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Short Annapurna Circuit Trek -10 Days

Overview Itinerary Trip Info

Overview

Annapurna Circuit Short Treks is an ideal venture for those looking to trek on one of the classic trails of Nepal but have limited time. The trek is a fantastic opportunity to witness the grand mountain panoramas of the Annapurna region and traverse adventurous trails.

Our 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Short Treks has a well-planned itinerary that allows you to complete the journey in a short time without missing any adventure. It takes you to the heart of the Annapurna region and also offers a rich cultural experience. You will be trekking on the classic Annapurna trek route. The trekking trail encircles the entire Annapurna massif and crosses one of the world’s highest mountains, Thorong La Pass (5416 m). You will begin the journey by driving from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then Chame. You will start trekking from Chame, passing by traditional Gurung and Magar villages like Pisang, Manang, Ledar, Thorong High Camp, Muktinath, and Jomsom

The trekking trails of Annapurna Circuit Short Treks lie within the Annapurna Conservation Area. You will go from dense subtropical forests to alpine meadows, semi-arid landscapes, and glaciers. During the trek, you will also visit the ancient Barge Monastery and the sacred Muktinath Temple. The trek also offers spectacular views of Mount Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Lamjung Himal, Pisang Peak, Tukuche Peak, Chulu range, and others. The trek is also a window to peek at Gurung, Magar, and Tibetan culture as well as lifestyle. During the 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Short Treks, you will explore the rugged and diverse trails of the Annapurna region and its unique culture. It is a complete package you do not want to miss!

Trekking Trips Activity
Easy Grade

Annapurna Circuit Short Treks Highlights

  • Take a short and adventurous trek on the classic trails of the Annapurna region.
  • Drive on the winding and scenic Prithvi Highway.
  • Venture deep into the heart of the region and encircle the entire Annapurna massif.
  • Traverse dense rhododendron forests, oaks, firs, alpine meadows, semi-arid landscapes, and icy trails.
  • Observe the unique and rare Himalayan flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • Trek past charming Gurung and Magar villages, terrace farms, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, and valleys.
  • Cross the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
  • Visit the ancient Barge Monastery and the sacred Muktinath Temple.
  • Witness breathtaking views of Mount Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Lamjung Himal, Tukuche Peak, Chulu range, and many more.
  • Take a relaxing dip in the natural hot spring of Tatopani.
  • Drive through the beautiful landscapes of Muktinath to Pokhara via Jomsom.
  • Immerse yourself in the local Gurung and Magar culture and gain insight into their lifestyle.

10 Days Annapurna Circuit Short Treks Itinerary

Day 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m) west of the Kathmandu Valley.

We will begin our exciting adventure by taking a bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar. We will have an early breakfast before beginning our journey. The vehicle will drive on the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli River. You will witness picturesque villages, vibrant bazaars, terrace farms, hills, and green forests. As you get closer to Besishar, you will begin driving along the banks of the Marsyangdhi River. You will also get a glimpse of Mount Ganesh and Manaslu. We will stay overnight at Besisahar.

Flight Time:

7 hours

Altitude:

1350 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Besisahar

Day 2 | Drive From Besisahar to Chame (2,710 m).

After early breakfast at Besisahar, we will take a local bus to Chame. On this day, we will mostly drive along the Marsyangdi River, passing by luscious forests, small villages, and terrace farms. Similarly, we will pass the beautiful Jagat Bazaar and Dharapani (1860 m). The tranquil village of Dharapani serves as the entry point for trekking in the Annapurna region. We will continue driving until we reach Chame. The Chame village sits alongside the Marsyangdi River, and you can visit its natural hot springs and busy bazaar. Similarly, you can also witness spectacular views of Mount Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and more.

Distance:

66.5 km/ 41.3 miles

Altitude:

2710 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Chame

Day 3 | Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)

Our trek begins from this day onwards, and after breakfast, it starts to ascend uphill. The trail is steep and narrow and gives a sense of adventure. It takes us to a narrow valley that offers a stunning view of the Paungda Danda Rock face. The Paungda Danda is a curved rock 1500 meters high from the river. Similarly, the gorgeous view of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak also accompanies us. After trekking uphill for a while, we will begin our downhill descend towards the Manang Valley floor and reach Pisang. We will stay overnight at a lodge here.

