The Annapurna circuit trek map traces one of the world’s greatest mountain journeys — a 160 to 230 km loop around the Annapurna Massif, home to Annapurna I (8,091 m), the deadliest peak on Earth by summit-to-death ratio. This guide breaks down the full Annapurna Circuit trek route from start to finish: stage-by-stage distances, the elevation profile, Thorong La Pass details, navigation tools, and permits. Whether you are planning your first Himalayan adventure or comparing it to the Everest base camp trek, everything you need is here.
Overview of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Map
The Annapurna circuit trekking route forms a wide clockwise loop through three of Nepal’s ecological zones — subtropical river valleys, temperate forests, and high alpine desert. It crosses the Marsyangdi River valley on the east, climbs through the Manang district, crosses the Himalayas at Thorong La Pass, and descends into the rain-shadow Mustang landscape before finishing near Pokhara.
The trail shifts dramatically in character. Lush rhododendron forests give way to bare, windswept ridgelines above Manang. Tibetan-style villages like Pisang and Braga replace the lower Gurung settlements. Understanding the Annapurna Circuit route map means understanding that you pass through multiple climates and cultures in a single trek.
Most trekkers complete the circuit in 12 to 21 days, depending on pace, the start point, and how many detours they take. The classic route starts at Besisahar (760 m) and ends at Nayapul or Pokhara after descending through Ghorepani.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Map with Distance
Group of trekkers ascending a steep snow slope on the way to Thorong La Pass
Total Distance Covered on the Trek
The total walking distance on the Annapurna Circuit is between 160 km if you take the motorable road shortcuts, and around 230 km following the traditional footpath. Road building along the Marsyangdi valley has shortened the walk on certain lower sections, but the high route over Manang and via Thorong La is still all trail.
Annapurna Circuit Distance Chart
The table below shows the Annapurna Circuit distance chart stage by stage, including approximate walking hours. Use this as the foundation for your Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary.
Day
Section
From → To
Distance
Duration
Day 1
Stage 1
Besisahar → Bhulbhule
12 km
4–5 hrs
Day 2
Stage 2
Bhulbhule → Chamje
16 km
5–6 hrs
Day 3
Stage 3
Chamje → Dharapani
18 km
6–7 hrs
Day 4
Stage 4
Dharapani → Chame
22 km
6–7 hrs
Day 5
Stage 5
Chame → Pisang
17 km
5–6 hrs
Day 6
Stage 6
Pisang → Manang
22 km
5–6 hrs
Day 7
Stage 7
Acclimatisation – Manang
—
Rest day
Day 8
Stage 8
Manang → Yak Kharka
10 km
3–4 hrs
Day 9
Stage 9
Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi
10 km
3–4 hrs
Day 10
Stage 10
Thorong Phedi → Muktinath (via Thorong La)
16 km
7–9 hrs
Day 11
Stage 11
Muktinath → Jomsom
20 km
5–6 hrs
Day 12
Stage 12
Jomsom → Tatopani
35 km
6–8 hrs
Day 13
Stage 13
Tatopani → Ghorepani
18 km
6–7 hrs
Day 14
Stage 14
Ghorepani → Nayapul → Pokhara
22 km
6–7 hrs
Total trekking distance: approx. 160–230 km | Total trekking days: 12–16 days (standard pace)
Annapurna Circuit Elevation Map
The Annapurna Circuit elevation map depicts a trip which rises nearly 4,700 meters from the beginning to the peak. The upward movement is gentle during the first seven days, which helps people get used to the height. The serious altitude challenge starts only after Manang (3,519 m), the path reaches heights of more than 4,000 m for three days, even before the big push over Thorong La.
Key Elevation Points on the Route
Location
Elevation
Type
Notes
Besisahar
760 m
Start Point
Low altitude, warm & humid
Chame
2,710 m
Mid Checkpoint
Apple orchards, pine forests
Pisang
3,300 m
Mid Checkpoint
First Himalayan panoramas
Manang
3,519 m
Acclimatization
Rest day recommended here
Yak Kharka
4,018 m
Pre-Pass Camp
Altitude symptoms possible
Thorong Phedi
4,450 m
Base of Pass
Last teahouse before the summit
Thorong La Pass
5,416 m
Highest Point
World’s highest trekking pass
Muktinath
3,800 m
Descent
Sacred Hindu & Buddhist site
Jomsom
2,720 m
Mustang Gateway
Windy – fly out option
Tatopani
1,190 m
Lowest Post-Pass
Natural hot springs
Understanding the Annapurna Circuit Route with Elevation
The Annapurna Circuit elevation route somewhat resembles a traditional approach, “climb high, sleep low” between Manang and Thorong La. On the way down, the fall from 5,416 m to 3,800 m at Muktinath takes place in just one day — a staggering 1,600 m loss. After Jomsom, the trail does not go back to high altitude at all. Because of this, the second half is basically a long and comfortable descent.
