Roads can carry you quickly to 3,000 m. What they cannot do is acclimatise you. The Annapurna Circuit rises from about 2,670 m at Chame to the pass at about 5,416 m in a few days, and the pace of that climb is what sets the minimum length.
Sleeping heights
Altitudes and walking times on this page are approximate and differ a little between maps, GPS devices and lodges. Treat them as planning figures, not survey data.
- Chame, about 2,670 m.
- Pisang, about 3,200 m.
- Manang, about 3,540 m (rest day).
- Yak Kharka, about 4,018 m.
- Thorong Phedi, about 4,450 m, or High Camp, about 4,880 m.
- Muktinath, about 3,710 m, after the pass.
Why driving is not neutral
A jeep that carries you from Besisahar to Manang in a day or two raises your sleeping height far faster than walking. Do not sleep high on arrival. We keep drive stages to places below about 3,000 m and walk above.
The pass day
Crossing the Thorong La is the highest day, often starting at 4 a.m. in cold, thin air. Read Crossing Thorong La and our Thorong La guides.
Who should choose a longer plan
- First-time high-altitude trekkers.
- People over 60 or with heart, lung or blood conditions.
- Anyone who sleeps badly or has had altitude illness.
Warning signs
A worsening headache, vomiting, confusion or breathlessness at rest are reasons to descend. See altitude on Annapurna treks.
Medicine and preparation
Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether preventive medicine is right for you. Do not take medicine unless a doctor has advised it. Carry a small kit and learn the symptoms of altitude illness before you leave.
Short plan, strong habits
- Walk slowly on day one above 3,000 m.
- Drink about three litres of fluid daily.
- Avoid alcohol until after the pass.
- Sleep as low as practical on each night.
Common questions
Is a jeep to Manang safe?
Driving that quickly to about 3,500 m risks a sharp altitude jump. Stop lower and walk up.
What is the key limit on this trek?
The nightly climb between Manang and the pass, plus the rest day at Manang.
Who should avoid a short plan?
First-timers, older trekkers and anyone with a relevant medical condition.
What our guests say
Excerpts from trekker reviews on our reviews page.
“Everything was handled professionally and with great attention to detail, from permits to on-ground support.”