Flight Time:

6 hours

Distance:

13.2 km/ 8.2 miles

Altitude:

3300 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Upper Pisang

Day 4 | Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)

We will continue with our trek after breakfast at Pisang. The trail gradually ascends to a higher elevation, passing by the Geru village. En route, you can get a breathtaking view of Annapurna II, III, IV, Tilicho, Pisang Peak, and Gangapurna. The landscape also changes into a more barren one, and the vegetation becomes sparse. Similarly, we will come across several Tibetan settlements along the way. They provide a glimpse of their unique culture and traditions. After trekking for some time, we will reach Manang. We will stay here overnight, so in our spare time, we can visit the largest monastery of Manang, the Barge Monastery.

Flight Time:

6 hours

Distance:

: 17 km/ 10.6 miles

Altitude:

3540 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Manang

Day 5 | Trek from Manang through Yak Kharka (4,050 m) to Ledar (4,250 m)

The trail starts to become challenging from here onwards as we will be climbing to higher elevation areas. First, we will climb to Tanki Manang, an upper Manang Village with stone houses and flat roofs. From here onwards, the landscape slowly turns desert-like without any settlements near. We will continue trekking past the barren trails until we reach the tiny village of Gusang. Then, we will come across a serene, green meadow known as Yak Kharka. The trail becomes gentler from here onwards, and we will slowly trek towards Ledar village.

Flight Time:

4 hours

Distance:

9.4 km/ 5.8 miles

Altitude:

4250 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Ledar

Day 6 | Trek from Ledar to Thorong High Camp (4,925 m)

After breakfast at Ledar, we will continue our demanding uphill ascend. However, it is a relatively short trek to Thorong High Camp. The trek on this day will help us acclimatize for our next day’s high-altitude ascension. The trail will first take us past the Jorsang River (4310 m). Then, we will pass by Phedi village (4525 m). It will take us around 5 hours to get to Thorong High Camp, our stop for the day.

Flight Time:

5 hours

Distance:

7.3 km/ 4.53 miles

Altitude:

4925 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Thorong High Camp

Day 7 | Trek from Thorong High Camp to Muktinath Temple (3,760 m) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416 m)

Today is the most challenging day for us. Finally, we will cross the high mountain pass of Thorong La Pass. It is also one of the world’s highest passes. The trail leading to the pass is rough, rocky, and physically demanding. We will wake up early, before dawn, and start our uphill climb. It helps us to avoid the icy high wind that blows in the afternoon.

The grand mountain panoramas will greet us upon reaching the top of the Thorong La Pass. There is also an indescribable sense of achievement once we get to the top. We can witness the entire Annapurna massif and Himalayan peaks stretching far back to Tibet. After enjoying the view for a while, we will begin our descent. Since the trails are steep, we will climb slowly and start trekking towards Muktinath.

We will visit the Muktinath Temple, a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Buddhist devotees call the temple “Chumig Gyasta.” The temple contains 108 water sprouts, which are believed to cleanse one’s sins. The icy cold water from the Kali Gandaki River flows from here. Similarly, an eternal flame within the temple is believed to have been burning for more than 2000 years. On this day, we will stay at a lodge in Muktinath.

Flight Time:

9 hours

Distance:

15.6 km/ 9.6 miles

Altitude:

5416 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Muktinath Temple

Day 8 | Drive from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720 m), and to Tatopani (1,200 m).

From Muktinath, we will take public transport and begin past the semi-arid landscapes. We will drive through the bottom of the Kali Gandaki River valley and towards Jomsom. Jomsom is a popular town and district headquarters of Mustang. You can see beautiful traditional houses, picturesque terrace farms, ancient monasteries, and gompas here. The town also has a bustling, vibrant market where you can shop for souvenirs. After a short break at Jomsom, we will take another bus towards Tatopani.

