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Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days

Trip Overview

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most illustrious adventures in entire Nepal. The adventure encircles the entire Annapurna massif and the marvels of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The Short Annapurna Trek allows the trekkers to enjoy the company of the majestic Himalayas and revel in the cultural glory of the villages in the shadows of the glamorous mountains. A perfect fit for those running short on time, the short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a brilliant way to explore these famous trekking trails within a limited amount of budget as well. 

Like most of the adventures in Nepal, the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with a bus drive from Kathmandu. As the road trip settles on the beds of the Prithvi Highway on the way to Besisahar. While the Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Besisahar, you drive northwards to Chame on this trip. The Marshyangdi River will keep you company as you take on a bumpy graveled road. The drive passes small villages and offers great scenery of the Himalayas while continuing on a long drive. Finally, arrival at Chame signals the beginning of the trek. Heading to Pisang on the first day, you continue to Manang. The trails reflect the widespread of Tibetan culture in these regions as the chortens, monasteries, and prayer flags decorate the entire way to Manang. At Manang, you spend an additional day to relish the beauty of the Annapurna Himalayas and Tibetan lifestyle. Heading towards Yak Kharka along with the pasturelands, the trek reaches the base of the Thorung La Pass (5416m). A rather difficult ascent to the top of the Thorung La Pass (5416m) ensures a vista of beautiful massifs and landscapes. A descent leads to the Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindu and Buddhist adherents. Finally, the trek heads towards its completion as you head to Jomsom. From Jomsom, a drive will bring you to Pokhara followed by another drive to Kathmandu. 

At Amazing Nepal Trek, we are more concerned about the quality of the trip and the degree of satisfaction of our clients. As we aim to be one of the biggest trip organizers in Nepal, we also hope to provide unique travel experiences. So, we have a standard set of services and able team members to serve you. 

Trip Highlights: 

  • Annapurna Conservation Area and its biodiversity
  • Cross the Thorung La Pass (5416m) and enjoy the scenery from the top of the pass
  • Witness the panorama of the Annapurna, Nilgiri, Chulu, and Muktinath Himal ranges
  • Observe the lifestyle and culture of the Tibetan and Manangi communities

Additional Information

If the suggested itinerary is not up to the mark, we can even customize your trip as per your need with a special group discount. Kindly contact us at  [email protected] for detail information. You can also contact us by calling at +977-9851116042 for 24/7 support. We speak English, Hindi, and Nepali.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4,264 ft)
Day 02: Drive to Chame (Sharing bus to Besisahar and sharing jeep to Chame) (2670m/8,891ft) |9-10 Hrs
Day 03: Trek to Pisang (3200m/10,496ft) from Chame|5-6 Hrs
Day 04: Trek to Manang (3570m/11712ft) from Pisang |6-7 Hrs
Day 05: Rest and acclimatizing day in Manang 
Day 06: Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m/13287ft) from Manang |5-6 Hrs
Day 07: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4525m/14845ft) from Yak Kharka |6-7 Hrs
Day 08: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3760m/12335ft) via Thorung La Pass (5416m/17769ft) |8-9 Hrs
Day 09: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m/8923ft) via Kagbeni (2810m/9219ft) |6-7 Hrs 
Day 10: Drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft) by sharing jeep/bus from Jomsom |5-6 Hrs
Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft) by tourist bus from Pokhara |6-7 Hrs
Day 12: Final departure

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

On this day, you arrive in Nepal. After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, a company representative will welcome you and take you to the hotel. According to your arrival time, you can explore the city and observe the Newari heritage while you do so.

Day 02: Drive to Chame (Sharing bus to Besisahar and sharing jeep to Chame) (2670m) |9-10 Hrs

As you begin the adventure, a long drive takes you to Chame. As you get on a bus, you travel with the company of hills, rivers, and small road-side settlements. The drive leads all the way to Besisahar followed by another drive to Chame. From Besisahar, you get on a jeep as you take the track along the Marshyangdi River. Finally, you arrive at Chame and rest after a long day of driving. 

Day 03: Trek to Pisang (3200m) from Chame|5-6 Hrs

As you make way through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you can enjoy the company of the diverse wildlife along the trail. Leaving Chame, a Chorten-gate will bid you farewell as you follow a stone trail. You continue all the way to Bhratang and trek along with the Marshyangdi River. Walking along the huge rock face of the Pangdi Danda, you make a steep ascent to Pisang. 

