Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude Profile

There are a number of ways to approach the Annapurna Circuit Trek.  In this section, we present the standard 12 days trek with altitudes.

If you wish to know altitudes of settlements that are not listed below please check the 12 days and 15 days Annapurna Circuit itinerates.

It is important to know before setting out what to expect in way of altitude, and take rests and acclimatization days as recommended by those who have gone before you!

Don’t underestimate altitude sickness – it can happen to anyone.  It’s not related to age or fitness.  In fact younger and fitter people are more likely to suffer from some degree of altitude as they go up too fast.  Take care.

Major Highlights

Highest Point:	Thorong La Pass 5,416m/ 17,764ft
Highest Overnight Stay:	Thorong Phedi 4,450m/ 14,596ft
Biggest elevation difference in a day:	Manang to Yak Kharka 560m

The following are elevations by settlements:

Besishahar	760m/ 2,493ft
Ngadi	1,000m/ 3,280ft
Jagat	1,000m/ 3,608ft
Dharapani	1,960m/ 6,430ft
Chame	2,670m/ 8,759ft
Pisang	3,200m/ 10,496ft
Manang	3,540m/ 11,283ft
Yak Kharka	4,100m/ 13,451ft
Muktinath	3,760m/ 12,335ft
Jomson	2,743m/ 8,999ft
Tatopani	2,135m/ 7,004ft
Pokhara	837m/ 2,713ft

Basic 12 Day Annapurna Circuit Itinerary

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar, Trek to Ngadi (1,000m/ 3,280ft): 6-7 hours drive, 2-3 hours trek

There are really two options to reach Besishahar. Either take a local bus from Gongabu Bus Park (around 6.30am).  Or hire your own transport.  With the local bus, you should reach around 2 pm.

With your own transport, the time is roughly the same, assuming there are no hold-ups on the road, but it will be more comfortable. On the downside, it is much more expensive.

The journey is an interesting one as it travels along a winding road above the Trishuli River flowing far below.  Some mountains can be seen also.  When you reach Besishahar it’s a short hike through villages and farms and a landscape of rivers and of course mountains. Overnight at Ngadi.

Day 02: Trek Nadi to Jagat (1,100m/ 3,608ft): 5 hours trek

Today the trail takes you passed the Marshyandi River, with its cascading waterfalls and suspension bridges, through small villages and terraced farmland.  The mountain peaks are on full display.  Overnight at Jagat.

Day 03: Trek Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/  6,430ft): 7-8 hours trek

Today you enter the district of Manang by way of crossing a large bridge near Tal.  Again your hike takes you through farmland with fields of rice, barley, and potatoes.  Dharapani is one of the largest villages in the Manang Valley and here you overnight.

Day 04: Trek Dharapani – Chame (2,670m/ 8,759ft): 5-6 hours trek

Today follow a steep forest ridge from where you can see Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and the Lamjung Himal range.  Chame is the district headquarters of Manang and where you will overnight.

Day 05: Trek Chame to Pisang (3,200m/ 10,496ft): 5-6 hours trek

Walking through the left side of the Manang Valley and through apple orchards and dense forests, the trail crosses a suspension bridge and uphill to Dhikurpokhari village.  From here Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak are on view.  Overnight in Pisang.

Day 06: Trek Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m/ 11,283ft): 5-6 hours trek

By taking the higher route through Upper Pisang, the stunning mountains that are on view include Annapurna and Pisang Peak.  It is possible to visit Barge Monastery on the way.

This is the largest monastery in Manang district.  As you trek further, the landscape changes to a more barren one and the air becomes colder and drier. Overnight in Manang.

Day 07: Acclimatization Day

Today it is recommended you take a day to acclimatize to the high altitude.  And the best way to do that is not to rest, but to remain active.

There is a 5-6 hour hike to Ice Lake (4,600m/ 15,088ft).  On the way you can see the Marsyangdi Valley as well as the mountains. You can also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association to learn more about altitude sickness. Overnight in Manang.

Day 08: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4,100m/ 13,451ft) 3-4 hours trek

Today the trail crosses a stream to Tenki village then climbs out of the Marshayandgi Valley along the Jarsang river.   On the way you cross yak pastures and interesting settlements.

After crossing a small wooden bridge there is a mani wall (wall made of stones with prayers carved into them) which leads you up to the village of Yak Kharka.  Overnight here.

Day 09: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m/ 14,596ft): 5-6 hours trek

Today you overnight at the base of the Thorong La pass in preparation for the long day tomorrow.

Day 10: Trek Thorong Phedi over the Thorong La pass to Muktinath (3,760m/ 12,335ft): 8 hours

In order to go over the pass before the afternoon winds, it is recommended you get up around 4am.  If you can, take breakfast to give you fuel for the climb.

Today the walking can be hard; there can be snow on the pass and the altitude is high (5,416m/ 17,764ft).  Once over the pass descend to Muktinath.

But take time to take in the Dhaulagiri Massif on the way.  Muktinath is famous for its 108 water spouts, Hindu temple, and never dying flame.  Perhaps it’s a good idea to visit in the morning when you are less tired.  Overnight in Muktinath.

Day 11: Drive Muktinath to Tatopani (2,135m/ 7,004ft): 4 hours drive

Spend the morning exploring the sights and sounds of Muktinath if you did not do so yesterday.  Then take a bus or jeep to drive along the rough road above the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tatopani.  There are famous hot springs at Tatopani where you can relax before dinner.  Overnight in Tatopani.

Day 12: Drive Tatopani to Pokhara (827m/ 2,713ft):  4-5 hours drive

Take a bus from Tatopani to Pokhara.  Then celebrate your successful trek in Lakeside, the tourist hub of Pokhara on the lake.  With its many restaurants and bars and vibrant nightlife, it is a complete contrast to your trek!  Overnight in Pokhara.