Annapurna Circuit Trek Map - Outline Itinerary Route
The standard Annapurna Circuit map follows this itinerary route for this exciting Himalayan exploration. The mentioned outline itinerary may vary slightly depending on the pace, route, and overall highlight explorations your package includes.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and hotel transfer
Day 02: Sightseeing around the UNESCO Sites in Kathmandu
Day 03: Driving to Jagat from Kathmandu via Besisahar
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani from Jagat
Day 05: Trekking from Dharapni to Chame
Day 06: Chame to Pisang trek
Day 07: Pisang to Manang trek via Gheru Upper trail
Day 08: Acclimatization and exploration day at Manang
Day 09: Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 10: Yak Kharka to La High Camp or Thorong Phedi trek
Day 11: Trekking to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
Day 12: Driving to Tatopani from Muktinath
Day 13: Tatopani to Ghorepani trek
Day 14: Hike to Ponn Hill in the morning, trek down to Ulleri Village and drive to Pokhara
Day 15: Drive or fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara
Day 16: International departure day; airport drop-off
General Trek Overview - What Can You Expect During Trek?
This circuit trekking route is the second most renowned trekking adventure in the entire Himalayas. When surfing for the packages in this route, you will find packages with different day itinerary plans that take you across varied highlights in the region. However, the general Annapurna Circuit Trek map for all these adventures is the same, even if the adventure's starting point may differ depending on the agency. In the most standard package, you will head toward Jagat or stay at Besisahar.
Then, gradually following the ascending trail on this circuit route, you will trek past Dharapani and Pisang to reach Manang. Remember, your everyday trek will start after breakfast, which is served around 7 AM to 8 AM. You will get enough rest period along the trail, and you will walk for around 3 to 4 hours during the first part of the trek before lunch (depending on the total length of the day’s trek). Then, after about an hour of lunch break, you will continue with the remaining part of the trek, which is mostly about 2 to 3 hours.
So, even by the time you reach Manang, you will have enough energy to spare, and you will still take a rest day here to give your body proper rest and acclimatize. The route further ahead stretches from high elevation points in this circuit trek route, like Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, before you cross Thorong La Pass to reach Muktinath. Then, switching toward the descending part of this circuit route, you will drive down to Tatopani and trek toward Ghorepani to explore Poon Hill. After driving down to Pokhara from Ulleri Village you will then make your return to Kathmandu.
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Annapurna Circuit Map - Daily Activity and Detailed Itinerary Route
This is an overall detailed itinerary of Explorer Adventure’s 16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trekking. Here, you will find detailed information about the Annapurna Circuit Trek map this package follows and the day-to-day activities.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and hotel transfer
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet
After your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representatives, and you will transported to your designated hotel. Get some rest, and you can give our office a vist to collect more details about your trip.
Day 02: Sightseeing around the UNESCO Sites in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet
On this day, you will take your time to explore the major cultural and religious sites in the Capital Valley. We will oversee the arrangement for all the necessary requirements of the trek on this day. After completing the excursion, make all the necessary preparations for the trek and complete your unfinished shopping on this day.
Day 03: Driving to Jagat from Kathmandu via Besisahar
Jagat Altitude: 1,430 meters/ 4,691 feet
Altitude Gain: 30 meters/ 98 feet
Your driving adventure will start early in the morning; following the trails to the northwest, you will first head toward Besisahar. Then, driving past Bhulbhule Village, enjoying the lush natural scenery and traditional settlements, you will reach Jagat.
Driving Hours: 7 hours
Drive Distance: 185 km/ 114 miles
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani from Jagat
Dharapani Altitude: 1,860 meters/ 6,102 feet
Altitude Gain: 430 meters/ 1,410 feet
The trekking part of your journey will begin from this day onward. From Jagat, you will follow the gradually inclining route across Tal Village. Moving on the banks of the Marsyangdhi River, you will trek past the Gurung and Magar settlements to reach Jagat Village.
