Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking-13 Days

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Annapurna Circuit trekking route is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. This unforgettable journey takes trekkers north of the majestic Annapurna Mountain Range, offering breathtaking views as the trail winds through the Annapurna Conservation Area and the remote landscapes of the Manang and Mustang Region.During the trek, travelers experience a remarkable variety of landscapes and ecosystems. The journey begins in lush subtropical forests and gradually climbs through alpine landscape to reach the high-altitude desert landscape that look like the Tibetan Plateau.This trek is not only famous for its scenery but also for its rich cultural diversity. The trail passes through traditional villages inhabited by different ethnic groups who have lived in harmony for centuries, preserving their unique cultures and lifestyles.The route continues through the beautiful valley of Manang and leads to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple, a place of great spiritual significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Trekkers then cross the legendary Thorong La Pass, standing at an impressive altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).Along the trail, trekkers encounter towering Himalayan peaks, shiny glaciers, dramatic valleys, interesting mountain villages, and sacred spiritual site make this trek one of the most diverse and unforgettable trekking experiences in the Himalayas.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day DAY 01:: Arrival in Kathmandu (elev. 1300 m/4,264 ft) — Arrival will be at Tribhuvan International Airport where you will be greeted by our staff and taken to your hotel to rest up from your flight. In the evening, we will have a traditional welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali food and a cultural program.Meal included: Dinner only Day DAY 02:: Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek orientation — Today will be a day to become acquainted with the wonderful culture of Nepal as you visit several of the Valley's World Heritage Sites. Included today will be Kathmandu's Durbar Square, home to over 60 temples and the old Royal Palace. We will also visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, along with two sacred Buddhist shrines: Swayambhunath and Boudhanath). In the afternoon, there will be a briefing about the trek as you meet your guide and fellow trekkers.Meal included: Breakfast only Day DAY 03:: Drive to Dharapani (elev. 1,960 m/6,430 ft) — This is a long day of drive by bus/jeep riding as we leave Kathmandu and head west toward Besisahar and continue drive to Dharapani fo overnight stay. We leave early morning (7 am) and spend 8 – 10 hours traveling. The scenery will reflect the beauty of Nepal as we pass rivers, mountains and beautiful villages.Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day DAY 04:: Dharapani to Chame (elev. 2,710 m/8,891 ft) — The trail turns steeper as we move upward and toward the west. The trail is leading us north of the Annapurna Conservation Area and will feature great views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna IV (elev. 7,525 m/24,688 ft). There is a number of small hot springs along the way to our destination of Chame. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day DAY 05:: Chame to Pisang (elev. 3,300 m/10,824 ft) — We will enter the U-shaped valley of Manang, situated between two snow-covered peaks. We are following the Marsyangdi Nadi (river) through the Manang Valley. The trail rises 1500 meters above the river as we walk to Pisang. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day DAY 06:: Pisang to Manang (elev. 3,500 m/11,482 ft) — Today is a little longer as we make our way from Pisang. The landscape is becoming drier, much like the plateaus of Tibet. The trek will feature many panoramic views of the mountains as we stop for a short visit to Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang District. We will spend the night in Manang. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day DAY 07:: Manang, day of resting — This is a day to acclimatize as we are entering higher elevations. It is not a day of just resting, as we will take some short hikes in order to help us adjust to the higher elevations. Some optional places to visit are Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake as well as a monastery at Braga. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day DAY 08:: Manang to Yak Kharka (elev. 4,110 m/13,484 ft) — The trail turns northward as we make our way toward Thorang La Pass. The elevation continues to rise as we pass through delightful villages and pasture lands in the high mountains. Our goal is the small village of Yak Kharka, trekking time 3 – 4 hours. We are taking it a little more slowly because of the higher elevations.Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day DAY 09:: Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (elev. 4,600 m/15,092 ft) — This day takes us to the lower part of the pass. Thorang Phedi is a small, but busy little village at the base of Thorang La Pass where we will spend the night. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day DAY 10:: Thorang Phedi to Thorang La (elev. 5,416 m/17,764 ft) to Muktinath (3,800 m/12,467 ft) — As we circle the Annapurna Conservation Area, this day is the highlight of our trek as we finally make Thorang La Pass. The day is cold as we pass at high elevations which will offer incredible views of the mountains on all sides. This day will be breathtaking as you gaze at the high peaks of the Himalayas. The trail will begin a long descent to Muktinath, a sacred spot to both Hindus and Buddhists, where there are many important temples. We will spend the night in Muktinath. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day DAY 11:: Muktinath to Pokhara (via Jomsom) – Drive (elev. 2,750 m / 9,022 ft) — After a wonderful and challenging trekking holiday, today we drive towards the beautiful city of Pokhara. You may travel by regular local bus or hire a private jeep for a more comfortable journey along the Kali Gandaki River. The distance is approximately 195 km (121 miles). Pokhara offers a wide range of accommodation options, from basic to luxury hotels. After arrival, you may relax and enjoy spa services such as a foot massage or full body massage to refresh your body.Meal included: Breakfast & lunch Note: During the main trekking season, flights operate from Jomsom to Pokhara. These flights generally run only in the morning (6:30 AM–11:00 AM) due to mountain weather conditions. Day DAY 12:: Return to Kathmandu (by tourist bus, private vehicle, or flight) — Today is time to leave Nepal. The good news is that you can return (as many do) to enjoy additional sights, treks and adventures. Let us as Trekking Mart help you to put together your next Nepal vacation.Meal included: Breakfast only Day DAY 13:: Day 13: Departure — Today is time to leave Nepal. The good news is that you can return (as many do) to enjoy additional sights, treks and adventures. Let us as Trekking Mart help you to put together your next Nepal vacation.Meal included: Breakfast only

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 10: Thorang Phedi to Thorang La (elev. 5,416 m/17,764 ft) to Muktinath (3,800 m/12,467 ft) — As we circle the Annapurna Conservation Area, this day is the highlight of our trek as we finally make Thorang La Pass. The day is cold as we pass at high elevations which will offer incredible views of the mountains on all sides. This day will be breathtaking as you gaze at the high peaks of the Himalayas. The trail will begin a long descent to Muktinath, a sacred spot to both Hindus and Buddhists, where there are many important temples. We will spend the night in Muktinath. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner+