Short Annapurna Circuit TrekShort Annapurna Circuit Trek

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 Days

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration10 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude5416 meters
  • Starts/EndsBesi Sahar/Pokhara
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonSpring & Autumn
Highlights
  • Journey through the entire Annapurna Region crossing Thorang La Pass at 5416 meters. 
  • Visit the Tibetan Settlements, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and stunning landscapes. 
  • Jaw-dropping views of the entire Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri Range from the summit of the Thorang La pass. 
  • Excellent opportunity to experience the Lower Part of Mustang and the Trans-Himalayan Region at the same time.
  • Visit the popular sacred place of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, Muktinath Temple.  

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 Days is a shorter version of the Journey Around the Annapurna Region. Generally, the trip of the Annapurna Round takes 18-20 Days to complete. However, the 10-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek is for those short on time and budget. Although the trek involves some challenging pathways like Thorang La Pass, (5416 meters), this 10 Days in the Annapurna Region is equally rewarding. Moreover, besides the insights into the highest peaks, this trek is an exceptional overview of Himalaya's cultural heritages, landscapes, and natural diversity.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's best trekking routes, offering the alluring mighty Himalayas for adventure seekers. Moreover, the rugged landscapes and cultural immersion along the trek make this route a prime destination for trekkers around the world. Hence, we Mountain Eco Trails, have arranged this 10-day Annapurna Circuit Trek Package for our valuable clients.

Why choose the 10-day Annapurna Circuit Trek?

This short Annapurna Circuit Trek is for those who can’t spend a long time in the Himalayas. Therefore, to enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna Round in a short period, you can choose this Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary. Besides that, this voyage allows you to discover the Himalayan villages, Alpine vegetation, Rushing waterfalls, Himalayan Lifestyle, and mountain vistas in a quick time. Moreover, walking through the Annapurna Conservation Area may encounter Himalayas wildlife too.

However, if you want to explore the Annapurna Region in detail with a long vacation then you can choose the 20-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek.

What to Expect During the Hike through Thorang La Pass?

Crossing the Thorang La Pass is one of the challenging Himalayan Pathways in the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route. Before crossing this pass, trekkers will stay overnight in Thorang Phedi or High Camp. Hiking from the High Camp is easier than Thorang Phedi. However, it depends on the itinerary and physical condition of the trekkers. Although the route through the pass is challenging, views from the top of the pass are outstanding and worthy. Admire the views of the Annapurna Ranges, Tibetan Plateau, Manaslu Ranges, Wonderful landscapes, and many other peaks. You can expect little challenges along the way but the views are equally worth enjoying.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Best Season

The most perfect time to go on to the trekking routes in Nepal is autumn or spring season. Just like that, even for this journey to Thorang La Pass, Spring or Autumn is the best. During these times, the view of the mountain is crystal clear. Likewise, the favorable weather conditions and excellent temperatures make trekking conditions better.

10-Day itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahar through the Prithvi Highway. It takes 7-8 hours to reach Beshisahar enjoying the riverside views of the rapid Trishuli River. Then from Beshisahar, you will take another 3-4 hours of drive to Dharapani or Chame in a Sharing Jeep. The off-road highway follows the Marshyangdi River Valley to reach Chame.

After completing two days of driving, now is the time to stretch your legs and start walking to Pisang. Then from Pisang, according to the Itinerary, the trail moves to Manang where you will spend one extra day for acclimatization. After completing acclimatization day, the walk continues to Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi. There is an option to push up to high camp but it depends on the body condition of the travelers.

The final phase of this 10-day Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary is challenging and gratifying at the same time. While crossing the Thorang La Pass, enjoy the staggering views of Himalayan ranges, and quickly move to the Hindu and Buddhist sacred place, Muktinath. The next day, the trip ends with a quick visit to Muktinath Temple and a drive back to Pokhara.

Why join the Annapurna Round Trip with Mountain Eco Trails?

First of all, our goal is to maintain responsible Eco-friendly tourism throughout the trip we organize along with the safety of our clients. Likewise, with no hidden charges and excellent services at a reasonable price, it makes us one of the best local trekking companies in Nepal. Therefore, even for this Short Annapurna Circuit Trek, our team management and field staff make sure that you will have a remarkable trekking experience in Nepal. To know more information regarding this trip, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Itinerary

The voyage begins with an early morning drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu on a Local Bus. The Highway will take you out of the Valley and passes along the bank of Trushuli River often. Overnight stay at Besi Sahar.

