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 !!!
