Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the popular trekking package for the budget and short period of time explorer. This route was opened in 1980s for adventurous trekkers. Annapurna region is rich in natural scenario and diverse culture. In Annapurna circuit topography, culture and flora change dramatically. There are several diverse communities at Annapurna region such as Chhettri, Brahmin, Tibetan, Sherpa, Magar, Tamang and Gurung. Annapurna circuit is rich in cultural values of Gurungs, Tibetans and other local communities. Annapurna conservation area is located in Annapurna region. This area protects some of the rare animals of Himalayan region. This is very short and budget trekking which is require of very good physical fitness  and determination. This trajectory mostly focus about scenery and cultural experience within short duration with limited budget.

Short Annapurna circuit trek offers the splendid views of majestic Himalayas such as  Annapurna range, Mt. Nilgiri (7,041 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Tilicho peak (7,134 m) and other low peaks. Annapurna circuit trek follows two mighty rivers  the Kaligandaki to west and the Marsyangdi to east. This short 15 days exciting and adventurous trekking will be your one in a lifetime experience. Short Annapurna circuit trek is incentive trekking package in Nepal. One of the adventurous and exciting part of this trek is crossing 5,416 meter Thorong La Pass from arid land of upper Manang. Short Annapurna circuit trek follows the classic trail to reach Thorong La Pass and down to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath and the  world's deepest gorge the Kaligandaki valley.

14 days Short Annapurna Circuit trek starts driving from Kathmandu to Besisahar to Syange. The trail moves towards high altitude villages such as Chame, Pisang, Manang and passes Thorong La Pass at 5416 meter elevation. After visiting sacred Muktinath temple we take a drive to Jomsom. Next, either you can drive or fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. 14 days Short trek is made for those who don’t have enough time and who have low budget but are physically and mentally prepared for trekking challenges within short duration. If you don’t have rush and want to trek comfortably spend more time in the region, we recommend you 21 days Annapurna Circuit trek.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1400 m).
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m) by local bus driving for approx. 6hrs.We drive you Kathmandu to Beshisahar (177 km). We go all the way to Beshisahar from the edge of Trishuli river which is very famous for rafting. After crossing the bridge of Trishuli river we turn west towards Dumre when we reach Dumre we turn north and fallow the Marshyandi river through Nadi valley untill we reach Besisahar. Rest overnight at Besisahar.

Day 02: Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
Today we will visit over Kathmandu valley. UNESCO world heritage site is most popular touristic area to visit. We will visit oldest temple Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Bashantapur darbar square. Prepare for tomorrow and rest overnight.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and jeep drive to Syange (1100 m).
After breakfast we drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahar (5-6 hours, 172 km) through the Prithivi highway. We drive and fallow the Trishuli river (which is very famous for rafting) till small town Mungling. Next we will cross the Bridge of Trishuli River and turn west towards small town Dumre then turn north and fallow the Marshyandi River through Nadi valley until we reach Besisahar. Next we take jeep and drive to Syange (1100 m). on the way we pass through small villages, river and scenery of beautiful mountains. Trail goes ups and down through paddy field and ascend through rhododendron forest to reach Syange. Explore around village and rest overnight.

Day 04: Drive from Syange to Chame (2600 m).
Today after breakfast we will drive to Chame via Jeep along Marsyandi gorge. We will drive through the rhododendron forest in addition you can encounter majestic mountain view of Lamjung, Manaslu, Pisang and several waterfalls. Rest overnight at Chame

Day 05: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300 m).
Today we walk for five hours all the way to Pisang (3300 m). After breakfast and short brief, our trail starts climb up and down and crosses rivers we will be in small village Taleku. After Taleku village within 2hours walk we cross bridge to reach sparsely inhabited settlement of Bartang. Next, almost 1 hour trail through river, crosses bridge and ascend will lead us to Pisang. You can see beautiful rock wall and changes of landscape through the trekking; you can see arid land on the climb. Explore around and rest overnight.

Day 06: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540 m).
Today we trek for (5-6 hrs). After short brief we start our trail windy and dry atmosphere which makes special and interesting for tourists. Trail rises steeply way from lower Pisang to reach upper Manang valley. On the way we can see view of air field and settlement from vintage point. Next our trail descends to the flat valley and reaches Ongre. After crossing Sabche River with a great view of Annapurna range. Next, half hour walk, we will be in Braga. In this village have a beautiful architecture of cliff wall. Next, we will be Manang and rest overnight.

Day 07: Rest at Manang.
Today we stay at Manang and explore the place of Manang and go for short hike. We can visit Bhojo Gumba and Ganagapurna Lake. If we have time and energy we can visit Himalayan rescue association (HRA) to get knowledge about mountain sick and back to lodge. Overnight at manang.  

