Activities : Trekking, Sightseeing
Best Month : September to December and March to May
Transportation : Private Car, bus & flight
Accommodation : Hotel/lodges
Style : Lodge Trek
Max Elevation : 5,416m at Thorang La pass
Meal : Full board during the trek and breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Trip Route : Kathmandu-Chame-Pisang-Ngawal-Manang-Ledar-High Camp-Thorungla-Muktinath-Jomsom Pokhara-Kathmandu
Hi. My experience completing the Annapurna Circuit has been the most amazing ever. Thanks to AME it was seamless from start to finish. Prior to my trek and even before leaving New Zealand Niti was able to answer all my questions. Read All
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, offering an incredible journey around the Annapurna massif, through diverse landscapes, vigorous culture and the stunning views of the peaks in the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri Range. Our Short Annapuran Circuit Trek is the condensed version of the full Annapuran Circuit Trek, but provides equally mesmerizing experience, making it a perfect trek for trekkers with limited time but a desire to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas.
The maximum elevation you will gain on this trek is 5,416 meters at Thorung La Pass, which is also one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Enjoying the panoramic views of the peaks in the Annapuran and the Dhaulagiri range, as you descend from the pass you will reach one of the holiest places in Nepal and a sacred site for both Hindu and Buddhist people, “Muktinath”. Additionally, this itinerary also includes a quick visit to Lubra Village which is believed to have been founded in the 12th century and is one of the very few fully Bon villages in Nepal that still follow Bonism (a Tibetan-born, ancient, animistic indigenous religion that incorporates both Buddhism and Shamanism).
This 15 days Annapurna Circuit Trek is an all-inclusive Kathmandu to Kathmandu package. You will spend one day exploring the attractions in Kathmandu and one day in Pokhara - a perfect place to relax after the trek. The trek starts with a drive to Chame, and takes typically 8 days before driving back to Pokhara from Jomsom. Jomsom is the ending point of the trek. During the trekking period, your overnight stops will be in Chame, Pisang, Ngawal, Manang, Ledar, Thorung Phedi/the High Camp, Muktinath and Jomsom. The trail winding through picturesque villages, terraced fields, rhododendron forest and high altitude deserts, will also make you pass through several ethnic settlements such as Gurung, Tamang and Thakali communities to allow you to immerse yourself in the rich vibrant culture and hospitality of the inhabitants.
Thus, this 15 days Short Annapurna Circuit Trek, combining an exhilarating physical challenge with breathtaking scenery, makes it one of the perfect adventures for those looking for short but equally rewarding Himalayan experiences.
March to May and late September to early December make the perfect time to do this trek in Nepal. Those looking for a challenge can also plan this trek in winter mid-December to February. It’s fun to cross the pass while it’s snowing with your crampons or micro spikes on. It’s a moderately challenging trek, perfect for trekkers with few other prior low-altitude trekking experience.
However, if you have time and are looking to add more section of the Annapurna region to the trek, we highly recommend our 19 days Full Annapurna Circuit Trek. But, if you are bound by time and are looking for short and easy treks in the Annapurna region, the options that will perfectly match your requirements are our Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek with Ghandruk Trek, or even Mardi Himal Trek.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation
Day 03: Drive to Chame (2,670m/8759ft),(242 km),(12h)
Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,498ft),(15km),(5-6h)
Day 05: Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3,660m/12,007ft),(10km),(5h)
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft),(11km),(5h)
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 08: Trek to Ledar (4200m/13,779ft),(11km),(6h)
Day 09: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,525m/14845ft),(5km),(2-3h) or High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft),(6km),(3-4h)
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,335ft),(15km) (9-10h) via Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)
Day 11: Trek to Lubra Valley (2,790m/9,153ft),(7km),(3h)and drive to Jomsom (2720m/8,923ft) (1h)
Day 12: Drive or fly to Pokhara
Day 13: City tour Pokhara or any adventure activity
Day 14: Drive or fly to Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure day
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Your short Annapurna Circuit Trek will begin with your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. One of the company representatives, awaiting your arrival at the airport, will meet and greet you and help you transfer to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu in a private vehicle. After hotel check in formalities, you can freshen up and rest for sometime. If your flight is scheduled to arrive before noon, a short meeting will be conducted at the hotel to brief you regarding the trek and introduce you to your guide. Your guide will also check the sufficiency of your trekking gears in the same meeting. The time after the meeting can be spent at leisure- resting at the hotel, exploring the shops to buy last-minute items and the eatery options nearby to buy your next meal. However, if your flight is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon,evening, or at night, the meeting will be held the following day after the city tour. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation You will start this day after breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu. Your city tour guide will then come to pick you for the sightseeing tour of the attractions in the Kathmandu Valley. Out of the total 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you will visit 4 of them, namely, the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath. It’s a full day sightseeing tour. Moreover, if you’ve already visited these sites in your previous visit to Nepal, your guide will take you to optional 3 sites, that are, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar Square and Changunarayan (the oldest temple in Nepal). If you are not into architecture, religion, history and culture and rather prefer nature, we can also organize a day hike to one of the hiking destinations in Kathmandu. After the tour or the hike, you will be dropped back to the hotel. You can spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Chame (2,670m/8759ft),(242 km),(12h) The drive from Kathmandu to Chame is a long drive as you will cover the distance of almost 242 kilometers. Therefore, you will have to start early in the morning. You will either have a quick breakfast at the hotel or carry a package breakfast and start your journey to Chame, which takes approximately 11-12 hours. However, the drive will be in a private jeep and you can stop for short breaks for tea/coffee, lunch, toilet or to simply stretch your leg as per your choice along the road. The first part, that is, around 135 kilometers on the Prithvi Highway is along the beautiful Trisuli River. At Dumre, the road to Chame branches off the highway and the drive now is on the Bhanubhakta Acharya highway that runs north-west to Chame from Dumre. The road from Dumre to Besisahar, although narrow, compared to the Prithvi Highway, is mostly black topped. However, from Besisahar onwards, the drive is mostly off road. This day’s drive is both scenic and adventurous.You will be amazed to see the big change in the landscape, housing style, vegetation as well as the housing style of the people on this day. After a few stops for lunch and toilet breaks, you will continue to Chame. In Chame, you will check into the lodge, have your dinner and call it an early night. Overnight in a lodge in Chame. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,498ft),(15km),(5-6h) Chame is the trailhead of this trek. After breakfast at the lodge, you will start your trek to Pisang. Located roughly 15 kilometers north-west of Chame, it takes roughly 5-6 hours to complete the day’s trek. The elevation gain on this day will roughly be around 530 meters. Leaving Chame, about one and a half hours walk, past the green fields and the forest of Pine, will take you to the famous apple farm in Bhratang. Apart from the big apple orchard, this place also has a very famous cafe that serves fresh apple juice and other apple products. Leaving Bhratang, you will continue further on an undulating trail that hugs the cliffside. Soon, you will cross the bridge and steeply ascend through the forest. As you approach Dhikur Pokhari, the steeply ascending trail starts to even out. This section provides a perfect opportunity to to capture the stunning views of the snow capped peaks. As you continue further from Dhikur Pokhari, the trail forks, one leading to Upper Pisang and the other to Lower Pisang. Now, following the lower Pisang trail, you will hike down into the valley. The beautiful small lakes, grassfields and snow-covered slopes provide good company as you continue further to Pisang on the meandering trail that runs along the Marsyangdi River. Approximately 45-minute walk from Dhikur Pokharai will take you to Lower Pisang, which is your overnight stop for tonight. After reaching the destination, you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. If you are not tired, in the afternoon, you will go for an acclimatization hike to Upper Pisang, located roughly 100 meters higher than the Lower Pisang, just across the Marsyangdi River. You will hike all the way up to the monastery to behold the mesmerizing views of the mountains above you and the valley underneath. As you make your way through the narrow pathway, you get a chance to explore the housing and lifestyle of this traditional settlement. After the hike, you will get back to the lodge for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3,660m/12,007ft),(10km),(5h) Although there is a direct shorter route to Manang from Pisang, we will take a bit longer route via Ghyaru, as this section presents the best opportunity to view and capture some of the best faces of the Annapurna Mountains and surrounding landscape. Starting after breakfast, you will embark on your journey to Ngawal, located roughly 10 kilometers north-west of Pisang and to complete this journey it takes roughly 5 hours. From Lower Pisang, crossing the Marsyangdi River one more time, you will first head to Ghyaru, which is about 5 kilometers walk. The trail up to the mani wall is fairly easy. However, after crossing the mani wall, the walk is on a steeply ascending zigzag trail all the way up to Ghyaru, located atop the hill. Roughly 2 hours of physically challenging hike will take you to Ghyaru, but the top will reward you with one of the most beautiful views in the world. The face of Annapurna II, view of the luscious forest and the valley, all look very scenic. You will spend some time taking in the views, capturing them in your device and then continue to Ngawal located roughly 5 kilometers south-west of Ghyaru. Leaving Ghyaru, you will gradually climb to the pass that is the highest you will reach on this day. Now enjoying the spectacular view of Annapuran II, surrounding peaks, green slopes and the valley, you will gradually head down to Ngawal, which takes roughly two hours. Once in Ngawal, you will check into the lodge and if not tired, around