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Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The short Annapurna Circuit trek begins in Chame and spans over a duration of 10 days. This trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, while also encompassing the magnificent Thorong La pass at an impressive altitude of 5,416 meters.

With the recent construction of the motor road from Besi Sahar to Chame, it has become feasible to complete the Annapurna Circuit trek in less than 10 days, excluding the Kathmandu section. However, including the Kathmandu section extends the duration to 13 days.

This option is ideal for trekkers seeking a shorter trek to the Annapurna Circuit, although they should be prepared for a four-wheel drive from Besi Sahar to Chame (not possible during the monsoon season). The Annapurna Circuit is indeed renowned as one of the premier treks in Nepal, and its reputation as one of the top 10 trails globally for a classic trekking experience is well-deserved.

The trek's highlights include the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape, the rich cultural diversity, and the unforgettable experience of crossing the renowned Thorong La Pass, considered one of the most stunning high passes in the entire Annapurna region.

The shortest version of the Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with a drive from Besi Sahar to Chame, which takes about 4 to 5 hours, while the drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar by bus or private vehicle takes about 6 to 7 hours. If you plan to travel from Kathmandu to Chame in a single day, it is recommended to take a private jeep that goes directly to Chame, which is more convenient than changing vehicles in Besi Sahar. Chame village is the headquarters of Manang district in the Gandaki region of northern Nepal.

From Chame we enter the Manang Valley, a beautiful valley that offers spectacular views (at every turn you have a different view of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountains), an amazing variety of landscapes, from subtropical to alpine peaks to arid semi-deserts similar to those of Tibet, picturesque farming villages, river basins, glacial lakes, a great cultural diversity and Buddhist monasteries, as well as the Thorong La Pass (the highest point of the trek at an altitude of 5. 416 meters).

The trek follows the Marsyangdi valley to the north of the main Himalayan range and cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) to descend into the dramatic desert like Tibetan-style scenery of the Upper Kali Gandaki Valley.

The trek offers breathtaking mountain views of the numerous above 7000 meters Annapurna Peaks, some other beautiful mountains including mount Manaslu. After crossing the Thorong La Pass you will reach at Muktinath and visit the Muktinath temple, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

After Muktinath, you descend to Kali Gandaki River and follow the trail to Jomsom, on this day see an eyeful landscape view of the Mustang Valley and immense views of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peak. Jomsom has daily flights and motorway connections with Pokhara. From Jomsom you will take a bus/jeep (about 8 to 9 hours) or flight (about 25 minutes) to Pokhara and the next day, you will drive about 6 to 7 hours) or fly (about 25 minutes) from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

The construction of the motor roads from Besi Sahar to Chame and from Muktinath to Beni naturally affected those who wanted to hike the entire classic Annapurna circuit, although it also offered the possibility of completing the trek in a shorter time.

Most trekkers are concerned about suffering altitude sickness when going overland for a long time straight to Chame at 2670 meters in a single day. If you're feeling the same way, we recommend that you drive by jeep to Syange (1,100 meters), Jagat (1,330 meters), or Dharapani (1,960 meters) and start your trek from there, but for trekking need a few extra days.

From Jomsom, if you have the time and interest, it is also possible to extend the trek to a spectacular viewpoint called Poon Hill, situated at an altitude of 3,210 meters. For this option, you can drive from Jomsom to Tatopani (Hot Springs) and from here you start the trek to Poon Hill which has multiple ending points.

13 days Annapurna Circuit short trek includes 7 days trekking (10 days from Kathmandu) and one day sightseeing in Kathmandu, two days for arrival and departure from Kathmandu.

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

  • The short trekking to the Annapurna Circuit (trans Himalayan zone) does not take long. The trek begins after a long drive from Kathmandu to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
  • Cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering awe-inspiring vistas.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
  • Traverse through a variety of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and barren high-altitude deserts.
  • Encounter diverse ethnic communities, including Gurungs, Thakalis, and Manangis, each with its own traditions, customs, and vibrant festivals.
  • Visit charming mountain villages like Pisang, and Manang experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals.
  • Visit ancient monasteries, stupas, and sacred sites along the trail, gaining insights into the region's rich spiritual and religious heritage.
  • Discover a wide range of flora and fauna, from rhododendron forests to blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr, adding to the trek's natural beauty.
  • Discover the unique blend of Tibetan culture and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Staying in teahouses along the route, enjoy local food, and share experiences with other trekkers.

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

The cost of the Short Annapurna Circuit trekking package depends on various factors. These include the size of the group (Larger groups might be able to negotiate better rates, while solo trekkers or small groups may pay a premium for personalized services), the level of services included (budget, standard, luxury) and the reputation and standard of the trekking company you choose.

The Alpine Adventure Club announces the cost and some fixed departure dates for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek for groups joining in 2024 and 2025, the cost includes the standard service. If you wish to participate in a private trek, the cost will be different.

