Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude

The Annapurna Circuit Trek altitude profile is one of the most important things to understand before starting this high-altitude journey in Nepal.

The trek begins from the lower elevation of Bhulbhule at 845 m and gradually ascends through Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Upper Pisang, and Manang before reaching the highest point at Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m.

Because the route gains altitude day by day, trekkers need to pay close attention to sleeping elevation, daily altitude change, and proper acclimatization, especially after crossing 3,000 m.

This guide breaks down the Annapurna Circuit Trek altitude in a simple day-by-day format, including route altitude, highest altitude, sleeping altitude, and elevation gain or loss throughout the trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Elevation Quick Table:

Day	Route	Sleeping Altitude	Highest Altitude	Altitude Change
Day 1	Kathmandu to Bhulbhule	Bhulbhule (845 m)	1,320 m	-475 m
Day 2	Bhulbhule to Jagat	Jagat (1,300 m)	1,300 m	+455 m
Day 3	Jagat to Dharapani	Dharapani (1,860 m)	1,860 m	+560 m
Day 4	Dharapani to Chame	Chame (2,610 m)	2,610 m	+750 m
Day 5	Chame to Upper Pisang	Upper Pisang (3,300 m)	3,300 m	+690 m
Day 6	Upper Pisang to Manang	Manang (3,540 m)	3,540 m	+240 m
Day 7	Acclimatization at Manang	Manang (3,540 m)	Optional higher hikes	0 m sleeping gain
Day 8	Manang to Ledar	Ledar (4,250 m)	4,250 m	+710 m
Day 9	Ledar to Thorong High Camp	Thorong High Camp (4,925 m)	4,925 m	+675 m
Day 10	Thorong High Camp to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass	Muktinath (3,760 m)	5,416 m	+491 m ascent, then -1,656 m descent
Day 11	Muktinath to Tatopani via Jomsom	Tatopani (1,200 m)	3,760 m	-2,560 m
Day 12	Tatopani to Ghorepani	Ghorepani (2,860 m)	2,860 m	+1,660 m
Day 13	Ghorepani to Poon Hill, then Pokhara	Pokhara (820 m)	3,210 m	+350 m ascent, then -2390 m descent
Day 14	Pokhara to Kathmandu	Kathmandu (1,350 m)	1,350 m	+530 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek Starting Altitude

The Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu into the lower Marsyangdi Valley. This first day is mostly a descent in elevation, helping trekkers begin the route from a comfortable low-altitude zone before the gradual ascent toward Manang and Thorong La Pass.

Day 1 Altitude: Kathmandu (1,320) m to Bhulbhule (845 m)

Day 1 begins in Kathmandu at 1,320 m and descends toward Besisahar at around 820 m, creating an altitude loss of about 500 m.

From Besisahar, the route rises slightly to Bhulbhule at 845 m, gaining around 25 m.

After reaching Bhulbhule, trekkers cross a suspension bridge and continue for about an hour toward Ngadi at around 890 m, adding another estimated 45 m of elevation gain.

Overall, this first day is not a high-altitude challenge; instead, it takes trekkers down from Kathmandu into a lower starting zone, making the body comfortable before the gradual ascent begins over the following days.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Kathmandu	1,320 m	Starting altitude
Besisahar	820 m	-500 m
Bhulbhule	845 m	+25 m
Ngadi	890 m	+45 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek Low-Altitude Zone

The low-altitude zone of the Annapurna Circuit Trek covers the early walking days between Bhulbhule, Jagat, and Dharapani.

This section remains below 2,000 m, so altitude sickness risk is generally low.

But the trail already begins to introduce steady elevation gain, river valley, and small descents.

These early altitude changes help trekkers adjust before entering the higher Manang region.

Day 2 Altitude: Bhulbhule (845) m to Jagat (1,300 m)

Day 2 starts from the Bhulbhule or Ngadi, with Bhulbhule at 845 m and Ngadi at around 890 m.

From there, trekkers ascend toward Bahundanda at around 1,310 m, gaining roughly 420–465 m.

The trail then descends toward Ghermu or Ghermu at around 1,130 m, losing about 180 m.

It continues slightly down to Syange or Syange at around 1,100 m, another small descent of about 30 m.

