Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

139 reviews
46 reviews
Recommended by 99% of travelers
At a Glance
7 Days
Duration
Moderate to Strenuous
Trip Grade
Nepal
Country
5,416m
Maximum Altitude
2 -3
Group Size
Dharapani
Starts
Sept - Nov and Mar - May
Best Time
Overview

Annapurna Circuit is one of the top ten trekking routes in the world. The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a combination of mountain scenery, unique culture, and an amazing landscape with lowland civilization from Besisahar to Manag village, where highlander people live. The highest point of this trip is Thorong La Pass, at an elevation of 5,416 meters, which is the main attraction of the trip. As there is simple road access at the beginning and end of the trip, a day’s Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done in 7 days.

People here are following Buddhism; they have strong faith and believe in their culture and tradition. The culture here is untouched by modernization, so it remains uniquely like ancient Tibetan culture. The polyandry marriage system has proven how they have conserved their culture and tradition for centuries. As a Rapid Annapurna Round Trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, it conserves rare wildlife and vegetation and its inhabitants from lowland to the high Himalayan area. Snow leopards, Himalayan goats (Naur, Jharal), and deer live in the lap of the Himalayas. Mountain scenery, a century-old monastery, a cave, and Chhorten are the main attractions during the short Annapurna Circuit Trip; similarly, the ice fall, the glacier lake, and the glacier also make your trip remarkable.

The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is the same route as a classical Annapurna Circuit Trek but with fewer days of hiking. It is also known as the Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trip starts in Chame after the drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Besisahar and continues the drive to the city on the same day. The road from Kathmandu to Basisahar is 173 kilometers, Besisahar to Chame is 65 kilometers, Chame to Manag is 25 kilometers, and Manang to Khangsar is 6 kilometers. It is possible to drive further than Chame, but it is best to start the trip from Chame with adequate acclimatization, such as at high elevations. Then, walk through the high Himalayan villages with their beautiful mountain scenery and culture. Mostly the trail goes through the bank of the Marsyangdi River till Thorung La Pass via Dhukur Pokhari, Pisang, Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngwal, Braga, Manang, Tanki Manang, Ghunsang, Yak Kharka, Chuli leader, Thorang Phedi, High Camp, and finally gets on top of Thorung La Pass (5,416 m). Some people walk through Humde village, but for the best mountain scenery, we at Nepal Mother House suggest taking a higher route from Ngwal Village. During rest days at Manang, batters are proposed to visit Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), or Milarepa Cave for acclimatization. Manang itself is a lovely village with traditional houses, farmland and animal husbandry, and mountain scenery such as Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Gandarbha Chuli (6,250 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,544 m), Glacier Dome (7,193 m), Khangsar Kang (7,485 m), and Tilicho Peak (7,134 m) that make you joyful. It is possible to visit Tilicho Lake (a lake situated at the world's highest elevation of 4,920 m) if you can add one more day to your trip.

After Thorung La Top, you will descend to the holy place of Muktinath, which is essential and serene for Buddhists and Hindus. They are naming the same God by a different name. It is a wonderful example of good hormones for different religions and communities. The main attractions of Muktinath are the 108 water spots, Jwala Mai, Shaligram (fossil), and Muktinath temple. The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek boots out people's lives, cultural shows, mountain scenery, and the natural beauty of the Manang and Mustang districts. The trek ends in Muktinath and drives to Jomsom (16 km) via Kagbeni.

The next day, fly back to Pokhara early in the morning, collecting a bunch of memorable experiences from the Himalayas. Nowadays, there is road access from Muktinath to Pokhara (173 km). We recommend you do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 7 days, but it can be done in 5 days as the shortest time, even for first-time trekkers who need to be physically fit for such a short trek in a high elevation. Nepal Mother House is glad to organize the Thorong La Pass Short Trek during your short holiday in Nepal with expert local guides and porters. It is possible to do these treks year-round, but March to May in spring and September to November in autumn are the best times for this trip. Why are you not joining us for your short trip to Nepal?

Day-to-day

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Our trekking guide will come to the hotel in the morning at 6: 00 to pick you with private transport to the bus station. Then you will drive to Besi Shahar (185km) which will take us about 5 to 6 hours along a scenic route. Along the journey you will witness rather stunning scenery of snowcapped mountains, green hills, rivers, and villages. And again drive Besisahar to Chame (2670m) by jeep or local bus for 3 to 4 hours through the Nagdi, Bhulbhule, Sange, Chamche, Tall, Dharapani, Bagarchha, Danakya, Timang, Thanchok, Koto from Timang (2,720m), can see wonderful Manaslu, Annapurna II scenery, and others majestic mountains. From here, the road leads us through pine forest to Thanchok and Koto, finally reaching Chame. This is the headquarters of the Manang district and we are rewarded with very fine views of Annapurna II, Manaslu and Lamjung Himal from Chame as well as two small hot springs. Stay overnight at the house.

