Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days
Trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area and explore the hidden corners of the Annapurna region on our Shortest Annapurna circuit trek. A 12 days journey in Nepal that takes close to stunning western Himalayan Mountains and the tenth highest mountain in the world.
If you want to experience the best of the Himalayas, then the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is the one. Opened in 1977 AD, the Annapurna Circuit has become one of the most loved trekking routes in Nepal. It is a classic trek that starts below 1,000 meters and takes you to the highest pass of the country, 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.
Starting the trek through subtropical forests, 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. The short Annapurna circuit trek lets you enjoy varied landscapes, including the trans-Himalayan once you drop down from Thorong La.
Annapurna circuit trail is always known as a long trek that usually is 18 days or longer. To cater to trekkers bound by time, we have designed the shortest Annapurna circuit trek itinerary, which is only 12 days long. In these 12 days, you spend around 8 days in the mountains, and rest time involves your arrival, departure, and commute between the starting/ending points of the trail. And trust us; nothing is missed, even if it is a short trek.
Enjoying the most dramatic mountain panorama, you'll walk past lush rhododendrons, oak, pine, fir, bamboo, etc forests. Trekking from one valley to another, you get to enjoy night stays in some of the most picturesque villages and come across stunning waterfalls & cold streams. Meet with welcoming mountain people and immerse in diverse cultural heritages. Visit ancient monasteries and temples on the way.
Tibetan-like Buddhist villages, white-washed houses, narrow gullies, spectacular mountains, ice flows, etc are charms of the Annapurna circuit trail!
Main Features of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek
Scenic drive to Dharapani
The drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani is very long and also leads you to the starting point of the short Annapurna circuit trail. Following Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers valleys, the road winds alongside verdant hills and terraced fields. You get to witness beautiful waterfalls and occasional settlement areas on the way. 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 your eyes how beautiful these villages are and the scenery you get to see from each village. Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Yak Kharka are some of the villages where you will stay overnights.
Trek through the wilderness of the Annapurna Conservation Area
The Annapurna Conservation Area is not only home to hundreds of flora and fauna but also protects the locals and all the natural elements inside the park. The initial part of the short Annapurna circuit route is inside this park and later joins the lower Mustang area (from Muktinath onwards). The trail has waterfalls, meadows, pastures, streams, rivers, etc.
Side trips in Manang village
On day 6 of our short Annapurna circuit trek, we have an acclimatization day in Manag village, which is a very crucial to avoid altitude sickness. We take this opportunity to go on a 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. You'll meet Chhetris, Brahmins, Magars, Gurungs, Thakalis, and many other ethnic groups on the way. All of these people have distinct languages, cultural practices, norms, and values, which enhances the trip in some sort. You get to visit ancient temples and monasteries.
Cross the Thorong La pass
Thorong La pass stands 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) above sea level. It 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.
Most significant pilgrimage sites in Nepal
Muktinath is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. This temple is a famous and important pilgrimage site and also has huge importance to Buddhists. Located at 3,800 meters, Muktinath temple has centuries-old legends and beliefs. The site is visited by hundreds of pilgrims 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 Marpha, Kagbeni, etc. The ride offers a breathtaking mountain panorama and ends in Pokhara. You'll have the evening free in Pokhara to relax and enjoy the tranquillity 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. Then comes the never-ending landscapes that will keep you motivated to keep walking and rejuvenate your soul.
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty
The short Annapurna circuit is a strenuous trek. This trek fits well for experienced trekkers. If you know the Himalayan trail and have been trekking before, then you can level up your game by joining the shortest Annapurna circuit trekking. Crossing the Thorong La pass (5,416 m) is no joke and demands a high level of physical fitness, patience, and knowledge of the trail. And for 8 days, you'll walk on steep, rugged mountain terrain.
Every day you begin walking early in the morning for 6 to 7 hours. The trail crosses landslide areas, slippery passages, and snowy paths. Then comes the limited facility along the way, which tests your endurance and willpower. The Short-Annapurna circuit trek is an incredible venture, but also has a lot of setbacks, which makes it one of the most adventurous & challenging treks in the Himalayas.
Possibility of Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is inevitable during the Shortest Annapurna circuit trek. Travelling at a high altitude (over 2,500 meters) carries the risk of altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness). To avoid it, we have acclimatization days in Manang village, and we have carefully planned the itinerary making sure you do not ascend more than 500 meters a day.
Likewise, The Annapurna circuit trek itinerary balances the climb high and sleep low aspect that further ensures your safety during the trek from altitude sickness. Our crew trekking with you will be there to help you if you feel any sort of discomfort while walking and keep an eye on your health.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Preparation
To prepare for short Annapurna circuit trek, you can do day hikes and long walks wearing a backpack of 5 kg weight. If not, you can do other activities like swimming, cycling, and running. All these activities will help you build stamina and endurance. You can do weight training and cardio too. The main thing is to focus on building your core strength, stamina, and walking habit.
Other trekking packages in the Region
The Annapurna Region is a huge trekking region in Nepal and there are many side trips and we have many other trekking itineraries in Annapurna Region and some of them are Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek fly out from Jomsom, Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake, Nar Phu Trek with Annapurna Circuit etc…
Guide and porters
We provide you with a local expert trekking guide for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek and there will be another assistance guide for the group of above 8 people. We have not included a porter on the package cost and you can add a porter if you need a porter while you are making a booking as it is optional.
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 price from 1 to 12 people max, so, contact us if you are more than 12 people, special discounted prices are available for the group of trekkers.
Pre-trip meeting and arrival suggestion
We will have a pre-trip meeting at the hotel or our office around 5:00 pm on the arrival day.
Please have a copy of your travel insurance and 2 passport-size photographs as we need these documents for obtaining trekking permits and other paperwork. And, you pay the remaining balance of your trip (if you have not paid the full).
We suggest you arrive before 5 PM or if you have found only a late arrival flight to Nepal, We suggest you arrive a day earlier as arriving at late night and starting the trek the next morning with a long drive to Dharapani is not easy. And, we can book extra night hotels when you require at a reasonable cost.