the evening, your guide will take you to explore the settlement of Ngawal. Overnight in a lodge in Ngawal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft),(11km),(5h) Your trek to Manang, located roughly 11 kilometers south-west of Ngawal, starts after breakfast in Ngawal. This day’s trek is easier compared to the previous day’s trek although the hike takes about 5 hours. From Ngawal, there are two routes that take you to Manang. Choosing the longer route for more adventure, you will start your journey to Manang. This longer route goes through a quarry down the valley before entering the forest. Then leaving the forest, you will continue to Braga, where if you are interested, you can visit the monastery before reaching the village. From here on, following the dusty road straight ahead, you will continue to Manang. On the way you can enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks. Soon you will reach Manang, a large village that houses several stupas and monasteries. Once in Manang, you will check into the lodge and spend the remaining time at leisure- exploring the settlement or simply enjoying a warm cup of coffee and bakery in one of the cafes. Overnight in a lodge in Manang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang Manang offers a number of side-hike options that allow your body to acclimatize before gaining the upcoming elevation. Therefore, this day will be spent to expose your body to higher elevation than your sleeping stop, by going on acclimatization hikes. You will be provided with two options by your guide. One is a half day hike to Gangapurna Lake lookout or 100 Lama Monastery lookout or the monastery above the Braga Village. The other one is a full day hike to Ice Lake. Depending on your preference, your guide will take you on this acclimatization hike. All the hiking options provide required acclimatization and are equally rewarding in terms of the surrounding views. After the hike, you will get back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Ledar (4200m/13,779ft),(11km),(6h) You will start this day after breakfast in Manang. Located further north-west of Manang, today’s hike to Ledar will be about 11 kilometers and it will take around 6 hours to complete this journey. Before reaching Ledar, you will walk past Tengi, Ghusang and Yak Kharka. From Manang, most of the elevation gain of the day is till Ghusang, therefore, this section is a bit challenging. However, from Ghusang onwards, although the trail narrows, it levels out with only a few ups and downs. On the way, you can enjoy distant views of the snow capped peaks, eagles flying high up in the sky, and sheep and yaks grazing the scattered juniper shrubs. This day’s hike is also very special as you are hiking on a pure hiking trail that is not affected by vehicles. If you are up for some coffee break, we recommend stopping at Ghusang. Soon you will reach Ledar, where you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,525m/14845ft),(5km),(2-3h) or High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft),(6km),(3-4h) This is the shortest hiking day of the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek, your last night in the Manang District and the highest you will spend overnight on this trek. The trek begins shortly after breakfast, and depending on your choice, you will either stop overnight at Thorung Phedi located roughly 5 kilometers from Ledar or walk roughly one additional kilometer and stop overnight at the High Camp. Leaving Ledar, the hike on the narrow trail that runs along the river continues further down to the suspension bridge. You will cross the bridge and continue on the steeply ascending trail to the small tea house located on along the trail. Further from the tea shop, the walk is on the landslide area and you need to be very mindful while crossing this section of the trail. Shortly after crossing this section, you will reach Thorung Phedi, located roughly 5 kilometers north of Ledar. From here, if you want to spend your night in the High Camp, you will continue on a steeply ascending switchback trail covered with loose rocks, for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You will check into the lodge and go to bed early as the next day you will start very early in the morning to cross the pass. Overnight in a lodge in Thorung Phedi or High Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,335ft),(15km) (9-10h) via Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) Today you will reach the ultimate height of this trek, that is, the Thorung La Pass (5,416m). It’s the longest and the most challenging day of this trek. Starting at Thorung Phedi or High Camp, you will hike all the way down to Muktinath in lower Mustang across the pass. You will cover the distance of approximately 15 kilometers and it takes about 9-10 hours to complete this journey. If you choose to stay at Thorung Phedi the previous night you will start the hike at 4:00am and if you choose to stay at the High camp the previous night, you will start the walk at 5:00am. The reason to start early is to avoid the afternoon wind which makes treading across the pass more challenging. On this day, carrying packed breakfast, you will continue your journey first to the pass. The walk is on a steeply ascending, narrow trail, where trekkers need to maintain single file.The distance to the pass from the high camp is only 4 kilometers, but the altitude and the steepness of the trail will slow you down and you will take around 4 hours to reach the top. You will reach the pass before noon. Once at the pass, you will spend some time enjoying the surrounding view, celebrating the achievement and taking pictures to recall the moment of your lifetime, before continuing your hike down to Mustang. From the pass, Muktinath, your overnight stop for tonight is roughly 11 