  • Max Altitude:760 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Meals:Lunch and Dinner

Again, today you will drive for a few hours from Besi Sahar to reach Chame. You will take a sharing Jeep or Local bus. Likewise, the off-road highway goes past several villages like Jagat and Dharapani. There will be a short stop at Dharapani for permit checking and the drive continues until you reach Chame for an overnight stay.

  • Max Altitude:2710 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your walk begins today and be ready to stretch your body and legs. The first phase of the route goes through the steep and narrow Valley. You will arrive at Paungda Danda Rock Face from where you can witness Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Next, drop down to Manang Valley to arrive at Pisang, the last stop of the day.

  • Max Altitude:3300 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, the pathway continues to Upper Pisang via Geru. This pathway delivers the views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, IV, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and Tilicho Peak. As you ascend gradually, the air becomes cold and dry. Also, with different Tibetan villages along the way, get an opportunity to learn about Buddhism before arriving at Manang. Overnight stay at Manang.

  • Max Altitude:3500 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After two days of walking, you will have a rest day at Manang. However, to remain active throughout the day, your guide will arrange a day hike either to Ice Lakes or Monastery. It helps you avoid the altitude sickness. Overnight stay at Manang.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail is even better today with occasional encounters with rivers and waterfalls. At the beginning, you will ascend to Tenki village, a Limbu Community. Then, the trail descends to Marshyangdi Valley and moves ahead to Jarsang Khola Valley. You will feel closer to nature than ever while hiking through this peaceful trail. Moreover, the hike continues through the Yak Pasture, mani walls, and wooden bridges to reach Yak Kharka.

  • Max Altitude:4110 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Yak Kharka, your last stop will be at the base of Thorang La pass. The trail goes past the bank of Jharang Khola and takes you to Letdar. If you are lucky, you can see blue sheep and snow leopards around this area of Thorang. Overnight stay at Thorang Phedi.

  • Max Altitude:4600 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The exciting as well as the challenging day of this trip arrives today. You will be crossing one of the highest passes in the world, Thorang La Pass. It will be an early start to avoid the afternoon wind at the top of the pass. In the beginning, it is difficult to walk on a steep trail, but gets easier after reaching the top. Enjoy the dramatic views of Annapurna Ranges and Manaslu Ranges from the top of the pass. Then you will descend to Muktinath, a holy place of Hindu and Buddhist people. Overnight stay at Muktinath.

  • Max Altitude:5416 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You can visit the Muktinath Temple once again in the morning then after breakfast, you will catch a Jeep or Bus to get back to Pokhara. Although it will be a long ride the journey is outstanding with amazing views of the landscapes and mountains. Overnight stay at Pokhara.

  • Max Altitude:850 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

If you have enough time then you can explore around Pokhara. Otherwise, today, you will catch an early morning Tourist Bus to get back to Kathmandu.

  • Max Altitude:1350 meters
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Time:8-10 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • The Itinerary is developed by our trekking guide experts and designed for those who have a short time in Nepal. 
  • If you want to change the Itinerary or need a customized one, feel free to contact us. 
  • The day-to-day itinerary and time are subject to change on the field according to the condition of weather and the trekker's physical condition. 
Cost Includes
  • International Airport Pickups and Drops in a Private Vehicle.
  • Kathmandu-Besi Sahar Local Bus Ticket Fare
  • Besi-Sahar-Chame Local bus-Jeep Transportation Fare.
  • Muktinath-Pokhara Local Bus or Jeep Ticket Fare.
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu Tourist Bus Ticket Fare.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card Fee
  • English-speaking and government-licensed trekking guide for 10 days
  • Expenses of the guide including his salary, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance.
  • Meals three times including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Three cups of Tea or Coffee every day throughout the trek.
  • Accommodation during the trek on a sharing basis.
  • First Aid Kid carried by our staff.
  • Farewell Dinner after completion of the trek when you arrive at Kathmandu.
  • All Government and Local Taxes.
Cost Excludes
  • Personal expenses like extra tea, coffee, snacks, Wi-Fi, Hot Shower, etc. 
  • Travel Insurance, Rescue Evacuations, and Medical Bills. 
  • Porter expenses. (if you need a porter, it costs $20 per day)
  • Private Jeep from Besi Sahar to Chame or Muktinath to Pokhara in case you want to travel privately. 
  • Extra night in Kathmandu and Pokhara if you arrive early from the trek. 
  • Extra expenses in the mountains if there are difficult situations like weather changes or natural disasters that are not in our hands. 
  • Tips to Guide and Porter. 
Good to Know

Responsible and Eco-Friendly Tourism

As a Mountain Eco Trail Pvt. Ltd., we are fully attentive to the environment and the consequences of our actions during the trip. Our approach is to minimize the environmental effects of tourism activities like trekking and tours while promoting the local community. It brings positive energy and impact on both the environment and locals.

