, you should understand the trek’s distance, route, elevation, and landmarks to make sure that you trek safely with full enjoyment. The right map can support your adventurous trekking, and you can also take it with you as a memory of your trek on the Annapurna Circuit.