Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Trekking is one of the most desired adventures among the youth and adults. Nepal is famous for the hills and mountains and the best place for trekking. Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular treks within the Annapurna Mountain range of central Nepal. Every year more than 100,000 tourists come to trek and visit the Annapurna Circuit. The place is famous for the comfortable trek with lots of tea-houses. The total route length is 160-230 km depending on the transportation. You have to cross two different river valleys and circle around the Annapurna massif. You will reach the highest point of the Thorong La pass i.e. 5,416 m that touch the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. You need to hike the route in anticlockwise so that the daily altitude gain will be slower and you can cross the Thorong La pass easily and safely. Many tourists wonder for the short trek. The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is designed for the trekkers who have limited time and wants to explore the Annapurna circuit. The long trek takes almost 21 days to complete the full Annapurna Trek. The short trek within around 15 days makes you save the time and enjoy the natural beauty of the Annapurna Mountain range. You need to pass through the Thorong La pass to attend this mini Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can see the mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, and Mt. Annapurna II etc from this circuit. The place has the settlement of Bramins, Chettris, and Thakalis etc. You can see many wild species like Leopards, Jackal etc. in the circuit trail. The trek is one the most challenging as it includes climbing up and down the mountains. As the trek is considered as of the most popular trek in the world, it has long distance and enjoyable trek than the others. You need to cover four regions: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi. The lower elevations of Lamjung and Myagdi are predominantly Hindi. The regions are rich in green subtropical valleys with beautiful villages and terraced farming. Manang and Mustang are the regions of higher elevation with Tibetan Buddhist. You can find Gurung and Magars in these regions with unique culture and tradition. The regions relate to the part of Tibet, however, the people living in these regions identify themselves closer to Tibet. You can see the people following the Bonpo religion i.e. the religion influenced from Tibet. You can see many greenery farmlands with the best natural sceneries. You can visit one of the most popular sacred sites of Hinduism called Muktinath on the way. The Annapurna trek is the most desirable trek among the trekkers. The short Annapurna trek is better than the long who has limited time. You need to drive to Bhulbhule i.e. the VDC in Lamjung district, Gandaki Zone of north-central region of Nepal from Kathmandu. Follow the route and trek towards the Gangapurna Glacier and pass over the Thorong La i.e. 5,416 m. You can visit Muktinath Temple, the holy place of Hinduism passing through Thorong La. You can see the beautiful rhododendron forest on the way while heading towards the Jomsom. You need to fly towards the Pokhara and then to Kathmandu when the trek is over. Here are some points and routine you need to follow while heading towards the Annapurna Circuit mini trek: The days and time duration depends on the person that how long they rest and spend the time enjoying the natural beauties.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Scenic Diversity: The Annapurna Circuit offers a wide range of landscapes, from lush green terraced fields and subtropical forests to high alpine deserts and snow-capped peaks. Trekkers can witness the dramatic changes in scenery as they ascend in altitude. Annapurna Massif: The trek provides breathtaking views of the Annapurna Massif, which includes several peaks over 7,000 meters, with Annapurna I (8,091 meters) being one of the main attractions. Thorong La Pass: Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) is a challenging but rewarding part of the circuit. It's one of the world's highest trekking passes and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Cultural Immersion: Along the route, trekkers can visit charming villages inhabited by various ethnic groups like Gurungs, Thakalis, and Manangis. You can experience their unique cultures, traditions, and hospitality. Local Cuisine: Enjoy local Nepali and Tibetan cuisine in teahouses and lodges along the trail. Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), momo (dumplings), and yak-based dishes are popular choices. Natural Hot Springs: After a long day of trekking, you can relax in natural hot springs in places like Tatopani and Jhinu Danda. It's a great way to soothe your muscles and unwind. Diverse Flora and Fauna: The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. You might spot various species of birds, mammals, and rhododendron forests in full bloom if you trek during the right season. Muktinath Temple: Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It's believed to provide salvation when visited. Local Markets: Explore local markets in towns like Manang and Marpha, where you can buy handmade crafts, souvenirs, and interact with the friendly locals. Customizable Treks: The Annapurna Circuit can be customized to suit your preferences. You can choose different starting and ending points, side trips, or