You’ve laced up your boots, packed your gear, and committed to the adventure of a lifetime—the Annapurna Circuit Trek. But one practical question lingers: how many kilometers will you actually walk each day?
Whether you’re training for the trek or planning your itinerary, knowing your daily distance is essential. It helps you pace yourself, conserve energy, and avoid injuries in Nepal’s challenging terrain.
The problem? Most guides give only total distances or vague estimates. This post breaks it down clearly, how many kilometers you’ll cover each day, how elevation affects your pace, and what that means in step count. By the end, you’ll understand the physical demands of the Annapurna Circuit so you can prepare smarter and trek stronger.
How Long Is the Annapurna Circuit in Total?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek doesn’t have a fixed distance, because trekkers can start and finish at different points. Traditionally it was over 200 km, but with new road access, many routes now range between 160 and 230 km. Side trips like Tilicho Lake or Poon Hill can add even more distance.
For comparison, the Langtang Valley Trek is much shorter at around 65 km, usually completed in 7–9 days, making it a great choice for trekkers with limited time.
Total Distance in Kilometers and Miles
The Annapurna Circuit covers 160–230 km (100–145 miles), depending on where you start and finish.
- Traditional route: Besisahar to Nayapul
- Modern route: Many trekkers now start at Bhulbhule or Chame and finish in Jomsom or Tatopani, thanks to road expansions
- Side trips: Tilicho Lake (+20 km) or Poon Hill (+30–40 km) can extend the trek
Your final total depends on your chosen itinerary and exploration.
Total Steps on the Circuit
On average, 1 km = 1,300–1,500 steps.
- 160 km trek → 208,000–240,000 steps
- 230 km trek → 300,000–345,000 steps
Factors like steep ascents, shorter strides, and altitude can push the count higher. Many trekkers log their journey with Fitbit, Garmin, or AllTrails GPS apps to track both distance and elevation.
How Many Kilometers Do You Walk Each Day?
Daily walking distance on the Annapurna Circuit Trek isn’t the same for every stage of the trek. Some days are long and cover up to 20 km, while higher-altitude sections are shorter to allow acclimatization. On average, trekkers walk between 10 and 20 km per day, depending on the route and elevation.
Daily Average Distance
Trekkers usually walk 10–20 km (6–12.5 miles) per day. Lower-altitude days are longer; higher-altitude days are shorter to allow acclimatization.
Example:
- Jagat to Dharapani → ~18 km (lower, longer day)
- Manang to Yak Kharka → ~10 km (higher, shorter day)
Sample Itinerary with Distances
A typical Annapurna Circuit Trek takes around 12 days of walking, though it can be extended with side trips. Below is a breakdown of daily distances to give you a clearer idea of what to expect.
On Day 1, the trek usually begins with an easy 8 km walk from Besisahar to Bhulbhule, a gentle start along the riverside. On Day 2, you’ll cover about 15 km to Jagat, passing scenic valleys and rivers. The following day, Day 3, continues with another 15 km from Jagat to Dharapani, involving a steady climb.
By Day 4, the trail stretches 16 km from Dharapani to Chame, where you’ll enter cool pine forests. On Day 5, the route from Chame to Pisang is shorter at 13 km, but here you’ll get your first close-up views of the giant Annapurna peaks. Day 6 is one of the highlights, a 17 km trek from Pisang to Manang, surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes.
Day 7 is usually an acclimatization day in Manang, with optional side hikes of about 3–5 km to help your body adjust to the altitude. From here, Day 8 takes you higher with a 10 km walk to Yak Kharka. The next day, Day 9, is shorter but steeper—just 7 km to Thorong Phedi, the base of the high pass.
Day 10 is the toughest and most memorable part of the trek. You’ll climb over Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and descend to Muktinath, covering around 15 km in total. On Day 11, the trail continues 18 km to Jomsom, a windy valley walk that feels very different from the alpine days earlier. Finally, Day 12 involves a long 20+ km trek to Tatopani if walking, though many trekkers choose to take a jeep for this stretch.
This sample itinerary shows the balance of long and short days, with acclimatization built in, ensuring both safety and enjoyment on the trek.
A good plan balances these so your body recovers between long days.
What Affects Your Step Count?
Your daily step count on the Annapurna Circuit isn’t only about distance. Terrain, altitude, and even your walking style all play a role. Steep climbs, rocky paths, and thinner air at higher elevations can increase the number of steps you take, even if the kilometers are fewer.
Terrain & Elevation Gain
- Steep ascents → shorter, more frequent steps
- Rocky descents → careful foot placement adds steps
- Zigzag trails → extend total distance
Altitude & Pace
- Above 3,000m, oxygen drops → slower pace, shorter strides
- Average speed: 2–3 km/hour at altitude (vs. 5 km/hour at sea level)
Other influences:
- Weather (snow/rain slows progress)
- Backpack weight (more load = slower steps)
- Group size (bigger groups often move slower)
Tips to Prepare Based on Kilometers and Steps
Training for Endurance
- Walk 10–15 km, 3–4 times per week
- Include stair climbs and uphill hikes to mimic trail conditions
- Add backpack training with 5–8 kg load
Step Training
- Build up to 15,000–20,000 steps/day at least a few times before departure
- Use a fitness tracker to monitor progress
- Add weekend hikes with elevation gain
Tools & Apps for Step Tracking
- AllTrails – maps & GPS tracking
- Gaia GPS – topographic detail
- Strava – fitness metrics
- Garmin, Fitbit, Apple Watch – wearable trackers
Battery-Saving Tips
- Keep phone in airplane mode
- Lower brightness
- Carry power banks or solar chargers
Conclusion
The Annapurna Circuit Trek isn’t just about distance, it’s about endurance, pacing, and adaptation. Expect to walk 10–20 km per day (15,000–30,000 steps), with variations depending on altitude, weather, and your route.
By training ahead and pacing wisely, you’ll not only complete the trek, you’ll enjoy every step through Nepal’s most iconic landscapes. So, lace up your boots, track your steps, and start preparing now. The Annapurna Circuit awaits, and if you’d like extra help planning your journey, check out this adventure guide.
