What is the total distance of the Annapurna Circuit? It is a 100-145 mile trek through the heart of the Himalayas on one of the world’s most iconic routes.
The total distance may slightly vary depending on the routes you choose for the Annapurna Circuit trek. The distance is longer if you start from Jagat as compared to beginning the trek with Dharapani as the starting point. Jeep routes can reduce the distance to an extent.
Given the long distance and demanding trails, you need to be prepared both mentally and physically before starting the trek. Your body should be ready to walk 7 to 11 miles most days, with the need to hike for up to 15 miles on some days.
The trek’s distance is not just a number — it is what makes the journey so rewarding and even turns out to be a life-changing experience. That is why the long-distance trek is on the bucket list of most adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
Each mile of the trek leads the trekkers through Nepal’s most breathtaking landscape and culturally rich communities. As you walk mile after mile, you traverse through rice fields and rhododendron forests along with valleys and high mountain passes. Therefore, the trek is not just about the miles, it is more about the journey you unlock during the process.
Whether you are planning your first trek to the Himalayas of Nepal or comparing routes, this guide will help you break down total mileage and daily distances and make every mile of the Annapurna Circuit memorable.
Highlights
- Variable trekking distance depending on starting and ending points as well as side trips
- Trek distance differs from 55 miles to 110 miles in packages of Radiant Treks
- Walk of 7 to 11 miles per day, with some days extending to 15 miles
- Elevation makes even modest distance more demanding
- Every mile offers diverse landscapes featuring rhododendron forests, alpine meadows and high-altitude deserts
- Key milestones include Thorong La Pass, Muktinath Temple and Kali Gandaki Gorge
How Many Miles Will You Trek?
The entire Annapurna Circuit stretches up to 145 miles. But the trek distance of the circuit can be anywhere from 55 to 145 miles (102 to 230 km). The range variation is because of the route and packages you choose.
Classic Route
If you opt to trek via the classic route of the Annapurna Circuit, it will cover a distance of approximately 110 miles. The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek package, offered by Radiant Treks, makes you travel this distance in a total of 18 days.
This includes starting the trek from Dharapani and ending at Banthati. Other than that, you will be driving from and to Kathmandu before the beginning and ending of the trek.
Shorter Option
For those who find this distance too long, the shorter itinerary is possible with the 13-day trek of the Annapurna Circuit. You need to trek for around 55 miles to complete this trek that starts at Dharapani and ends and Muktinath. This package reduces the trek distance by about 55 miles. It is suitable for those trekkers with limited time.
Tilicho Detour
Meanwhile, if you choose to add a side trip to Tilicho Lake in the circuit trek, get ready for a journey of 77 miles. The route is similar to that of the 13-day trek, except for the addition of the world’s highest lake in the itinerary. The optional detour requires you to add around 20 miles and 3 more days to the journey.
Road Impact
Before the accessibility of road transportation in the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Circuit Trek used to begin from Bhulbhule. This ultimately led to an increase in the total miles covered.
But many road sections in the circuit are accessible by jeeps these days. So, it is possible to drive up to Dharapani and begin the trek. If traveling via public bus from Kathmandu, you will first arrive at Besisahar. The next day, you take a jeep ride to Dharapani. Meanwhile, it is possible to drive to Dharapani from Kathmandu via a private vehicle in a single day.
In conclusion, you can create a personalized path through the landscapes that range from lush valleys to the high altitude of the Thorong La Pass. Eventually, this decides the miles you need to walk during the Annapurna Circuit.
Daily Walking Distance on the Circuit
It is also important to understand the daily walking distance when planning the Annapurna Circuit trek. While the total trek distance may span from 55 to 145 miles, the daily walking length plays a crucial role in shaping your trekking experience.
Typically, you will hike 7 to 11 miles on most days on the trail. As such, this mileage is suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness and a steady pace. However, sometimes the trek distance is as short as 5 miles.
For instance, in the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will be walking around 5 miles on Day 9 as you traverse from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. The rough condition of the route and shifts of grounds require the trekkers to be careful when traversing this section.
The tenth day of the trek requires you to cross Thorong La Pass before descending to Muktinath, and this distance is around 10 miles. On Day 11 and Day 12, you will be walking for around 15 miles each day, making them the longest distances covered in one single day during the trek.