Day 04: Trek to Manang (3570m) from Pisang |6-7 Hrs

The trail from Pisang divides into two and you take the northern route that takes you to Ghyaru. Further, you continue on to Ngawal and enjoy the views of the mountains like Pisang (6091m) and Annapurna I (8091m). The trail reaches Munchi and you head west towards Braga Village. Here, you can visit the Braga Monastery as well. Continuing on, you arrive at Manang.

Day 05: Rest and acclimatizing day in Manang 

Manang is an excellent destination to rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Here, you can explore the settlements of the local Manangi community. Their entertaining culture and lifestyle are thoroughly entertaining. The Gangapurna Lake is a glorious hiking destination as you enjoy the serenity of the lake along with the background of the Himalayas in Annapurna range. You can also visit the local monasteries including Boozo Gompa.

Day 06: Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m) from Manang |5-6 Hrs

Leaving Manang, you trek along with the barren landscapes of Manang and head northwest. Following the narrow trail along the Jarsang River, you make a turn towards the north. As the Thorung River keeps you company, you continue to trek through pasturelands. As the trekking grounds get a bit level, you can also enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 07: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4525m) from Yak Kharka |6-7 Hrs

From Yak Kharka, the trek continues northward. A gradual ascent makes way to Ledar as you enjoy the views of the Himalayas towering above the hills. As the Chulu mountain ranges cover the views towards the east, you continue on rather barren landscapes. Crossing the Kone River, you hug the stone trails filled with a number of ascents and descents. Finally, you reach Thorung Phedi which sits at the base of the Thorung La Pass (5416m). 

Day 08: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorung La Pass (5416m) |8-9 Hrs

The day begins pretty early as you ascend along the stone trails. The top of the pass is decorated with the vistas of the Annapurna mountain range, Nilgiri (7061m), and many other mountains. You can enjoy the surreal scenery with a cup of tea available at a small tea house at the top. From the pass, you continue the trek and begin the descent all the way to Muktinath. The trail to Muktinath sees a slight increase in vegetation. You end the day with a light exploration around Muktinath.

Day 09: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m) via Kagbeni (2810m) |6-7 Hrs 

You begin the day with a visit to the Muktinath Temple. The statue of Lord Vishnu, the eternal flame, and the 108 taps are some of the attraction in Muktinath. Thereafter, you take the trail west of the village. Continuing on the stone trail, the barren tracks take you to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, a trail along the Marshyangdi River will lead you to Jomsom.

Day 10: Drive to Pokhara (820m) by sharing jeep/bus from Jomsom |5-6 Hrs

As the day begins, you have your breakfast in the company of the Himalayas. The road track even passes the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki gorge. Passing Kalopani and Tatopani, you ride along the Baglung Beni Highway and reach Pokhara. In Pokhara, you can explore the city and visit the attractions around the city. You can end the day with a boat ride on the Phewa Lake. 

Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu (1300m) by tourist bus from Pokhara |6-7 Hrs

You can enjoy the morning with the views of the Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) and the Annapurna range. After breakfast, you embark on a drive to Kathmandu. The drive takes the roads on the Prithvi Highway and reaches Kathmandu. Here, you can explore the city and do some last minute shopping.

Day 12: Final departure

As this day marks your final day in Nepal, you can visit some of the attractions of Kathmandu according to your flight schedule. A company representative will help you to get to the airport and bid you farewell. We hope to see you soon on your next venture in Nepal.

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Cost Includes: 

  • All airport transfers
  • Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights with breakfast 
  • Tourist Standard Hotel in Pokhara for 1 night with breakfast
  • Welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural show
  • All ground transport by private Car, Sharing Jeep and Tourist bus as per itinerary
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (Conservation Area permit and TIMS)
  • An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) followed by a cup of Tea/Coffee during the trek  
  • Iodine/Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water 
  • All mountain accommodation (3 nights private room with independent bathroom/hot showers and remaining Soft, comfortable, twin sharing private room with shared toilet)
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes 
  • Trekking equipment such as down-filled sleeping bag and duffel bag
  • Souvenir: Annapurna Route map and Amazing Nepal T-Shirt
  • Farewell dinner

Cost not Includes:

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for welcome and farewell dinner
  • Deserts (cakes, bakes, and pies)s 
  • Additional Hot Drinks 
  • Bottled drinks/Boiled & mineral water 
  • Electronic device re-charge, Hot shower, Wi-Fi 
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance and evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Tipping to driver and trekking crew
  • Anything that is not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Accommodations and Meals:

You will be provided a room in a tourist standard hotel, while you are in Kathmandu. During your trekking, you will be provided room in teahouses. Please be informed that you will be sharing the room at teahouses. Please also note that the Annapurna region is located at far from the maddening crowd, therefore, teahouses may not be as much sophisticated as one finds them in town.

