Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Man can now fly in the air like a bird, swim under the ocean like a fish, he can burrow into the ground like a mole. Now if only he could walk the earth like a man, this would be paradise.
— Tommy Douglas

Trip Facts

Trip Code AN-M013
Trip Length 15 Days
Route Difficulty Level D
Group Size Min 1 to 8
Min Altitude 840m / 2755 ft.
Max Altitude 5416m / 17769 ft.
Route Style Local Teahouse
Mode Drive In Fly Out

About Trip

Annapurna Circuit trek is no doubt one of the extraordinary trekking trails of Nepal allowing every traveler to wander around the open natural and cultural museum while encircling the massif Annapurna and her range (I, II, III, IV).

This short version of Annapurna Circuit became more popular with recent progress on the roadway connecting Lamjung to Manang district. Instead of just one day drive on the highway to start the trekking to Annapurna Circuit, we take two-day drive by joining an exciting uneven road trip on the jeep from Bhulbhule to Chame and then continue our way up to Manang Valley. Our walk will be rewarded with a magnificent view of snow-capped peaks and old monasteries visit. On our acclimatization day at Manang, we make our way up to Chongkor Hill (4600m) which serves as an excellent viewpoint to watch over Manang valley (3540m) and giant Annapurna IV, III and II along with Pisang Peak (6091m), Tilicho Peak (7134m) and Shree Kharka Peak (m). And quick visit to Gangapurna glacier on the way back (or on the way go).

We continue gradually towards world biggest pass – Thorang La Pass (5416m) and reach the summit at early dawn and then continue descending to Muktinath Temple – sacred Hindu and Buddhist shrine. Lower Mustang section of trekking around Annapurna is a fascinating gallery of old Buddhist monasteries and their centuries old typical living style can be felt. We will visit more monasteries at Jharkot and even more at Kagbeni village before we arrive at last teahouse at Jomsom (Mustang Headquarter) from where we catch an early flight to Pokhara the next morning.

Highlights

Adventurous Journey towards the World Biggest Pass – Thorang La Pass situated at 5416m / 17769 ft.
Old Buddhist Monasteries throughout trails (Pisang, Manang, Jharkot, Kagbeni)
Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Shrine – Muktinath Temple (3800m)
Gangapurna Glacier and Chongkor View Point at Manang Valley (3540m)
Green lush vegetation walk along with waterfall by the side of trails
Beautiful Rhododendron Forest (during Spring time)
Peek to Upper Mustang trail from Kagbeni visiting Tiri Village
Adventurous Jeep drive in uneven roads in mountains

Outline Itinerary

Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu Picked Up from the airport and transfer to the Hotel
Day 02:Free Day in Kathmandu
Day 03:Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m / 2493 ft) and transfer to Teahouse
Day 04:Drive from Besisahar to Chame (2670m / 8760 ft)
Day 05:Trek from Chame to Pisang (3200m / 10498 ft.)
Day 06:Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m / 11615 ft.) via upper route
Day 07:Rest and Acclimatization day at Manang
Day 08:Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m / 13287 ft.)
Day 09:Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4450m / 15600 ft.)
Day 10:Cross Thorang-La Pass (5416m / 17769 ft.) and trek to Muktinath (3760m / 12336 ft.)
Day 11:Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m / 8924 ft.) via Kagbeni Village
Day 12:Early Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m / 2690 ft)
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Day 14:Free Day in Kathmandu (Contingency Day)
Day 15:Final Departure | Other Travel Plan

Included in the Cost

One Experience Leader Guide, Necessary Porter (1 per 2 trekkers) and Assistant Guide as per group size
All the wages, expenses and insurance of Nepalese Crew Members
10 Breakfast, 10 Dinner, 9 Lunch with seasonal fruits and hot drinks
Twin Shared Best Suited Local Teahouse Accommodation during trekking
All necessary National Park/Conservation Area Permit and Paperwork
One night Standard Accommodation in Pokhara (Twin Sharing)
Four nights Standard Accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin Sharing)
Kathmandu - Besisahar transfer in Local Bus (1 to 3 travelers) and transfer in Private Vehicle (4 to 8 travelers)
Pokhara-Kathmandu transfer in Tourist Bus (1 to 3 travelers) and transfer in Private Vehicle (4 to 8 travelers)
All transfers during trek in shared bus/jeep (Besisahar to Chame)
All necessary transfers before and after trek in private vehicle (Car/Jeep/Hiace)
Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara with airport taxes
Complimentary Airport Arrival and Departure Transfers
Complimentary Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket (return after use)
Optional: Half Day Walking Tour
Our Duffel Bag, Trip Map and Adventure Certificate
Comprehensive Equipped First Aid Medical Kit (to check with AMS)
Farewell Nepalese Cultural Dinner
All applicable fees, local and government taxes

Not Included in the Cost

Nepal Visa Fee and International Airfare
Entrance Fee during sightseeing in Kathmandu
Other Trekking Expenses like Drinking Water, Soft & Hard Drinks, Juice, Phone Calls, Internet Use, Battery Charging, Laundry, Hot Shower, Donation, Additional Porter etc
Personal Trekking Gears and Equipments
Any Kinds of Health or Travel Insurance (It is mandatory to reduce the possible expense in case of emergency evacuation)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara due any reason like early arrival or late departure than scheduled itinerary (also in case of early arrival from trekking)
Cost arises due to obstruction and delays in the program itinerary due to weather problems
Tipping to Crew Members (Expected)
Any other expenses or activities besides “Service Provided”

