Shortest Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation: Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Options in Cities & Tea Houses During Trek
Grade: Challenging
Max Altitude: 5,416 m/17,770 ft
Meals: As Mentioned in the itnerary
Transportation: Private Vehicle/Flight
Duration : 11 Nights/12 Days
Group Size: 1 to 15 People
Make Trip Inquiry

Highlights of The Trek

  • Shortest Circuit Trek to Diverse Annapurna Region and it's Wilderness 
  • Witness  Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m) and Annapurna IV (7,525 m) 
  • Witness Manaslu Range, Gangarpurna, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak and many others
  • Trek Into Thorong- La Pass at 5,416 m, Marshyangdhi Valley and Kali Gandaki Valley
  • Visit Sacred Muktinath Temple, Buddhist Monasteries and enjoy several Waterfalls 
  • Visit many Hindu, Buddhist and Tibetan Buddhist Villages and Culture
  • Enjoy Natural Hot Spring at Chame 
  • Enjoy Pokhara, the city of Nature, Adventure and Lakes
  • Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Drive to Besisahar (760 m/2,490 ft)-6 Hours

Day 03: Drive to Chame (2,710 m/8,890 ft) - 6 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300 m/10,825 ft)-6 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Manang (3,520 m/11,550 ft)-6 Hours

Day 06: Rest Day in Manang for Acclimatization

Day 07: Trek to Lattar (4,250 m /13,945 ft) via Yak Kharka-6 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,200 m/13,780 ft)-5 Hours or High Camp (4,810 m/15,780 ft)-6 hours

Day 09: Trek to Muktinath/Jomsom(3,802 m/12,475 ft) by crossing Thorong La Pass(5,416 m/17,770 ft)-8 Hours

Day 10: Fly to Pokhara-20 Minutes

Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu- 30 Minutes

Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Shortest Annapurna Circuit Trek gives the opportunity to the trekkers to experience Nepal's classic trek which offers more variety than any other equivalent length trek, taking us through virtually every type of scenery that Nepal has to offer. It has been designed considering length of holidays and the local road extension in the trail. There are superb views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri, and an amazing variety of landscapes ranging from sub-tropical through alpine to an arid semi-desert a kind to Tibet. The scenery changes every day from rice paddies and pine forests to Tibet-like countryside on the northern slopes of the Himalayas in the district of Manang.

Annapurna Circuit Trek-12 Days begins with 6 hours drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar in a normal highway and drive off road on a newly extended road up to Chame which is a district headquarters of Manang. On the way to Besisahar, trekkers can enjoy 2/3 hours White water rafting at Trishuli River. On the way to Chame, there are so many beautiful villages, waterfalls, and rice fields to admire of.

Climbing higher from Chame, we progress through alpine forests to a dry desert region and the Tibetan Buddhist village of Manang. The mountain views are superb; Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu and the Annapurnas tower spectacularly over the valley. The highlight of this trek is crossing the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to enter the Kali Gandaki Valley and the long descent to the Hindu temple at Muktinath. Our trek ends at Muktinath and we drive for 45 minutes to Jomsom before flying next day to Pokhara.

Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters is one of the highest and widest passes in the world and gives ample opportunities of mountains views, valleys and mountain terrains. After crossing the pass, the trail goes straight down to Muktinath at 3,800 meters. This trek finally ends at Muktinath and 45 minutes drive takes to Jomsom before flying to Pokhara next morning.

Short Around Annapurna Trek can be done only during Autumn and Spring as Off Road to Chame might get landslide during the monsoon season and in winter there will too cold in the upper area and won’t be clear mountain views. This trip can be customized as per trekker’s choice and be extended as per more number of days available. 3 Days Extension to World’s Highest Tilicho Lake from Manang is always a great Option.

Detail Itinerary


After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing on trek and equipment check by our Trek Manager and Trek Guide. Then, we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

After breakfast, we drive to Besisahar along the Trishuli and Marshyangdhi River. Optional- Once we reach Chauradi, you can enjoy White Water Rafting at Trishuli River for 3 hours with beach lunch. On the middle of the way to Pokhara, from Dumre, we start driving to Besisahar on right. Besisahar is the main town of Lamjung district where your trekking permit is examined for the first time.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Besisahar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

After breakfast at Besisahar, we start our Off Road drive to Chame which takes us usually through gravel roads with the beautiful countryside of Nepal. Along the road, we see Manaslu Range, Annapurna Mountains and pass by many beautiful waterfalls. We make multiple stops during the drive to take photos and acclimatization. Once we reach Chame, the administrative headquarter of the district, we rest at the tea house and walk around the town. In the evening, there is option to enjoy Natural Hot Spring.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chame.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