We will continue driving past the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, and slowly enter the lowlands. The semi-arid landscape gradually turns into lush subtropical forests. Throughout the trek, we can witness the view of Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Finally, we will reach Tatopani, the name of which translates into hot water. In the evening, you can dip into the natural hot spring and relax your tired muscles.

Distance:

113 km/ 70 miles

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Tatopani

Day 9 | Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara (850 m).

After breakfast, we will take another local transport from Tatopani to Pokhara. We will drive past the beautiful countryside of Pokhara, passing by the bustling Beni Bazaar. We will stop overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. The beautiful city of Pokhara is a tourist hub known as the city of lights. The lakeside area is full of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can stroll around and enjoy Pokhara’s nightlife.

Distance:

197 km/ 122 miles

Altitude:

850 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Pokhara

Day 10 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Today is the final day of our trek package. We will have an early breakfast and take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu. The bus will travel on the familiar road, passing by the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. Similarly, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery one last time by passing the familiar villages, hills, and forests. After reaching Kathmandu, our trek package will come to an end. We hope your journey with us was exciting and memorable. Thank you for choosing us for your dream trek in Nepal.

Distance:

200 km/ 124 miles

Altitude:

1350 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Route

Your short Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with a beautiful drive from Kathmandu (1350 m) to Besisahar (760 m). The vehicle drives on the winding Prithvi Highway, passing by charming villages, picturesque terrace farms, bustling bazaars, small eateries, hills, and forests. Similarly, you will drive along the Trishuli River to get to Besishar, which sits along the Marsyangdi River.

It will take another whole day’s drive to get from Besishar to Chame (2710 m). You will take a local bus and drive along the Marsyangdi River. En route, you will pass by Jagat Bazaar and Dharapani (1860 m) before reaching Chame. Your actual trek will begin from here onwards. The trekking trail goes through a narrow, steep valley facing the Paungda Danda Rock. After trekking for a while, you will descend to Manang Valley to reach Upper Pisang (3300 m).

The trail from Upper Pisang continues to go uphill through Geru village. You will come across several Tibetan settlements along the way. After trekking for 5 to 6 hours, you will reach Manang (3540 m). You can also take a short visit to Barge Monastery in Manang in your spare time. It begins to get more challenging as you start to climb uphill from Manang. En route, you will cross notable villages like Tanki Manang, Gunsang, and Yak Kharka. Finally, the challenging trail will take you to Ledar (4050 m).

From Ledar, you will take a short but demanding hike to Thorong High Camp (4925 m). The trail requires you to cross the Jorsang River and pass by the Phedi village. You will make your most challenging climb to Thorong La High Pass (5416 m) from here. It is the highest point of the trek, but it also offers a grand view of the surrounding Himalayas and surroundings. Descending from the pass is equally challenging as you must climb downhill on rocky and loose gravel terrain. Then, you will arrive at Muktinath (3760 m).
You will visit the holy Muktinath temple before taking local or private transport to Jomsom (2720 m) and Tatopani (1200 m). The vehicle will pass by the Kali Gandaki River valley and the bustling Jomsom marketplace. After reaching Tatopani, you can dip in the natural hot spring water and relax your tired muscles. From Tatopani, you will take another transport that takes you past Beni Bazaar and to the tourist hub of Nepal, Pokhara (850 m). You will return to Kathmandu on a tourist bus, returning to the same Prithvi Highway you came from.

Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Peak season

Spring (March to May)

If you want to witness the blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers adorning trails of the Annapurna Circuit, spring is the perfect time. The weather and climatic conditions of spring are ideal for a comfortable trekking experience. Similarly, the temperature is warm and ranges between 5°C to 20°C. The temperature during nighttime can get a little chilly. During spring, the flora and fauna are most active. Hence, you may spot rare wildlife as you trek through dense forest trails. The rainfall is minimal during springtime, resulting in brilliant visibility. Therefore, trekkers can enjoy the best mountain views and colorful scenery at this time.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the next best trekking season. The stable weather, crisp sky, and mild temperature make this season a perfect time for Annapurna Circuit Short Treks. The average daytime temperature ranges from 4°C to 20°C. Compared to the day, the temperature at night drops drastically. At higher elevations, it can drop below -5°C. Overall, autumn offers comfortable weather for trekking. The rain from the monsoon cleanses the entire landscape and vegetation. Hence, the surroundings look fresh, clean, and vibrant. By late autumn, the beautiful autumn foliage colors the lush green forests

