Faqs Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days

Annapurna Circuit Trek requires about 12-15 days, depending on pace and acclimatization. You drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar in 6-7 hours and then to Dharapani or Chame for proper acclimatization in 5-6 hours. Now, the trek goes as follows:

Chame to Pisang: 6-7 hours, 3,200m

Pisang to Manang: 6-7 hours, 3,540m

Extra day in Manang for acclimatization

Manang to Yak Kharka: 3-4 hours, 4,110m

Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi: 3-4 hours, 4,450m

Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (7-9 hours, 5,416m)

Muktinath (4-5 hours, 3,710m)

Muktinath to Jomsom (5-6 hours, 2,710m)

Jomsom to Tatopani (5-6 hours, 1,190m)

Tatopani to Ghorepani (6-7 hours, 2,850m)

Ghorepani to Tikhedhunga (4-5 hours, 1,570m)

Tikhedhunga to Pokhara (6-7 hours drive)

Return to Kathmandu.

Daily walking hours range from 5-9 hours with different ascents.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderately hard to hard-grade trek with substantial altitude differences, starting from Besisahar at around 760m to the highest point, Thorong-La Pass, at 5,416m. The total length of Annapurna Circuit trek is about 160–230 km depending on the route taken, which may take 12–20 days. 

Walking hours in Annapurna Circuit Trek each day can be between 5 to 8 hours. Acclimatization is essential because high altitudes are involved, and one needs to prevent altitude sickness. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek calls for prior experience in trekking, more so in high-altitude settings. The preparations include: physical training, gear, permit issuance, and in-depth research of altitude health risks. Very beautiful landscapes, yet one that tests stamina and fortitude.

Yes, it is possible for the beginners to make an attempt, but preparation is the main key. This trek consists of different elevation factors starting from around 800m in Besishahar to 5,416m at Thorong-La Pass, the highest point. Every day, it takes from 5 to 8 hours of walking, which includes gradual ascents that allow acclimatization. Altitude sickness is possible above 3,000m; thus, proper acclimatization and hydration are highly recommended. Risks can be minimized by trekking at a slow pace and having rest days to acclimatize. Novices are supposed to undertake physical training, acquire proper equipment, and consider the services of a guide for safety and navigation.

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit can be completed in 10 days starting from Chame to Jomsom.

Here's a brief view of what that may look like: 

Day 1: Chame to Pisang, Distance: 15 km Duration: 5-6 hours Altitude: 2,670 m - 3,300 m

Day 2: Pisang to Manang, Distance: 18 km Duration: 5-6 hours Altitude: 3,300 m - 3,540 m

Day 3: Manang, Rest and Short Hike (Acclimatization) 

Day 4: Manang to Yak Kharka, Distance: 10 km Duration: 4-5 hours Elevation: 3,540 m to 4,130 m

Day 5: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, Distance: 6 km, Duration: 3–4 hours Elevation: 4,130 m to 4,450 m

Day 6: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (via Thorong La Pass), Distance: 16 km, Duration: 8–10 hours, Elevation: 4,450 m to 3,800 m

Day 7: Muktinath to Jomsom, Distance: 18 km, Duration: 6–7 hours,Elevation: 3,800 m to 2,710 m

Day 8  Fly or drive back to Pokhara from Jomsom.

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit can be done in 12 days. Here's a short version of how that could go, starting from Dharapani:

Day 1: Kathmandu to Dharapani,

Altitude: 1,960m

Duration: 8-9 hours (by jeep)

Distance: 185 km

Day 2: Dharapani to Chame

Altitude: 2,670m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Distance: 14 km

Day 3: Chame to Pisang

Altitude: 3,200m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Distance: 15 km

Day 4: Pisang to Manang

Altitude: 3,540m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Distance: 16 km

Day 5: Acclimatization day at Manang

Altitude: 3,540m

Activity: Rest and short hikes around Manang

Day 6: Manang to Yak Kharka

Elevation: 4,020m

Duration: 3-4 hours

Distance: 10 km

Day 7: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Elevation: 4,450m

Duration: 3-4 hours

Distance: 6 km

Day 8: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

Elevation: 5,416m (Thorong La), 3,800m (Muktinath)

Duration: 7-9 hours

Distance: 15 km

Day 9: Muktinath to Jomsom

Elevation: 2,700m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Distance: 24 km

Day 10: Jomsom to Pokhara (by flight)

Elevation: 827m

Duration: 25-minute flight

Distance: N/A

Day 11: Pokhara to Kathmandu (by bus)

Elevation: 1,400m (Kathmandu)

Duration: 6-7 hours

Distance: 200 km

Day 12: Kathmandu

Rest and explore Kathmandu

This itinerary strikes a balance between acclimatization and covering the distance in manageable daily sections.

It is considered that Manaslu Circuit is more challenging than Annapurna Circuit in several ways.

Trails: Trails in Manaslu Circuit are remoter and less facilitated with tougher terrain, having fewer teahouses and, thus, requiring more self-sufficiency from the trekkers. The trail of Annapurna, though hard, is already established and varies with a wider range of infrastructure.

Facilities: Manaslu Circuit has less in the way of facilities-a limited number of places to stay, eat, and experience less frequent resupply than Annapurna does. Annapurna had better teahouses with better support for trekkers.

Altitude: Manaslu Circuit goes to higher altitudes, peaking at 5,160 meters at Larkya La Pass; thus, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. The Annapurna Circuit also involves high altitudes but is less demanding, featuring gradual acclimatization and lower peaks.

Preparation: Manaslu Circuit demands more extensive preparation, including a permit and guide, because it is a restricted area. Access to Annapurna is easier, and there are fewer bureaucratic requirements.

Generally, Manaslu Circuit Trek demands more stamina, experience, and careful planning than Annapurna circuit Trek.

The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek is the Thorong-La Pass, which is 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level. It starts at Dharapani, which is 1,960 meters above sea level, and gradually goes uphill through different villages and various landscapes. It goes through Chame at 2,670 meters, Pisang at 3,300 meters, Manang at 3,540 meters, and Yak Kharka at 4,000 meters. After crossing the pass, the descent continues to Muktinath (3,710 meters), and ends in Jomsom (2,700 meters). The trek spans diverse altitudes, challenging hikers with significant elevation changes.