Annapurna Circuit Trek is a journey through one of the most picturesque landscapes on the planet. This circumnavigating route of Mount Annapurna (8,091m/ 26,5545ft) takes you across charming villages, lush woodlands, cascading rivers and streams with breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks on the backdrop. Annapurna Circuit Trek map which features an intricate network of trails in the region, side routes, hidden gems, major highlights, villages and aid posts makes the navigation in this exciting route smooth and efficient. The map of Annapurna Circuit stretches over the trek distance of 160 km to 230 km (100 miles to 145 miles). You will have to traverse across the dramatic altitude changes, rugged steep section, subtropical forest and even arid high land including the highest point Thorong La Pass (5,416m/ 17,769ft).
So, this circuit trek map is an indispensable tool that helps trekkers to navigate diverse trails across different climatic zones without any issues. With the help of a detailed Annapurna Circuit map, you will be able to stay on track plan proper rest and acclimatization stops and even uncover the lesser-known gems of the region. With the right map on hand, you will be ready to make the best out of every moment in this unforgettable journey to the heart of the central Himalayas.
Key Sections of Annapurna Circuit Trek Map with Elevation Details
Arrival in Kathamandu
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400m/ 4,593ft
This will be your arrival date in Kathmandu. After landing and airport process at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our staff will transfer you to your booked hotel in the city. After rest, you can leisurely explore the nearby highlights during the evening.
Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400m/ 4,593ft
Before starting your mountain journey and moving along with the Annapurna Circuit Trek map, you will first take your time to explore the major highlight of the capital valley. On this day, you will explore the major cultural, historical and religious landmarks of the country.
Drive to Ngadi via Besisahar
Besisahar Altiude: 760m/ 2,493ft
Ngadi Altitude:1,050m/ 3,444ft
Altitude Loss: 350m/ 1,148ft
Drive Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Driving on Prithvi Highway, you will leave Kathmandu Valley behind. The lush scenery at the banks of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers will be the highlight of this day’s drive. This day’s driving trail passes across Muglin Bazaar and Besishar before reaching Ngadi.
Trekking to Ngadi from Chamje
Chamje Altitude: 1,410m/ 4,625ft
Altitude Gain: 360m/ 1,181ft
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Commencing on the trekking trail, you will follow the trails across the suspension bridges and gushing rivers. The winding trail then leads you across the subtropical forest to beautiful Chamje Village.
Chamje to Bagarchap
Bagarchap Altitude: 2,160m/ 7,086ft
Altitude Gain: 750m/ 2,460ft
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Pushing for the higher elevation, you will trek across the green posture, terraced farms and beautiful rhododendron forests. Crossing th Marsyangdi River, you will push toward the confluence of Dudh Khola and the wooden bridges across the small stream lead to Bagarchap.
Bagarchap to Chame
Chame Altitude: 2,710m/ 8,891ft
Altitude Gain: 550m/ 1,804ft
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Your trekking trail continues stretching upward across the lush woodland of pine and oak forest. For the first part you will head toward the Timang Village, a small village situated at the foot of the Lamjung Himal. Then, the trail up ahead from Thanchowk and Koto leads to Chame Village.
Trek to Pisang
Pisang Altitude: 3,240m/ 10,629ft
Altitude Gain: 530m/ 1,738ft
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
This day’s route passes across the narrow and steep valley to Paunga Danda. Enjoying clear views of Annapurna and Pisang Peak, you will reach Lower Pisang. You will have to walk further ahead to reach Upper Pisang.
Pisang to Manang
Manang Altitude: 3,540m/ 11,614ft
Altitude Gain: 300m/ 984ft
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Today’s journey is about exploring one of the major highlights of the Annapurna region, Manang. You will follow the ascending route across pine forests to reach Ghyaru. The trail further ahead passes across Nawal and Bara Village before you reach your destination.
Acclimatization at Manang
Manang Altitude: 3,540m/ 11,614ft
You have already gained significant altitude in this circuit route. Thus, before heading any further, it is necessary to take a proper acclimatization period. This will give your body enough period to rest and adapt to the rising altitude.
Manang to Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka Altitude: 4,120m/ 13,517ft
Altitude Gain: 580m/ 1,902ft
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
After getting a proper rest at Manang, you will then follow the uphill route and cross the suspension bridge over the Manang River. Khangsar Village is located on the next side and the trail passes to Shree Kharka before finally reaching Yak Kharka.
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Thorong Phedi Altitude: 4,560m/ 14,960ft
Altitude Gain: 440m/ 1,443ft
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
You will have to continue walking on the moutain ridge that then drops to the bank of Marsyangdi River. Wooden bridge from here across the narrow sideroad then takes you Ledar. Then, you will continue trekking through the landslide-prone region to reach Thorong Phedi.
Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
Thorong La Pass Altitude: 5,416m/ 17,769ft
Muktinath Altitude: 3,802m/ 12,473ft
Altitude Gain: 856m/ 2,808ft
Trek Duration: 9 hours
This is one of the most challenging parts of the Annapurna Circuit Trek map. On this day, you will have to trek across one of the major and high-altitude Himalayan passes in Nepal, Thorong La Pass. Following the zigzag trail, you will ascend to the top of the pass. The views of mountain peaks is exceptional from the top of the pass. After that you will descend carefully on the rugged mountain trail to reach Muktinath.
Muktinath to Jomsom
Jomsom Altitude: 2,750m/ 9,022ft
Altitude Loss: 1,052m/ 3,451ft
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Muktinath is one of the major religious sites in Nepal that has great significance in the Buddhist and Hindu communities. After exploration of the temple, you will begin your descend across beautiful Gurung Villages. Notable highlights of this day’s trek are Lubra and Kagbeni Villages. You will then continue walking downhill following the beautiful sight of Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom Bazaar.
Jomsom to Tatopani Drive
Tatopani Altitude: 1,190m/ 3,904ft
Altitude Loss: 1,560m/ 5,118ft
Drive Duration: 6 to 7 hours
A comfortable drive from Jomso across the scenic landscape on this day will always take you across Kali Gandai Gorge, the deepest gorge on the planet. Then, the mountainous ridges, grassy meadows and cascading stream will keep you company as you head toward Tatopani.
Trek to Ghorepani
Ghorepani Altitude: 2,860m/ 9,383ft
Altitude Gain: 1,670m/ 5,479ft
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Although this is not part of the standard Annapurna Circuit Trek map, it is one of the major highlights in the region that you shouldn’t miss during your travel. From Tatopani, you will cross the Kali Gandaki River and head toward Ghara Village. The steep trail across Sikha Village leads to terraced farms and lush woodlands of rhododendron, mongolia and birch before you reach your destination.
Hike to Poon Hill, Trek Down to Nayapul and Drive Back to Pokhara
Poon Hill Altitude: 3,210m/ 10,531ft
Pokhara Altitude: 820m/ 2,690ft
Altitude Gain: 350m/ 1,148ft
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Poon Hill is one of the major viewpoints in the Annapurna region. You will hike here in the morning to enjoy the sunrise views and panoramic mountain views. Then, after breakfast the descending trail across beautiful settlements and terraced farms will lead you to Nayapul. From here, you will drive to Pokhara in a comfortable vehicle.
Pokhara to Kathmandu Drive
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400m/ 4,593ft
Altitude Gain: 580m/ 1,902ft
Drive Duration: 7 to 8 hours
On this drive back to Kathmandu, you will follow the enchanting landscape at the banks of Trishuli and Masyangdi. The seamless drive on Prithvi Highway will then lead you back to capital valley.
International Departure
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400m/ 4,593ft
As you complete your Himalayan journey by this day, you will then prepare for your international departure. Make sure to check the remaining highlights on your leisure day and prepare to reach the airport at 2 to 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.
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Other Itineraries for This Circuit Route
Annapurna Circuit Trek Map of 12 Days Itinerary Plan
In this 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek with flight from Jomsom, you will move along the standard trekking route in this circumnavigating journey. This trekking map will take you across the major landmarks that are part of the circuit trekking route without extending the trip to side highlights of the region.
Day 01: Driving from Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,593ft) to Ngadi (1,050m/ 3,444ft): 6 to 7 hours
Day 02: Ngadi to Chamje (1,410m/ 4,625ft) trek: 5 to 6 hours
Day 03: Trekking to Chamje to Bagarchap (2,160m/ 7,086ft): 5 to 6 hours
Day 04: Bagarchap to Chame (2,710m/ 8,891ft): 6 hours
Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3,240m/ 10,629ft): 5 to 6 hours
Day 06: Pisang to Manang (3,540m/ 11,614ft) trekking: 5 to 6 hours
Day 07: Rest and exploration day at Manang
Day 08: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,120m/ 13,517ft): 4 to 5 hours
Day 09: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,560m/ 14,960ft): 4 to 5 hours
Day 10: Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m/ 17,769ft) to reach Muktinath (3,802m/ 12,473ft): 9 hours
Day 11: Trekking from Jomsom (2,750m/ 9,022ft) via Kagbeni (2,804m/ 9,199ft): 5 to 6 hours
Day 12: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m/ 2,690ft) and then Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,593ft): 15 minutes and 25 minutes
Annapurna Circuit 10 Days Itinerary Plan
If you are wondering about if there is any shorter Annapurna Circuit Trek map that you can explore with limited time, we also have 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek plan. This exploration plan includes driving across the major points in the circuit route so that you can admire the beauty of the region in a shorter timeframe. Nepal Eco Adventure also offers flight options from feasible locations like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jomsom. So, you will be able to shorten the trip duration even more if you prefer it.
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,593ft) to Besisahar (760m/ 2,493ft): 6 to 7 hours
Day 02: Driving from Besisahar to Chame (2,710m/ 8,891ft): 5 to 6 hours
Day 03: Trekking from Chame to Pisang (3,240m/ 10,629ft): 5 to 6 hours
Day 04: Pisang to Manang (3,540m/ 11,614ft) trek: 5 to 6 hours
Day 05: Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka( 4,120m/ 13,517ft): 4 to 5 hours
Day 06: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,560m/ 14,960ft): 4 to 5 hours
Day 07: Trek to Muktinath (3,802m/ 12,473ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m/ 17,769ft): 9 hours
Day 08: Driving from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,190m/ 3,904ft): 6 to 7 hours
Day 09: Drive to Pokhara (820m/ 2,690ft): 5 to 6 hours
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,593ft): 7 to 8 hours
Why Use a Map for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Navigation and Route Guidance-The Annapurna Circuit Trek map will help you stay on the correct path and avoid getting lost. This route map will also help you identify alternative routes and detours to maximize your experience as well.
Safety and Risk Mitigation- During this circuit route exploration, you will have to traverse across diverse terrain, landslide-prone areas, narrow mountain paths and high-altitude zones. This circuit trek map of Annapurna helps you identify the risk zones and prepare yourself for the challenges.
Efficient Planning and Time Management- With the help of the Annapurna Circuit Trek map, you will be able to efficiently plan your trip by evaluating the estimated time for each segment. You can also set the rest point, lunch destination and overnight stays along the route with proper time management considering the strength of your group.
Locating Key Resources- The circuit trekking map of Annapurna clearly marks the villages, teahouses, shops and clear water stations. Understanding these key resource points will help understand the restocking point across the route and also prevent overpacking.
Customizing Your Trek- If you understand the trekking map clearly, you will be able to modify your itinerary plans as you see fit. This will give you more freedom on how to enjoy the experience tailoring it perfectly to match your preference.
Emergency Preparedness- During cases of unforeseen circumstances and emergency situations having a map will help you locate the nearby villages, medical posts and evacuation points. Knowing the distance and direction to the nearest help can be very crucial during severe weather, injuries or altitude sickness.
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Tips for Using Circuit Map Efficiently
Understanding the Topographic Details
The Annapurna Circuit Trek covers an elevation range of 760m/ 2,493ft (Beshisahar) to the maximum point of the trail, Thorong La Pass (5,416m/ 17,769ft). In your circuit map, you will find the detailed elevation profile. This will help you to anticipate the steep climbing section, descent and flat route. Moreover, the map also includes the outline of the terrain such as forested region, rocky trail, potential landslide zone, alpine features, etc. Understanding these points will help you make preparations both mentally and physically to match the demands of the trial.
Familiarize Yourself with Markings
A high quality map features the symbols to determine different aspects of the route. The most common markings you will find in a map are scale, altitude, compass direction, contour lines, etc. For proper handling of the Annapurna Circuit Trek map, it is crucial for you to understand what each symbol means. For example on the map indicates the shape of the landscape as well as the elevation of different sections along the route. If the contours are closely spaced with each other, it means there is a steep ascending and descending sections. If it’s the other way around, they represent gradual terrain.
Cross Reference Your Equipment and Map
In this era of cutting-edge technology, the physical map has been replaced by the Global Positioning System (GPS). Digital maps use this feature to make navigation convenient for travelers. However, for your Himalayan adventure, it is also important to carry the physical map (laminate it and bring multiple copies). Solely, relying on the digital map is not a good idea so make sure to cross-reference it with the physical map. You also won’t be in a pinch if the digital device malfunctions or stops working due to cold climatic conditions in the Himalayas.
Don’t Underestimate Distance Markers and Estimated Duration
It is very crucial to not interpet the scale and distance of the map inaccurately. Even the section on the map may seem like a small portion, in reality, there can be huge differences. So, if you feel like you will get confused, you should get a detailed map that includes the distance between key points with average time estimations. By understanding this, you will be able to allocate the time effectively, avoid overexertion and reach the intended destination before nightfall.
Note Emergency Points
Before beginning your journey in each day of this circuit route, you need to first identify the emergency points such as medical facilities and evacuation routes. A detailed and high-quality map has clear markings for the clinics, health posts, evacuation routes, helicopter landing zones, etc. Learning about these factors will prepare you mentally for how to handle emergency situations so you can rationally make calculated decisions.
Our Popular Package: Annapurna Circuit Trek with Pisang Peak Climbing
Where to Get Map for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
You will be able to get this circuit trekking route at the bookstores and trekking shops in the major cities that this circuit trek route touches. If you are shopping in Kathmandu, head to the trekker’s hub, Thamel where you will find this circuit trek map at the gear shops and bookstores. If you are getting started on this route from Pokhara, you will be able to shop for the map on the lakeside. You will be able to buy detailed topographic maps and guiding maps that show accommodations, popular landmarks and elevation profiles.
The cost of this circuit map trek is around US$ 5 to US$ 10. We recommend you to get a high-quality detailed map with clear markings which will help you understand different sections along the route. If you are doing this trek with Nepal Eco Adventure, we will provide this Annapurna Circuit Trek Map along with a detailed guidebook for absolutely free. For the digital map, you can download the offline guidance system like Maps.me and Gaia GPS.