From Syange, the route rises again to Jagat at 1,300 m, gaining around 200 m.

The overall sleeping altitude gain from Bhulbhule to Jagat is about 455 m, making this a steady but manageable low-altitude trekking day.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Bhulbhule	845 m	Starting altitude
Bahundanda	1,310 m	+465 m
Ghermu	1,130 m	-180 m
Syange	1,100 m	-30 m
Jagat	1,300 m	+200 m

Day 3 Altitude: Jagat (1,300 m) to Dharapani (1,860 m)

Day 3 begins at Jagat at 1,300 m and rises toward Chyamche at around 1,430 m, giving an estimated gain of 130 m.

From Chyamche, the route continues toward Tal at around 1,700 m, adding roughly 270 m in elevation.

After Tal, trekkers move through the Kodo or Karte area at around 1,870 m, gaining about 170 m more.

The final approach reaches Dharapani at 1,860 m, which is a slight descent of around 10 m from the Kodo area.

The total sleeping altitude gain from Jagat to Dharapani is about 560 m.

This day is still within the low-altitude range, but the route gradually brings trekkers closer to the Manang region and the more serious altitude sections ahead.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Jagat	1,300 m	Starting altitude
Chyamche	1,430 m	+130 m
Tal	1,700 m	+270 m
Kodo / Karte	1,870 m	+170 m
Dharapani	1,860 m	-10 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek Mid-Altitude Ascent

The Annapurna Circuit Trek mid-altitude ascent begins after Dharapani. From here, the trail moves above 2,000 m and continues toward the first night above 3,000 m at Upper Pisang.

Day 4 Altitude: Dharapani (1,860 m) to Chame (2,610 m)

Day 4 starts at Dharapani at 1,860 m and rises toward Danaqyu at around 2,200 m, gaining about 340 m.

The trail then ascends strongly to Timang at around 2,750 m, adding approximately 550 m and making Timang one of the higher points of the day.

After Timang, the route descends to Koto at around 2,640 m, losing about 110 m, before continuing gently toward Chame at around 2,610 m, with a small descent of about 30 m.

Although the sleeping altitude at Chame is lower than Timang, the body still experiences a major altitude rise during the day.

The overall sleeping altitude gain from Dharapani to Chame is about 750 m, making this one of the stronger early altitude jumps on the Annapurna Circuit.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Dharapani	1,860 m	Starting altitude
Danaqyu	2,200 m	+340 m
Timang	2,750 m	+550 m
Koto	2,640 m	-110 m
Chame	2,610 m	-30 m

Day 5 Altitude: Chame (2,610 m) to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)

Day 5 begins at Chame at 2,610 m and follows the Marsyangdi Valley toward Bhratang at around 2,850 m, gaining about 240 m.

From Bhratang, trekkers continue upward through forested terrain toward Dhukur Pokhari at around 3,240 m, adding another estimated 390 m.

After Dhukur Pokhari, the route ascends gently to Upper Pisang at 3,300 m, gaining around 60 m.

The total sleeping altitude gain from Chame to Upper Pisang is about 690 m. This is an important altitude day because Upper Pisang is the first overnight stop above 3,000 m.

This is where trekkers may begin to notice thinner air, colder temperatures, and the need for a slower walking pace.

The official itinerary lists Upper Pisang at 3,300 m and marks it as the day’s highest altitude.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Chame	2,610 m	Starting altitude
Bhratang	2,850 m	+240 m
Dhukur Pokhari	3,240 m	+390 m
Upper Pisang	3,300 m	+60 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek High-Altitude Zone

The Annapurna Circuit Trek high-altitude zone begins around Upper Pisang and Manang. This is where altitude awareness becomes more important because the route remains above 3,000 m and prepares trekkers for the elevation above 4,000 m.

Day 6 and 7 Altitude: Upper Pisang (3,300 m) to Manang (3,540 m)

Day 6 begins at Upper Pisang at 3,300 m and follows the upper route toward Ghyaru at around 3,730 m, gaining about 430 m.

From Ghyaru, the trail continues to Ngawal at around 3,660 m, with a small descent of about 70 m.

