Annapurna Circuit short trek is designed for the time-bounded people. It is a perfect choice to get immersed in the natural beauty of the Himalayas in the Annapurna region in a very short time.
Yes, you really can circle Annapurna massif in just one week trek. We’ve got shorter Annapurna Circuit trek. Although shorter in duration, this trek is full of adventure and challenges.
During this mini circuit trip, you’ll get a striking view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Annapurna II, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, Tukuche peak, and Tilicho peak.
Additionally, you’ll also encounter with the diverse settlements including Brahmin and Chhetris in a low land to Tibetan Sherpas and Thakalis in Highland.
We Himalayas on Foot has designed 8 days that excludes your arrival and departure days. This interesting short circuit trek traverses via Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La Pass and finally Muktinath and end with the scenic drive to Pokhara.
While circling the Annapurna massif, you’ll cross Thorong La Pass, one of the world’s highest pass at 5,416 m / 17,769 ft.
Though the designed itinerary is short, there is no any risk of altitude sickness. As the below itinerary has enough time for acclimatization.
Apart from the high pass, the highlight of the trek is to visit one of the popular pilgrimage sites in Nepal “Muktinath Temple”. The temple is surrounded by 108 boars headed fountains and two dipping pools in front of a temple.
This short trek is possible to do the whole in the year around but Spring and Autumn season are the best time. People with the moderate level of physical fitness with a positive attitude can definitely join Annapurna Circuit Short trek.
Come and explore Annapurna region in just one week. Make this mini trip one of the most beautiful and memorable trips for your lifetime!!!
Let’s go on a mini-adventure trip !!!
You might want to consider Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Sanctuary Trek which are very similar trek in Annapurna region.
Altitude: 2,710m/8,891ft
Travel hour: 9/10 hours drive
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Beautiful view on the ride to Besisahar, Jeep rides to Chame, Excellent view of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II and IV
Early in the morning, we’ll embark on our trek from Kathmandu to Chame. We’ll drive to Besisahar via a scenic route which takes 5-6 hours. Along the route, we’ll get some glimpse of green hills, rivers, and a small village with stunning snow-capped mountains.
Again from Besisahar, we’ll take a jeep and drive to Chame. By jeep, it takes around 3 to 4 hours. The route traverse via the villages like Sange, Bhulbhule, Nagdi, Chamche, Tal, Dharapani, Bagarchha, Dankya, Timang, Thanchowk, and Koto.
We’ll also get to enjoy the view of majestic mountain Annapurna and Manaslu. Finally, enjoying all these wonderful sceneries, we reach Chame.
Chame is the headquarters of the Manang district. Chame is famous for the finest views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. This village has two small hot springs as well. Stay overnight at Chame.
Altitude: 3,300m/10824ft
Trek hour: 5 – 6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Walk via diverse landscapes from vegetation to drier part of Manang District
This day, our real trek begins from Chame to Pisang. The trail leads along the bank of Marsyangdi river.
First, we reach Baratang and then after a short walk, we reach Chemyau Kharka. Here we’ll see the memorial to Japanese mountaineer Akira Ochiai.
We’ll continue our trek and cross the bridge and reach Dhikur Pokhari. The trail leads us to the green lush forests. The area is enriched with natural beauty.
We’ll continue our walk until we reach lower Pisang. In the evening, we’ll hike up to the Upper Pisang and explore the village.
The main purpose of hiking up to the Upper Pisang is to acclimatize to the high altitude.
We’ll again return to Lower Pisang for an overnight stay.
Altitude: 3,500m/11,482ft
Trek hour: 6 – 7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Manang Village- one of the oldest Tibetan village
This day, we’ll trek from Lower Pisang to Manang. Manang area is cool and dry. Actually, we’ll have to trek for a long time but the trail is fairly easy.
We’ll walk on a wide and dusty trail. Throughout the journey, we’ll be accompanied by the great views of Pisang peak and Annapurna III.
Manang village is a large Tibetan village with a number of stupas and Gompas. Manang welcome us with the magnificent views of Chulu peaks and Gangapurna. In evening, we’ll enjoy the sunset view of Manang.
Overnight stay at Manang.
Highlights: View of Gangapurna glacier, Manag village, explore the local culture
This day, we’ll take a rest day for acclimatization purpose. Acclimatisation day is essential to keep ourselves fit and to avoid altitude sickness.
We’ll do some short hiking to Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake.
Any options you choose will help you to acclimatize well and you also enjoy the exploring Manang village. We’ll spend overnight in Manang.
Altitude: 4,110m/13,484ft
Trek hour: 3 – 4 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: The amazing view of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak, herds of yak and blue sheep.
This day, leaving behind Manang, we’ll continue our trek to Yak Kharka. At first, we’ll climb uphill through alpine forest and juniper bushes. For one and half hour, the trail is quite steep until we reach Ghusang.
After that, till Yak Kharka the trail becomes easy. Along the trail, we’ll enjoy the view of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak.
Altitude: 4420m/14,501ft
Trek hour: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Wonderful view of Annapurna peaks and Chulu peak, Thorong Phedi
This day, we’ll continue our trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. Enjoying the view of snow-capped mountains we’ll reach Ledar after one hour walk. Walking on a flat and easy trail we’ll continue our trek to Thorong Phedi.