We will provide only breakfast while you are in Kathmandu and three-course meals while you are on trek. This means you will be taking breakfast and dinner at teahouse you stay and lunch in the mid of your trekking. Since the Annapurna region is geographically a remote place, you will be provided only selected but hygienic and organic local foods such as Nepali dal bhat, Tibetan soup, and bread, porridge etc.

Is this trek appropriate for me?

Rapid Annapurna Circuit Trek is a fairly challenging trek. It has possibilities of suffering from high altitude and thin air. In comparison to other Annapurna massifs, this trek is suitable for physically fit people; but you are supposed to have inspiration and passion which makes your trek successful. You are required to be physically and mentally fit. Although you have an average health condition, your positive attitude and strong determination can help to accomplish this trek. For making comfortable walking, adjusting to changing climate, our package manages the facility of acclimatization in needed place as well as 5-6 hours walking per day. If you have already accumulated hiking and jugging experiences that will be beneficial to adjust the situation. Despite having your pre-experiences, we are confident to make your trek successful. Amazing Nepal Trek & Expedition cordially request to have medical checking before you plan to start any trekking and hiking.

Briefing of the Tour:

You will be briefed about the trek, you will be given an information file, and importantly introduced with your guide.

Trekking Crews:

We will provide government registered, well-trained English Speaking guide, who holds enough knowledge about responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism

We will also provide an assistant guide who is ready to help you with every situation.

We will provide a porter is provided to every two of you, and he will be carrying not more than 25kg.

We get our crews’ life get insured.

Certificate:

After the trek is over, you will be provided with ANTA adventure certificate.

Size of Group:

Trekking Group Size of our group can range from two people to ten people. In case you want to travel alone, do not hesitate to write to us. We will plan accordingly. In case, you more than ten people, please do let us know so that we can develop and improvise plans and itinerary.

Acclimatization:

Trekking to the Annapurna Region is as much difficult as it is technical. We give special priority to its technical sides as well. For this, we have designed an itinerary to allow you to get acclimatize naturally. We know the particular location you need to stay for rest, and the particular distance you need to walk slowly and so on. In case you get high altitude sickness, we have crews who know how to deal with it effectively and smartly.

How to respond to Altitude Sickness?

Please do carry a first aid box

Please consult your physician

Please do keep on informing our crews if you feel uneasy

Please do walk in the group so that you can help each other

Travel Insurance:

We would like to recommend you to get your trekking insured. Since you are trekking in probably one of the wildest and challenging routes, you need to be cautious of anything inevitable. You may need helicopter evacuation and get your trip canceled. You may get injured and get your baggage theft and so on.

Permits and fees:

The government local body charges some small amount of fee for every you make to the World heritage sites, Conservation areas, National Parks, and restricted areas along climbing. The price we charge includes all the fees.

If you want to book a trekking package with Amazing Nepal Trek and Expedition and still wondering about the essential equipment for your trekking journey, here we are more than happy to offer our checklist for your references. Please make necessary amendments to our checklist as per your need and convenience. For some case, if you couldn’t get any of these listed equipment/gears in your hometown or you’re in a rush before you fly to Kathmandu, don’t worry! The listed necessary items mentioned below can be easily purchased here.
Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. A porter is available for two people who will carry a maximum of up to 25 kg. So, You have to be careful while packing your Bag or luggage.
 
Moreover, There is an allowance of 15kg per person on domestic flights. Additional personal items are not needed for the trekking portion of the trip which can be kept in the hotel’s storage room without extra cost.