Trekking Hours: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 15 km/ 9.3 miles
Day 05: Trekking from Dharapani to Chame
Chame Altitude: 2,720 meters/ 8,923 feet
Altitude Gain: 860 meters/ 2,821 feet
You will continue trekking on the banks of the river and traverse across the lush forest of pine, fir, maple, and oak trees. Making your way through the traditional settlements at the trailside and enjoying the epic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal, you reach the administrative center of Manang.
Trekking Hours: 5 hours
Trek Distance: 15.5 km/ 9.63 miles
Day 06: Chame to Pisang trek
Pisang Altitude: 3,190 meters/ 10,465 feet
Altitude Gain: 470 meters/ 1,541 feet
Traversing across the thick forest and apple orchard, you will head toward Bhratang Village. From here, you will trek on the steep trail of the Marsyangdhi Valley to reach Paungda Danda, and the path further ahead stretches to Dhukur Pokhari. A short walk from here, enjoying the majestic vistas of the open valley, will lead you to Pisang.
Trekking Hours: 5 hours
Trek Distance: 13.2 km/ 8.2 miles
Day 07: Pisang to Manang trek via Gheru Upper trail
Manang Altitude: 3,540 meters/ 11,614 feet
Altitude Gain: 350 meters/ 1,148 feet
You will continue following the ascending trail from Pisang across the mani will and reach Ghyaru Village after crossing a swing bridge. Its an easy downhill trail to Ngawal from here, and you will take on the steep route from the valley floor across Humde and Braka to reach Manang.
Trekking Hours: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 15.7 km/ 9.7 miles
Day 08: Acclimatization and exploration day at Manang
Manang Altitude: 3,540 meters/ 11,614 feet
You have completed a significant portion of your trek, and your body needs rest from long hours of walking. On this day, you will also do some short hikes around Manang for effective acclimatization.
Day 09: Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka Altitude: 4,210 meters/ 13,812 feet
Altitude Gain: 670 meters/ 2,198 feet
After leaving Manang, you will cross a stream and climb toward the Tenki Village. Then, continuing toward the northwest, up the Jarsang Khola Valley, you trek across peaceful pastures and juniper tree scrubs to reach Ghunsa Village. Proceeding further, you will cross a river on a wooden bridge and walk past an ancient mani wall to reach Yak Kharka.
Trekking Hours: 4 hours
Trek Distance: 9.4 km/ 5.8 miles
Day 10: Yak Kharka to La High Camp or Thorong Phedi trek
Thorong Phedi Altitude: 4,450 meters/ 14,599 feet
Altitude Gain: 240 meters/ 787 feet
Following the peaceful trail above 4,000 meters and enjoying your trek at a slow pace, you will cross a suspension bridge to reach Ledar Village. Then, navigating your way on the rock-strewn path, you will arrive at Thorong Phedi.
Trekking Hours: 4 hours
Trek Distance: 8.5 km/ 5.2 miles
Day 11: Trekking to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
Muktinath Altitude: 3,800 meters/ 12,467 feet
Thorong La Pass Altitude: 5,416 meters/ 17,769 feet
Altitude Gain: 866 meters/ 2,841 feet
This is the most challenging part of this entire Annapurna Circuit Trekking route as you ascend to the top of Thorong La Pass. Although the steep trail is physically demanding, the grandeur views of the Himalayan peaks from the top of the pass make the effort really worth it. Then, descending across the Kali Gandaki Gorge, you will head toward the significant religious site Muktinath Temple.
Trekking Hours: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 15.6 km/ 9.69 miles
Day 12: Driving to Tatopani from Muktinath
Tatopani Altitude: 1,190 meters/ 3,904 feet
Altitude Loss: 2,610 meters/ 8,562 feet
After relishing the spiritual ambiance of the Muktinath Temple, you will then continue with the circuit route and drive down to Tatopani Village, which is popular for its hot springs. On this day’s drive, you will pass several major destinations like Kagbeni, Jomsom Bazaar, Marpha, and Lete before reaching your destination.