On the trail, we’ll cross some wooden bridges and walk via uphill path for some time and reach Thorong Phedi. As the name suggests, it lies in the base of Thorong Himal. We’ll spend overnight in Thorong Phedi.
Note: We have got the option to stay either in Thorong Phedi or High camp. Depending on your condition and experience you can make choice. If you choose Thorong Phedi, then you can sleep well. If you choose High camp, then the following day’s ascension to Thorong La Pass will be easy.
Altitude: Thorong La (5416m/17764ft) and Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft)
Trek hour: 7 – 8 hours trek, 1-hour drive
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Crossing the highest pass in the world, trek to a forbidden kingdom of Mustang, passing via mani walls, prayer flags and beautiful vistas of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Muktinath Temple
This day will be one of the biggest days of the entire trip As we’ll cross one of the world’s highest pass i.e. Thorong La Pass.
We’ll start early in the morning and continue via steep trail. The walk is longest and hardest compared with other days of our entire trek. It takes around 4/5 hours to reach Thorong La Pass.
We’ll walk via the same trail which has been used by local for around hundreds of years for this journey.
Once, we are on the pass you’ll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping views of summits rising above 6,000 meters. Along with, we’ll also get a mesmerizing view of Kali Gandaki Valley.
After enjoying the view, we’ll hike down to a famous religious site- Muktinath Temple. In beginning, the trail is easy and sometimes in between it goes steeply till we reach Muktinath. While descending, the view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Nilgiri will keep us engaged.
After a long and tiring walk, we’ll reach Muktinath. We’ll spend remaining time relaxing our muscles. We’ll spend our night at Muktinath.
Highlights: Jomsom, famous apple kingdom of Nepal, scenic drive from Jomsom to Pokhara
This day, before heading Pokhara, we’ll first visit Muktinath Temple- one of the famous holy place of both Buddhist and Hindus. We’ll also visit near Jwala Mai temple.
After exploring the area for sometime, we’ll drive back to Jomsom. Then, we’ll drive back to Pokhara and finally end our Annapurna Circuit short trek.
Trip Note: The above itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Short trek is just a standard package. If you want to lengthen or shorten this trip, then it can be customized as per your requirement. For detail info, you can contact us. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions. Thank you !!!
Cost Includes
- 1 nights accommodation in Pokhara 3 star
- All ground transportation by Bus
- All accommodations in teahouse
- Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the treks
- All cost for guide leader (well trained English Speaking)
- Porer to carry your bags 2 trekkers share 1 porter (max 25 kg carry by a porter )
- All required major permit
- All necessary paper works and permits
- Rescue arrangements incase of any emergences
- Medical Kit Bag
- All necessary taxes
Cost Excludes
- Monuments & Monastery fees
- All the drinks while you are on trek
- all your personal gear
- Hotels in kathmandu
- Lunch And dinner while you are in Katmandu and pokhara
- Tips for guide and porter
Q1. How difficult is Annapurna Circuit Trekking?
Actually, Annapurna Circuit trek is not that hard. The difficulty level depends upon your physical fitness and previous trekking experience.
However, trek route includes steep climb uphill, downhill, and rocky path. This requires physical fitness and stamina and most importantly mental fitness. Thus, a good exercise and training program is essential.
Your training program should include physical strengthening, conditioning, balancing and so on.
We have a flexible itinerary with enough acclimatization and rest days before heading to higher elevations for your easy trekking.
Q2. How long does Annapurna Circuit Trek take?
Annapurna Circuit Trek takes 12 to 16 days, depending on your itinerary and length of walking days. Here’s a 15 days itinerary, starting from Nayapul and ascending up to Ghorepani and the famous viewpoint at Poon Hill.
You can also extend the itinerary from 20-22 days and opt Annapurna Circuit Trek, which is rewarding in itself.
Q3. How fit do I have to be for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
For Annapurna Circuit trek, you don’t have to be a marathon runner, but you do have to be fit and healthy. During the trek, you may have to trek for 7-8 hours per day. For this trek, no any mountaineering skills are needed.
Q4. Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
If you cannot bear cold, I would suggest bringing your own sleeping bag. You can hire sleeping bags at Pokhara or Kathmandu and return after the completion of the trek. Though the tea houses provide thick blankets, in the freezing temperatures it may not be enough for you. So, carrying a light sleeping bag is wise in high altitude treks. You might want to check: what to bring for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Q5. What type of accommodation can I expect during the trek?
Annapurna Region is the second popular trekking destinations in Nepal. There is a huge flow of the trekkers and mountaineers from 1970’s onward so the trail is well established.
There are numerous nice, cozy, and well-furnished tea houses. Most of the tea houses have western toilet facilities with hot showers.
If you’re planning to trek in the peak trekking season (Spring and Autumn) make sure to do advance booking.
Q6. What type of food is available during the trek?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll get a wide range of food. From Chinese, Continental, Italian, Newari to typical Nepali dish- Dal Bhat.
