Welcome to the Annapurna Circuit Trek Map Page. On this page, you will find one of the most interactive topographic maps of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Conservation Area, as well as its surrounding areas, available in full resolution (10,228 x 7,158). The map has been fully updated to incorporate recent changes and is precisely geolocated to enhance your experience of the area by showcasing even the most minor details. We utilized a large image displayed in a Google iframe, allowing users to zoom in and out to explore the finest intricacies. It provides the same information as a print version, but is conveniently accessible online.
What Comes With This Map?
The georeferenced hiking route map of the Annapurna region, including Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Khopra Danda, and the Poon Hill Trek, is an exact digital copy of the print version. Developed in collaboration with a local map designer and NEST Adventure, this map is now available online for the first time, enhancing the experience for anyone planning to hike, bike tour in the Annapurna region, or climb mountains in the Mount Annapurna area of Nepal and its surrounding areas. With this map, you can view all coordinates and trek difficulty levels, ensuring you are well prepared in advance.
What Is It Used For?
This map is beneficial for pre-hiking preparations. If you’re curious about what your days will look like in advance, it will help you grasp the terrain, local areas, and overall topography of the region. Most importantly, you can plan your itinerary based on distance, elevation, and terrain. Please open our sample itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in a new window and explore it day by day to verify the elevation, distance, and geographic details. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, you can also verify whether the online itinerary you received aligns with your capabilities. It helps you plan a day-to-day itinerary based on your fitness level and lets you decide where to spend the night.
In addition, this map is not limited to the Annapurna Circuit Trek; you can also explore other treks, such as Poon Hill, Khopra Danda, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Nar Phu Valley, Tilicho Lake, and the Upper Mustang area.
How To Use This Map?
The map is interactive and straightforward. When you navigate to the map page, you can zoom in and out. In the top left corner, you will find icons for zooming in and out. Clicking the zoom-in icon lets you view the map at its original resolution. For the sign and trail indication, please read the legends section.
Feature Included
You can find more information in the maps’ legends for easy navigation on how to use the signs; however, here are a few bullet points on what these maps offer.
- Names and elevations of every local village, updated with the latest information from the Annapurna region.
- Mapped locations of all airports, helipads, and bike trails throughout the area.
- Panoramic viewpoints along the hiking trails.
- All hanging bridges encountered during the trek.
- Names and elevations of all mountains in the Annapurna region.
- Boundaries of the National Park and cross-country mapping.
- Base Camps for each mountain peak within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri region.
- Availability of tea houses in each village.
- A side trip map is separate from the classical route.
- Names of all glaciers and frozen lakes.
- All high passes within the Annapurna region.
Third-Party Usage Policy
NEST Adventure is the first company to provide the latest version of georeferenced topographic maps online. Please note that the map is not available in JPG or PDF formats; therefore, it cannot be saved or printed. Taking a screenshot to publish online is strictly prohibited, as NEST Adventure retains full rights to this map. All clients who book a trip with us will receive a complimentary print version of any region during our meetings in Kathmandu. A primary purpose of these maps, published online, is to make it easy for our future customers to plan their itinerary from the comfort of their own homes.
Feel free to link to this page without consent. For creators and publishers, we offer an embedded link at no additional cost. Please contact us for more information.
Note: The secret code for a copyright mark is placed all over the map by our local map designer. Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek route circles the Annapurna Massif, passing through lush river valleys, traditional mountain villages, alpine meadows, and the high-altitude Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft). The trek follows the Marsyangdi River valley before crossing into the rain-shadow region of Mustang.
Main Trek Route: Dharapani → Chame → Pisang (Upper or Lower) → Manang → Yak Kharka → Ledar → Thorong Phedi → Thorong High Camp → Thorong La Pass → Muktinath → Jomsom
Total Trek Distance: Approximately 75–85 km (47–53 mi) from Dharapani to Jomsom, depending on the itinerary and side trips.
Alternative Route: Manang → Khangsar → Tilicho Base Camp → Tilicho Lake → Shree Kharka → Yak Kharka, adding 2–3 days and approximately 20–25 km (12–16 mi).
Possible Side Trips: Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake, Gangapurna Lake, Milarepa Cave, and other acclimatization hikes around Manang.
