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 & Fooding in 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 $625 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 Poonhill:
- 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; a comfortable trekking boot; a headlight; a sandal; 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.