Day Highlights

The trail lead us along the bank of Marsyandi river, climbing up through pine forest to the Telekhu (2,840m) and continuing with a long enjoyable and mostly level walk through the forest to Brathang. After the trail rounds a bend to the rocky trail, the hissing sound of river arises coupled with mountains view. After a time we will cross back to the south bank of the Marsyangdi on a suspension bridge beneath Swaga Dwari (Haven Gate). Then we make a long and gentle climb over a ridge through blue pine forests to the Dhukur Pokhari and take the trail through the valley to Pisang.

Day Highlights

After breakfast the trail slowly climbs up to through valley with pine and juniper forest to the with beautiful mountain scenery. After cross bridge at Khumi Khola, the trail goes step up making many turning to the Tibetan-styled village Ghyaru (3,670m). Ghyaru means Yak Horn in local language. This is beautiful place for the 360 degree mountain view like Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Gandarbha Chuli (6,250m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7,544m), Glacier Dome (7,193m), Khangsar Kang (7,485m) and Tilicho Peak (7,134m, Khatunkang (6,484m), Syagang (6,026m), Chulu East (6,429m), Pisang Peak (6,091m). After having lunch at Ghyaru village the trail crossed wall boundary of Ghyaru village with beautiful gate and begins Ngwal territory. You will see water spanning Mane and many other Mane attached at Chhorten. Rest of the time walk around the village and visit the Monastery. Stay overnight at tea house. From here you can see century old fort and Marsyandi river valley including Humde airport and Pisang village below. This is enjoyable day with amazing mountain scenery and Marsyandi valley view through valley with pine and juniper forest. Now, the trail decent pleasantly through the pine forest to the Tibetan-styled village Bryaga (3,500m). Here we will see houses stacked one atop the other, each with an open veranda formed by a neighbor’s rooftop and the Gomba (monastery), perched on a high crag overlooking the village. You will catch main trekking trail at Munji or Minchhi. Then we continue through very arid countryside, dominated by weird cliffs of yellow rock, eroded into dramatic pillars alongside the trail to reach today’s destination - the Manang village. Here’re shops are unexpectedly well stocked with all sorts of things.

Day Highlights

Today is a rest day for acclimation purposes. Please sleep in! After waking up late we hike up to the tranquil Gangapurna Lake and ascend up above the Gangapurna icefall, which often falls down like an avalanche in the spring. Take time to observe the wonderful ancient Manang village scene beneath you. Or you may hike to Ice Lake (4,600m)  or Milarepa Cave also. t is important to have a relatively restful day today to allow our bodies to acclimate to the higher altitudes and thinning air. It also gives us the possibility to wash some of our clothing and visit the Himalayan Rescue Association of Nepal.

Day Highlights

After a hot breakfast, we will walk through the farm terraces to Tanki Manang and then gradually go up to Gunsang, which offers panoramic mountains scenery. We will pass a few meadows where horses and yaks graze. Nearby Yak Kharka we will see herds of blue sheep grazing the steep slopes as well. For the rest of the day, we will oversee the fascinating Himalaya beauty in Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka we will continue to climb along the east bank of the Jarang Khola to Thorung Phedi, a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by upright cliffs at 4,420 meters. Blue sheep and even snow leopards can be sometimes seen in this area. Even, you may continue our trek to the High camp for an hour for the acclimatization proposes.

Day Highlights

This is an adventurous and long day of trekking. Very early in the morning we take our breakfast and pack food. We will start the journey before sunrise. After 9 or 10 o’clock strong wind starts blowing in the high Himalayas, so it is better to leave around 5 in the morning to avoid the wind. We need to wear warm clothes for the freezing morning. The trails goes on a steep ascent to the High Camp through the treeless rocky desert and continue some ice frozen slippery trail offering tremendous mountain panoramas changing colors during the sunrise. At the Thorung La pass (5,416m), with its traditional prayer flags and stone cairn we will have outstanding views of Annapurna’s, Gangapurna and Khatung Kang, a heavily glaciated peak. Amazingly, there is a teashop here on top of the pass at 5,416 meter. From here we start to descend down about 1,600 meters to another valley with outstanding views of Dhaulagiri Mountains standing alone in the distance across the Mustang valley Muktinath. This is truly a place of nirvana and home to Hindu temples as well as several Buddhist monasteries. The Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water spouts. Additionally there is the Jwala Mai Temple with an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas. After having lunch, you will drive to Jomsom (2,710m) 45 Minutes to 1 Hours through the Kagbeni about  20 Kilometers. 