We start on the trail which leads us to a small settlement of Taleku and cross a bridge to the sparsely Bartang. This former Khampa settlement is now orchard and marks the traditional boundary between the Manang area to the north and the predominantly Gurung area to the south. On the trail, we will follow rock walls to climb. After crossing the River on the north bank of Marshangdhi, we arrive at Pisang Village. From Pisang, we see the Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Upper Pisang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Our path rises gradually and then more steeply from Pisang to crest of a ridge overlooking the Upper Manang valley. We follow the trail down to the flat valley floor and the Ongre. Shortly after Ongre, a bridge crossing over the Sabche River gives us a view of amphitheater formed by Annapurna III and IV. After crossing one bridge, the trail passes by Braga, a village built impressively into a cliff wall. From Braga, it is a short walk to the Manang Village from where you see prominent peaks like Gangapurna to the right of the glacier and Annapurna III to the left.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Manang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

The day must be spent in Manage village and the vicinity to acclimatize for the higher elevations to be encountered towards Thorong La Pass. There are many opportunities for interesting day excursions from Manang. It is possible to climb the ridge to the north of the village for excellent view of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II and Glacier Dome (7,193 m) or to descend from the village to the glacial lake to the foot of the huge Icefall descending from the northern slopes of Gangarpurna.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Manang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

After leaving Manang, our path climbs up till we reach the hamlet of Tengi (3,642 m). From here it takes about an hour to reach Gunsang (3,850 m). From here it’s another one hour forty-five minutes uphill to Lattar (4,250 m). These Himalayan pastures are domains of Yak, a bovine of Tibetan origin, reared for its wool, milk and to transport goods. The Thar, a kind of wild goat that lives in herds, is also found here.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Yak Kharka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

After breakfast, we continue trek to reach Thorong Phedi which normally takes around 4 hours and it is better to walk slowly and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness. Thorong Phedi means ‘foot of the hill’ and it is situated at a height of 4,200 m on a small hill overlooking a high plateau. After lunch at Phedi, we have option to continue further 1 Hour to High Camp to save time to cross Thorong La Pass in the following day.

Accomodation:

Meals:

Activity Duration:

Our trail becomes steep immediately after leaving Phedi, switch backing up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the pass. The trail although steep, is well defined and easy to follow. The only complications to the crossings are the high elevation and the possibility of snow. The pass is marked with its traditional Chortens. The view from the trail and the pass itself are excellent high Himalayan scenes, the entire Great Divine with the Annapurna and Gangapurna to the south, the barren Kali Gandaki Valley and the peak of Thorungtse in the north. The trail begins to descend in snow in winter, which gives way to interminable switchbacks down the steep rocky moraine. Finally, the moraines reach grassy slopes and the we finally descend to Muktinath and we drive 45 minutes to Jomsom

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jomsom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

After early breakfast, we walk to the Jomsom Airport for 20 Minutes flight to Pokhara. In Pokhara, either you may rest entire day or in the late afternoon, you may consider for quick sightseeing of Pokhara City. In the evening, you may walk around The Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

After relaxing morning, we drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon and fly back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, we will host farewell dinner to mark the great success of your Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info  

Cost Includes:

  • Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with Office Representative.
  • 2 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
  • 1 Night in Pokhara with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
  • 8 Nights/9 Days All Inclusive Trek in Annapurna Region with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in local Tea Houses/Lodges.
  • Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu flight with necessary transfers.
  • Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
  • English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
  • Insurance, daily allowances, accommodation and meals for the trekking crew.
  • First Aid Kit and Duffel Bag,
  • Kathmandu/Besisahar drive on Private Vehicle and Besisahar/Chame drive on Private Local Jeep.
  • Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project, ACAP Fees and Trekkers Information Management System, TIMS Fees.  
  • Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
  • All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
  • 24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

  • International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
  • Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at Airport (USD 30/- for 15 Days).
  • Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara except welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
  • Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
  • Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
  • Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
  • Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
  • Other than in our include section.

Route Map:

Similiar Packages

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

4,130 m
17 Days / 16 Nights
★★★★★

Around Annapurna Trek

5,416 m
20 Days / 19 Nights
★★★★★

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

3,210m
11 Days / 10 Nights
★★★★★

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

4,500 m
10 Days / 9 Nights
★★★★★

Annapurna Circuit Trek 16 Days

5,416 m
16 Days / 15 Nights
★★★★★

Annapurna Base Camp Trek 12 Days

4,130 m
12 Days / 11 Nights
★★★★★

8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

4,130 m
8 Days / 7 Nights
★★★★★

Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

5,416 m
19 Days / 18 Nights
★★★★★

Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Base Camp Trek

4,500 m
15 Days / 14 Nights
★★★★★

Shortest Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek-6 Days

3,210 m
6 Days / 5 Nights
★★★★★

Mohare Danda Community Lodge Trek

3,300 m
11 Days / 10 Nights
★★★★★

Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek

4,500 m
12 Days / 11 Nights
★★★★★

Nar Phu Valley Trek

5,320 m
15 Days / 14 Nights
★★★★★

Tilicho Lake and Meshokanto Pass Trek

5,100 m
18 Days / 17 Nights
★★★★★

Luxury Annapurna Trek

2,012 m
12 Days / 11 Nights
★★★★★

Associated With

  • TAAN
  • NTB
  • NMA
  • Pata