Required Permits for Short ACT

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card records information about trekkers and their itineraries. It helps local authorities track trekkers’ whereabouts and manage the tourist influx in the trekking regions. The TIMS card costs NPR 1000 per person for SAARC residents and NPR 2000 per person for non-SAARC residents.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest protected area in Nepal. Its inhabitants include various flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. To preserve the environment and protect wildlife, obtaining a permit to access the area, known as the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP), is mandatory. The ACAP costs NPR 1000 per person for SAARC residents and NPR 3000 per person for non-SAARC residents.

Food and Accommodation

The teahouses, lodges, guesthouses, and homestays along the Annapurna Circuit Short Treks trails offer food and accommodations to trekkers. These accommodations are simple and basic but affordable and cozy. As locals run them, these accommodations offer a glimpse of the local culture, customs, and lifestyle. The majority of the locals belong to Gurung and Magar ethnic communities. These charming stays are the best way to experience rural hospitality and immerse in their culture.

While on trek, do not expect to find luxurious accommodations. The teahouses and lodges mainly offer rooms on a shared basis. Many also have dormitory-style rooms. They offer beds, blankets, pillows, and limited furniture. The bathrooms are mostly communal and located at the end of the hall. You must pay additional costs for facilities like charging electronic devices, WiFi/ internet, hot water/ shower, phone calls, etc. As you move to the higher regions, the services become more limited.

The shops, accommodations, and eateries offer various meal options. From staple Nepalese cuisines to international dishes, you can find a wide variety. Some of the meal options that you can find during the Annapurna Circuit Short Treks include oatmeal, cornflakes, muesli, porridge, soup, salad, eggs, toast, bread, Dal Bhat, curries, roti, momo (dumpling), noodles, chowmein, pasta, spaghetti, stew, french fries, rice puddings, and more. The standard meal options included in the package include tea (black/ milk/ green) or coffee. Trekkers can also find options like cold drinks and alcoholic beverages, which are personal expenses.

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty

During the Annapurna Circuit Short Treks, you will come across several challenges. It is a moderate-grade journey that covers a distance of 160 to 230 km, depending on the route. Compared to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it is slightly more demanding. Each day, you must trek for 4 to 6 hours on steep uphill and downhill trails on varied terrains. Trekkers must also cross wooden suspension bridges and high mountain passes and traverse narrow trails and open ridges. As a result, trekkers must be physically and mentally fit to undertake the trek.

In addition to the demanding trails, the high-altitude nature of the trek also makes Annapurna Circuit Short Treks difficult. During the trek, you will reach a maximum elevation of 5000 meters. The higher you go, the more difficult it becomes to trek. Lower oxygen levels and increased metabolism can lead to over-exertion. Moreover, it also exposes trekkers to the risk of altitude sickness. It can hinder your entire trek plan.

The weather also becomes unpredictable as you go to higher altitudes. It changes rapidly, causing unforeseen challenges for trekkers. These challenges are not only physically demanding but also mentally stressful. The lack of proper infrastructure and modern facilities can also trigger them. So, trekkers must set real expectations during the journey. They must have strong mental fortitude to overcome them. They must have a positive attitude and motivation throughout the journey.

FAQs Annapurna Circuit Short Treks

Risk of Acute Mountain Sickness During Annapurna Circuit Trek

Altitude sickness is a medical condition that many trekkers experience during high-altitude treks. There is a risk of altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. During the trek, you will reach a maximum elevation of 5416 meters. Meanwhile, the risk of altitude sickness begins at 2500 meters. The oxygen level decreases as you go to higher elevations. Similarly, the air pressure also reduces with the altitude. This leads to oxygen deficiency in trekkers’ bodies, causing altitude sickness.
The symptoms of altitude sickness can vary from mild to severe. Based on the symptoms, there are three types of altitude sickness:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

It is a mild altitude sickness that over 25% of trekkers who ascend to altitudes above 2500 m experience. Its symptoms include headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and rapid heart rate.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

HAPE is more severe and dangerous than AMS. It occurs when the body lacks oxygen, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs. Trekkers can experience HAPE after crossing 2500 meters. They will start feeling chest pain and cough profusely. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, chest tightness, rapid breathing, disorientation, and cyanosis (lips, skin, or nails turn bluish).