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 13 Days Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive to Besi Sahar (820 m) and Chame  (2,670 m) – Not in Monsoon
Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3,200 m)
Day 05: Trek to Manang (3,540 m)
Day 06: Acclimatization in Manang (3,540 m)
Day 07: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110 m)
Day 08: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,420 m)
Day 09: Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) Over the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
Day 10: Trek to Jomsom (2,713 m) via Lupra or Kagbeni
Day 11: Flight to Pokhara (850m) and sightseeing around Pokhara
Day 12: Pokhara drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Day 13: Depart Kathmandu

Destination: Nepal
Trekking Region: Annapurna
Trek Start Point:  Chame
Trek End Point: Jomsom
Trekking Accommodation:  Teahouses / Mountain Lodges
Trekking Grade: Medium-hard
Best Season:  March - May / September-November
Max Elevation: 5416m
Duration: 13 Days

The price of a private trek can fluctuate due to several factors, such as the trekking agency selected, the trek's duration, the group size, the level of services desired, and the preferred category of accommodation (deluxe, standard, or budget) in the city and during the trek, the choice between normal (simple) teahouses or the best available teahouses can also impact the overall price. Therefore, it is recommended that you click here: Price request form and fill in the required information and submit the same to get the exact price of your preferred trek and service.

PRICE INCLUDES:-

  • Airport pick up and airport drop by private transportation
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (2 and above participants get twin sharing room in 3-star standard hotel)
  • Historical monument city sightseeing with a tour guide
  • Historical monuments city sightseeing transportation by Non A/C Comfortable Vehicle
  • Kathmandu sightseeing/monument visits Entrance fees
  • Accommodation in Pokhara as per the itinerary with complimentary breakfast (2 and above participants get twin sharing room)
  • Pokhara sightseeing with a your trek guide
  • Pokhara sightseeing transportation by Non A/C Comfortable Vehicle
  • Pokhara sightseeing visits Entrance fees
  • Kathmandu to Chame transportation by Non A/C Jeep
  • Domestic air tickets from Jomsom for guests and guide
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu transportation by tourist bus for guests and guide
  • Way expenses to bring trekking crews from Jomsom to Kathmandu
  • Trekking accommodation in normal Trekkers lodge/Teahouse (2 and above participants get twin sharing room)
  • Three time meals a day during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner/Main course
  • Dessert (Fresh Fruits/Chocolate) after dinner on behalf of the company
  • One Experienced English-speaking, government licensed and ministry of tourism trained trekking guide and his food, accommodation, and salary.
  • Porters carrying your luggage while trekking (Two guests get one porter carrying a maximum of 25 kg of luggage)
  • Annapurna Conservation area project entry fee
  • Trekker's Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • Insurance for Nepalese staff (Trekking guide and Porters)
  • Nepal Government taxes and office service charge

PRICE EXCLUDES:-

  • Lunch and Dinner during the stay in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • International and domestic air tickets except for Jomsom to Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Personal trekking equipment and Clothing
  • Wire Transfer charge or Credit card service charge as company rule
  • Alcoholic beverages, laundry, Telephone calls and all types of hot drinks in Trekking
  • Soft drinks such as cola, mineral water etc
  • Hot water, battery charge and hot shower charge during the trek (If need to pay)
  • Personal nature expenses and Tipping (Tips)
  • High risk medical / travel insurance and First aid kit
  • Expenses resulting from delays beyond our control in case of weather, flight cancellations, or natural calamities
  • Emergency rescue evacuation (if needed)
  • Any other things not mentioned

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our staff at Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to Hotel where you meet the person you are emailing with for trip briefing. You will get entire information of your trip.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation
After breakfast, Kathmandu visits Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa which are all World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square throws light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage places for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. Late in the afternoon, we introduced you to your mountain/trek guide. overnight at Hotel

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (820m) - 5 to 6 hours and Drive to Chame (2670m) - 4 to 5 hours 
Kathmandu to Besisahar + Chame is a long drive. The first section of the drive goes through the Prithvi Highway and through the Marshyangdi valley to reach Besisahar. The Second part of the drive is off-road drive. The Annapurna round trekkers drive there and begin the trek. Before, the drive used to end in Besisahar and the trek begins but now you can drive directly to Chame and begin the trek. According to the group size, we offer bus, hiace, jeep or car up to Besisahar and if you are driving directly to Chame, we offer jeep and other four wheel drive. We offer you good conditioned vehicles. Stay overnight at Chame 

Day 04: Chame trek to Lower Pisang (3200m)
We will cross Marshyangdi River once more and enter the forests of pines. The trail enters inside small valley with gentle ups. We will then meet Bratang village. Walking a little some more from Bratang, we will again have to cross the Marshyangdi river. From here the trail goes steep up before we meet the road to Manang. We will walk on the road for a while then will reach Dhukur Pokhari (Lunch spot). From Dhukur Pokhari we will walk flat for another hour to reach lower Pisang where spectacular views of Annapurna range will be on display.  Overnight at Lower Pisang

Day 05: Pisang trek to Manang (3540m)
The town of Pisang is the beginning of the upper region of the Manang district. On this day, the trek climbs to Braga, a Tibetan styled village. The houses here are stacked upon each other forming verandas with each other rooftops. The main attraction is the Gompa, the largest in the district, with a vast array of statues in display and perched on a high crag with the view of the entire village. After a while we reach Manang, where we refresh and spend the night.