Drive Route: Kathmandu or Pokhara → Besisahar → Dharapani (Trek Starting Point) | Jomsom → Pokhara (Flight/Drive) or Jomsom → Tatopani → Beni → Pokhara (Drive) | Pokhara → Kathmandu (Final Destination)
Total Drive Distance: Approximately 580 km (360 mi), including Kathmandu → Besisahar → Dharapani and Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu, depending on the road route and vehicle used.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Besisahar (760m / 2,493ft) |
| Ending Point | Jomsom (2,720m / 8,924ft) |
| Total Distance | ~160–180 km (99–112 mi) |
| Total Duration | 11–16 Days |
| Highest Point | Thorong La Pass – 5,416m / 17,769ft |
| Major River Valley | Marsyangdi River Valley |
| Region Covered | Lamjung, Manang & Mustang Districts |
| Mountain Region Connection | Annapurna → Mustang Region |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Total Elevation Gain | ~5,500m+ / 18,045ft+ Cumulative Ascent |
| Average Walking Time | 5–7 Hours Per Day |
| Accommodation Type | Teahouse Trekking Route |
| Landscape Zones | Subtropical Forest → Alpine → High Mountain Desert |
| Major Highlight Pass | Thorong La Pass Crossing (5,416m / 17,769ft) |
| Side Trek Options | Tilicho Lake (4,919m / 16,138ft), Ice Lake (4,620m / 15,157ft), Gangapurna Lake (3,540m / 11,614ft), Milarepa Cave |
| Road Access Impact | Road access up to Manang and from Muktinath/Jomsom |
| Permits Required | ACAP & TIMS (if applicable) |
| Best Seasons | Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
| Crowd Level | One of Nepal’s Most Popular Treks |
| Cultural Influence | Gurung, Manangi & Tibetan Buddhist Communities |
Major Places Shown on the Map
- Besisahar (760m / 2,493ft): The traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Most trekkers travel here from Kathmandu or Pokhara before beginning their journey.
- Dharapani (1,860m / 6,102ft): A major trail junction where the Annapurna Circuit route meets the Manaslu Circuit Trek route.
- Chame (2,670m / 8,760ft): The administrative headquarters of Manang District and an important overnight stop.
- Pisang (3,250m / 10,663ft): Known for spectacular mountain views and the option to take either the lower or upper trail toward Manang.
- Manang (3,519m / 11,545ft): One of the most important acclimatization stops on the trek. Many trekkers spend an extra night here to prepare for higher elevations.
- Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft): The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit and one of Nepal’s most famous trekking passes.
- Muktinath (3,800m / 12,467ft): A sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists located on the Mustang side of the mountains.
- Jomsom (2,720m / 8,924ft): The most common ending point of the trek, with flight and road connections to Pokhara.
Side Trips Included on the Map
- Ice Lake (4,620m / 15,157ft): A beautiful high-altitude lake above Manang that offers excellent acclimatization and panoramic mountain views.
- Gangapurna Lake (3,540m / 11,614ft): A short but rewarding hike from Manang with stunning views of glaciers and surrounding peaks.
- Milarepa Cave (4,000m / 13,123ft): A historic meditation cave associated with the Tibetan Buddhist saint Milarepa.