Day 08: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,100 m).~ 4-5 hours
Today we will take trajectory to reach Yak Kharka for overnight. There is two popular trail one for Tilicho lake and other for Thorong pass and our trajectory divide us to lead Yak Kharka from Tilicho trail. Explore alpine vegetation and rest overnight at Yak Kharka. 

Day 09: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong La Phedi (4,450 m).
Today we trek for about 3-4 hrs all the way to Thorong la Phedi. After breakfast and short brief about route and safety our trails start crossing stream and climb up to Letder. Next we walk through scrub juniper and alpine grass and cross bridge with the great view of Annapurna III. After Yak kharka we will be in small village Ledar, see the magnificent view of Annapurna and ascend for 2 hours from Ledar we will be Thorong la Phedi. rest overnight.

Day 10: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800 m) via Thorang la pass (5,416 m).
After throng phedi we descend to Muktinath (3,800 m.) about 8 hrs. Today early in the morning we start our trek to Thorong La Pass .It takes almost 6hour to climb, from here we can see magnificent view of Muktinath temple (pilgrimage place for Hindus and Buddhist, believed sins are relieved after visiting this holy temple). Descend to Muktinath temple about 2 hours. overnight at muktinath.

Day 11:Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2700 m).
Today after taking breakfast we will trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni. We will trek through the gorge of Kaligandaki  river to reach Jomsom. Rest overnight at Jomsom. 

Day 12: Drive/fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Today we will drive/fly to Pokhara and your can explore lakeside. Rest overnight at Pokhara.

Day 13: Drive (6-7 hours, 205 km) or fly (25 minutes) from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400 m).
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 205 km, it takes 6-7 hours to reach Kathmandu. We drive all the way to Kathmandu through Dumre, Munglin and along the Trishuli River. In Kathmandu there will be celebration for your completion of your trekking. Rest overnight.

Day 14: Final departure.
Our representative will receive and drive you to TIA for your final departure.

Cost Include

• Transportation for Kathmandu/Besisahar and Pokhara / Kathmandu by Tourist Coach
• Accommodation for two nights in tourist standard hotel in Pokhara/Kathmandu with breakfast.
• All trekking permits
• Transportation form Pokhara to Nayapul by private vehicle.
• Lodge trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and accommodation in tea house lodge.
• Experienced trekking guide and porter (We will provide one porter for two people and the maximum weight carried by porter is 25 Kg in total)
• Accommodation, meals, Insurance, transportation, equipments, and allowances of guide and porter
• Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary. 
• All applicable government taxes and service charges.

Cost Exclude

• Lunch and dinner in Pokhara/kathmandu
• Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
• Your travel insurance.
• Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter and driver, laundry, bar bill, lephone calls etc.
• Any airfare and departure airport tax
• Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents and other currence beyond our control
• Any other cost not mention above in cost includes.

This list of equipment will help you to bag pack for your trip. You can check the list while packing your bags.  These lists may require vary or little according to the season and your trekking duration. The weight is limit for 15 kg (33 pounds), we suggest you to carry only the valuable things. Your luggage will be carry by porter but you require carrying bag pack with important and valuable things on your own.

Important Documents:

1. Valid Passport, 2 passport size photos

2. Airlines tickets

3. Separate photo copy of your passport

4. Visa form (easily access in Nepal airport)

5. Insurance paper

6. Cash/credit card/ATM/Machine card for withdraw, checks

Head Wear:

1. Sunhat or Scarf

2. Light balaclava or fleece hat

3. Sunglasses

4. Head torch

Upper Body Wear:

1. Cotton T-shirt or thermals

2. Fleece Jacket

3. Down Jacket

Lower Body Wear:

1. Light weight cotton pant

2. Water proof pant

3. Hiking trouser or woolen trousers

Hands Wear:

1. Gloves

2. Light weight fleece gloves

Feet Wear:

1. Thin inner socks

2. Thick warm wool socks

3. Comfortable hiking Boots

Accessories Equipment:

1. Sleeping bag 

2. Trekking Bag/Duffel Bag

3. Large plastic Bag (for keeping things dry inside trek Bag)

4. Trekking poles (optional)

5. Water Bottle or Camel Bag etc.

Medicines: 

1. Water purification tablets or filter

2. Anti-altitude sickness pills

3. Anti headache pills

4. Stomach antibiotic

5. Skin-blaster repair kit

6. Cold pills

7. First aid tapes and plasters

8. According to health prescription

Personal Huygens:

1. Tissue/Wet wipes/Toilet roll

2. Anti Bacterial hand wash

Toiletries:  

1. Quick dry Towel

2. Toothbrush and paste

3. Multipurpose soap

4. Face and body moisturizer

5. Female Huygens product

Extra Items: 

1. Guide Book

2. Diary and pen

3. Swimsuit

4. Voltage converter

5. Plug adapter

6. Cigarette lighter and Match box

7. Campus and Gps (optional)

8. Small alarm clock

9. Digital camera with extra cards and batteries

10. Small folding Knife etc.