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

HACE is the most dangerous form of altitude sickness, affecting trekkers ascending to an altitude above 3600 meters. It occurs when the lack of oxygen in the human body leads to fluid accumulating in the brain or swelling of the brain. Also known as mountain madness, HACE can be fatal if trekkers do not receive immediate medical attention. Its symptoms include extreme weakness, disorientation, severe headache, loss of coordination, slurred speech, nausea, hallucination, and seizures.

Prevention of altitude sickness

  • You can prevent or minimize the risk of altitude sickness in several ways, which are as follows:
  • Ascend to higher altitude areas gradually and take acclimatization days. It allows your body to adapt to the growing altitude and decreased oxygen levels.
  • Sleep low and climb high. Although you ascend to a higher altitude during the day, you should descend to a slightly lower altitude to sleep.
  • Keep your body hydrated. Drink at least 2 to 4 liters daily to prevent dehydration during the trek.
  • Eat a light, nutritious, and healthy diet. Consume easily digestible carbohydrates and proteins to stay energized every day.
  • Avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcoholic beverages. Also, avoid excessive smoking of tobacco. These can worsen the symptoms of altitude-related sickness.
  • You can use medications like acetazolamide or Diamax to avoid altitude sickness. However, consult with health professionals before taking the medicines.

Why Book With Us

HCTreks, a trusted name in Nepal’s tourism, offers unforgettable Himalayan adventures with expert guidance and 24/7 support. From Everest treks to hidden trails like Upper Dolpo, we ensure your journey is seamless and memorable.

Expert Travel Guides

Himalayan Challenge Treks believes no journey will be safe and smooth without a good travel team. Thus, we are proud of our expert travel guides, who make our clients' expeditions remarkable. Likewise, our guides are highly experienced, government-licensed, and trained in first aid and emergency responses.  Trekking with HC's guide is like walking with a companion who ensures your safety and makes a journey memorable and extraordinary.

Safety First

The Himalayan Challenge trek ensures that your safety is our top priority. When you made a booking with us, you became our family member. And we won't let our family be in any trouble. Thus, from the beginning of the trek to the time you fly to your home country, we'll take care of every detail and get in touch with you. Similarly, our well-planned itinerary, acclimatization strategies, and emergency support ensure a smooth and safe trekking experience.

Customizable Trips

Himalayan Challenge Trek knows that even one coin's two sides are not the same, so how can two different clients be the same? Considering the fact that everyone is different and has unique preferences, we offer customizable trekking packages. This personalized option allows trekkers to tailor their itinerary to suit their preferences, fitness level, and time availability.

Eco-Friendly Tourism

Sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices set us apart from other trekking agencies. We don't just make you explore the Himalayas but also train you to protect nature for future generations. We take different steps to ensure that your journey in the mountains has a positive impact. For suitable and eco-friendly tourism, we follow a zero-waste approach to support local and organic products.

Competitive Price

HC Treks's top-notch service at a competitive price ensures that even tight-budget trekkers get the best value for their money. Likewise, we maintain 100% transparency with no hidden costs. We arrange itineraries that maximize the trekking experience without unnecessary expenses, as everything required is included in the package. Further, we offer group discounts and assist trekkers with rental gear to help them reduce costs. 

Route Updates

We believe that staying updated on the weather and providing updates to trekkers are crucial for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Thus, we provide daily weather forecasts and route updates, ensuring trekkers are prepared ahead. For weather updates, our guide monitors official meteorological sources and local reports, ensuring a safe journey and no interruption due to changes in weather during the trek.