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Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 10 Days

based on 4 reviews
Trip Facts
  • Duration 10 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Group Size 2 to 15
  • Max. Elevation 5416m
  • Start/End Besisahar to Pokhara
  • Best Time Sep to Dec & Mar to May

Highlights

  • A compact 10-day version of the iconic Annapurna Circuit, ideal for trekkers with limited time.
  • Well-managed teahouses providing warm hospitality and comfort.
  • Explore diverse mountain cultures, local lifestyles, monasteries, and historical landmarks.
  • Surrounded by natural beauty—rivers, lakes, glaciers, and scenic valleys.
  • Panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu mountain ranges.
  • Trek through Manang Valley and follow the Marshyangdi River.
  • Cross the adventurous Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the world’s highest trekking passes.
  • Discover the Windy and Apple Valleys in the Kaligandaki region.
  • Enjoy rejuvenating natural hot springs at Tatopani.
  • Spot Himalayan wildlife and experience the region’s rich biodiversity in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • The trek starts in Kathmandu and ends in Pokhara.

Overview of Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a spectacular 10-day journey that combines breathtaking mountain views, cultural richness, and unique experiences. Trek through stunning landscapes, cross the highest pass, Thorong La (5,416m), and visit the sacred Muktinath temple. Explore the apple gardens and windy valleys of Jomsom and Marpha, relax in the natural hot springs of Tatopani, and wander through the vibrant orange orchards.

Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak. The trek also offers a fascinating blend of cultures, from the Gurung village, with its rich traditions, to the Tibetan-influenced lifestyle of Manang Valley and the unique customs of the Thakali and Magar communities. This trek is a perfect mix of nature and culture, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking is a 10-day perfect itinerary for your arrival to departure at a regional price. If you have more or fewer days, feel free; we will customize your itinerary according to your days. You will see almost all of the Annapurna region’s lifestyle, culture, mountains, etc.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek can be tailored to your schedule and interests, with both short and extended itineraries available. The 10-day option is a quick but memorable journey, and if you have extra days, you can visit the stunning Tilicho Lake at 4,920m. This addition makes the trip even more unforgettable.

Thorong La Pass, at 5,416m, is one of the highest trekking passes, but the trail is manageable and achievable. We recommend spending an extra day in Manang for acclimatization, with an optional excursion to enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas and Gangapurna Lake.

After crossing the high pass, you'll enter Lower Mustang, where Muktinath, Jomsom, and Marpha are known for their apple orchards. The final night is spent in Tatopani, where you can relax in natural hot springs to soothe your muscles after a long trek. From there, you’ll return to Pokhara by vehicle. If you have a few extra days, you can unwind in this beautiful city, enjoying delicious food and the scenic surroundings.

Attraction Villages in Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Besisahar, Chame, and Manang are beautiful villages, and you will see many white snow peaks and Gangapurna Lake, Thorong High Pass for Adventure, Muktinath Holy Place, Jomsom Apple and Windy Valley, Tatopani Natural Hot Spring, Orange Garden, etc.

Lifestyle, Culture, Tradition, Customs, Festivals, and Religion of Locality?

First, till Manang Valley, before Thorong La Pass, the people are mixed, but most are Gurung and Lama. After completing your Adventure High Pass in Mustang or Kaligandaki Valley, people are living in the mix. Lama Bhotea lives in Muktinath, Kagbeni. Thakali people live in Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, and Kalopani villages. Magar ethnics live in Ghasa, Dana, Tatopani, and Ghorepani.

We discovered that many ethnicities are present. They have their own lifestyle, culture, tradition, language, dress, festivals, and religion. They are very rich in their own culture and tradition. They speak their own language and dress in their own attire. They celebrate their own festival very nicely, gathering with each other and relatives. Most of the people are Buddhist, and they have many Buddhist monuments such as Monasteries, Mani walls, stupas, prayer flags, tsorten, etc.

How About Lodging & Food on the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is one of the most famous classical treks that has been open for a long time, and it has been well managed by the camp-to-camp local people. There are well-managed lodges that provide comfortable rooms and neat and clean beds. They grow lots of crops and vegetables and provide hygienic, organic, and varied meals.

Transportation to Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

You need to catch it according to the below-mentioned transportation details.