How do you book Short Annapurna Circuit Trek online?

Mountain Eco Trails Pvt. Ltd. is a government-registered company with Tourism License No. 3177/080. Therefore, you can book your trekking and tour with us confidently. Therefore, whenever you are ready to book the trip with us, we need 10 % of the total trip fees as an advance for confirmation from your side. You can do the payment procedure through the Bank transfer, or Payment Gateway from our website which is safe and secure, and the remaining you can do after your arrival.

Note: Also, please provide us your details like PP copy, PP size photos, insurance policy, and your arrival date.

Accommodation Along the Annapurna Around

The hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are tourist standards. Whereas, during the trek in the Annapurna Round, a teahouse with basic facilities will be your accommodation. Most of the teahouses are run by families and have basic amenities like beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Likewise, the rooms consist of twin-sharing beds. However, all the teahouses don’t have an attached bathroom. Hence, be prepared to share the common bathrooms and squat toilets as you go higher.

Meals during the Trek to Annapurna Circuit

Your meals throughout the trek will be served in the teahouses. Dinner and Breakfast will be given in the teahouses you will stay. However, the lunch will be taken along the trail where you will rest in between the hiking trail. The teahouses have a menu from where you can choose a wide range of Nepali, Indian, Italian, and Chinese dishes. The Annapurna Circuit Trek costs include three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Electricity and Internet Access in Annapurna

Throughout the teahouses, you will be staying during this trek, electricity is available for extra cost. They will provide you charging pot to charge your mobile and camera. Likewise, same with the internet access as well. They provide you the internet access but with an extra charge. Nevertheless, don’t expect the internet to be as reliable in a city like Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Packing list and Trekking Gear

The trekking gear for the Annapurna Circuit Trek depends on the time you are trekking. Likewise, your packing also depends on whether you are hiring a porter or not. Therefore, we suggest packing only the necessary items you need for this trip. For detailed trekking gear, please visit our common trekking gear for Nepal. Here is the list of the gear you should keep in your backpack:

Upper Body:

  • Woolen Cap and Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses and neck warmer
  • Winter gloves
  • Hiking T-shirts, Layers, Fleece Jackets, Down Jacket, and Windproof Jacket.

Lower Body:

  • Hiking Shorts and Pants.
  • Inner Thermal and Underwear
  • Woolen Socks, Hiking Boots, and Crampons (based on season)

Extra Trekking Gear:

  • At least 60 Liters Backpack.
  • Trekking Pole, Sleeping Bag, and Toiletries.
  • First Aid Kit and Personal Medications.
  • Camera, chargers, and backup.

Permit Cards Required for this Annapurna Circuit

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card to go on the Annapurna Region Trekking. We will make the necessary arrangements for this permit card after you provide us with your passport and pp size photo.

Tips to Know Before Doing the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Start your journey slowly, do not rush right from the beginning.
  • Walk slowly and let your body acclimatize properly.
  • Take nutritious meals focusing on vegetarian items.
  • Always follow the guidance of your trekking guide and feel free to ask him about the things you want to know about the trek.
  • If you feel the symptoms of altitude sickness then inform your trekking fellow or the guide ASAP.
  • The symptoms of sickness can be headache, dizziness, fatigue, and vomiting.
  • Do not panic when you get altitude sickness. If the situation gets bad, start to descend to a lower altitude.

Trip Extension after the completion of the Trek

There are different options in Nepal to explore and encounter several adventurous activities. After completing the trek, if you have enough time, you can do Chitwan Safari, Rafting, Paragliding, Day tours, etc. You can kindly inform us so that we can arrange these kinds of trips at a reasonable price.

FAQs
  • The best time to embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the spring and autumn season

  • The height of the Thorong La Pass is 5416 meters above sea level.

  • Honestly, you can’t see Everest from the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

  • It depends on your trekking experience and the preparation. However, the short Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderately difficult.

  • If you choose to hire a porter, the weight limit for them is 9 kg per Trekkers. He can carry 15-20 Kg of weight.

  • We do not suggest drinking water from local taps or rivers. You can buy filtered water or mineral water from the teahouses.

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