- Tilicho Lake (4,919m / 16,138ft): One of the highest lakes in the world and one of the most popular side trips from the Annapurna Circuit route.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Map: 12-Day Route, Distance & Altitude
| Day | Route | Distance | Altitude | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Kathmandu/Pokhara → Besisahar | 175 km (109 mi) | 760m (2,493ft) | Scenic drive to trek starting point |
| 02 | Besisahar → Dharapani | 22 km (13.7 mi) | 1,860m (6,102ft) | Drive and start trekking through villages |
| 03 | Dharapani → Chame | 16 km (9.9 mi) | 2,670m (8,760ft) | Pine forests and mountain views |
| 04 | Chame → Upper Pisang | 14 km (8.7 mi) | 3,300m (10,827ft) | Annapurna II and Pisang Peak views |
| 05 | Upper Pisang → Manang | 17 km (10.6 mi) | 3,519m (11,545ft) | Traditional villages and Himalayan panoramas |
| 06 | Acclimatization Day (Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake) | 12 km (7.5 mi) | 4,600m (15,092ft) | High-altitude acclimatization hike |
| 07 | Manang → Yak Kharka | 10 km (6.2 mi) | 4,050m (13,287ft) | Alpine terrain and grazing pastures |
| 08 | Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi | 7 km (4.3 mi) | 4,540m (14,895ft) | Prepare for pass crossing |
| 09 | Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass → Muktinath | 15 km (9.3 mi) | 5,416m (17,769ft) | Highest point of the trek |
| 10 | Muktinath → Jomsom | 20 km (12.4 mi) | 2,720m (8,924ft) | Enter the Mustang region |
| 11 | Jomsom → Pokhara (Flight/Drive) | 155 km (96 mi) | 822m (2,697ft) | Scenic return to Pokhara |
| 12 | Pokhara → Kathmandu (Flight/Drive) | 200 km (124 mi) | 1,400m (4,593ft) | Return to Kathmandu |
Permits Required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of Nepal’s most famous trekking regions. Unlike the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Annapurna region is not a restricted area, so trekkers do not need a special restricted-area permit. However, all trekkers must obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) before starting the trek. It is also recommended to check the latest trekking regulations, as guide requirements may change over time.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) per person, valid throughout the Annapurna Conservation Area
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card): The TIMS Card is currently not required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, trekking regulations may change, and the government could reintroduce this requirement in the future.
Note: Trekking regulations can change. Always check the latest government requirements before planning your Annapurna Circuit Trek.Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit
The map can also help you understand seasonal conditions across different sections of the trail.
- Spring (March–May): Rhododendron forests in bloom, stable weather, and excellent mountain views
- Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, dry trails, and best overall trekking conditions
- Winter (December–February): Snow around Thorong La Pass, cold temperatures, and fewer trekkers
- Monsoon (June–August): Rain in lower elevations, lush landscapes, and reduced visibility
Annapurna Circuit Trek Map – FAQs
The Annapurna Circuit Trek traditionally starts in Besisahar (760m / 2,493ft) in Lamjung District. However, most modern itineraries begin with a drive to Dharapani (1,860m / 6,102ft), where the main trekking trail starts and the classic Annapurna Circuit route begins.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek typically ends in Jomsom (2,720m / 8,924ft) after passing through Muktinath and the Mustang region. From Jomsom, trekkers usually return to Pokhara by flight or road. Some longer itineraries continue beyond Jomsom to Tatopani, then to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and end in Nayapul.
You can find the Annapurna Circuit Trek map on trekking guide websites, travel agencies, and navigation platforms. NEST Adventure provides an interactive topographic map that shows the complete trekking route, villages, altitude points, and major landmarks.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek map includes the trekking route, villages, tea houses, altitude points, walking distances, side trips, mountain passes, rivers, roads, and major attractions along the trail.
Yes, updated topographic Annapurna Circuit Trek maps are generally accurate for route planning and navigation. However, trekkers should still use a licensed guide or GPS-supported map, especially during bad weather or snow conditions around Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft).
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is approximately 160–180 km long, depending on the itinerary, side trips, and road access. Most trekkers complete the route in 11–16 days.
Google Maps can be useful in lower-elevation villages and road-accessible sections, but it is not fully reliable for trekking navigation. A detailed topographic trekking map provides much better information about altitude changes, trails, and trekking routes.
Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft) is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek and one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal.
The most detailed Annapurna Circuit Trek maps include the side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world and a popular extension of the trek.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderately challenging due to its long distances and the high-altitude crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft). With proper acclimatization and preparation, most reasonably fit trekkers can complete the trek without technical climbing experience.
Final Thoughts
The Annapurna Circuit Trek map is much more than a navigation tool—it helps you understand the entire journey before you even set foot on the trail. From the green river valleys of Lamjung and Manang to the dramatic landscapes of Mustang, the map reveals how the route changes with every day of trekking.
It also helps trekkers plan daily distances, identify acclimatization stops, and prepare for the challenging crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft). By following a detailed Annapurna Circuit Trek map, you can better manage altitude, pace yourself wisely, and fully appreciate the incredible diversity that makes this trek one of the best in the world.
For a safe and enjoyable experience, always trek with proper preparation, carry an updated map, and follow the latest trekking regulations. The NEST Adventure interactive Annapurna Circuit Trek map is designed to help you visualize the route clearly and confidently before your adventure begins.