On the trail, especially at the lower region, you’ll get a variety of food menu. But as you reach the higher elevation the choices will be limited to local food menu like Dal-Bhat-Tarkari.
Q7. Can I get safe drinking water?
On the trail, almost all the tea houses provide boiled and filtered water. Mineral water is also available throughout the trail. Since the plastic bottles do not dispose easily which cause an environmental problem, we discourage purchase of mineral water bottle.
Likewise, along the trail there are enough water taps, you can use purification tablets to purify the drinking water. It is the better, safe, and cheap option.
Q8. Do I need a travel insurance?
Yes, before trek you should get your travel insurance from your respective country.
Make sure, the travel insurance covers everything associated with trek including emergency evacuation packages. This is very essential for your safety, as the weather in the mountains is totally unpredictable.
Also, if you’re insured, it’ll save you from hassles that may arise during the trek like loss of baggage, flight cancellation or interruptions, and the like.
Q9. What is the best time for Annapurna Base Camp?
The best time for Annapurna Base Camp trek is during the month of September to Mid-December and March to May. During these months, the climate is pleasant, with clear skies. You’ll get the stunning view of Mt. Annapurna and the surrounding peaks.
Q10. Can I trek in monsoon season?
Although the best season for trekking in the Annapurna region is spring and autumn, some tourists prefer monsoon season too. As the trail is less crowded, there are abundant choices in terms of accommodation. And flight booking can be done very easily.
During Monsoon, for few days you’ll encounter heavy rainfalls. But as you ascend further the rainfall decreases.
If you plan to trek during this season, then you should be prepared for the slippery and muddy trails and road blockage due to landslides or floods. Also, make sure you carry rain gears like raincoats, umbrella, and rain poncho.
Further, monsoon means an invitation to mosquitoes and leeches. Do not forget to carry along insect repellent and salts to combat leeches and mosquitoes.
Q11. What to do if I caught with altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It generally occurs when people ascend too quickly over 3,000 m altitudes.
The basic symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness. You shouldn’t ignore these early symptoms, as it may lead to more serious conditions and may even lead to death.
The best solution for altitude sickness is descending to the lower altitude. Also, to ensure a minimal risk, you can walk at a slow pace, take enough rest, and drink plenty of water.
Q12. Do I need to hire a guide/porter?
Annapurna Circuit Trek lies within one of the most popular and well-established trails of Nepal. Thus, it can be done with or without a guide.
However, it is recommended to hire a guide. A guide is a person who will help you in every aspect of the trek. S/he will share you information regarding the local culture, places, religion, and landscapes. They’re well familiar with the locals which will help you to communicate with them more comfortably.
Likewise, a porter is one who carries your backpack during the trekking period. With the help of them, you can enjoy your trek more comfortably.
Please kindly note you don’t have to overpack just because you aren’t carrying it.
Q13. Do I have to tip my guide/porter?
In Nepal, there is no hard and fast rule for tipping the guide or porter. However, at the end of the trek, if your guide or porter has done a good job and if you feel he deserves thank you, by all means, a tip is always appreciated.
Q14. Which permits are required for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
For Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need to obtain an entry permit from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) as well as TIMS card. You can get both these permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara. These permits are essential as there are different checkpoints where you may be asked to disclose these permits. If you don’t have it you have to pay fine and buy these permits in higher cost.
Q15. How do I book for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
If the given itinerary on the websites suits you, then you can book online or email us. Also, if you want to customize your trip, we can plan itinerary as per your requirements. We are always ready to help you in customizing the trip, decide the best time to travel and choose the best trekking package as well.
For detailed info, you can directly call, Viber and WhatsApp at +977 9851060902 or send us an email at himalayasonfoot@gmail.com
With the change in altitude, temperature also changes. Thus, according to different weather and climate you have to choose the right clothes,other gears, and equipment.
Here is a recommended packing list of items that you’ll need in your Manaslu Circuit Trek. This list will help you to make your journey successful and fun-filled.
General
- 4-season Sleeping Bag (You can rent for $35 per piece after trek it must be returned)
- Duffel Bag
- Daypack
- Down Jacket (It’s compulsory for mornings, evenings, and nights and for high altitude above 4,000 m)
Clothing
- Full and half sleeve T-shirts
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Wind / Waterproof shell jacket
- Synthetic sports bras (for women)
- Breathable underwear
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Hiking shorts
- Trekking pants
- Windproof trousers
- Casual Pants
Head and Hand
- Sun Hat
- Wool or Synthetic hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck Warmer
- Scarf / Balaclava
- Fleece/woolen gloves
- Waterproof gloves
Foot
- Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Camp Sandals / Sneakers
- Heavyweight socks
- Light hiking socks
- Gaiters (Optional: Monsoon and Winter)
- Sock liners
Personal Equipment
- Water Bottle / Bladder
- Water Purification Iodine Tablets
- Toiletry Kit ( face towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant etc)
- Trekking Poles
- Feminine Hygiene Products (for women)
- Lip balm (SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
- Pee Funnel
Other Travel Accessories
- Trekking Poles
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Personal Medication
- Diamox for altitude sickness
- Baby wipes
- Earplugs
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Camera, memory card, and spare batteries
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