After Ngawal, trekkers descend toward Barge at around 3,450 m, losing approximately 210 m. Before making a gentle rise to Manang at 3,540 m, gaining about 90 m.

The net sleeping altitude gain from Upper Pisang to Manang is only about 240 m, but the route rises higher earlier in the day, which helps with altitude adaptation.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Upper Pisang	3,300 m	Starting altitude
Ghyaru	3,730 m	+430 m
Ngawal	3,660 m	-70 m
Barge	3,450 m	-210 m
Manang	3,540 m	+90 m

For Day 7, trekkers stay in Manang at 3,540 m for acclimatization.

Trekkers sleep at the same altitude, so the overnight altitude change is 0 m, but they may hike to higher points and return to Manang.

Possible acclimatization walks include:

Gangapurna Glacier Lake at around 3,900 m, a gain of about 360 m

Chongkor Viewpoint at around 3,800–3,900 m, a gain of about 260–360 m

Milarepa Cave at around 4,000–4,100 m, a gain of about 460–560 m, or

Ice Lake at around 4,600 m, a gain of about 1,060 m

Returning to Manang after these hikes follows the “hike high, sleep low” approach, which is useful before moving toward Ledar and Thorong High Camp.

Optional Acclimatization Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Manang	3,540 m	Starting / sleeping altitude
Gangapurna Glacier Lake	3,900 m	+360 m
Return to Manang	3,540 m	-360 m
Chongkor Viewpoint	3,800–3,900 m	+260 m to +360 m
Milarepa Cave	4,000–4,100 m	+460 m to +560 m
Ice Lake / Kicho Tal	4,600 m	+1,060 m
Return to Manang	3,540 m	Descent back to sleeping altitude

Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude Before Thorong La Pass

The altitude before Thorong La Pass is one of the most important parts of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Trekkers move from Manang into the 4,000 m zone, where the air becomes thinner and daily altitude gain must be managed carefully.

Day 8 Altitude: Manang (3,540 m) to Ledar (4,250 m)

Day 8 starts at Manang at 3,540 m and rises toward Tenki or Tengi at around 3,650 m, gaining about 110 m.

From Tenki, the trail continues toward Ghunsang at around 3,940 m, adding around 290 m.

The route then rises gradually to Yak Kharkha at around 4,050 m, gaining about 110 m, before reaching Ledar at 4,250 m, with another gain of about 200 m.

The total sleeping altitude gain from Manang to Ledar is about 710 m, which is a significant increase after the acclimatization day in Manang.

This is where trekkers move fully into high-altitude terrain, so slow movement and proper hydration become more important.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Manang	3,540 m	Starting altitude
Tenki / Tengi	3,650 m	+110 m
Ghunsang	3,940 m	+290 m
Yak Kharkha	4,050 m	+110 m
Ledar	4,250 m	+200 m

Day 9 Altitude: Ledar (4,250 m) to Thorong High Camp (4,925 m)

Day 9 begins at Ledar at 4,250 m and continues toward Thorong Phedi at around 4,450 m, gaining about 200 m.

From Thorong Phedi, trekkers make the final steep ascend to Thorong High Camp at 4,925 m, adding about 475 m in a short but physically demanding ascent.

The total sleeping altitude gain from Ledar to Thorong High Camp is about 675 m.

This is the highest overnight stop of the trek, so even a short ascend can feel difficult because of the thin air.

The trail is also rougher, drier, and more exposed, making this a critical preparation day before crossing Thorong La Pass.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Ledar	4,250 m	Starting altitude
Thorong Phedi	4,450 m	+200 m
Thorong High Camp	4,925 m	+475 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highest Altitude

The highest altitude of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is reached at Thorong La Pass. This is the most challenging altitude point of the route and the main reason proper acclimatization in Manang and Ledar is so important.

Day 10 Altitude: Thorong High Camp (4,925 m) to Muktinath (3760 m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)

Day 10 starts very early from Thorong High Camp at 4,925 m and rises to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, gaining about 491 m to reach the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

After standing at the pass, the route descends sharply to Muktinath at 3,760 m, losing about 1,656 m in elevation.

This makes Day 10 both the highest and one of the most demanding altitude days of the trek.