Driving Hours: 4 hours
Driving Distance: 113 km/ 70 miles
Day 13: Tatopani to Ghorepani trek
Ghorepani Altitude: 2,860 meters/ 9,383 feet
Altitude Gain: 1,670 meters/ 5,479 feet
Following the cultural trails alongside the traditional Gurung, Magar, and Thakali, you will head toward the Ghorepani. This day trail will introduce you to the magnificent landscape of the Ghar Khola Valley and other popular settlements inside the valley, like Shikha and Chitre.
Trekking Hours: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 17 km/ 10.5 miles
Day 14: Hike to Ponn Hill in the morning, trek down to Ulleri Village, and drive to Pokhara
Poon Hill Altitude: 3,210 meters/ 10,531 feet
Ulleri Altitude: 1,650 meters/ 5,413 feet
Pokhara Altitude: 860 meters/ 2,821 feet
Altitude Gain: 350 meters/ 1,148 feet
Today, you will hike to one of the most popular viewpoints in the Annapurna region for 360° (panoramic views of Himalayan massifs. After the hike, you will descend down to Ulleri Village across Banthati and then drive down to Pokhara, completing your circuit trek.
Hiking Hours: 1 hour
Hiking Distance: 1.5 km/ 0.93 miles
Driving Hours: 2 to 3 hours
Driving Distance: 52 km/ 32.3 miles
Day 15: Drive or fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet
Altitude Gain: 540 meters/ 1,771 feet
For the return back journey to Kathmandu, you can either take a flight that will last about 25 minutes or you can drive for 6 to 7 hours. Passing the scenic trail enjoying the alluring diversity of the country at the banks of Marsyangdhi and Trishuli Rivers, you will return to Kathmandu.
Driving Hours: 6 to 7 hours
Driving Distance: 201 km/ 124.8 miles
Day 16: International departure day; airport drop-off
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet
As you have already completed the Nepal Annapurna circuit map by Day 14 of this itinerary, it is time to bid farewell to this Himalayan country. Our representatives will then drop you at the airport as per your flight schedules on this day.
Airport Transfer: About 30 minutes
Who Can Do This Trek?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is an exciting Himalayan trekking venture in Nepal. This is arguably the best circuit trekking adventure in the entire world, thanks to its unique blend of both cultural experience and breathtaking scenery. If you are curious about this exciting Himalayan adventure, you might be wondering about its difficulty level and who this trek is suited for. Well, rest assured, the Annapurna Circuit Trek map follows a moderately graded trail without any technical segments. Pretty much anyone with good health, enough determination, and basic fitness won’t find it hard to complete this popular circuit trekking route.
Although having some prior trekking experience can be helpful for this trek, it is not a mandatory requirement. Just put some effort into the training part so you can enjoy a seamless journey. Also, there aren’t any kind of official age restrictions in this trek if you are curious about that aspect. However, considering the physical demand of the trail, even if it's not challenging, you should consider not taking children below the age of 10 on this Himalayan trip.
What Makes This Trek So Special?
Unlike other Himalayan trekking adventures that stray to the farthest part of the Himalayan corners, the Annapurna Circuit Trek map sticks close to the heart of the civilization, too. It is a mixed adventure that explores both the culturally exhilarating side of the mountain and the remote trails to embrace the raw Himalayan beauty. This journey will also take you across the major highlights in the Himalayas, and the trekking trail in each day’s adventure will unveil the fascinating beauty of the Himalayas with special mountain views in the background.
This circuit trekking route is famous for its breathtaking views of the central Himalayan peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Macchapuchhre, Nilgiri, Thorung Peak, Lamjung Himal, Chulu Peak, Tukuche Peak and other surrounding peaks. Also, embedded with a spiritual experience that takes you across some of the significant religious sites in the country, this Annapurna Circuit Trek map on a circumnavigating journey of the tenth highest peak on the planet doesn’t really hold back on any aspects.
Why Trek With Explorer Adventure?
