Annapurna Circuit Trek Map

Outline of Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Whenever you plan to go for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, having a clear outline of the itinerary is a must. Your trekking itinerary and duration can vary as per your preference, fitness level, and time availability. The below description is the typical trekking itinerary, but you can modify it as per your interest.

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat via Besisahar

On this day, your trek begins with the beautiful scenery along the way while driving to Jagat from Kathmandu. After reaching here, you can follow the Annapurna Circuit Trek Map for your trekking journey.

Day 2: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani 

The trekking journey finally starts from the Jagat, and you have to walk uphill ascents. This trek goes through the Marsyangdi River, many waterfalls, and charming villages.

Day 3: Trek from Dharapani to Chame

On this day, you will be walking through the dense forest and get to witness the gorgeous scenery of the Annapurna ranges and Lamjung Himal.

Day 4: Trek from Chame to Pisang

You will be walking through the steep and narrow valley following the Marsyangdi River. You can enjoy the amazing views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna III.

Day 5: Trek from Pisang to Manang

On this day, you will get to see the traditional houses and ancient monasteries passing through Braga. You can see the captivating views of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna III, and Tent Peak on the way.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Manang

This day is a rest day for you, as we will be gaining certain high elevations from now onwards. You can go and visit the nearby places for a more beautiful experience.

Day 7: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

You start on 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 to reach Yak Kharka.

Day 8: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

This is a short trekking day; you follow steep and narrow ascending trails and descend to Thorong Phedi. There are fewer houses or tea houses as compared to other stop points.

Day 9: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

This is a long day of trekking, as you need to ascend to Thorong La Pass, which is the highest point of this trek, at an altitude of 5,416 meters, and then descend to Muktinath with the lovely views of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Manaslu, etc. 

Day 10: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani

You will head towards Tatopani from Muktinath in a drive. The road is bumpy somewhere, but you will get to see the attractive villages, apple farms, beautiful roads in between, and mesmerizing scenery.

Day 11: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will be heading towards Pokhara by car. After crossing the Baglung city and Kushma (the longest suspension bridge) in Nepal, you will reach Pokhara.

Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu

You will be coming back to Kathmandu after the long journey of trekking. You can enjoy the views of rivers flowing at one side of the highway and greenery landscapes and terraced fields at another.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Distance and Altitude

You will understand the distance and altitude along the Annapurna Circuit Trek properly. The total distance of Annapurna Circuit is around 160 km to 230 km (100 to 145 miles), depending on your interests and itinerary.

Let’s discuss more on the topic of Annapurna Circuit Trek with distance and altitude.

Using a detailed Annapurna Circuit trek map with distance and altitude, you can make your plan for daily trekking hours and the altitude changes. On average, you need to cover 10 to 20 km of maximum distance by walking and around 300 to 500 m of altitude, except for the Thorong La Pass day.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Routes and Landmarks

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is famous for its drastic change in landscapes at every turning point of the trek. There are many highlights of this trek, which offers enchanting views, cultural experiences, and historical places.

Let’s dive into what Annapurna Circuit Trek route, landmarks, and trails include.

Marsyangdi Valley: This is the lively valley during the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, and it is a lushly lush valley with full terraced fields and traditional villages.

Manang Village: This is one of the traditional and cultural villages on the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, which is well known for Tibetan-influenced culture, dramatic landscapes, and the side hike of alluring Gangapurna Lake and Ice Lake.

Thorong La Pass: This is the most highlighted part of this trek, which is also enlisted as the world's highest pass. Thorong La Pass, standing at an elevation of 5,416 meters, is also the maximum elevation of this trek.

Muktinath Temple: This is a temple located in Mustang district, which is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath is the pilgrimage site, and visitors from different parts of the country and world come to visit.

Kali Gandaki Gorge: This is one of the deepest gorges in the world in which water flows rapidly in between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Annapurna Circuit Altitude Profile

Altitude is one of the factors of trekking that needs our serious concern while we plan to trek somewhere. The Annapurna Circuit Trek starts at an elevation of 760 meters and goes up to a high point of 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass, which is why acclimatization is very important. You can also minimize the altitude sickness issues by preparing yourself physically and mentally.

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

Besisahar (760 m): This is your very start 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.

Pisang (3,200 m): You will start to feel the low oxygen level as the air becomes thinner when you reach here.

Manang (3,540 m): As you start to gain the high altitude, generally this is 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 or maximum altitude of this trek, so you need to be well prepared mentally and physically with proper rest for conquering this.

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

Tatopani (1,190 m): You will be ending your trek here at this lower altitude.

How accurate is the printed Annapurna Circuit Trek Map?

The printed Annapurna Circuit Trek map is available anywhere, but they may not be 100% accurate when it comes to the new trails, the changes that have been recently done, and the difficult routes due to the impact of weather. Due to alternative routes, the map can not be really accurate.

If you can, go for reliable sources such as local trekking agencies, which can provide you with useful detailed information about routes, distance, and elevation. 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 the detailed information regarding the route and the trail conditions.

Conclusion

The detailed Annapurna Circuit Trek map is necessary for any trekkers who want to escape from the busy life to the peaceful Himalayas. Either 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 be the support for your adventurous trekking, and you can also take the map with you as a memory of your trek to the Annapurna Circuit.

Happy and Safe Trekking!

Some of the popular trekking itineraries during Annapurna Circuit Trek.

• Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
• Short Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley
• Annapurna Circuit with Ghorepani Poon Hill
• Short Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake