Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance Guide

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous and strongly desired trekking pursued in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek covers a distance of 190-200 kilometers if you walk the complete route and may take up to 12-14 days of adventurous journey.

The trek is listed as one of the top ten adventure destinations of the world in global travel magazines. Ascension to the high Himalayas, exploration of the picturesque Manang valley, and accomplishment of the demanding Thorang-la pass at a soaring altitude of 5416m are the key components that make Annapurna Circuit Trekking an adventurous way to spend your holidays in the mountains.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance Guide and Grance

Annapurna Circuit Trek in a Nutshell

• Sightsee the incredible landscapes along the Annapurna Circuit region and appreciate the diverse topography while driving from Kathmandu to Jagat.
• Be familiar with the distinctive culture and traditions of the Himalayan people, admiring their warm hospitality.
• Marvel at the surprising encounter with Himalayan tahr, musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep, and a diverse range of bird species.
• Witness the scenic display of majestic mountain peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, resting in panoramic fashion in nature.
• Experience the goodness of Nepalese cuisine, and enjoy incredible hospitality along the Annapurna Circuit trails.
• Conquer the pinnacle of the trek, Thorang La Pass, by following guidance and a well-designed itinerary. 
• Visit the venerable pilgrimage site Muktinath, famous among both Hindus and Buddhists.
• Relax and recharge yourself in the natural hot springs of Tatopani after tiresome days of vigorous hiking.
• Spend your moments in Pokhara, a city of scenic natural beauty and adventures like paragliding, boating in Phewa Lake, and exploring the delightful lakeside.

Difficulty Level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

DIFFICULTY: Knowing the difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most essential part of the journey so that you can make the necessary preparations accordingly. Get ready to walk a minimum of 7-8 hours per day, each day holding different lengths of distance to cover and corresponding challenges. The Annapurna trek is moderate to strenuous; it relies on your capacity to endure the challenges. 

ACCLIMATIZATION: The elevation challenges like Acute Mountain Sickness are mitigated by a carefully designed itinerary with acclimatization days allocated on certain days. You may find yourself the most vulnerable in the Thorang La Pass region, being the pinnacle of the trek at 5416m/17769ft. The experts have crafted a thoughtful itinerary for your body to have ample time to recharge and attune to high elevations like Thorang La Pass. 

SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE: When you consult the trekking experts, you gain all the ideas on how to make the trek possible with training and other preparations. Moreover, a professional guide will accompany you on the journey, helping you at times of need and guiding your way through the dangers of Himalayan risks to ensure the success of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Daily Highlights

The journey to the Annapurna Circuit region holds 12-14 days of unique and magical experiences for you to unfold. Every day, you walk a certain distance to reach a destination and stay overnight there. Each day holds a unique opportunity to dive deep into divine nature and explore local people and their culture. 

Some days might be packed with rejuvenating scenic views of natural beauty, whereas some days are good for relaxing and strolling around the Himalayan region for acclimatization.

In case the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary sounds unsuitable, it is subject to modification depending on your preferences and unpredictable circumstances during the trekking. 

Here on this blog, we are discussing the trekking distance from Jagat, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek, to Ulleri, where the trek comes to an end. Our primary focus is on the daily hiking distances of the classic 15-day Annapurna Circuit trek.

Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1100m/3610ft)

Your traveling distance from Kathmandu to Jagat is 213 kilometers, which covers about 8-9 hours of driving via jeep. During the long drive, gain insights into the unique culture and lifestyle of people living in rural regions. You may catch a few glimpses of the astounding Himalayas on the day before even the trekking starts on the following day.

Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1400m/4500ft)

The hike from Jagat to Dharapani requires 5-6 hours of walking on the Annapurna Circuit. On this journey, you explore picturesque and unique geographical features like diverse terrain, oak forest, beautiful valleys, suspension bridges, upward and downward paths, villages, etc. Your walking distance from Jagat to Dharapani is about 15 kilometers or 9.3 miles.

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2630m/8625ft)

Your trip now follows a mule trail from where you admire the gigantic peaks while you're moving your steady pace towards Chame. During the journey, you soak inside oak and alpine surroundings. Breathe in some fresh air as you walk the distance of 15km on this day, starting from Dharapani and ending at Chame.

Trek from Chame to Pisang (3300m/10825ft)

Today, you trek a distance of 15km from Chame to Pisang. The route begins from Telukhu village with the magnificent view of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II welcoming you to immerse in their magic. The trek is never boring as it only adds more excitement to exploring the steep valley, Marshyangdi River, and suspension bridges. Walking in a narrow river valley through dense pine forests is promising.

Trek from Pisang to Manang (3370m/11710ft)

Today, you begin trekking from Pisang and end at Manang. You’ll climb higher to reach Manang at 3,370m through Ghyaru, Ngawal, Munchi, and Braga, you get a mixed feeling of both ecstasy and adventure on the sixth day, with the experience of both the authentic natural beauty and the challenging climate. The total distance between Pisang and Manang is 16km, and after covering it successfully, you’re in for another restful sleep at a guesthouse. Visit Barge Monastery, renowned as the biggest one in the Manang district.

Acclimatize at Manang: The much-awaited day finally arrives for acclimatization. Relax and rejuvenate yourself in one of the comfortable guesthouses. Take gentle walks around the surrounding village for sightseeing. Perhaps, visit a monastery and Gangapurna Lake if you want. 

Alternatively, you can make a day hiking trip to Milarepa Cave, which is 5-6 kilometers one way and takes 5-6 hours round trips.

Manang to Yak Kharka (4110m/13480ft)

From Manang, you make a relatively shorter and easier trek to end up at a guesthouse in Yak Kharka at 4,110m altitude. The distance between Manang and Yak Kharka is 11km, and the hiking journey is no less thrilling.

After restful acclimatization on the previous day, you're ready to unpack this day, starting with the ascension to Tenki village, hiking up Marshyangdi Valley and Jarsang Valley, crossing through pastures with enticing juniper forests, passing through Ghunda village, and passing through the meadows where horses and yaks graze gracefully in their own relaxing pace.

Before you arrive at Yak Kharka, crossing a river over a classic wooden bridge and passing along an ancient Mani wall in a lovely meadow is bound to enrich the day with extra amusement. 

Trek from Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi (4450m/14465ft)

The trekking journey from Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi covers a total distance of 8km, starting from the eastern trail of the Jarang River. The trek comprises two hours of ascending followed by a small descent to cross a river, and then continue climbing up until you reach Throng Phedi. Throng Phedi is the foot of the pass, also a base camp where people unwind their fatigue with the services available in the little hub. 

Indeed, it is a tough day because we elevate to 4,450m at Throng Phedi in merely 4 hours, making a good preparation for the following day. Despite the difficulty, you may be lucky if you spot a blue sheep, a snow leopard, or even a bearded vulture. You may hear mythical stories of places like griffons, a half lion, and a half bird, believed to inhabit the region.

Trek from Throng Phedi to Muktinath (3800m/12456ft) over Thorang La Pass (5416m/17765ft)

After a sound sleep at Throng Phedi, wake up fresh in the morning and climb vigorously along the steep trail that precedes the upcoming rather snowy path. Once we reach Thorang La Pass at 5,416m, a panoramic view of attractive snowy mountains outspreading towards Tibet in the north welcomes you to soak in the divinity of the place. 

What an auspicious moment to savor the well-deserved reward after a hard-working day! Now, you have the gorgeous Kali Gandaki in the front and the outstanding Annapurna peaks at the back. Additionally, after a steep descent to 3,800m, you arrive at a Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site called Muktinath. Experience the ultimate sense of spirituality and divinity at this holy place. You deserve a sound sleep at a comfortable guesthouse after hiking a distance of 16.5km from Throng Phedi to Muktinath on this day.

Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2670m/8760ft)

To reach the place called Marpha, inhabited by plenty of apple orchids and its products like the Apple Brandy, at 2,670m altitude, you descend through the amazing Kali Gandaki Valley. Unwind the tiresome day with some local Apple Brandy. It's worth it!

You will merely descend on this day, covering the distance of 22 kilometers from Muktinath to Marpha.

The trail you travel on this day unites the routes of Muktinath and Pokhara. So, you might as well prefer a private 4-5 hours jeep drive to Tatopani and save two days instead of trekking. This option saves another two days of trekking.

Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2010m/6590ft)

Enjoy a bit into the charisma of Marpha village, whether it be multiple canals, tasting different kinds of fruits, or visiting a monastery in the center before marching towards Ghasa.

Descend the trails along the Kali Gandaki River until you reach the dry and cold land of Ghasa, inhabited by Thakali people and their generous lodges. Congratulations on walking from Marpha to Ghasa, traveling a total distance of 23km on this day. Ensure sound sleep in a guesthouse at Ghasa.

Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1190m/3900ft)

In case you discard the option of traveling in a private jeep from Muktinath to Tatopani on the 11th day, you head towards Tatopani on foot for the most easy-going part of the Annapurna Circuit trek.

You continue to embark on the trails of Ghasa, through the deepest gorge of the world at Kochepani, and keep descending the Kali Gandaki valley up until Tatopani (1,190m), the place to relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs.

Your walking distance from Ghasa to Tatopani is 14.5km, and the trip can be a bit strenuous depending upon the strength of your physical and mental abilities. 

Spend one more day at Tatopani for further relaxation. Soothe yourself at the hot springs and enjoy food items of ethnic Thakali and Tamang people. Tatopani is a renowned trading post bordering Nepal and Tibet, so you might as well enjoy shopping there.

You can add a bit of adventure to this day. Stroll around to sightsee the surrounding Buddhist village with a settlement of over six hundred homes. You can rejuvenate in the countryside among lush greeneries and colorful flowers before relaxing at the hot springs.

Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2810m/9215ft)

As you come closer to the end of the Annapurna Circuit trek route, your hike from Tatopani to Ghorepani becomes much more adventurous. Trekking your way through Ghara and Shikhar villages with typical village sights of children running to school and farmers plowing in the fields and ascending your way to arrive at Ghorepani is the main agenda here. Ghorepani is full of trekkers bustling with activities of the Annapurna Circuit trek, and you can savor the beauty of the Annapurna Himalayas: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other peaks from here.

After walking the distance of about 17km from Tatopani to Ghorepani, by the mid-afternoon, you stop there for an overnight stay. 

Trek from Ghorepani to Pokhara via Ulleri, trek ends

Scheming your day hiking from Ghorepani to Ulleri at 2100m. and then driving to Pokhara, you’ll extend yourself to a distance from Ghorepani to Pokhara, which is 22km. At first, you take the hiking journey from Ghorepani to Ulleri, concluding your Annapurna Circuit trekking adventure on foot. Then you take a short drive to Pokhara.

The main attractions of the day are the sunrise view from Poon Hill, along with striking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail and others.

Conclusion

You will happily succeed in the outstanding Annapurna Circuit Trek by simply following the guidance of a reliable itinerary designed by experienced trekking companies. Now, you have the distance guide to Annapurna Circuit Trek from Jagat to Ulleri, with the distance to cover on each day.

The difficulty level of the trek can be moderate or strenuous depending upon your strength and resilience. With enough practice and preparation, the Annapurna Circuit trek is possible. For the best results, choose to trek the Annapurna Circuit trek during spring and autumn over other seasons.

Good Luck! Let us know if you have further queries.