The ascend to the pass is difficult because it takes place above 5,000 m, where oxygen is much thinner, while the descent to Muktinath is long and steep, often challenging for the knees.

By sleeping at Muktinath, trekkers drop to a safer lower altitude after completing the toughest high-pass section.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Thorong High Camp	4,925 m	Starting altitude
Thorong La Pass	5,416 m	+491 m
Muktinath	3,760 m	-1,656 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek Descent Altitude

The Annapurna Circuit Trek descent altitude becomes dramatic after Thorong La Pass. The route drops from the high Mustang region toward lower valleys, then rises again toward Ghorepani.

Day 11 Altitude: Muktinath (3,760 m) to Tatopani (1,200 m)

Day 11 begins at Muktinath at 3,760 m and descends toward Kagbeni at around 2,800 m, losing about 960 m.

From Kagbeni, the route continues to Jomsom at 2,720 m, with a smaller descent of around 80 m.

From Jomsom, the journey drops much more sharply toward Tatopani at 1,200 m, losing about 1,520 m.

The total sleeping altitude change from Muktinath to Tatopani is around -2,560 m, making this one of the largest altitude drops of the entire itinerary.

After several nights at high elevation, Tatopani’s lower altitude provides easier breathing, warmer air, and a major recovery point.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Muktinath	3,760 m	Starting altitude
Kagbeni	2,800 m	-960 m
Jomsom	2,720 m	-80 m
Tatopani	1,200 m	-1,520 m

Day 12 Altitude: Tatopani (1,200) m to Ghorepani (2,860 m)

Day 12 begins from Tatopani at 1,200 m toward Ghara at around 1,700 m, gaining about 500 m.

From Ghara, the route continues to Sikha or Shikha at around 1,935 m, adding around 235 m.

The trail then rises to Chitre at around 2,350 m, gaining about 415 m, before the final ascent to Ghorepani at 2,860 m, adding another 510 m.

The total sleeping altitude gain from Tatopani to Ghorepani is about 1,660 m, which is a large ascend even though it remains below the highest-risk altitude zone.

This day can feel physically demanding because it comes after the long descent from Muktinath and includes continuous uphill walking through villages, forests, and stone stair sections.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Tatopani	1,200 m	Starting altitude
Ghara	1,700 m	+500 m
Sikha / Shikha	1,935 m	+235 m
Chitre	2,350 m	+415 m
Ghorepani	2,860 m	+510 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek Final Altitude Changes

The final altitude changes of the Annapurna Circuit Trek include the sunrise ascent to Poon Hill and the long descent toward Pokhara. This section gives trekkers one final viewpoint above 3,000 m before returning to a lower elevation.

Day 13 Altitude: Ghorepani (2,860 m) to Poon Hill (3,210 m), then Pokhara (280 m)

Day 13 begins at Ghorepani at 2,860 m and rises to Poon Hill at 3,210 m, gaining about 350 m for the sunrise viewpoint.

After the viewpoint visit, trekkers return to Ghorepani at 2,860 m, descending about 350 m.

From there, the trail drops to Ulleri at around 2,050 m, losing about 810 m, then continues down toward Tikhedhunga at around 1,570 m, losing about 480 m more.

The route then drives or continues through Nayapul at around 1,070 m, descending about 500 m, before reaching Pokhara at 820 m, another descent of around 250 m.

The sleeping altitude drops from Ghorepani to Pokhara by roughly 2,040 m, making this the final major descent of the trek.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Ghorepani	2,860 m	Starting altitude
Poon Hill	3,210 m	+350 m
Return to Ghorepani	2,860 m	-350 m
Ulleri	2,050 m	-810 m
Tikhedhunga	1,570 m	-480 m
Nayapul	1,070 m	-500 m
Pokhara	820 m	-250 m

Day 14 Altitude: Pokhara (820 m) to Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Day 14 is a travel day from Pokhara at 820 m back to Kathmandu at 1,350 m. The altitude increases by about 530 m, but this is not a trekking ascent; it happens during the drive back to the capital.

Compared with the high-altitude sections around Manang, Ledar, Thorong High Camp, and Thorong La Pass, this final altitude change is easy on the body.