Day Highlights

Early in the morning we fly to beautiful city Pokhara by small aircraft while enjoying the majestic mountain views above the world’s deepest gorge at Dana. The remining of the day you can be spent relaxing in the Pokhara. If you are up for it, feel free to wander around the Lake Side city with its fascinating mountains panorama views and charming nature around the Phewa Lake. Then you own destination.

Day Highlights
Custom Adventures Await
For over 15+ years, we have been pioneers in small group adventure travel, transforming how travelers experience the Himalayas. Discover how we are shaping the future of travel.
Included

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost Details

Includes

  • Free airport picks up and drops off all transportation (airport to hotel to airport).
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS (Trakkers Information System) cards.
  • All ground transportation during the trip Transportation from Kathmandu to Chame/Dharapani (trekking starting point) by local bus or comfort microbus and trek end point Muktinath to Pokhara by airplane.
  • If necessary, carry trekking equipment such as worn-down jackets, sleeping bags, and duffle bags during the trek.
  • Nepal Mother House T-shirt/cap and appreciation card of trip (after the trip ends).
  • There will be three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • The accommodation is soft and comfortable, with a shared twin bed for the entire mountain.
  • Government license holder, English-speaking, experienced local guide with their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • One Sherpa (assistance guide) if the group size is more than 12 people. Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • We provide Guide & Porter insurance for their happy journey.
  • A Trekking Map of the Annapurna Trip for a Group.
  • We will be providing supplemental snacks (cookies and fresh fruits) on the trek.
  • During the trip, carry a first-aid medical kit that includes an oxygen meter to measure oxygen and pulse at high altitudes.
  • Welcome and farewell program.
  • The package includes a tourist service charge, VAT, government tax, and official expenses if necessary.

Excludes

  • We offer a wide variety of cold and hot drinks, such as drinking water, tea, coffee, chocolate, cookies, desserts, phone calls, laundry, and hot showers.
  • The clients' travel insurance and evacuation are mandatory.
  • If in case, cancel the flight and charter a helicopter or private transport.
  • If you need a porter (2:1) who carries a . maximum of 20–25 kg., including his own 4–5 kg of gear, plus food, accommodation, wage, insurance, and all transportation,
  • Your accommodations and meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Tipping for the guide and porter and your meals at Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Personal expenses include things like shopping, souvenirs or gifts, and personal mountaineering gear.
  • Optional trips and sightseeing are available if extended.
  • The package includes international airfare, airport departure tax, and visa fees.
  • We include things that are not mentioned above in our services (trip cost included).
  • Visa fees are easily obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Availability

Departure Dates

Except for the fixed departure date, we have every day departure according to your requirements.

Are you looking for a Private Trip?
WhatsApp or Call 24/7 @
+977 9841368753
Add-Ons

Add-Ons & Options

  • Hire a porter at USD 23 per day, carry up to 25 kg, & share a porter with your friends.
  • Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with Airport Transport is USD 125 Per person.
  • Embark on a Thrilling 2-night 3-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour for Only $280 per Person

You may share a porter (2:1 Porter) cost with a fellow. Who carry up to 25 kg, inclusive of their gear weighing 4 to 5 kg. his transport, insurance, meals, wages.

Witness endangered wildlife and immerse in Tharu culture. Book now for a 2-night 3-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour at just $280/person, inclusive of round-trip tourist bus transport.

Trip FAQs

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs

Yes, I have included the Jomsom to Pokhara flight according to your itinerary. It is true, what you heard!  during the monsoon season, there is very little chance of Jomsom flight due to poor visibility.  So, you could take a public bus from Jomsom/Muktinath to Pokhara/ Kathmandu. The public bus transport cost will be USD 30 to 50 per person. Likewise, for the comfort drive, you can hire a private Jeep, which will be another USD 350 to 400.

Yes! if you send me all of your name details according to your passport or a copy of your passport and booking with a down payment, then you can start the trek on the next day of arrival. All the trekking permits will be ready before your arrival to start the Annapurna Circuit trek in next day.