Annapurna Circuit Trek is perhaps Nepal’s most spectacular and scenic trekking trail. It is a classic trek with diverse scenery from subtropical lowlands to desert highlands, offering sweeping vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Using a complete route map, the trek offers vast exposure to the natural beauty of Nepal, the cultural variation, and off-beat villages.
This article will guide you to travel around Annapurna with Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route and Annapurna Circuit Trekking Map. Also, they are other details helpful to you. Let’s get started.
Annapurna Himalaya Location
This massif of the Himalayas in north-central Nepal is formed by one peak over 8,000 meters, thirteen peaks over 7,000 meters, and sixteen more over 6,000 meters. The major peak, Annapurna I, is the world’s 10th highest peak (8,091 meters). The massif is 55 kilometers long. The Kali Gandaki Gorge borders it on the west, Pokhara Valley on the south, and the Marshyangdi River on the north and east.
The entire Annapurna massif and its surrounding area are protected as the 7,629 square kilometres Annapurna Conservation Area. This is the first and largest conservation area in Nepal, and it also houses much exotic flora and fauna.
Recommended Read: Where is Annapurna located?
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route
Annapurna massif does not have the world’s tallest Himalayas, but it is the core portion of the majestic Himalayas. The trek fascinates numerous trekkers from all over the world. Foreigners were opened to this trek in 1977. In the last decades, the trekkers used to trek in camping groups under agency management, but now it’s a famous teahouse trekking route.
Through the years, the Annapurna Circuit has become one of the most varied trekking trails, combining cultural immersion, awe-inspiring scenery, and extreme variations in altitude. The trek goes through dense subtropical forest, terraced agricultural lands, alpine meadows at high altitudes, and wind-swept plateaus devoid of vegetation, presenting it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Annapurna Circuit trekking is anti-clockwise from Lamjung’s capital, Besisahar. The trek ascends along the Marshyangdi River northwards. From Ghermu, the trek ascends along the left bank and serpentines up for 25 kilometers in a very narrow gorge to Bagarchap. As one rises higher, the lush green hills are increasingly replaced by dry and rough landscapes as one gets into the rain-shadow region of the Himalayas.
Then, you will hike to Manang Village, and you should rest for a day to acclimatize. Manang is a cultural hub where you can visit old monasteries, interact with the local Gurung and Tibetan-influenced population, and have panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Then, you move further to Throng-la Pass, 5,426 m, the trekking’s maximum altitude. From Phedi, one climbs a steep mountain to Throng-la.
The challenging climb is rewarded with stunning views of snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see. A long trek from the top takes one down to Muktinath, a deeply revered Hindu and Buddhist shrine center with 108 spouting water spouts surrounded by the sacred temple.
Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The best months are April, October, and November, with clear weather, pleasant temperatures, and stunning mountain scenery. Summer (June-August) is to be avoided due to frequent rainfalls, and winter (December-February) is to be avoided due to freezing temperatures and snowfall, making it challenging.
Itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel [1,400m | N/A]
- Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, then Continue to Chame [2,670m | 10-11 hrs]
- Day 3: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang [3,300m | 5-6 hrs]
- Day 4: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang [3,540m | 6-7 hrs]
- Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Manang [3,540m | N/A]
- Day 6: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka [4,020 m | 4-5 hrs]
- Day 7: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi [4,450 m | 4-5 hrs]
- Day 8: Cross Thorong La Pass and trek to Muktinath [5,416m | 8-9 hrs]
- Day 9: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom [2,720 m | 5-6 hrs]
- Day 10: Drive or Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara [822 m | 20 min (flight) / 6-7 hrs (drive)]
- Day 11: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu [1,400m | 6-7 hrs]
Annapurna Circuit Trek Map with Distance
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is approximately 160-230 km long, depending on route variations. The trek begins with a 175 km drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by another 23 km drive to Syange. From there, the actual trek begins.
Day 2 is spent by the trekkers walking about 16 km from Syange to Dharapani through Jagat and Tal. Day 3 is a trek of 15 km to Chame, which is the district headquarters of Manang. Day 4 takes the trail on a 13 km trek to Pisang with spectacular views of Annapurna II.
Day 5 involves trekking 17 km to Manang, a key acclimatization destination. Day 6 is relaxed for acclimatization while taking short excursions to the higher altitudes. Day 7 involves climbing 10 km up to Yak Kharka, and Day 8 involves walking 7 km up to Thorong Phedi, the last stop en route to the high pass.
Day 9 is the most demanding day of the trek. On this day, the trekkers cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) at 15 km and descend to Muktinath. Day 10 is a 19 km descent to Jomsom. On Day 11, trekkers walk 13 km or take a jeep to Tatopani. Day 12 is a 17 km climb to Ghorepani, then an early morning 1.5 km trek to Poon Hill on Day 13, before descending 14 km to Tadapani. Day 14 is a 12 km trek to Ghandruk, before a short drive to Pokhara. Finally, on Day 15, a 200 km drive brings trekkers back to Kathmandu.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map
Conclusion
The Annapurna Circuit trekking trail has been getting shorter and shorter due to the road construction (let it be a rough road) up to Manang. Trekkers can take a private jeep to the place called Bhulbule. So now the classic route that begins at Beshi Shar and takes to Nayapol (a 21-day trek) is not just the available option. You can complete the trek in only 10 days as well. The primary attractions in the trek are Throng-la Pass (5416 MTRS), Gurung culture, Manang village, Muktinath, etc.
For those individuals who prefer detailed planning and preparation, various Annapurna circuit trek maps are available, such as the Annapurna circuit route map, Annapurna circuit elevation map, and Annapurna circuit trek map. These maps give you accurate information on the Annapurna circuit trekking map and make you well-versed in the Annapurna circuit map distance and distances on different destinations.
You may also perform an Annapurna Circuit map download or take a PDF of the Annapurna Circuit map for ready reference and travel well.
If you want to book your Annapurna Circuit trek, please contact us. We guarantee the best facilities at a minimum price.
FAQs
Where does Annapurna Circuit start and end?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Besisahar, the capital city of Lamjung district, and ends at Phedi or Jomsom, depending on the route taken. The trek mostly follows an anti-clockwise path via towns like Manang and Muktinath before reaching the end point.
How long does it take to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is generally completed within 12 to 21 days, depending on how fast the trekker moves and the route chosen. Some use shorter parts of the trek, particularly where roadways are accessible up to a point, while others use the entire classic trek.
Can a beginner do Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, a beginner may attempt the Annapurna Circuit Trek, but they need to be at least somewhat fit and capable of acclimatizing to high altitudes. The trek involves massive altitude gain and some challenging bits. Beginners should prepare themselves physically and include acclimatization days in their itinerary to avoid altitude sickness.
Is Annapurna Circuit trek difficult?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is rated moderate to strenuous, depending on your fitness level. Steep climbs, downhills, and highlands such as Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) are some of the features of the trek. Good preparation and acclimatization are required to complete the trek successfully. Nevertheless, with determination and proper preparation, most trekkers can accomplish the route.
