Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 11 Days

The journey of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 11 Days starts at the point you arrive in Kathmandu the capital city in Nepal. When you get there, you will be amazed at the beautiful streets packed with history and the modern world. An official from Mountain Treks Nepal will welcome you and then escort you to your hotel. Kathmandu is a colourful and diverse city; it is full of experiences that will set you up perfectly for the trek.

If you fancy it, visit sites of interest that include Thamel focal commercial town or Kathmandu Durbar Mediterranean Square, both of which fall under the UNESCO list of World Heritage. In the evening, have a good Nepali meal to prepare your mind and body for the exciting trekking days to follow. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Today, a private jeep is arranged for an early morning long but very rewarding drive through the Nepalese terrain. When you step out of the Kathmandu Valley, you will be travelling on curvy roads, most of which are bordered by terrace fields, gushing rivers and beautiful green hills. The drive slowly ascends, passing through lovely villages such as Besisahar and Dharapani, which are entry points to the Annapurna area.

Chame is the district headquarters of Manang, and as soon as you reach Chame, the climate is distinctly different, with more pleasant temperatures and mountains like Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal in sight. Again, the beautiful landscape of Chame and the sound of the Marshyangdi River make it a perfect start to the Himalayan trip.

The third day of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek leads you to Pisang. The trail leads you through pine forest, some villages and alongside the clear Marshyangdi River. The gradual climb offers some marvellous vistas of other peaks of Annapurna, especially Annapurna II.

When getting to Pisang, you will find yourself in a typical indigenous village of the Greater Himalayas. You can discover more about Upper Pisang and observe the historic monastery and the view of the valley. A natural beauty of Pisang is that the main attraction is traditional stone houses in the background of giants like Pisang Peak. Overnight stay at a local tea house in Pisang.

The Annapurna Circuit has one of its most picturesque parts in the trek from Chame to Manang. The trail passes through the charming village of Braga, where one can visit the old monastery standing on a hill. The growing opposition of the surrounding landscapes with the relatively low desert instantly starts changing into highland, snowy peaks dominating in the distance.

Manang is a vibrant village with a distinct ethnographic ambience and works as a base for several trekkers. Here, you can meet with the Gurung and Tibetan-influenced people; here, you can enjoy teahouses and bakeries and get acquainted with people. This is followed by beautiful pictures of the setting sun over the Annapurna hills in the evening. Overnight stay at a tea house.

Today is the day for acclimatization at Manang and exploring nearby sites. You can go on an exploration to Gangapurna Lake, a beautiful glacial lake which is deep blue and with an amazing view of the reflected mountains. The other option is to trek to the top of the viewpoint, which is above Braga, and from the top, you can see Annapurna III, Gangapurna and the valley below.

The day is spent acclimatizing to the local surroundings by visiting the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), explaining various altitude-related illnesses that may be encountered at the higher camps, or relaxing and preparing for the physically strenuous days that are in store. Manang is, however, unique as it boasts of a natural beauty coupled with cultural endowment.

Carrying on from Manang the trek continues with a gradual climb to Yak Kharka that goes through meadows dominated by alpine and Yak pastures. This day provides more steep and dry views of the region in a striking contrast to the backdrops painted in green.

Yak Kharka is the literal translation for ‘Horse Pasture’, and this is a small village located at the foot of towering mountains, perfect for picking up fresh mountain air and looking at Chulu West and Annapurna III. This short hiking day helps to make further acclimatization while enjoying the beautiful scenes of the Himalayan region. Overnight stay at a local tea house in Yak Kharka.

The trail progressively gets more difficult as you climb higher in altitude; the air is thinner, and the slopes are steep. The trail to Thorang High Camp presents panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range as well as the Marsyangdi valley below. You will come across Ledar village and you will cross a suspension bridge over the Jarsang Khola before climbing to the camp.

Thorang High Camp is your starting point for the much-expected Thorong-La Pass crossing. Bounded by towering hills blanketed with snow, the camp is a brutally realistic view of nature’s grandeur of the Himalayas. It’s just best to have rest as the following day is laden with the most strenuous and exciting hike.

On the eighth day of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek, we will cross the Thorong-La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek. The trail is tough, and the elevation gains involve sharp inclines but the scenery once at the summit is breathtaking, with views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

On coming down the pass, the landscape changes drastically, and dry landforms are leading to Muktinath. It is a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists, which includes the temple complex with 108 spouts and holy flame. The sacredness of the place gives it a tense atmosphere of accomplishment and heavenly qualities. You will explore Muktinath in the afternoon and rest overnight at a tea house.

From Muktinath, you will either have to travel by jeep or take a 25-minute aerial flight to the natural city of Pokhara in Nepal. The trek gives a gradual transition from the mountains of the Himalayas to the subtropical and middle hills of the lower Annapurna.

In Pokhara you will find the peacefulness of Phewa, the lake with the mountains of the Annapurna range mirrored in it. You can visit the bustle that includes cafes or shops selling souvenirs or take a leisurely boat ride. Pokhara is a perfect destination for rest after the challenging trekking, and, at the same time, it will give you a lot of opportunities to think about the mesmerizing trip. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

On the tenth day of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will return to Kathmandu by car/jeep or by flight with an equally enchanting feeling of the geographical variety of Nepal. It takes 6 to 7 hours on a drive that takes you along Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers.

When you arrive, you will have the afternoon for further sightseeing in the capital. You can visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, or just walk around Thamel, shopping for last-minute souvenirs. You will attend the farewell dinner organized by Mountain Treks Nepal and celebrate the completion of the trek.

Your journey ends today, and it’s time to prepare for your offboarding. You will be escorted to Tribhuvan International Airport by one of our representatives, from where you will fly back home. When you exit Nepal, you will not only be taking with you the echoes of the giant massifs and calm and majestic valleys but also the genuine friendliness of the Nepalese people.