Day 06: Acclimatization at Manang (3540m)
As we are moving to higher elevations, we need to acclimatize to avoid the risk of altitude sickness. Manang is the perfect spot with its beautiful natural setting and a hike up to Gangapurna lake view point in the afternoon for a short tour and if you are interested morning Praken Gompa, north of Manang.  

Day 07: Manang trek to Yak Kharka (4110m)
We will enjoy our tasty meal in Manang before we start our gentle uphill climb to Yak Kharka. Our trek will be pretty easy for this day without any steep climbs though high altitude can cause some tiredness. The beautiful views will be always there. We also have some chances to see blue Sheep grazing in the mountains. Offer Views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak etc.  It's a day with close and stunning views of snowy Himalayas. On our walk we will pass two small villages called Tengi and Gunsang. Both villages have few basic lodges for trekkers. The trail after crossing Gunsang is mostly flat.

Day 08: Yak Kharka trek to Thorong Phedi (4420m)
It is another special day. Amazing views, light trail and towering Himalayas are together with us. The trail until we cross Kone Khola (stream) is mostly flat. Before crossing this stream we will pass two small villages called Churi Ledar and Ledar. Once we cross Kone Khola the trail will give us sudden steep climb. As we complete steep uphill, the risks of dry landslide will also become higher. We will need to be aware of stones falling down from the cliffs. Once we cross this risky area the route again becomes gentle up before we reach Thorong Phedi. We can stay here tonight and prepare crossing the pass.

Day 09: Thorong Phedi trek to Muktinath (3800m) over the Thorung La Pass (5416m)
Today is better to leave early in the morning. The steep trail ascent brings you to Thorong High Camp which takes about 1 hour. Then the trail is gradually ascending until to reach Thorong-La Pass which takes about 3 hours. Then you can enjoy with taking pictures of you in the highest elevation, then better to descend as soon as possible. You continue to descend till to Chabarbu which takes about 3 hours. You find few lodges to have lunch. Then after lunch, you continue until to reach Muktinath village. Overnight at Muktinath village.

Day 10: Muktinath trek to Jomsom (2713m) via Lupra or Kagbeni
Today is possible to go by overland transport to Jomsom but our program is continue trek to Jomsom via Lupra village but if you are interested to trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni (The Gateway to Upper Mustang) also possible on request. You will walk downhill from Muktinath and follow a trail that goes through Lupra village. It is a scenic and interesting trail where we can enjoy some magnificent views of Dhaulagiri Himal and Nilgiri Himal. Lupra is a remote village with the Bonpo monastery. Bonpo is an ancient pre-Buddhist religion not represented by many monasteries these days, so it is a rare and special chance to learn about this ancient animist religion. After spending some quality time in Lupra village, continue trek to Jomsom.

Day 11: Flight to Pokhara (850m) and sightseeing around Pokhara
After breakfast, we'll head to the airport to catch a Pokhara flight (flight will depend on weather) and late afternoon Enjoy a full day Pokhara sightseeing tour with a guide, and explore the amazing places, for example, Fewa Lake, Barahi Temple, David’s fall, Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum, and Bindahashini Temple Overnight at Hotel

Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus
It takes about seven hours, while driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes. Overnight Hotel

Day 13: Depart Kathmandu
The trip comes at the end today. If you prefer to extend your trip let us know otherwise we will transfer you to Kathmandu airport. Normally 3 hours before your flight you are required to check in.

JOIN OUR FIXED DEPARTURE...

Trip Start End Price Group Size  
19th March 2024 24th March 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
26th March 2024 07th April 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
08th April 2024 20th April 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
12th April 2024 24th April 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
16th April 2024 28th April 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
24th April 2024 06th May 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
08th May 2024 20th May 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
04th Sep. 2024 16th Sep. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
16th Sep. 2024 28th Sep. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
08th Oct. 2024 20th Oct. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
21st Oct. 2024 03rd Nov. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
26th Oct. 2024 08th Nov. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
08th Nov. 2024 20th Nov. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
21st Nov. 2024 04th Dec. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
26th Nov. 2024 08th Dec. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
08th Dec. 2024 20th Dec. 2024 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
16th February 2025 28th February 2025 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now
12th March 2025 20th March 2025 US$ 1750 Per Person 2-16 pax Book Now

If above trip itinerary that doesn't suit to your holiday schedule or you wish to modify the itinerary or combines with any travel plans, then please let us know and we'll be happy to create a tailor made itinerary, designed and departure the trip any date that suitable to your holiday schedule especially for you. Please Tailor Made Request Form for tailor made trip.

 

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Alpine Adventure Club Treks & Expedition
Kaldhara-16, Kathmandu, Nepal
Telephone: +977 1 5360765
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