Explorer Adventure is a renowned company in the tour and trek market known for its quality service at affordable costs. With a combined experience of over two decades in the industry for adventures in Nepal as well as international travels, we are always striving to offer the best to our guests. For your exciting adventure in the north-central part of the Himalayas, we offer the best value packages and reasonable costs without compromising in integrity. In order for you to enjoy this iconic adventure following the classical Nepal Annapurna Circuit maps, we take care of all your itinerary plans.
We will provide an experienced guide to the team and a helpful porter who will carry about 15 kg of luggage of 2 trekkers. Furthermore, Explorer Adventure will also handle food and accommodation, necessary permits, and land transportation needed for the trip. Your well-being and comfort are our top priority, and we will follow every steps and procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek
The best time that guarantees an ultimate experience while following the map of the Annapurna Circuit is definitely during spring (March to May) and autumn (Septemeber to November). Both of these seasons are also famous as the high/peak season among trekking enthusiasts for the remarkable setting they offer to enjoy this circuit trek. Spring is generally popular as the season of charming beauty as the landscapes are surrounded by lush greenery and stunning visuals of bright flowers. It is a perfect time to explore the peak point of natural beauty in the region, birdwatching, and wildlife exploration. As for autumn, the fall season is famous for its stability and just the right climatic conditions.
However, it also doesn’t mean that it is not possible to take on the Nepal Annapurna Circuit maps during other seasons like winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August). Unlike the peak season, winter and monsoon seasons are considered off-period to present climatic challenges to trekkers. During the winter season, the higher portion of the map of Annapurna Circuit Trek is covered with snow. The heavy snowfall blocks the trekking trail and traversing across snow-covered trail is more physically demanding. As for the monsoon, the bad weather and slippery trails in the lower region are obstacles, but this trek can still be done during the right period.
Altitude Sickness
The altitude sickness is a challenging aspect of any journey that stretches to high altitudes. Trekkers have to deal with this while following the Nepal Annapurna Circuit maps as well. This circumnavigating journey starts lightheartedly from a pleasant altitude like Jagat (1,430 meters). However, as you continue to move along the gradually inclining route, you will reach the maximum point of the trek at Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters). Thus, the overall altitude gains the Annapurna Circuit Trekking map is around 3,986 meters (13,077 feet). So, the threat of altitude sickness is real if you don’t follow appropriate precautionary methods.
But you don’t need to worry about its Explorer Adventure all the necessary precautionary steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while following the route of Nepal Annapurna Circuit maps. Our itinerary plans have been designed meticulously so that you have a chance to acclimatize even as you move along the trekking trail. The treks are slow-paced, and you will get enough short breaks along the trail so you will not feel exhausted. Furthermore, our itinerary plan also includes acclimatization at the most appropriate location, and your body will get enough time to adapt to the new altitude before heading ahead to higher regions.
Similar Trip Package
Besides following the standard Annapurna Circuit Trek map, Explorer Adventure also offers other exciting trekking prospects in the Annapurna region. Here are two of our most popular packages in the Annapurna region with their map.
Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking Map
If you are looking for a shorter form of adventure in this Annapurna Circuit Route map, our Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking 12 Days is an ideal trekking adventure for you. This trek package doesn’t include the side detour to Ghorepani for a hike to Poonhill and just includes exploration of the regular circuit route. This short and immersive trekking adventure is suitable for trekkers who want to experience an exhilarating Himalayan adventure in a short timeframe without missing out on any highlights.
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trekking Map
Similarly, if you would rather have a more extensive Himalayan trekking experience, we also have an exhilarating package to quench your thirst for adventure. Our Manaslu Circuit and Around Annapurna Trekking - 25 Days iconic exploration that combines the trekking experience of two of the major destinations in the central Himalayas. On top of exploring the iconic mainstream Annapurna Circuit Trek map, this adventure also takes you across the isolated Manaslu region, which still has preserved its raw state of the Himalayan wilderness.