Below is the checklist of equipment that is required for the trek:
 
HEAD

  • Buff headwear /neckwear
  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Head Torch

UPPER BODY

  • Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof/windproof jacket
  • Down filled jacket  (Your own Down Jacket is strongly recommended, but Amazing Nepal Trek also supply complimentary down jacket which is needed to be returned after completion of the trek)

LOWER BODY

  • Lightweight cotton pants (long)
  • Waterproof Pants
  • Thermal underwear

FEET

  • Thin inner socks
  • Thick and warm wool hiking socks
  • Comfortable Hiking boots
  • Sneakers /slippers

HANDS

  • Gore-tex gloves

ACCESSORIES

  • Sleeping bag rated to - 20°C (Your own sleeping bag strongly is recommended, but Amazing Nepal Trek also supply complimentary sleeping bags which is needed to be returned after the completion of the trek)
  • Trekking bags/duffel bag (Amazing Nepal Trek will supply complimentary water and windproof duffel/kit bag, but one extra big duffel bag/suitcase is necessary for items that are left at the hotel in Kathmandu)
  • Large plastic bags (For keeping items dry inside trek bag)
  • Trekking poles (Optional, Recommended)
  • Water bottle or camel bag
  • Toiletries
  • Towel
  • Sewing Kit
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen, and lip balm
  • The first-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
  • Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
  • Wet wipes 
  • Reading or writing material
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days
Lucy Janeingham, New Zealand

Well, this trip was two years in the planning and it did not disappoint. Yes, we did have a couple of issues with altitude sickness but with the help of our very competent guide (Prem) we all managed to complete the journey.
Prem was always caring and watching over us. Everything was organised, right from accommodation through to meals etc. He kept a close eye on our health by monitoring oxy levels and pulse rate throughout the trek.
Our porter, Prakash was the joy of the trek, he is a natural comedian and kept us amused throughout the trip. He still managed to stay very professional as well, this made the hard days so much more bearable.
Make no mistake, this trek is no pushover so be prepared for some long hard days but you can believe me when I say it is totally worth ever drop of sweat.
Thank you Amazing Nepal and the team for a lifetime of stunning memories for my family and myself.
What's next I wonder??

Rating
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days
Rangaswami, KL, Malaysia

Absolutely incredible! I was fortunate enough to be paired with a great group for this journey and, hands down, the best guide on the mountain. Prem was knowledgeable, experienced, patient and hilarious. He knew the path like the back of his hand which put all of our group at ease and able to focus on the task at hand. Beyond his professionalism, he made the journey fun. He laughed with us and encouraged us, all the while making sure the endless logistics were handled. 
Annapurna circuit trek is a must do in life and you'll want the best of the best, which is Amazing Nepal and Prem as your guide.

Rating
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days
Roly Hinoz

I just got home from the Annapurna Circuit trek and I must say - hands down - that it was one of the best experiences of my life. First of all, nothing would be as perfect as it was if it wasn’t for our guide, Saroj. He was absolutely fantastic. He even managed to get me a birthday cake - 3500 meters up in the mountains! I also had some problems with blisters on my feet and he was kind enough to let me borrow a pair of his shoes during the trek which made it all better. 

Saroj was also so much fun to be around and he made that all of us felt as comfortable as possible during the trek. 

On the trek, we were three clients travelling solo and we had so much fun together! Sharing my trek with them and Saroj will always have a special place in my heart. I am so thankful for Amazing Nepal to have organized such an outstanding 10 days trek. Cannot thank every one enough!

Rating
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days
Matt Wozbolsky, Poland

Amazing Nepal made this entire process incredibly easy. They answer your questions quickly and thoroughly and once you are in Nepal they make everything seamless. I had a guide named Tej who made the experience as incredible as I ever could have imagined he was what made the trip so great so I really recommend trying to go with him.

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Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days
Teresita Jofra, Brazil

Amazing Nepal & Expedition is really professional and care a lot about their costumers. They can provide you nearly everything and the prices are really reasonable, especially compared to other trekking agencies. Everyone I met was really friendly and welcoming and I always had a good feeling travelling with Amazing Neapl. I did the Annapurna circuit with one guide and had and excellent experience, so from my point I can just give a strong recommendation.

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Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days
David Marsh,Canada

I did Annapurna circuit trek with Amazing Nepal Trek & Expedition. it was Amazing and new experience.Thanks to suresh(my trekking guide) .He speaks good English very well. He is one of the best professional guide for trek .Our porter assist this trip very much. He carry our bagpack,serve the food and take care whole our trip. Thanks to all management of Amazing Nepal  Trek team. My partner and i will be in Nepal next october and planing to go everest region three high passes trek with this agency.

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