  • Kathmandu to Besisahar by local shared bus
  • Besisahar to Chame by local jeep or private jeep
  • Muktinath to Tatopani by local bus or jeep
  • Tatopani to Pokhara by local Bus or Jeep
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist bus or by flight

Cost of Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The cost for a 10-day Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is $675 per person for top-quality service, with a minimum group size of two. If you’re traveling alone, the price will be slightly higher. This price covers the trek, including meals, accommodation, transportation, permits, and a guide/porter. If you prefer, we can adjust to a minimum of a 9-day trek at $650 per person.

Please note, the price only includes trek services. If you need hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara or transportation from Pokhara to Kathmandu (by flight or bus), we can arrange those as well. Feel free to reach out!

The Most Attractions—Crystal-Clear Mountains View in Annapurna Circuit Trek

View from Manang Valley Before Thorong La Pass

  • Mt Manaslu 8163m / 26782ft
  • Annapurna II 7937m / 26040ft
  • Annapurna III 7555m / 24787ft
  • Annapurna IV 7545m / 24754ft
  • Gangapurna 7455m / 24459 ft
  • Khangsar Kang 7485m / 24557ft
  • TIlicho Peak 7134m / 23405ft
  • Pisang Peak 6091m / 19984ft
  • Chulu Peak 6419m / 21060ft
  • Thorong Peak 6144m / 20158ft

View from Kaligandaki Valley of Jomsom, Muktinath, and Poon Hill:

  • Mt Dhaulagiri 8167m / 26795ft
  • Mt Annapurna I 8091m / 26545ft
  • Mt Nilgiri 7061m / 23166ft
  • Mt Tukuche Peak 6920m / 22704ft
  • Dhampus Peak 6012m / 19725ft
  • Annapurna South 7219m / 23685ft
  • Hiuchuli 6441m / 21132ft
  • Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) 6993m / 22943ft

Attractive Lakes & Rivers in Annapurna Round Trek

TIlicho Lake (4920 m), Gangapurna Lake (3500 m), Ice Lake (4650 m), the Marshyangdi River in Manang Valley, and the Kaligandaki River in Jomsom Valley

Do we need an entry permit for Annapurna Circuit trekking?

Yes, you need it; you are visiting the Annapurna Conservation Area, and you must issue some of the permits according to the below-mentioned. You should send a passport photocopy and a passport-size photo. There are many checks posted by ACAP and the police. If you don’t carry permits, they will not allow you to visit the Annapurna Conservation Area. Our guide manages it during the trek, and after the end of the trek, he will give it to you.

  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Areas Project) Nrs. 3000.
  • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System), Nrs. 2000.
  • Poon Hill Entrance Fee: NRs. 200.

When is the best time to visit Annapurna Circuit Trekking?

The best time to visit the Annapurna Circuit Trek is during autumn (September to November and late December) and spring (March to May). The weather is clear, temperatures are pleasant, visibility is great, and you'll enjoy stunning, crystal-clear mountain views.

The winter and monsoon seasons are also not bad. In the winter, it is snowing and very freezing cold, and in the monsoon, it is most of the time raining, cloudy, and not clear visibility. If you like to trek in the monsoon or winter, it is possible. We plan your trip to be safe and successful.

  • Autumn Season: September, October, November, and December.
  • Winter Season: Late December, January, and February.
  • Spring Season: March, April, and May.
  • Monsoon Season: June, July, and August.
Trekking Gear of Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventurous journey over the high pass of Thorong La at 5416m. You need to prepare warm enough clothing and gear. a big jacket, such as a down jacket; warm enough fleece; warm pants and inner; a warm hat; gloves; warm enough socks; warm trousers or trekking pants; some quick-dry trekking t-shirts; a half-pint; a warm enough negative sleeping bag; comfortable trekking boots; a headlight; sandals; a 2-liter water bottle; sun cream; sunglasses; a daypack comfort bag; a camera and charger as two-pin; etc. Here are more details on trekking gear. Please click here in the PACKING LIST.

Carry your important medicine

Medicine is very important. If you have any disease, you must carry the medicine with you. In that "prevention is better than cure" mountain region, we can’t find any healthcare, clinic, or hospital. If there is a clinic, you may not get it according to your problems. So, I humbly request that you prepare if you are continually taking any medicine. Please bring it with you or buy it in Kathmandu. It is very important, but our company will provide something in the first aid kit bag, normally for a headache, fever, etc.

