Short Annapurna Circuit Trek: 9 Days
Trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area and explore the hidden corners of the Annapurna region on our Short Annapurna circuit trek for 9 Days. A 9-day journey in Nepal Himalayas that takes you close to the stunning western Himalayan Mountains and the tenth highest mountain in the world.
If you're seeking an unparalleled Himalayan experience, the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is your answer. Established in 1977 AD, this Trek has carved a special place in the hearts of adventure enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
It is a classic trek that starts below 1,000 meters and takes you to the country's highest pass, Thorong La, at 5,416 meters (17,769 ft). The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek explores Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), the tenth-highest mountain in the world.
The Shortest Annapurna Circuit Trek goes through subtropical forests, and you'll slowly ascend to alpine pastures and a mountain pass before descending to Muktinath (3,800 m) and driving past Kali Gandaki gorge. The Kali Gandaki Gorge is the deepest in the world. Once you drop down from Thorong La, the short Annapurna circuit trek lets you enjoy varied landscapes, including the trans-Himalayan.
The Annapurna circuit trail is renowned for its length, often spanning 18 days or more. However, for those with time constraints, we've crafted a shorter itinerary that still captures the essence of this iconic Trek. Our 9-day journey is designed to maximize your experience while ensuring your safety and comfort.
Walking past lush rhododendrons, oak, pine, fir, and bamboo forests, you will enjoy the most dramatic mountain panorama. Trekking from one valley to another, you will spend eight nights in some of the most picturesque villages and come across stunning waterfalls and cold streams.
Prepare to be immersed in a tapestry of cultural diversity as you traverse the Annapurna circuit trail. From Tibetan-like Buddhist villages with white-washed houses to narrow gullies and spectacular mountains, each step reveals a new facet of this enchanting region.
Main Features of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek
Scenic drive to Dharapani
The drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani is very long. Also, it leads to the starting point of the short Annapurna circuit trail.
You will follow the valleys of the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers. The road winds alongside verdant hills and terraced fields. On the way, you will witness beautiful waterfalls and occasional settlement areas.
The later part of the drive includes snow-capped mountain views, which makes the ride very therapeutic.
Overnight stays in beautiful villages.
A low-key one of the best things about the short Annapurna circuit trek is the villages the trail passes by.
You'll not believe how beautiful these villages are and the scenery you see from each town. Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Yak Kharka are villages where you will stay overnights.
Trek through the wilderness of the Annapurna Conservation Area
The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to hundreds of flora and fauna. It protects the locals and all the natural elements inside the park.
The short Annapurna circuit route starts inside this park and later joins the lower Mustang area (from Muktinath onwards). The trail has waterfalls, meadows, pastures, streams, and rivers.
Side day trips in Manang village
On day 5 of our short Annapurna circuit trek, we have an acclimatization day in Manang village, which is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
We take this opportunity to hike to either Gangapurna Lake (3,525 m) or Cave Gompa (4,000 m). Both hiking options have impressive routes dotted with striking mountain views.
Welcoming mountain community and cultural heritage
Unlike other parts of the Himalayas, the Annapurna region is home to people from different communities.
On your way, you'll meet Chhetris, Brahmins, Magars, Gurungs, Thakalis, and many other ethnic groups.
These people have distinct languages, cultural practices, norms, and values, which make the Trek a unique cultural experience. You can visit ancient temples and monasteries, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Cross the Thorong La pass.
Thorong La Pass is 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) above sea level and is located in the Damodar Himal, north of the Annapurna Himal.
The pass connects Manang village (Manang district) in the east to Muktinath and Ranipauwa village (Mustang district) in the west, completing the Annapurna circuit.
Visit Muktinath Temple: A most significant pilgrimage site in Nepal
Muktinath is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is a famous and influential pilgrimage site and is very important to Buddhists. The Muktinath temple is 3800 meters above sea level and has centuries-old legends and beliefs. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the site every year.
Drive along Kali Gandaki gorge and beautiful villages to Pokhara.
Our Short Annapurna circuit trek ends at Muktinath. From here, we drive to Pokhara. The route goes along the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge, and passes by beautiful villages, such as Marpha and Kagbeni.
The ride offers a breathtaking mountain panorama and ends in Pokhara. You'll have the evening free to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Phewa Lake.
Witness stunning mountain panorama and distinct landscapes.
These are the list of some of the mountains you get to see on this adventurous Trek- Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Pisang Peak (3,250 m), Chulu Peak (6,059 m), Gundang (5,312 m), Khatungkang (6,484 m), etc. These stunning views will leave you in awe and inspire you to keep trekking.
Then comes the never-ending landscapes that motivate you to keep walking and rejuvenate your soul.
Possibility of Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) is inevitable during the Shortest Annapurna Circuit trek. Traveling at a high altitude (over 2,500 meters) carries the risk of altitude sickness.
To avoid this, we have acclimatization days in Manang village and have carefully planned the itinerary to ensure that you ascend no more than 500 meters daily.
Likewise, the Annapurna circuit trek itinerary balances the climb-high and sleep-low aspects, further ensuring your safety during the Trek from altitude sickness.
Our crew will be with you trekking, helping you if you feel discomfort while walking, and monitoring your health.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Preparation
To prepare for a short Annapurna circuit trek, you can do day hikes and long walks wearing a backpack weighing 5 kg. If not, you can do other activities like swimming, cycling, and running.
All these activities will help you build stamina and endurance. You can also do weight training and cardio. The main thing is to focus on building your core strength, stamina, and walking habits.
Guide and Crew
We provide a local expert trekking guide for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek. There will be another assistance guide for groups of more than eight people.
We have not included a porter in the package cost, and you can add a porter if you need one while making a booking, as it is optional.
Trek Cost and Booking
Look at the right bar of the page, where you can find the price for the Trek according to the group size. We have offered the maximum cost of 1 to 12 people.
Contact if you are more than 12 people. Special discounted prices are available for the group of trekkers.
