Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
 

Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

  • Transportation
    Bus, Car, Flight
  • Group Size
    1 -10
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Altitude
    5416m
  • Duration
    10 Days
  • Activities
    Trekking in Nepal
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Difficulty
    Moderate
  • Accomodation
    Hotel in Kathmandu, Teahouse during the trek

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 and Porter 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 regular meals
  • 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?

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What are the risks and dangers involved in this trek?

USD 725 Per Person
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