Itinerary

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Annapurna Short Trekking is Only 10 Days of walking, but you need to plan a few more days because of Kathmandu's arrival and departure. Stay overnight at Pokhara. You should plan at least 12 or 13 days from arrival to departure. For further information, feel free.

Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus takes 6–7 hours. You will stop for a lunch break at the midpoint. Stay at a nice Lodge in Besisahar.

  • Lodge
  • 6/7 hrs Drive
  • 820m

Besisahar to Chame is off-road driving; It takes 6 hours with beautiful scenery. Stay at a nice lodge.

  • Nice Lodge
  • 6 hrs Drive
  • 2620m / 8595ft

After taking a breakfast trek, head smoothly to Bratang village, where there are nice Apple gardens. The product has lots of Apples. Then, the trek continues along a big road called the Gate of Heaven. Lunch will be at Dukur Pokhari. Pisang has nice Monetary and Mani walls. It is so beautiful. Stay overnight at a nice lodge.

  • Lodge
  • 6/7 hrs Walking
  • 3250m / 10663ft

Here are two trails, short and long (5 hours or 7 hours of walking). We recommend you walk uphill and view the trailer. It takes 7 hours, but you will see many white snow peaks. If you follow the lower track, you can see good views. If you follow the upper trail ascending Ghyaru and Ngawal villages, Viewing the Annapurna ranges as Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak Lunch will be at Ngawal village, then the trek will continue along Braka village and arrive at a nice village in Manang. It is a beautiful village. Here is a nice mountain bakery as well. Stay at a nice lodge.

  • Nice Lodge
  • 5 to 7 hrs Walking
  • 3540m / 11614ft

A special day in a beautiful village at Manang (3450 m)The day excursion will be on a small hillside in front of Manang village. There is one beautiful lake called Gangapurna Lake, Viewpoint, which explores old villages and monasteries. Stay at a nice lodge.

  • Nice Lodge
  • 2 hrs Hiking
  • 3750m / 12304ft

It is a short walk, but at altitude, you should walk slowly. It is 4/5 hours. Walking. Most of the trail is easy and gradual, and you will arrive at lunchtime. It is an open viewing trail and moraine. We recommend, after taking lunch, hiking a few hundred meters uphill. It will help with better sleep and acclimatization. Stay at a nice lodge in Yak Kharka or Ledar.

  • Lodge
  • 4/5 hrs Walking
  • 4100m / 13452ft

Trek to Thorong Phedi (4441 m) by walking (4 hrs.) or Thorong High Camp (4850 m) by walking one more hour. We take you slowly first in Phedi, take lunch, and if all is fine and there are no symptoms of altitude, it is better to ascend an hour to High Camp. It takes an hour to ascend. It is a wonderful viewing. It is a tough night, staying at the highest elevation. You will feel light symptoms, but don’t worry, be confident, and keep warm. Keep drinking, keep eating, and think positively. Don’t think much. It helps a lot. If anything becomes serious, consult with your guide and ask him where he sleeps at night. Stay overnight at a nice lodge in High Camp.

  • Lodge
  • 4 to 6 hrs Walking
  • 4850m / 15912ft

Thorong La Pass: early in the morning, you need to start; it is an adventure high pass. Thorong high camp to top 3 and a half to 4 hours, descending 4 hours. It takes a total of 7/8 hours. It is a tough, challenging high pass. Starts early in the morning and arrives in the afternoon. Thorong High Camp is 4950m, ascends to 5416 m, and descends to 3800m. Muktinath has Hindu and Buddhist temples and monasteries. Lots of pilgrims come to pray here. It is a nice place, and you will find it easy to breathe. Stay overnight at a nice lodge.

  • Nice Lodge
  • 7/8 hrs Walking
  • 5416m / 17770ft

It is 5-6 hours. Off-road driving. Tatopani means a natural hot spring that is well-managed and warm enough. You can drop into a warm pool for an hour to get relief from your adventure-tired muscles. It is a nice place to stay overnight.

  • Nice Lodge
  • 6 hrs Driving
  • 1190m / 3905ft

It is nice driving back to Pokhara. It takes 5–6 hours of driving. You stay at a nice Hotel in Pokhara, and you can have some time to explore the city of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, and relax.

