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Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek — the trail guide

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 223.7 km trek in Nepal, typically walked in 5-8 days, with 17365 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (78 m of gain per km, topping out at 5413 m). Its operating periods and current access must be checked with the linked route authorities; historical climate averages cannot establish whether the route is open or passable.

A high-altitude circuit around the Annapurna massif whose major crux is the 5,416 m Thorong La; terrain and climate vary sharply between stages.

Quick facts

Distance223.7 km
Total ascent17365 m
Typical duration5-8 days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness78 m gain per km
High point5413 m
CountryNepal
RegionNepal

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Extreme" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Official planning information

Elevation profile

Low point 740 m · high point 5413 m · 17365 m total ascent over 223.7 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 865 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan17°80 mm
Feb19°85 mm
Mar23°11°79 mm
Apr27°15°98 mm
May27°18°227 mm
Jun28°21°562 mm
Jul27°22°874 mm
Aug27°22°636 mm
Sep27°21°540 mm
Oct25°16°134 mm
Nov22°12°27 mm
Dec18°40 mm

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is 223.7 km, and most hikers complete it in 5-8 days. Total elevation gain is 17365 m.

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 78 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 5413 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

What season and condition information is available for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

NTB broad planning seasons: March–May and September–November. Nepal Tourism Board lists March–May and September–November for the Annapurna Conservation Area. This broad regional guidance does not report conditions on Thorong La or any specific stage. This note was reviewed 29 Jul 2026 and is not live status; re-check the linked authorities before booking and departure.

Where is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

In Nepal. The route starts near 28.292, 84.370 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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