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Annapurna Circuit

Marpha to Tukuche trek: altitude, time and route

3 min readUpdated 23 Oct 2026By the Base Camp Hikes trek team

The Marpha to Tukuche section of the Annapurna Circuit runs from about 2,670 m to about 2,590 m. Typical time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours, rated easy. That is a net descent of roughly 80 m.

Quick facts

  • Start: Marpha, about 2,670 m
  • End: Tukuche, about 2,590 m
  • Change: a net descent of roughly 80 m
  • Typical time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy

The route

A gentle walk along the Kali Gandaki through Thakali villages. Tukuche was once an important trading town on the salt route to Tibet.

Altitude and health

This section stays below about 3,000 m, so altitude sickness is unlikely, though heat, humidity and fatigue still matter. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.

Tips

Look for the old Thakali houses and the distillery in the village.

Common questions

  • Who lives in Tukuche? It is a Thakali village with a long trading history.
  • Is there a road? Yes, a road runs through the valley.

Reverse direction

Walking Tukuche to Marpha is the same trail in reverse and means a net climb, so allow more time than the walk down and set a slower pace.

Nearby legs on this route

Plan it

Back to all route information or see the Annapurna Circuit guides.

Tents pitched at a high camp below glaciated peaks

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