Here is how the Annapurna Circuit trek route on the ground is arranged and divided into five main parts for easy understanding.
Marsyangdi Valley Climb (Days 1–4):
Starting point from Besisahar, the trail goes along the Marsyangdi River northeast through Bhulbhule, Jagat Dharapani, and finally Chame. This first segment covers subtropical forest and narrow gorges, and also includes the first major checkpost at Jagat.
Manang District (Days 5–7):
This part from Chame to Manang is characterised by wide open valleys with beautiful views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. Upper Pisang and the Ghyaru ridge trail boast one of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas. A manang rest day is compulsory for the body to get used to the altitude.
High-Altitude Approach (Days 8–9):
The first stage from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018 m) and then to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) is short and will slowly push you towards the pass. They are quite easy stages, but don’t let that fool you – altitude sickness is still possible here.
Thorong La Crossing (Day 10):
This is the longest and most challenging day on the Annapurna Circuit trail map. To reach the summit by mid-morning and avoid the afternoon winds, most trekkers set out at 4:00-5:00 AM. The walk down to Muktinath involves steep and loose terrain.
Kali Gandaki Descent (Days 11–14):
From Muktinath through Jomsom to the world’s deepest gorge – the Kali Gandaki, the route goes downward. Tatopani’s hot springs are a great way to pamper your tired legs before the last effort to Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
Thorong La Pass Map and Route Details
Thorong La Pass summit sign at 5416m is decorated with colourful prayer flags and Himalayan peaks behind
Safety Warning: Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) closes during heavy snowfall, typically November through early April. Always check conditions at the Thorong La weather station in Manang before your crossing day. Attempting the pass in white-out conditions has cost lives.
The Thorong La Pass map section is the crux of the entire circuit. The pass sits at 5,416 m and divides the Manang and Mustang districts. On the Annapurna Circuit trek navigation map, it appears as the single highest point — the narrow ridge connecting the east and west sides of the Annapurna Massif.
Route Across the Pass
The path goes up sharply from Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) at the beginning of the journey (about 90 minutes) through several zigzags to the High Camp (4,925 m). Then from High Camp, the path goes along a ridge line toward the northeast before turning around to the west to the summit cairn and prayer flags at 5,416 m. The whole distance from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath is approximately 16 k,m involving 966 m of ascent and 1,616 m of descent.
Key Landmarks Along the Crossing
Thorong Phedi (4,450 m): last teahouse cluster before the pass
High Camp (4,925 m): optional overnight; dramatically shorter summit day
Summit Cairn (5,416 m): prayer flags, stone shelter, panoramic views
Charabu (4,230 m): first descent teahouse; warm drinks available
Muktinath Temple (3,800 m): sacred pilgrimage site, end of descent
Extend the Annapurna Circuit Trek to the Manaslu Circuit
23-day Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit trek map with altitude chart by Family Adventure Treks
If you want to spend more time in the high Himalayas, you can even do the Annapurna Circuit trek and the Manaslu Circuit trek together. The two routes are linked at Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) and Dharapani on the Annapurna side. This longer circuit takes around 10–14 days, and you will get to see Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain.
This combined circuit is one of Nepal’s longest and most challenging treks, attracting experienced trekkers who want a raw wilderness experience far from the even more crowded Annapurna route. Besides the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, the Manaslu Circuit trek requires a special restricted area permit.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Navigation Guide
Following the Annapurna Circuit trek navigation route is relatively easy.
The route is marked quite well with ACAP signboards at most junctions, painted rocks, and stone cairns above the treeline. Unlike more isolated routes such as the Langtang valley trek or Upper Mustang Trek, the Annapurna Circuit gets a lot of hikers, and the waymarking is very consistent.
GPS and Offline Maps
Downloading offline maps before departure is strongly recommended. Signal drops in deep gorges and above 4,500 m can be unpredictable.
me: free offline topo maps with trail overlays
Gaia GPS: best for precise elevation tracking
AllTrails: community-reviewed trail data
Avenza Maps: pairs with official ACAP printed map PDFs
Hiring a Guide vs. Trekking Independently
Solo trekker on a snow-covered trail approaching Thorong La Pass with prayer flag in foreground
Unlike a few restricted areas, independent trekking is allowed on the Annapurna Circuit. A guide can be very helpful in making weather decisions at Thorong La, emergency response, and sharing knowledge about the local trail. Trekking alone without any local knowledge is possible, but not recommended above Manang.