Detail Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu Picked Up from the airport and transfer to the HotelDrive: 30 minutes | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2Free Day in Kathmandu Optional: Join our free walking tours – starts at 10am – Walk to Monkey Temple – Visit National Museum – Kathmandu Durbar Square – finish before 4pm
Walk: 1.5 hours (6 km) | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast

Day 3Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m / 2493 ft) and transfer to Teahouse Drive: 6-7 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 4Drive from Besisahar to Chame (2670m / 8760 ft)Drive: 3-4 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 5Trek from Chame to Pisang (3200m / 10498 ft.)Walk: 5 - 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 6Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m / 11615 ft.) via upper routeWalk: 5 – 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 7Rest and Acclimatization day at ManangWalk: 4 – 5 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 8Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m / 13287 ft.)Walk: 3 – 4 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 9Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4450m / 15600 ft.)Walk: 4 –5 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 10Cross Thorang-La Pass (5416m / 17769 ft.) and trek to Muktinath (3760m / 12336 ft.)Walk: 8 – 9 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 11Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m / 8924 ft.) via Kagbeni VillageWalk: 5 – 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 12Early Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m / 2690 ft)Flight: 25 min | Drive: 10 min | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu and transfer to HotelDrive: 7-8 hrs | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: B, L, D

Day 14Free Day in Kathmandu (Contingency Day)Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast

Day 15Final Departure | Other Travel Plan

Trip Photos

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Read Reviews

Most Inspiring Experience

Rating:

We got to kathmandu without a plan. The only thing we knew was, we want to go trekking. We got this recommended in a coffee place, So we met there the next morning And sat down with Milan who really took his time to explain every little thing to us. So we choose to go annapurna trek. In the morning Aryan came to pick us up And this was the beginning of 2 beautiful weeks. Every single thing was very well taken care of and we even became friends! IT was a perfect way to do the trek. He told us a lot about the area, helped us with everything we needed. IT was the most inspiring experience of my life. And after we even got a certificate of doing this trek! Thank you So much for everything guys, you are the best! See you next time, namaste ?

Ilse Veldhuizen, Netherlands

FREE WALKING TOUR: This is an optional walking adventure on the outskirts of Thamel area, which will surprisingly take you to popular Buddhist shrine – Monkey Temple (original name Swayambunath Stupa) and Kathmandu Durbar Square (House of Virgin Living Goddess) after a quick peek at the National Museum. It is around 6km walk, takes 1.5 hrs walk starting and ending from/to Thamel. It is a guided tour; however the entrance fees to these heritage sites must be pay by travelers themselves. [Monkey Temple – Rs 200, Kathmandu Durbar Square – Rs 1000, National Museum – Rs 150]. We start at 10am in the morning (after breakfast) and finish before 4pm (time can vary).

SAFETY CONCERN: Your safety is our top concern while organizing outdoor and adventure plans. Our leaders and crew members are experienced professionals who will make sure that the trip is safely in course. We truly understand the need of information flow and risk management to provide the best experience. Our trekking arrangement includes the proper clothing, supplies of equipment and gears, high altitude prevention measures and remedies to provide the carefree adventure in the Himalayas.

STANDARD TRIP: Standard itinerary and route plans are typically designed considering the necessary number of days to complete the trek for average fit travelers and level of altitude gain on the trek (and multiple other factors) which can be modified as per the interest, time, experience and budget plan of travelers. On the given adventure plan, we have included the most important items necessary for the trip and the cost for it and quoted to provide a general idea of the cost of the trip with minimum number of days required to complete the trip.

CUSTOMIZE TRIP: We can organize a trip to every style and provide our service as required by the travelers. There are few items like leader, permits etc, which are mandatory to provide from the agency whereas there are also several alternatives to design the trip as suited. Any customization of the standard itinerary will change the trip price accordingly. We always like to hear what you have to say. We are always happy to assist your valuable travel holidays in your manner with the best information that suits your way of traveling.

ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU
We need to have 4 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (before and after the trip) for preparation, rest, and contingency. We provide twin sharing room at Hotel Nepalaya on BB Plan for your trip. If you choose to book your own accommodation in Kathmandu, 60 USD per person is discounted from trip price.

If you prefer to select your own accommodation, then you are free to do so and find a place suitable to your interest. Alternatively, you can suggest a name, and we shall book that place for you.

GROUP SIZE: All of our adventure trips are accompanied by specialized local leaders, guides, porters and assistant guides (as required) who will always ensure your safety and comfort at every part of the journey. We found that the group size of 8 is the optimal size to run these trips, however we can organize a trip plan for any group size upon the request.

Group of More than 8: We also have a good experience of handling big groups of volunteers, employees, students, and able to organize a trip plan upon request. Please kindly submit your group size information, and we will garnish a proper trip plan and price for you.

It is your travel plan; you can choose what you want to do, of course with a lot of information first. Feel free to submit and share your travel ideas, and we shall get back to you with more thoughts in no time.

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