By this point, the major altitude challenges of the Annapurna Circuit Trek are complete, and the journey ends at a moderate elevation in Kathmandu.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Pokhara	820 m	Starting altitude
Kathmandu	1,350 m	+530 m

Annapurna Circuit Altitude Gain And Loss

The key altitude changes on the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• Total altitude gain: around 4,500 m to 5,000 m
• Total altitude loss: over 4,500 m
• Largest single-day altitude gain: Tatopani 1,200 m to Ghorepani 2,860 m on Day 12, gaining about 1,660 m
• Largest single-day altitude loss: Thorong La Pass 5,416 m to Muktinath 3,760 m, descending about 1,656 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the main concerns on the Annapurna Circuit Trek because the route gradually rises from lower elevations to serious high-altitude zones before reaching Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m.

The risk is not the same every day. The early sections around Bhulbhule, Jagat, Dharapani, and Chame are generally easier on the body.

But the risk increases as trekkers move above 3,000 m, especially around Upper Pisang, Manang, Ledar, Thorong High Camp, and Thorong La Pass.

There is a compulsory acclimatization day at Manang, 3,540 m, which is important because the route then continues toward Ledar, Thorong High Camp, and the highest pass crossing.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Poor sleep
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Difficulty walking
• Persistent cough
• Chest tightness
• Blue lips or face

How to prevent Altitude Sickness?

The best way to prevent altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is to gain altitude slowly and give your body enough time to acclimatize.

1. Trek slowly and avoid rushing

• Walk at a steady pace, especially after Upper Pisang, Manang, Ledar, and Thorong High Camp.
• Do not try to walk fast just because the trail distance looks short.
• Altitude sickness is more likely when you gain height too quickly.

2. Take the acclimatization day in Manang seriously

• Manang sits at 3,540 m, making it one of the most important acclimatization stops on the Annapurna Circuit.
• Use this day to let your body adjust before ascending to Ledar, Thorong High Camp, and Thorong La Pass.
• Do not skip this rest day.

3. Follow “hike high, sleep low”

• On the Manang acclimatization day, hike to a higher place and return to sleep in Manang.
• This helps your body adjust without increasing your sleeping altitude too quickly.

4. Drink enough water

• Stay hydrated throughout the trek.
• Dehydration can make headaches, tiredness, and dizziness worse.
• Drink regularly, even if you do not feel very thirsty.

5. Eat properly

• Eat enough carbohydrates and warm meals.
• Your body uses more energy at higher altitude.
• Skipping meals can make you feel weaker and increase fatigue.

6. Avoid alcohol and smoking

• Alcohol can dehydrate the body and disturb sleep.
• Smoking affects breathing and oxygen intake.
• Avoid both, especially above 3,000 m.

7. Do not use sleeping pills without medical advice

• Sleeping pills can affect breathing at high altitude.
• Poor breathing during sleep can make altitude symptoms worse.

8. Watch your body after 3,000 m

• Be more careful from Upper Pisang at 3,300 m onward.
• Pay extra attention at Manang, Ledar, Thorong High Camp, and Thorong La Pass.

9. Do not ascend if symptoms get worse

• If symptoms are mild, rest at the same altitude.
• If symptoms become worse, do not continue higher.

10. Consider medicine only after medical advice

• Some trekkers use acetazolamide/Diamox for prevention or treatment.
• Do not take it casually; speak with a doctor before the trek.

FAQs

What is the highest altitude on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The highest point on the Annapurna Circuit is Thorong La Pass, which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level.

At what altitude do trekkers start experiencing altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness can begin to affect trekkers above 2,500-3,000 meters (8,200-9,800 feet). Proper acclimatization and gradual ascent are essential to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

How does altitude affect daily trekking on the Annapurna Circuit?

As altitude increases, oxygen levels decrease, making physical activity more strenuous. Trekkers may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and slower pace, especially above 4,000 meters (13,100 feet).

Which villages on the Annapurna Circuit are at high altitude?

Some high-altitude villages include Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft.) and Muktinath (3,760m / 12,623ft). These are key points for rest and acclimatization.

How many days should I spend acclimatizing to the high altitudes on this trek?

It’s recommended to spend 1-2 days acclimatizing at Manang before crossing Thorong La Pass. This helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and ensures a safer trekking experience.