Best Maps and Navigation Tools for the Annapurna Circuit
The Himalayan MapHouse 1:100,000 Annapurna is considered the best physical map for this route. It is commonly accessible in Kathmandu and Pokhara bookshops. The map depicts the entire Annapurna Circuit, including elevation contours, village names and side trails to the viewpoint.
Printed Map: Himalayan MapHouse 1:100,000 or Nepa Maps Annapurna Circuit
Digital: OpenTopoMap and Google Maps satellite view for orientation
Best App: Gaia GPS with the Nepal topo overlay (available offline)
Altitude Tracking: Garmin inReach Mini or a barometric wristwatch for real-time elevation
Permits and Checkpoints Along the Annapurna Circuit Route
You will encounter permit checkposts at multiple points on the Annapurna Circuit trekking route. Carry both permits at all times — rangers check them at Besisahar, Jagat, Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom.
Permit
Fee (Approx.)
Where to Obtain
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
NPR 3,000 (~USD 22)
Kathmandu or Pokhara
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)
Kathmandu or Pokhara
Manang Checkpost Fee
Included in ACAP
At the checkpost
Important: Obtain all permits in Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board office, Pradarshani Marg) or in Pokhara before the trek starts. Permit fees are subject to change — verify current rates with your trekking agency before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Annapurna Circuit Trek Map
How long does the Annapurna Circuit Trek last?
The typical itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit trek is about 12-16 days of walking, covering approximately 160-230 km based on the chosen route. Most trekkers will count on a 14-18 day trip if they include a rest day in Manang.
What is the maximum elevation on the route?
The highest elevation is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. This is the solitary spot along the circuit where you break 5,000 m. The Annapurna Circuit elevation profile shows there are no other passes over 4,500 m on the main path.
Is it possible to complete the Annapurna Circuit without a guide?
Definitely. It is not mandatory by law to have a licensed guide for the Annapurna Circuit. The path is well-marked and quite crowded. Regardless, it is advisable to hire a guide from Manang onwards, in particular for dealing with the conditions at Thorong La and emergency planning.
Which map is most suitable for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Among printed maps, the most detailed option is the Himalayan MapHouse 1:100,000 Annapurna trekking map. For digital maps, Gaia GPS with an offline Nepal topo layer is the most accurate Annapurna Circuit trail map for the phone.
Is GPS navigation necessary?
Not essential, but helpful above 4,000 m where trail visibility can drop in fog or snowfall. A GPS app with an offline map adds an important safety layer around Thorong La.
How difficult is route finding on the Annapurna Circuit?
Route finding is easy on most of the circuit. The trail between Pisang and Manang has a high route and a low route — the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal is better scenically and well-marked. The only genuinely confusing section is the approach to Thorong La in darkness before dawn, where a head torch and the trail of other trekkers’ lights help.
Can the Annapurna Circuit trek extend to Manaslu Tsum Valley?
Yes. The Annapurna Circuit connects to the Tsum Valley Trek via the Manaslu Circuit at Dharapani. From Tsum Valley, trekkers loop back through Nupri and Samagaon before crossing Larkya La and returning to Dharapani. This extension adds 10–14 days and requires a Tsum Valley restricted area permit. It is one of Nepal’s most culturally rich detours, far less visited than the circuit itself.
Conclusion
The Annapurna Circuit isn’t just a trek; it’s an entire cross-section of the Himalayas. It’ll take you from river-level subtropical valleys to one of the highest trekking passes in the world and back down to ancient Mustang desert landscapes. Each section of the trail has something different to offer: huge elevation changes, ethnically distinct villages and alpine mountain vistas that include 8 out of 14 of Nepal’s eight-thousanders.
If the Annapurna Circuit has you wanting more adventure than just trekking, there are two other opportunities besides the Annapurna Circuit, one being the Everest Base Camp Trek for classic views of the Khumbu region of Nepal, and the other being the Upper Mustang Trek for an off-the-beaten-path experience on a vast southwestern desert plateau.
Ready to make use of the map? Family Adventure Treks and Expeditions can design a tailored Annapurna Circuit trek for you based on your experience/fitness level, pace, and schedule. Call our Team today to begin your journey!
