Annapurna Circuit trek begins from the hillside trails of Dharapani village that flaunts the sub-tropical landscape. Then you will slowly ascend towards the rain shadow area of Manang and then descend to settlements of Tatopani to Ghorepani before you finally land to Pokhara. This classic trekking route of Annapurna Circuit is a lifetime memory but can be hard to your shanks. Obvious hiking through the steep land 6 – 7 hours each day is not easy. So, here is all about Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty During The Trail.
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Difficulty Ranking of Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Circuit Trek to Annapurna is ranked as a moderate trek. It’s easier than Everest Base Camp trek, Upper Dolpo, e.t.c. The main challenge during the trek to the Himalayas is the increasing altitude which leads to altitude-related illness. Also, the chill wind and unstable temperatures may be harsh on you. But the fun is worth the pain. Each day, you will be exposed to new adventures that bring new challenges as well.
During the peak season, overflow of the trekkers making the teahouse crowded might add to the difficulty of your choice.
Here’s a detail description of potential difficulties during the Annapurna Circuit trek in different trekking routes.
Kathmandu – Dharapani (1960 m)
Getting to Kathmandu is as easy as having a piece of cake, but once you leave the capital and get closer to the Himalayas, the services you enjoy get limited. Once you drive to Dharapani, you will have a decent place for a night stay at Dharapani.
Dharapani to Chame (2710 m)
Chame is a 5 – 6 hours walk from Dharapani through the diverse Rhododendron and Pine forest. As you hike for about 800m altitude this day, it is necessary to maintain your walking pace and allow your body enough time for rest.
Chame to Pisang (3230 m)
Chame to Pisang is also a 5 hours walk through the desert-like landscapes. Fast-blowing wind and 500 meters altitude variation might make this quite challenges. Pick the cloths carefully.
Chame to Pisang trek is well-marked so you have a quite comfortable walk. But as the altitude increases, the number of teahouses gets limited.
Pisang to Manang Village (3450 m)
From Pisang, you march ahead thorough the rain-shadow trails to Manang village. This day, you will have to walk through the wind-trodden trails to Manang village for about 5 – 6 hours. As the trail is flat, the walk is easy, but the altitude of 3450 m might be harsh on you.
Manang to Yak Kharka (4110 m)
You will only cover the distance of 10km during the trek which is only 4 to 5 hours of walk. You will walk all along the steep trail to reach Yak Kharka at 4110 meters.
Yak Kharaka to Thorung High Camp (4600 m)
This is the highest altitude during the trek, the cold starts increasing and the weather gets unstable. So, instead of walking further, take a pause for the day.
Thorung-La to Muktinath (3800 m)
This is the toughest day where you need to walk for about 7 hours in the high altitudes. The scenic views of Muktinath might provide some compensation to a tough trail.
In winter, the path gets all blocked by thick snow which cannot be crossed. So choose the season carefully.
Muktinath to Marpha (2715 m)
This is quite an easy 5 – 6 hours walk where you gradually descend to the low altitude at Jomsom.
Marpha to Lete (2480m)
This day, you will meet the motorable roads along the Kali Gandaki river banks. You will cross several streams and suspension bridges along the way.
Lete to Tatopani (1190m)
This is a relaxing day where you get to walk along the stone stairways where the several mules and Gurung settlements accompany you. You get to enjoy hot spring at Tatopani before you descend for the final destination.
Tatopani to Ghorepani (2750 m)
Following the ascending stairs for around 6 hours, you can crash at Ghorepani for the night stay. The day trek is quite soothing with the local’s company and the amazing scenic views.
Ghorepani to Ulleri to Pokhara
This is the final and easiest day of the trek where you walk along the flat jungle trails and descend to Ulleri. Then it’s a drive to Ulleri.
Summing Up
Annapurna Circuit trek is the classic heavenly trail in the Annapurna region. The trek begins at lush low altitude hilly villages and then you ascend to the desert-like terrains on this trek. So, with this drastic change in place and altitudes, the challenges also increase.
