Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance and Altitude Profile with Day to Day Itinerary

Must-Know about Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate trek into the highest point of Thorang La Pass (5416M), making the circuit around the Annapurna Himalayas, one will have the splendid views of the Himalayas, including 3 Highest mountains, namely Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.

Some decades ago, the Annapurna Circuit Trek used to be 18-21 days of trek. However, with the development and road construction, now the trek can be easily done within 6 Days.

This construction of the road has minimized the trekking distance and is now cost-effective. The starting point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Beshisahar and one can easily drive to Manang to start the trek.

However, this is high altitude trek, and for the first time trekkers, it is not recommended to drive to Manang. The best thing will be to drive to CHAME and start the trek the very next day descend to Muktinath Via Thorang La Pass and then drive or fly to Pokhara. This will make the trek shorter and easy-going.

Exploring all the majestic diversity and the spotlight of the Annapurna Circuit, one can easily complete this trek in less than a week. If one is worried about the high altitude, another way to explore the Annapurna Region is to follow the Muktinath Trek, which is comparably less time-consuming and easy.

Thus, till MANANG there is a driveable road and from MUKTINATH the road joins to Pokhara. This makes the Annapurna Circuit Trek a short trek.

From Manang you trek continues to Yak Kharka on the first day and then to Thrang Phedi or High Camp on the second day and finally descend to Muktinath via Thrung La Pass on the third day.

Spotlight of Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is its diversity of nature and culture and the majestic views of the snow-capped Himalayas over an altitude of 8000+ Meters. Trekking through Annapurna Circuit will be a voyage to the Himalayas with Temples, Monasteries, and Holy River Sites.

Trekkers will be exploring the majestic view of the different Himalayas including the 3 highest mountains among the 10 listed mountains. Those are Annapurna I (8091M/26545Ft), Manaslu (8163M/26781Ft) and Dhaulagiri (8167M/26795Ft).

Apart from those highest mountains, one can have the closest view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Macchapuchre, Mardi Himal, etc.

Other highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Treks include the Tilicho Lake (The highest Existing Lake), Thorang La Pass -5416M, (Highest Pass), Muktinath Temple, the Buddhist Monastery, the Himalayan desert, Kaligandaki River (the deepest river gorge), Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal Base Camp, etc.

How Difficult Is Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a comparatively moderate trek compared to Everest Base Camp. The trail of the Annapurna Circuit is well maintained and broad and also the highest altitude for the overnight camp is 4450 Meters, which is in Thorang Phedi before the final pass to Thorang La Pass (5416M).

The final hike to Thorang La Pass will be a bit strenuous hike because you will need to start early in the morning to avoid the wind on the top point. However, as you reach the Pass, your hike will be downhill towards the Muktinath.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail

Although the STARTING POINT of the Annapurna Circuit remains the same. There are numerous ways to accomplish the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the ending point varies upon the interest of the trekkers and also the number of days one has for this trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route can be started either from Beshisahar or from Chame/ Pisang or Manang. This Point is via Beshisahar, one has to cross this little town to start the trek and can drive directly to the last point which is Manang. This will be short as till Manang one can drive all the way, skipping the alternative hiking trail.

Further, one can end the trek at Jomsom and take the flight to Pokhara or can drive to Pokhara from Jomsom or can descend towards Pokhara via Ghorepani Poon Hill or through Annapurna Base Camp. If you choose to extend further for a couple of days, then there will be multiple options.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek can last 6 Day to 18 Days depending upon the adjoining trekking routes. The total trekking distance can be from 230 KM to 83 KM only depending upon the Starting and Ending point. This is only the trekking distance one has to do.

Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek which falls in the Annapurna Region is one of the most trekking regions in Nepal. The popularity of the trek is due to its majestic scenic view, enchanting himalayas, lakes, the highest Thorung La Pass, Muktinath Temple, the deepest river gorge, etc.

Moreover, the trekking trail to Annapurna Circuit is easily accessible and trekkers don’t need to rely on the flight only. Further, this trek can be done in multiple ways, ranging from 18 Days to just 6 Days.

This is so because most of the areas of this trail are driveable and this makes the trek easy to access and short as well.

Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done throughout the year. However, the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is from the month of OCTOBER to APRIL. Those are the best times when the clouds are crystal clear with the stunning views of the himalayas and the surrounding hills.

Further, December and January are winters in Nepal and one will experience snowfall on the trail, However, trekking is possible.

June and July are regarded as the MONSOON, May the Pre Monsoon, and August the Post Monsoon. During this time of the year, one might encounter rainfall in the lower altitude and the views of the himalayas are not much praisable.

Alternative Trekking Areas Via Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna is a vast region, submerged with different popular areas. Trekkers can spend months exploring this region. With the Annapurna Circuit, trekkers can merge their itinerary with Tilicho Lake, Kagbeni, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal Base Camp, etc.

However, to merge Annapurna Circuit Trek with other/s, one has to add a couple of additional days as an extra day.

This can be done easily using the driveable roads as far as possible and then trekking through the trail. This will minimize the number of days and also will be cost-effective.

For details, if you want to add additional trail with the Annapurna Circuit. Please contact DISCOVER ALTITUDE or WHATSAPP US: +977-9841161593

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

There are multiple ways to cover Annapurna Circuit Trek. For trekkers who are restricted by long travel vacations, Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done within 6 days.

However, for trekkers who want to complete the entire route of the Round Annapurna Circuit, this will be 10-18 Days. Moreover, one can take a bus or jeep on the way to avoid the long distance. This will shorten the entire trek with trekking only through the trekking trail and thus can complete the Annapurna Circuit in just 10 Days.

Below are some of the Popular Itineraries one can follow for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, this can be customized according to your timeframe and interest.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itienary with Distance and Altitude

The STARTING POINT for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is BESHISAHAR, however, the ENDING POINT of the trek differs according to the interest and the timeframe of the Trekkers and also the route one prefers to take to exist.

However, some of the ITINERARY one can follow for the ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK are below:

PROGRAM 1:

PROGRAM 2:

PROGRAM 3:

Best Way to Trek Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best and shortest way to trek the Annapurna Circuit is to follow the SHORT ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK. This is to drive to Chame from Kathmandu on the first day. This minimizes the risk of altitude gain and one can easily accomplish the entire trek without any difficulty.

Further, one can end the trek to JOMSOM and take a short flight to Pokhara or drive to Pokhara. Following this itinerary will help your body to acclimatize to the altitude.

PROGRAM 1:

PROGRAM 2:

Conclusion:

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal and highly recommend trails. The best part of this trek is one can easily accomplish this trek at any time of the year and trekkers need not be worried about the cancellation of flights which is very common for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Trekkers can easily divert the trekking route to other areas of the Annapurna Region or skip the lower areas and take alternative drives. There are possibility of skipping the half part of the trek to shorten the trail.

As the trail starts from one and ends on the other end, you don’t need to descend the same trail to end the trek.

Moreover, the trek reaches the highest altitude of 5416 Meters at Thorang La Pass but the highest altitude to spend overnight will be Thoranng Phedi 4550M. This lessens the possibility of altitude sickness and you can easily accomplish this trek in a more relaxing and comfortable way.