kilometers. This descending hike in the beginning is fairly easy, grows challenging in between and easy as you approach Muktinath. The trail is mostly covered with mud and loose gravel. Now you can enjoy the splendid views of Dhaularigi and Nilgiri, the two of the many stunning mountains in the Mustang region. A 5 hour walk will bring you down to Mukatinath, where you will check into the lodge for meals and overnight stay. In the evening, if you are not tired, your guide will take you to the temple of Muktinath and the nearby Buddhist Monastery. However, if you are very tired, you can visit both these sites early in the morning the following day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek to Lubra Valley (2,790m/9,153ft),(7km),(3h)and drive to Jomsom (2720m/8,923ft) (1h) There is a very beautiful valley in between Muktianth and Jomsom, which is not included in most of the itineraries. In the valley lies a very beautiful small village named Lubra, which is believed to have been founded in the 12th century. It is one of the very few fully Bon villages in Nepal that houses around 14 families and the people still follow Bonism- a Tibetan-born, ancient, animistic indigenous religion that incorporates both Buddhism and Shamanism. Therefore, before heading down to Jomsom, you will visit this village. Like any other day, you will start the day after breakfast at the lodge in Muktinath. Libra is located roughly 7 kilometers south-west of Muktinath. You will first hike to the pass before heading down to the village. Once in the village, to understand more about Bonism, and the culture and the tradition of the villagers, you can also visit Yungdung Phuntsok ling monastery and Gon Phuk temple. After exploring the village, temple and the monastery, you will hike down to the suspension bridge to catch your transfer to Jomsom. About an hour drive from the bridge will bring you the windiest place in Nepal, “Jomsom”. Once in Jomsom, you will check into the lodge and spend the remaining time at leisure. In the evening, you can also set out to explore the town of Jomsom. Overnight in a lodge in Jomsom. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Drive or fly to Pokhara If you prefer driving to flying, you will start after breakfast in Jomsom. The drive is about 9 hours and you will drive back in a private jeep. The road from Jomsom to Pokhara is mostly off road, but from Beni to Pokhara, the drive will be on a black-topped road, except at a few sections. In Pokhara, your guide will drop you off at the hotel booked for you. You can spend the evening as per your choice. If you prefer flying to driving from Jomsom to Pokhara, that can also be arranged at extra cost. Due to strong wind in the afternoon, all flights, to and from Jomsom, are scheduled in the morning, mostly before 9:00am. Thus, as per your airport time your guide will transfer you to the airport from the lodge in Jomsom and help you with check in formalities and you will fly to Pokhara. From the airport in Pokhara, you will be transferred to the hotel booked for you in Pokhara, where you can spend the remaining time at leisure. Please note: Pokhara-Jomsom flights depend on weather, and the mountain weather is very uncertain. Therefore, in case of flight cancellation, due to weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, a private transfer jeep will be arranged to transfer you from Jomsom to Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: City tour Pokhara or any adventure activity Pokhara in Nepal is another major tourist destination. This valley is famous for the views of the mountains, lakes, caves and some man-made attractions. After breakfast at the hotel your driver will pick you from the hotel for the city tour. You will visit attractions like Pumdikot, World Peace Pagoda, Gupteshwor Cave and David’s fall and if time permits Mountaineering Museum. After the tour in the evening, you can spend time strolling around the lake area or simply enjoying the boat ride in the Phewa Lake. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara. Pokhara also offers a lot of adventure sports options like bungee jumping, paragliding, hot air balloon ride, ultralight flight, zip lining and rafting. Therefore, if you want to take up any of these activities instead of a city tour, we can arrange that as well. Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Drive or fly to Kathmandu Breakfast at the hotel and you will start your journey to Kathmandu. The drive to Kathmandu will be in a private vehicle (car/jeep/minivan). The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara is very scenic and will be on the Prithvi Highway. You can also stop to buy lunch and a few toilet breaks along the highway before reaching Kathmandu. If the road condition is good and not affected by the ongoing construction, highway traffic or any natural disaster, you will reach Kathmandu in 6-7 hours. In Kathmandu, you will be dropped back to the hotel booked for you. After a short rest, one of the company representatives will meet you for feedback and farewell dinner. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu. If you prefer flying to driving from Pokhara, we can also arrange the flight tickets for you (additional charges applicable). Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 15: Departure day Breakfast at the hotel and as per your airport reporting time, we will arrange the airport transfer to transfer you from the hotel to the airport to help you catch your onward flight. Meals: Breakfast
Trip Cost Include
Trip Cost Exclude
Special Note: On our trip you are able to schedule your own departure dates. We are able to depart our trip every day (only Nepal). So kindly choose your own date as per your convenient. Contact us to schedule your own departure day.
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