opt for a shorter or longer trek, depending on your time and fitness level. Teahouse Accommodations: The availability of teahouses and lodges along the trail makes the trek more accessible and comfortable, as you don't need to carry camping equipment or food. Moderate Difficulty: While challenging, the Annapurna Circuit is considered moderately difficult, making it suitable for trekkers with a range of experience levels. Friendliness of Locals: The warm and welcoming nature of the local people is a highlight of the trek. Interacting with them and learning about their way of life is a memorable experience. Why Travel With Us Customer Support With 24-hour customer service, customers can get help whenever they need it, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Safety Equipment We carry all necessary safety equipment including hyperbaric chambers, automated external defibrillators, pulse oximeters, and general first aid kits. Our first priority is your safety on the mountain. Our purpose To provide our customers with unforgettable and safe trekking experiences that connect them with natural beauty, and support local communities and local culture. Certified Tour Operator We are a certified Trek and Tour operator with Nepal Tourism Board, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, and Nepal Mountaineering Association. And we are local Sherpa tour company of Nepal. No Extra Fees There is no additional fee for paying by credit card. Airport transfers are included both on arrival and departure. All taxes and government fees are included in all our packages. Free Nepali & Sherpa Food Cooking Classes - The Best Way to Learn! Start a culinary journey with our free Nepalese and Sherpa cooking classes. Discover authentic recipes, hands-on cooking, and cultural insights into Himalayan cuisine. Explore Traditional Cuisine: Learn to prepare iconic dishes like momos (dumplings), dal bhat (lentils and rice), thukpa (noodle soup), and more. Perfect for food enthusiasts and travelers alike. Join us for an unforgettable experience! Social Media Updates During every trek, we do our best to post social media updates with photos to our Facebook Group or our Instagram Stories. This way your family and friends can watch your progress during your trek.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 01: Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m / 4,264 ft) — Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Take the day to rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. Overnight at hotel. Day Day 02:: Full day city Tour in Kathmandu 4 place 5-6 hrs. overnight at hotel — Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours 1. Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local café to fuel up for the day ahead. 2. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Begin your tour by visiting Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the most iconic and ancient religious sites in Kathmandu. Explore the stupa's complex, which includes shrines, temples, and a large stupa adorned with prayer flags and colorful decorations. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the hilltop location. 3. Patan Durbar Square: Head to Patan Durbar Square, located in the city of Lalitpur (Patan), which is known for its well-preserved Newar architecture. Explore the various temples, palaces, courtyards, and intricate stone carvings that reflect the artistic and architectural heritage of the area. 4. Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Nepali lunch at a local restaurant. This is a great opportunity to savor some local cuisine. 5. Pashupatinath Temple: After lunch, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe the temple's stunning architecture, and if you're respectful, you can witness Hindu cremation rituals along the Bagmati River. 6. Boudhanath Stupa: Proceed to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal and a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Take a leisurely walk around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and observing the serene atmosphere. 7. Thamel Shopping and Rest Break: Thamel is a vibrant neighborhood known for its shopping and dining options. Take a break to relax, do some shopping for souvenirs, or enjoy a cup of Nepali tea or coffee. 8. Kathmandu Durbar Square: End your day at Kathmandu Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic square, admire the intricately carved wooden architecture of the old palace, temples, and statues. 9. Evening Cultural Performance: Depending on the schedule, consider attending an evening cultural performance, such as traditional Nepali dances or music. These performances often provide insights into local culture and traditions. 10. Dinner: Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner, either at your hotel or at a local restaurant. And Trek Equipment preparation Day Day 03:: Kathamandu to Besisahar drive 175 km.about 109 miles. 