The Annapurna Circuit trek elevation profile climbs from Besisahar at 760m to Thorong La Pass at 5,416m — a total gain of 4,656m spread across two drive days and nine trekking days of gradual ascent, followed by a dramatic single-day descent to Muktinath and a lower return through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The profile is not a simple steady climb. It rises, dips, climbs steeply, crosses the highest point, and then drops into a completely different landscape. Furthermore, every 1,000m of altitude on this circuit feels different from the last — the subtropical river valley, the alpine forest zone, the high Tibetan plateau, and the open pass itself each have their own physical character. Consequently, understanding the elevation profile before departure means you know exactly what the body faces at each stage and when the hardest altitude days actually arrive.
What’s Inside This Guide
- Key Altitudes on the Circuit
- Day-by-Day Altitude Table
- What Each Altitude Zone Feels Like
- Thorong La — the 5,416m Crossing
- How Acclimatisation Works on the Circuit
- Circuit Altitude vs Other Nepal Treks
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Planning Guides
Annapurna Circuit Trek Elevation — Key Altitude Points
| Location | Altitude | Role on the Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Besisahar | 760m | Circuit start — drive from Kathmandu |
| Chame | 2,670m | First trekking start — drive from Besisahar by shared jeep |
| Upper Pisang | 3,300m | Day 3 overnight — first major Himalayan views |
| Ngawal | 3,660m | Day 4 overnight — high ridge trail, Ghyaru panorama |
| Manang | 3,540m | Day 5–6 overnight — mandatory acclimatisation stop |
| Gangapurna Lake | 3,700m | Acclimatisation hike on Day 6 — most popular rest-day destination |
| Ice Lake (optional) | 4,600m | Optional hard acclimatisation hike from Manang |
| Yak Kharka | 4,050m | Day 7 overnight — altitude effects clearly felt here |
| Thorong Phedi | 4,450m | Day 8 overnight — last sleep before the pass |
| High Camp (optional) | 4,850m | Optional overnight to shorten pass crossing day |
| Thorong La Pass | 5,416m | Day 9 — highest point, defining moment of the circuit |
| Muktinath | 3,800m | Day 9 descent — 1,616m below the pass in a single afternoon |
| Jomsom | 2,720m | Day 10 overnight — key decision point, flight or walk out |
| Tatopani | 1,200m | Day 11 — hot springs, full altitude recovery |
| Ghorepani | 2,860m | Day 12 overnight — Poon Hill base, rhododendron forests |
| Poon Hill | 3,210m | Day 13 — pre-dawn sunrise viewpoint over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna |
| Nayapul / Pokhara | 1,070m / 822m | Circuit end — drive to Pokhara |
The elevation shape that makes the circuit unique
Unlike EBC or ABC — which ascend to a high point and return the same way — the Annapurna Circuit trek elevation profile crosses over the mountain range rather than returning under it. The circuit reaches 5,416m at Thorong La, descends to 3,800m at Muktinath on the other side, and then drops all the way to 1,200m at Tatopani before climbing again through Ghorepani. Furthermore, this means the body experiences a complete altitude cycle — acclimatisation, maximum altitude, rapid descent, and partial re-ascent — within a single continuous forward journey. Consequently, the circuit tests altitude adaptation in a fundamentally different way from any out-and-back trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Elevation — Day-by-Day Profile
| Day | Overnight Location | Altitude | Daily High Point | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Besisahar (drive) | 760m | 760m | Drive |
| Day 2 | Chame (drive) | 2,670m | 2,670m | Drive +1,910m |
| Day 3 | Upper Pisang | 3,300m | 3,300m | +630m |
| Day 4 | Ngawal | 3,660m | 3,700m (Ghyaru) | +360m |
| Day 5 | Manang | 3,540m | 3,660m | -120m |
| Day 6 | Manang (acclimatisation) | 3,540m | 3,700m (Gangapurna Lake) | 0m overnight |
| Day 7 | Yak Kharka | 4,050m | 4,050m | +510m |
| Day 8 | Thorong Phedi | 4,450m | 4,450m | +400m |
| Day 9 | Muktinath | 3,800m | 5,416m (Thorong La) | +966m then -1,616m |
| Day 10 | Jomsom | 2,720m | 3,800m | -1,080m |
| Day 11 | Tatopani (drive) | 1,200m | 2,720m | Drive -1,520m |
| Day 12 | Ghorepani | 2,860m | 2,860m | +1,660m |
| Day 13 | Tadapani | 2,700m | 3,210m (Poon Hill) | +370m Poon Hill then -160m |
| Day 14 | Ghandruk | 1,940m | 2,700m | -760m |
| Day 15 | Pokhara (drive) | 822m | 1,940m | Drive -1,118m |
The two altitude steps that matter most
Day 7 — Manang to Yak Kharka — is the first overnight above 4,000m and the day the body crosses from manageable altitude into the zone where every additional 100m of gain demands noticeably more effort. Sleep quality drops at Yak Kharka and appetite follows. Furthermore, Day 8 adds another 400m to Thorong Phedi at 4,450m — the last overnight before the pass — where sleep is shallow, appetite almost absent, and the 4am alarm feels more brutal than any other morning on the circuit. Consequently, how you manage the nutrition and hydration on Days 7 and 8 directly determines your performance on Day 9 at 5,416m.
What Each Altitude Zone Feels Like
760m–2,670m — Besisahar to Chame (drive)
The body feels no altitude effects in this range. The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and the shared jeep from Besisahar to Chame cover this zone entirely — no trekking, no altitude concern. Furthermore, this is the zone where the landscape transitions from Kathmandu’s urban valley to the steep forested gorges of the Marsyangdi River. Consequently, both drive days serve as physical preparation days — rest, eat well, and watch the mountains arrive through the window.
2,670m–3,540m — Chame to Manang (Days 3–5)
Most trekkers notice nothing unusual in this range beyond normal uphill effort. The body adapts naturally during the approach through Upper Pisang and Ngawal. A very mild headache on the first night above 3,000m is common and resolves overnight with water and paracetamol. Furthermore, this zone delivers the most visually spectacular section of the lower circuit — Paungda Danda, the Green Lake reflection, Ghyaru ridge, and the Manang Valley panorama. Consequently, the altitude challenge in this range is minimal — the challenge is simply not moving too fast and disrupting the gradual acclimatisation the itinerary builds in.
3,540m–4,450m — Manang to Thorong Phedi (Days 6–8)
Above Manang the body starts working harder than the effort justifies. Breathing becomes deliberate above 4,000m at Yak Kharka. Sleep quality deteriorates. Appetite drops. Headaches at night are common and manageable — persistent headaches that do not respond to water and paracetamol within 2 hours need to go to the guide immediately. Furthermore, the mandatory acclimatisation day in Manang with the Gangapurna Lake hike is the physiological foundation for everything above 4,000m. Consequently, skipping it is the most common reason trekkers fail at Thorong La — not fitness, not experience, but skipping the Manang rest day.
4,450m–5,416m — Thorong Phedi to the Pass (Day 9 morning)
The body at 5,000m+ operates at approximately 53% of sea-level oxygen availability. Every uphill step above 5,000m is deliberate and slow — the conversational pace the guide enforces becomes non-negotiable here. Breathing is audible. Steps are small. Rest stops are frequent. Furthermore, experienced trekkers who have never been above 5,000m are often surprised by how much harder the final 400m from 5,000m to the pass feels compared to the 800m below it. Consequently, start slower than you think you need to — the pass has been there for centuries and it will wait for a steady pace.
Thorong La — Understanding the 5,416m Crossing
Thorong La Pass at 5,416m is the defining altitude moment of the entire circuit. Here is what the elevation data actually means on the ground on crossing day.
The ascent numbers
From Thorong Phedi (4,450m) to the pass (5,416m) the trail gains 966m over approximately 5–6 hours. First two-thirds are steep but manageable — a clear path with regular rest stops at stone cairns. The final section above 5,000m — roughly the last 2 hours — is where the altitude becomes the dominant challenge. Furthermore, High Camp at 4,850m is an option for trekkers who want to break the ascent into two shorter segments — add an overnight at High Camp and reach the pass in 2–3 hours the following morning. Consequently, discuss the High Camp option with your Mountain Hike Nepal guide before arriving at Thorong Phedi.
The descent numbers
From the pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m) the trail drops 1,616m over approximately 2–3 hours of steep rocky descent. The descent is faster than the ascent but demands more from the knees — trekking poles are non-negotiable from the summit step downward. Furthermore, altitude relief starts immediately on descent — breathing eases noticeably with every 200m of drop below the summit. Consequently, most trekkers feel dramatically better within an hour of leaving the pass on the Muktinath side.
How Acclimatisation Works on the Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit has one of the most complete acclimatisation profiles of any Nepal trekking route — a gradual ascent from 2,670m at Chame to 3,540m at Manang across four trekking days, followed by a dedicated acclimatisation day, then two more gradual altitude days before the pass.
Specifically, the Ngawal to Manang section includes a slight overnight altitude drop from 3,660m to 3,540m — this deliberate step-down mirrors the “climb high, sleep low” principle even without an explicit rest day on that date. Furthermore, the Gangapurna Lake hike on Day 6 at 3,700m provides acclimatisation above the Manang overnight altitude. The HRA clinic lecture in Manang rounds out the Day 6 preparation with the altitude medicine knowledge trekkers need above 4,000m. Consequently, trekkers who follow the standard itinerary without shortcutting or skipping stages arrive at Thorong Phedi with the strongest possible altitude adaptation for a 5,416m crossing.
For the complete AMS prevention guide: Altitude Sickness on the Annapurna Circuit →
Annapurna Circuit Trek Elevation vs Other Nepal Treks
| Trek | Max Altitude | Nights Above 4,000m | Highest Overnight | Total Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Circuit | 5,416m (Thorong La) | 3 | Thorong Phedi 4,450m | ~7,800m |
| Everest Base Camp | 5,545m (Kala Patthar) | 5 | Gorakshep 5,160m | ~4,300m |
| Manaslu Circuit | 5,160m (Larkya La) | 2 | Dharamsala 4,460m | ~6,500m |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130m | 1 | ABC 4,130m | ~3,060m |
| Langtang Valley | 4,773m (Kyanjin Ri) | 2 | Kyanjin Gompa 3,870m | ~3,370m |
The Annapurna Circuit trek elevation profile is lower in maximum altitude than EBC but delivers more total cumulative altitude gain — 7,800m versus EBC’s approximately 4,300m — because the circuit gains and loses altitude across a full mountain crossing rather than a single ascent and descent. Furthermore, the circuit’s highest overnight at Thorong Phedi (4,450m) is lower than EBC’s Gorakshep (5,160m) — making the circuit the more accessible of the two high-pass routes for first-timers at serious altitude. Consequently, trekkers choosing between the circuit and EBC on altitude grounds often find the circuit the better first experience at 5,000m+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thorong La Pass at 5,416m — one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The pass sits between the Manang valley at 3,540m and Muktinath at 3,800m on the other side. Furthermore, the Annapurna Circuit trek elevation profile reaches this maximum on Day 9 after eight days of gradual acclimatisation. Consequently, crossing Thorong La safely requires following the full itinerary — particularly the mandatory acclimatisation day in Manang.
The circuit reaches 5,416m at Thorong La versus EBC’s 5,545m at Kala Patthar. The circuit’s highest overnight is Thorong Phedi at 4,450m versus EBC’s Gorakshep at 5,160m — a meaningful difference for altitude sickness risk. Furthermore, EBC spends more consecutive nights above 4,000m than the circuit. Consequently, the circuit is the lower-altitude option between the two despite crossing a higher-altitude pass — because the circuit descends immediately after the pass while EBC stays high for multiple days.
Yes — significant altitude sickness risk exists above 4,000m, particularly on the approach to Thorong La and on crossing day itself. The most important prevention measures are completing the full itinerary without skipping the Manang acclimatisation day, drinking 3–4 litres of water daily above 3,500m, and following the guide’s conversational pace from Manang onward. Furthermore, Mountain Hike Nepal guides carry pulse oximeters and apply a strict no-ascent-with-AMS protocol on every departure. Consequently, early symptom reporting to the guide is the single most important action any trekker can take above 4,000m.
Related Planning Guides
- Annapurna Circuit Package — Full 15-day expedition from USD 828 per person
- Altitude Sickness Guide — AMS prevention and emergency protocol for 5,416m
- Day-by-Day Itinerary — Every stage with altitude and sightseeing detail
- How Hard Is the Circuit? — Difficulty guide including altitude sections
- Trek Distance Guide — Daily km and walking hours
- Best Time to Trek — How season affects altitude conditions on Thorong La
- Circuit for Beginners — How altitude preparation works for first-timers
Understand the Profile. Cross the Pass Confidently.
The Annapurna Circuit trek elevation profile rewards trekkers who understand it before departure — the gradual climb to Manang, the critical 160m Gangapurna Lake acclimatisation hike on Day 6, the decisive altitude jump to Thorong Phedi on Day 8, and the 5,416m summit on Day 9 that the entire first half of the circuit builds toward. Follow the itinerary. Take the Manang rest day seriously. Drink the water above 3,500m. Walk at conversational pace from Yak Kharka to the pass. The elevation is manageable with the right preparation — and Thorong La at sunrise is worth every metre of it.
Mountain Hike Nepal has guided the Annapurna Circuit since 2018 as a licensed local operator in Kathmandu. When you contact us, you speak directly with the team that manages altitude safety on this route every season. Consequently, any question about the elevation profile, what to expect at each altitude zone, or the acclimatisation schedule gets a real answer.
The full package starts at USD 828 per person for groups of 8–10, USD 898 for 4–6, USD 998 for 2–3, and USD 1,198 for solo trekkers. All permits and transport included.
View the full Annapurna Circuit Trek package →
Questions about the altitude profile, how your body will respond, or the AMS protocol? We respond within 12 hours and give straight answers.