- 11 Days
- 5416m
Overview
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek Highlights
- Trek through the top 10 trekking trail of the world Annapurna Trail
- Cross the Thorong La pass at 5,416m
- Have a glance at the flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP)
- Enjoy the marvelous beauty of snow-capped mountains like Annapurna, Gandabha Chuli, Gangapurna, and many more
- Experience from Low land to High Himalayan
Overview
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek provides a combination of mountain scenery, the Himalayan landscape in a short period of time. Experience the culture of mountaineer people and scale those altitudes all under 10 days.
The journey starts from Chame after the scenic drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Besisahar and finally Chame. The road from Kathmandu to Besisahar is 173 kilometers, Besisahar to Chame is 65 Kilometer and Chame to Khangsar is 56 kilometers.
The trail goes through the bank of Marsyangdi River crossing high Himalaya villages with beautiful mountain scenery. Before reaching Thorung La Pass you will pass through Dhukur Pokhari, Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngwal, Braga, Manang, Yak Kharka, and finally on the top.
Visit Manang, a beautiful village with traditional houses, farmland, and animal husbandry. Enjoy the marvelous beauty of snow-capped mountains such as Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Gandarbha Chuli (6,250m), Gangapurna (7,544m), Glacier Dome (7,193m), Khangsar Kang (7,485m), and Tilicho Peak (7,134m).
These 10 days Annapurna Circuit Short trek is a perfect trip to reach High Mountain in a short period of time. This trek is organized by the expert local Guide and Porters.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (825m/ 2,706ft) - 5 to 6 hours & Drive to Chame (2670m/ 8,759ft) - 3 to 4 hours
Our day starts with a scenic drive to Besisahar which will take about 5 to 6 hours. Now from Besisahar, we’ll again drive to Chame, and then finally we’ll enjoy our overnight stay at the teahouse.
DAY 02
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,190m/ 10,465ft) - 4 to 5 hours
Today our trail leads us through the bank of Marsyangdi river, pine forests, and finally level walk through the forest to Bathang. Now we’ll have a long and gentle climb over a ridge through blue pine forest and finally Pisang. Overnight at Pisang.
DAY 03
Trek from Pisang to Ngawal (3,657m/ 12,000ft) - 5 to 6 hours
After having breakfast our trek leads through pine and juniper forest and with beautiful mountain scenery. Now you can see the century-old fort and lower marsyangdi river valley. Finally at Ngawal village where we will have our overnight.
DAY 04
Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540m/ 11,514ft) - 4 to 5 hours
Our trek starts with amazing mountain scenery and the trail descent to the Tibetan- styled village of Barga. Now continue trekking through the very arid countryside and by weird cliffs of yellow rock. Finally at Manang village where we’ll have our overnight.
DAY 05
Acclimatization Day in Manang
DAY 06
Trek from Manang to Yak Khaka/ Letdar (4,200m/ 13,770ft) - 4 to 5 hours
After breakfast, we will start our trek through the farm terraces to Tanki Manang which offers panoramic mountain scenery. After passing through a few meadows and Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
DAY 07
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4450m) - 3 to 4 hours, or Thorang High Camp (4850m) - 4 to 5 hours
Today our trail crosses the highest point of the trek. We will climb along the east bank of Jarang Khola to Thorung Phedi. From this area, you can encounter the snow leopards and blue sheep. Overnight at Tea house.
DAY 08
Trek from Thorang Phedi to Thorang La Pass (5416m) to Muktinath (3800m) - 7 to 8 hours
After breakfast, we will have a steep ascent to the High Camp through the rocky desert and some icy slippery trail. Now we descend to another valley of Mustang. We can view several Buddhist Monasteries and Hindu temples which have 108 waterspouts around it. Overnight at Muktinath.
DAY 09
Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2710m) via Kagbeni (2800m) via Jhong -6 to 8 hours
Today we will continue to walk down towards Jomsom. Now we cross the high alpine area of Kaligandaki valley and through the Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom. Visit Marpha Thakali village and enjoy overnight.
DAY 10
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (950m) -25 minutes, then your destination
On our final day, we will have our morning fly to Pokhara by small aircraft. Rest for a whole day at Pokhara or explore the city.
Includes/Excludes
What's included?
- Airport transfers to/from the hotel by private car at the start and end of the trek
- Jeep/car/bus transport between Kathmandu and Besisahar and one way to Chame
- 9 nights lodging in local guesthouses/teahouses in shared rooms with common bathrooms
- Breakfasts, lunches & dinners provided at the teahouses during trekking days
- Licensed English-speaking trek guide
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Guide Insurance
- First aid kit and oxygen supply
What’s excluded?
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu
- Meals other than those provided in the itinerary
- City tours, sightseeing, or activities in Kathmandu
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Desserts or snacks beyond a regular meal
- if require porter
- Phone calls, laundry, and personal items
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
- Travel and medical insurance coverage
- Expenses incurred due to unavoidable events or political unrest
Useful Info
Best Time To Visit
The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is considered one of the world’s classic treks. Winding through the Annapurna mountain range, the route usually takes between 14-21 days to complete. The best time to trek depends on your preferences.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most popular seasons. In spring, temperatures are warm during the day and cold at higher altitudes. Views are very clear, but it can be quite crowded on the trail, with over 30,000 trekkers per year. Autumn has warm days, cool nights, and even clearer skies after the monsoon, though lodges start to shut down.
For solitude, trek in the monsoon season between June and August. Rains bring landslides, causing trail blockages, but the mountains are lush green.
Winter (December-February) brings bitterly cold nights, yet days still warm up. Fewer people trek in these months, but teahouses and lodges are mostly closed above 3400m. With proper gear, winter trekking can be enjoyable, though trail conditions are difficult.
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is typically ranked moderate in difficulty. Compared to the longer 3-week Annapurna Circuit trek, the shorter 10-day route involves less walking days and altitude gain.
However, proper physical conditioning is still required since 4-6 hours will be spent hiking each day while carrying a 5-8 kg daypack. The highest point reached is the 5416m Thorong La pass, which requires careful acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
While no technical mountaineering skills are needed, the trail has steep, sandy, and rocky inclined sections alternating with flatter valley paths. As the route enters the world’s deepest gorge at one point, dizziness issues must be managed, too. Trekking poles aid with knee impact.
Weather conditions also determine difficulty as winter brings snow, and monsoons have slippery trails. An adventurous spirit and moderate fitness are recommended to complete the trek, although the payoff of witnessing breathtaking scenery through changing landscapes makes all the effort extremely rewarding.
FAQs
How difficult is the Annapurna Short Circuit trek?
The Annapurna Short Circuit is considered a moderately challenging trek suitable for beginner and experienced trekkers. There are about 4-6 hours of hiking per day, with the highest point being Thorong La Pass at 5416m. Proper acclimatization to the high altitudes is key.
What is the best time to trek?
What is provided in an organized trek package?
Do I need a guide, or can I do this trek solo?
What permits and insurance do I need?
What is accommodation in the Annapurna Circuit trek like?
What is the level of fitness required?
What about mobile connectivity and electricity?
What are the risks and dangers involved in this trek?
USD 825
Per Person