These longer days follow the thrilling descents from the pass. They take you down deeper into the lower Mustang and Kali Gandaki regions.
But you need not worry about variation in the distance covered as the plan for each day has been done thoughtfully, keeping in mind the difficulty level of the route and required rest.
The itineraries are designed in a way to ensure the physical comfort of the trekkers along with the need for acclimatization.
Nonetheless, the journey is worth taking as every step of the day introduces you to new scenery and cultural landscapes. Be it pine forests, apple orchards, or traditional mountain villages, every mile is a rewarding destination in itself.
Elevation and Its Impact on Distance
Significant elevation change is one of the interesting features you experience during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trek begins at Dharapani, which rests at an altitude of 1,960 m. The route gradually ascends to Thorong La Pass, which is the highlight of this trek. This mountain pass is at an altitude of 5,416 m.
You will hike around 7 to 11 miles per day on this route, and it is a comfortable distance. Yet, the increasing altitude can affect how those miles feel. That means you start experiencing the impact of altitude as you climb higher. The lower oxygen level makes it difficult for your body to adjust.
It will take you twice as much time to complete even short distances at higher altitudes as compared to lower elevations. Thus, carefully planned acclimatization days are added in the itinerary to help your body adjust to changing altitude.
But do not consider elevation as an obstacle in this trek. That is because the higher you go, the more striking visuals await you.
And with proper hydration and rest days, you can take that extra mile in the journey while also enjoying nature’s grandeur.
Views Worth Every Step
Every step you take along the Annapurna Circuit promises a rewarding experience. That is possible because of the stunning scenery and cultural landmarks.
One of the highlights of the trek is the Thorong La pass. Look forward to enjoying sweeping vistas of peaks, including Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Dhaulagiri from atop this pass.
Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, is another highlight. The trek also takes you along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
Add to that the views of subtropical forests, alpine meadows, windswept terrains of high altitudes and rice fields.
The scenery keeps on changing with every step you take, revealing unique features along the trail. As such, rather than counting on certain miles you covered, this journey motivates you to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas one step at a time.
Comfort and Culture at Every Stop
The locations of the teahouses on the Annapurna Circuit are such that they align with the daily walking distances. That means, whether you are resting in Manang or Thorong Phedi, or Marpha, you will find these shelters just at the right distance after walking for an entire day. These accommodation centers welcome you with a cozy bed to relax and warm meals to refuel.
Add to that the opportunity to witness local culture in the villages that are home to people of Gurung, Thakali and Tibetan-influenced communities. The Annapurna Circuit route passes through these settlements enriched with authentic cultural elements including monasteries, prayer wheels and local people.
Thus, it provides you with an opportunity to explore local culture along the route, making each mile you take culturally meaningful.
Preparing for the Distance
Knowing that you will be covering a distance of around 55 to 145 miles on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need to prepare yourself for the journey accordingly. A good physical endurance and mental preparedness are a must to traverse these distances along the rugged terrains.
For that, start physical training at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Focus on cardio exercises that help in building stamina for walking up to 15 miles a day. Activities like cycling, hiking and running are recommended exercises.
Likewise, strength training with a focus on your legs, core and back is very useful for steep ascents and descents. After all, only strong legs can take you from one place to another so that you can complete the target distance every day with ease.
Right gear, including high-quality and broken-in hiking boots as well as trekking poles, is essential to support your joints as you walk long distances every day for at least around two weeks. Likewise, to stay comfortable on every mile of your trek, pack layered clothing. They help you adapt to changing altitudes.
When on the trail, pay attention to pacing. Do not rush to complete the distance. Instead, opt for a gradual hike so that you can savor every mile you walk during the journey.
FAQs
What is the total distance of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek typically ranges between 100 to 145 miles. But it can be as short as 55 miles, too, depending on the starting and ending points, route choices and added detours.
What is the shortest possible distance in this trek route?
The shortest trekking version covers around 55 miles. It usually starts from Dharapani and ends in Muktinath.
How many miles do I need to walk per day on the circuit?
You need to walk between 7 to 11 miles per day. But some days may require you to walk up to 15 miles.
Does adding Tilicho Lake increase the total miles?
Yes, adding the Tilicho Lake detour adds about 20 extra miles and 2 to 3 more days to the trek.
How should I train for the miles on this trek?
You need to start training 6 to 8 weeks in advance with cardio, hiking and strength training.
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