  • Stander Hotel
  • 5/6 hrs Drive
  • 820m

Cost Details

What's Included

  • All meals during the trek (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
  • Accommodation in comfortable lodges during the trek
  • One English-speaking, government-trained, licensed trekking guide.
  • One porter for two people, but allowed only under 20kg.
  • All expenses for guide and porters: meals, accommodation, salary, equipment, insurance, and transportation.
  • Needed transportation as below-mentioned.
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar by local bus.
  • Besisahar to Jagat by local jeep.
  • Muktinath to Pokhara by local bus or jeep.
  • Jomsom to Pokhara by flight or drive, option?
  • Needed entry permits as mentioned below.
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
  • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System)
  • Government and local area taxes, where applicable.
  • Seasonal fruits such as apples and bananas.
  • First aid kit bag.

What's Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee. You can obtain it easily at the airport.
  • Travel insurance, emergency rescue, and medical coverage.
  • Emergency evacuation and medical equipment.
  • Drinks as Hot and Cold, Soft, and alcoholic as tea, coffee, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, beer, rum, whiskey, etc.
  • Hot water, a hot shower, a heater charge, a battery charge, phone calls, and laundry service
  • Hire equipment and other personal items (a sleeping bag, a down jacket, hiking boots, and a camera).
  • In the case of natural calamities, i.e., political unrest, cancellation of flights due to weather, landslides, etc., the extra charge will be borne by the customer.
  • Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you need us to book it, we can book it.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu, returning by bus or flight?
  • Tips for Guide and Porters Donations, etc.

Good to Know

Gear on Packing List for Adventure High Passes Trekking:

It is recommended to use trekking gear for high-altitude adventure trekking. You should prepare it properly to make your trip successful. If you don’t have something, you can buy or rent it in Kathmandu.

Head

  • Headlight with extra batteries
  • Sun hat, insulating hat
  • Warm hat, Scarf-beanie

Face

  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Sunglass with UV protection
  • Face/body wipes

Hands

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Light gloves
  • Warm gloves
  • Windproof gloves

Clothing for Trekking

  • Warm enough Down Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Trekking T-shirts: Few pairs
  • A couple of trekking pants
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Polypropylene underwear’s
  • Under long fleece
  • Breathable underwear
  • Thermal layer
  • Gore-Tex Windproof Jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers

Clothing for City

  • You can pack any clothes that you prefer to wear in the city.

Footwear

  • Trekking Boots
  • Sports shoes/Sandals
  • Thin and Thick Woolen socks
  • Trekking socks
  • Gaiters and crampons

Backpack

  • Duffel bag
  • Daypack
  • Rucksack
  • Rain cover

Essential Gear

  • 2-liter water bottle
  • Water purification as tablets, drops or stereo pens
  • Trekking pole
  • Swiss knife
  • Warm enough Sleeping bag around -15
  • Watch or Alarm clock
  • Cellphones and charging cables

Toiletries

  • Quick dry towel
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Biodegradable Shampoo and soap
  • Deodorants
  • Female hygiene products
  • Moisturizer
  • Dental floss
  • Nail clippers
  • Small mirror
  • Toilet paper

Personal Accessories

  • Money
  • Camera
  • Passport, photocopy
  • PP-size Photos

Extra Items

  • Notebook and pen
  • Ear-plugs
  • Energy/Protein bar
  • First aid kit

Client Reviews

Write a review
  • Hana Z
    Hana ZCzech Republic,April 15, 2024
    TripAdvisor

    Naar Phu Trek

    A great and unforgettable experience. Jay, thank you for everything, especially for your valuable advice, support and apples for dinner ;)

     

  • Frank & Yvonne
    Frank & YvonneCanada,October 31, 2019
    TripAdvisor

    Nar Phu Valley, Tilicho Lake, and Annapurna Circuit Trek

    We had a wonderful 15 days of trekking with Jay, as well as some RnR days in Pokhara and Kathmandu that he organized. He was easy to work with during the planning phase, and everything was well organized at every step of our journey. Jay and Umess, our porter, were great company and shared lots of local information with us during our trek. We would highly recommend the Nar Phu Valley over the Annapurna Circuit -- remote and very few foreigners, with a fantastic opportunity to experience the rhythm of life in isolated Nepali mountain villages. Tilicho Lake is also spectacular, although the route was busier than normal due to the festival season. Thanks, Jay, for making our Nepal trip such a fantastic adventure!

     

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