5/6 hrs. — Starting in Kathmandu: The drive begins in the capital city of Kathmandu. You'll typically st art from the Thamel area or another location in Kathmandu, depending on your travel arrangements. Head West: You'll initially head westward out of Kathmandu. The road can be quite busy and may be narrow in some sections, so be prepared for slow progress through the outskirts of the city. Prithvi Highway: After leaving Kathmandu, you'll join the Prithvi Highway, which is the main road connecting Kathmandu to the western part of Nepal. The highway offers beautiful views of the Trishuli River and the surrounding hills. Drive through scenic countryside: As you continue on the Prithvi Highway, you'll pass through various towns and villages. Along the way, you'll see terraced fields, forests, and hills. The road can be winding and hilly in some places. Arrival in Besisahar: Your journey will eventually bring you to Besisahar, which is a major town in the Lamjung District. This is where many trekkers officially begin their Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can arrange for accommodations and permits in Besisahar before starting your trek. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Acomodation Best Available Mountain Lodge/ Guest House Day Day 04: Drive from Besisahar to Dharapani (1,960m / 6,430 ft) – Approx. 4–5 Hours sharing jeep — Sharing jeep Continue driving deeper into the Himalayas via a rugged off-road trail along the Marsyangdi River to Dharapani. This section offers a glimpse of lush forested trails and waterfalls. Overnight at lodge. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Acomodation Best Available Mountain Lodge/ Guest House Day DAy 5:: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,670m / 8,760 ft) – Approx. 5–6 Hours — Begin your trek as you follow the river through pine and fir forests. Cross several suspension bridges and pass through the quaint villages of Bagarchhap and Timang before reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Enjoy views of Lamjung Himal.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Acomodation Best Available Mountain Lodge/ Guest House Day Day 6:: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m / 10,827 ft) – Approx. 4–6 Hours — The trail narrows as you walk through a steep and deep valley with dramatic rock walls. Climb steadily through forests and small settlements until reaching Upper Pisang, which offers stunning views of Annapurna II and IV. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day Day 7:: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m / 11,614 ft) – Approx. 5–6 Hours — Take the high trail via Ghyaru and Ngawal for more dramatic mountain views and fewer tourists. This route provides spectacular panoramas of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Reach Manang, a beautiful village nestled beneath towering peaks. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Acomodation Best Available Mountain Lodge/ Guest House Day Day 8:: Rest and Acclimatization Day at Manang — Today is set aside for acclimatization. Explore Manang and its surroundings—visit the ancient monastery, hike to Gangapurna Lake or the Ice Lake viewpoint for altitude adjustment. Take it slow and enjoy the landscape. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Acomodation Best Available Mountain Lodge/ Guest House Day DAy 9:: Trek from Manang to Ledar (4,250m / 13,944 ft) – Approx. 4–5 Hours — The trail ascends steadily, passing through alpine landscapes and yak pastures. Cross several small streams and suspension bridges. The air gets thinner, and you’ll feel the altitude. Overnight at a basic lodge in Ledar. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Acomodation Best Available Mountain Lodge/ Guest House Day 10: Trek from Ledar to Thorong High Camp (4,925m / 16,158 ft) – Approx. 4–5 Hours — Climb gradually through rocky trails, crossing a metal suspension bridge and reaching Thorong Phedi. From here, ascend steeply to Thorong High Camp for better acclimatization. This is your final stop before the big pass. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Acomodation Best Available Mountain Lodge/ Guest House Day Day:11: Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769 ft) – Trek 7–8 Hours, Drive 2.5 Hours — A challenging and rewarding day! Start early to cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The ascent is tough, but the views from the top are breathtaking. Descend steeply to Muktinath, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site. After visiting the temple, drive to Jomsom. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Acomodation Best Available Mountain Lodge/ Guest House Day Day 12:: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m / 2,690 ft) – Flight Time: 30 Minutes — Take a short scenic flight to Pokhara, flying between the towering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing day by the lakeside or explore the city. Meals: Breakfast, Acomodation Hotel Day Day 13:: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429 ft) – Approx. 5–6 Hours — After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu along the scenic highway. Once in Kathmandu, enjoy your final evening with some souvenir shopping or a traditional Nepali dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast Acomodation: Hotel Day Day 14:: Final Departure — Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you had an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas and look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal. Meals: Breakfast Acomodation: hotel

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,670m / 8,760 ft) – Approx. 5–6 Hours — Begin your trek as you follow the river through pine and fir forests. Cross several suspension bridges and pass through the quaint villages of Bagarchhap and Timang before reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Enjoy views of Lamjung Himal.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner+