Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a journey through subtropical lush forests and high alpine meadows with an ascent to the legendary Thorong La Pass, the biggest trekking pass in Nepal.
After traversing this amazing high point, you leave for the sacred village of Muktinath (3,800 m). From here, the trail breaks into stunning trans-Himalayan landscapes. You will drive past the awe-inspiring Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, before reaching the lake city (Pokhara).
A 9-day Annapurna Circuit Trek leads you across the stunning highlands of the western Himalayas. In this trek, you will explore the hidden corners of the Annapurna Region within the Annapurna Conservation area of Nepal.
If you're seeking an unparalleled Himalayan experience, the short Annapurna Circuit Trekking is your answer. Established in 1977 AD, the Short AC trek route has carved a special place in the hearts of adventure enthusiasts and offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
Short Annapurna Circuit is a classic trekking trail that starts below 2,000 meters and takes you to the country's highest pass, the Thorong La, at 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) and Short Annapurna Circuit Journey explores Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), the tenth-highest mountain in the world.
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 Annapurna Circuit trek voyage 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.
Annapurna Circuit's short trek might be quick, but it’s big on adventure! Check out some of the must-see moments along the way.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Odyssey starts with a beautiful but long drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, marking the official start of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek. As you leave behind the city mayhem, the road begins to trace the winding courses of the Trishuli and Marshyangdi river gorges, slicing through the emerald green slopes and cultivated fields.
Along the way, you'll encounter cascading waterfalls, roadside towns, and views of local life tucked into the hillside. As you climb higher, the view shifts, and by the latter half of the drive, snow-covered peaks begin to appear on the horizon, adding a touch of magic to the ride. It's the kind of scenic route that's really soothing, adding an element of charm and mystery to the drive and really setting the tone for the rest of your adventure.
One of the best-kept secrets of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek? The incredible mountain villages you pass through along the way.
Every stop looks heavenly: gorgeous views, calm vibes, and friendly locals. From the quaint villages of Chame to the rugged landscapes of Pisang, from the cultural wealth of Manang to the high-altitude serenity of Yak Kharka- every overnight stay offers its kind of magic and a different view that will stay with you forever.
Annapurna Conservation Area is home to hundreds of vegetation and wildlife. It protects the indigenous people as well as all the natural resources of the park.
The short Annapurna circuit trekking journey starts inside this park and then joins the lower Mustang area (from Muktinath onward). The trail adorns waterfalls, grassland, pasturelands, streams, and rivers.
Side hike in Manang village
Day 5 of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is dedicated to acclimatization, and there is no better place for this than the village of Manang, nestled under soaring peaks. Spending time acclimatizing here is essential to being safe and comfortable at higher elevations.
To make the most of your rest day, take a beautiful side hike to the tranquil and stunning Gangapurana Lake (3,525 m) or the spiritually-inspiring Cave Gompa (4,000 m). Both trails promise significant elevation gain and are stunning in mountain scenery, making it hard to remember if there was any tiredness along the way.
One of the many things that makes the Annapurna region so special is the amazing mix of cultures you’ll experience along the trail. Unlike other Himalayas, this area is home to many groups, like the Chhetris, Brahmins, Magars, Gurungs, Thakalis, and more.
Each community has its language, customs, and way of life, which adds layers to your trek. As you walk, you’ll also get to visit old temples and peaceful monasteries and learn about the Himalayas' rich culture and deep spiritual life.
Thorong La Pass, at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. The pass is located in the Damodar Himal range, just north of the Annapurna mountains.
The pass connects Manang village east of the Annapurna Circuit with Muktinath and Ranipauwa to the west (in the Mustang district), marking a significant milestone in completing the full Annapurna Circuit trek.
Muktinath is a sacred temple located in the mountains at 3,800 meters in elevation, devoted to Lord Vishnu, a popular deity in Hinduism. The site is a prominent pilgrimage for Hindus, but it also has spiritual significance to Buddhists.
The temple is surrounded by rich stories from centuries past, along with beautiful views of the mountains, which account for its popularity. Hundreds of pilgrims go every year to the temple to wish for blessings and a feeling of connection in time and space.
The venture into Annapurna Circuit ends at Muktinath, but the journey ends. Thereafter, you get on a scenic drive to Pokhara, following the path of the mighty Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, and pass by beautiful villages such as Marpha and Kagbeni.
The drive will treat you to pleasant mountain views before you join the relaxed town of Pokhara. You'll have the evening free to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Phewa Lake.
Get ready to witness some of the most extraordinary mountain scenery on the short Annapurna Circuit Trek. Throughout the trek, you will see incredible sights of some of the marvels of the world, namely Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna II, III & IV, Annapurna South, Mt. Nilgiri, Fishtail (Machapuchare), Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, just to name a few.
Other spectacular peaks you will see include Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, Hiunchuli, Khatungkang, and Ghundang. These beautiful mountains take your breath away and inspire every footfall you take. Also not to be left out are the varying landscapes along the way. The changing environments, from lush forests to alpine deserts, leave you energized, positive, and lucid about every part of the trail.
You will start the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek at Dharapani at an altitude of 1860 meters above sea level and gradually gain altitude daily and reach the highest point of the trek, Thorong La Pass, 5416 meters. Find the attached Short Annapurna Trekking route map with daily altitude gain.
Are you planning to trek with friends or a group and are curious about the cost of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek? Take a look at the right-hand side of this page, pricing is listed for group sizes from 1 to 12.
If your group is larger than 12, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to offer customized pricing and special discounts for bigger trekking teams and we have opened booking for Short Annapurna Circuit Trek for 2025 and 2026.
The road to the Himalayas begins!
Once we've enjoyed a filling breakfast in Kathmandu, we set off towards the starting point of our trek! Along the way, we'll pass through some beautiful scenery and winding roads on the green hills, river valleys, and terraced fields of the landscape.
We'll drive through the town of Besisahar before going further into the hills to Dharapani. With time, we'll be on the lookout for the first glimpse of Himalayan peaks, which will give us a pleasant hint of the adventures to come.
Time to get on that awesome trail!
We will follow the trail westward, with some ups and downs, until we reach the quiet little village of Bagarchhap. Then, we pass through tall pine and fir forests that embrace you like an elder sage. We will cross a couple of bridges and cross over a valley, surrounded by oaks and golden maples swaying gently around us. Oh! And the waterfalls you'll encounter will be refreshing.
By the end of a long day, we will reach Chame, resting nicely and soundly in the middle of the Manang district. Rest assured; we will take in some soon-to-be amazing views of Annapurna IV, LamjungHimal, and Annapurna II with a lovely backdrop!
As we leave Chame behind, the forest thickens, wrapping us in green as we climb higher. But nature has a dramatic surprise in store- a towering 1,500-meter rock rising sheer from the river, stealing the spotlight.
From here onwards, green vegetation is replaced by open, wide, and spectacular alpine landscapes. After hopping along a few suspension bridges and crossing the river, we find ourselves in the beautiful Manang Valley. We see a silhouette of snow-capped peaks before us while we ascend to Pisang village.
We have two routes to reach Manang. We will take the upper route, which is more scenic, and pass through Ghyaru village. This route offers a tremendous view of the western Himalayan Mountains, such as PisangHimal, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Gangapurna.
Then, we will walk past Ngawal village and gradually ascend to Manang.
We're taking a rest day in the middle of Manang. But don’t worry, rest is not boring! There’s plenty to explore here.
We'll stretch our legs in the morning with a scenic walk to either glacial-blue Gangapurna Lake (3,525 m) or serene Cave Gompa (4,000 m). Either way, as they will be in the distance, you’ll enjoy some amazing views of Chulu Peak, Thorong Peak, Pisang Peak, Annapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
As we move onward to Yak Kharka, the trail takes us above the tree line, offering uninterrupted views across soft meadows. The silence is broken only by our footsteps and the breeze.
We cross a small stream and climb gently to the village of Tenki. Here, we leave Marsyangdi Valley and enter JarsangKhola Valley, which is remoter, quieter, and equally beautiful.
Small juniper shrubs line the path. Once we pass the tiny village of Ghunsa, we trek over wooden bridges and alpine meadows, slowly approaching Yak Kharka.
The route from Yak Kharka to ThorongPhedi is a bit of a climb, but it’s beautiful. We rise north from Yak Kharka, crossing a suspension bridge and following the trail to Ledar village.
After this, the trail gets much steeper and rockier, but the mountain views are unbelievable. As we walk, Annapurna III, Syagang, Gundang, and Khatungkang are our companions the whole time. Finally, we will reach Thorong Phedi, the last settlement, before we cross the Thorong La.
It's the summit day! Today is the most challenging but also most memorable part of the trek! We set out very early from ThorongPhedi, hiking on a steep and rugged trail towards the legendary Thorong La Pass. It’s tough, with some loose terrain underfoot, but the adventure factor and the views make every step worthwhile.
It is magical on top, with magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. After we enjoy our moments, we begin our journey down to Muktinath, where we’ll spend the night celebrating our huge milestone.
On our final morning on the trail, we visit the holy Muktinath Temple. Only Hindus can enter the shrine, but exploring its tranquil surroundings is a memorable experience.
Then, we take a jeep or bus ride back to Pokhara. The ride is just as beautiful as the hike! We will travel back through the stunning Kali Gandaki Gorge, pass by villages and valleys, and watch the Himalayas waving goodbye in the distance.
We will arrive in Pokhara in the evening. After almost two weeks on the trail, comfort, celebration, and a hot shower await us all in this pleasant city.
We suggest you to hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on trek, trekking with a light day pack is much easier and you enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg (about 10-11 Kg from each of you), and we suggest to hire a porter in between of two trekkers and A porter cost US $200.00 for Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 9 Days.
There are options to upgrade the transportation from Kathmandu to Dharapani to a private jeep instead of a local bus and about six people can drive in one jeep and A Jeep Cost US 290.00 for a Jeep.
Altitude sickness is a common concern on the Short Annapurna Circuit trek, after all, we’re trekking above 2,500 meters. But it’s definitely manageable with the right approach.
Our itinerary includes a full acclimatization day in Manang. It is carefully designed to keep our daily elevation climbs under 500 meters to help your body adjust slowly. We also follow the golden rule of “climb high, sleep low,” which helps your body adapt naturally.
Don't worry! You'll be in good hands because our amazing crew will constantly monitor for any signs of altitude issues and ensure you feel supported at every step.
Preparation for the Short Annapurna Circuit involves going on regular day hikes or long walks with a loaded backpack of around 5 kg to get used to the trekking pace. If hiking is not your option, you may consider swimming, cycling, and running. These activities help build your endurance and stamina.
Additionally, it will be the cherry on top if you can mix in some cardio and strength workouts, focusing on core and leg strength.
Remember, you do not have to do anything intense; stay consistent, and you’ll be more than ready for the trails.
On the Short Annapurna Circuit, you’ll be in good hands, as you’ll be accompanied by a local trekking guide who knows the trails, terrain, and culture like the back of their hand. If your group has more than eight people, an assistant guide will join in to ensure everyone is well cared for.
Please note: porters are not included in our package by default, but you can easily request one when booking. It's optional and best if you prefer to trek lightly.
We will have a pre-trek meeting the day before your adventure around 5 pm at your local hotel or our office. Make sure you bring two passport-sized photos and a copy of your travel insurance, as we will need these for your permits.
Tip: Try arriving a day earlier than your scheduled trek to eliminate the hassle of doing everything in one day. Trekking after taking a late-night flight and a long drive is a bit too much.
Do you need help with hotel bookings? Just let us know—we can find you great accommodation at the best price.
To trek the Short Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, you must obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.
The good news? We’ve got it covered! Once you book your trek with us, we will prepare all the paperwork and permits.
You will need to be moderately fit for the short Annapurna Circuit trek, as the adventure involves daily trekking of 4 to 9 hours over difficult mountain trails.
You will reach the highest point of 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass, so it is advisable to have previous trekking experience, good health, and reasonable stamina.
Your adventurous spirit and determination are great assets for this short and remarkable trek.
This trek is for the doers, the dreamers, and the mountain lovers who don’t shy away from a little challenge. It is ideal for hikers with some previous experience in mountain trekking who are comfortable hiking long distances at high altitudes.
You will walk for 6 to 7 hours a day through rugged mountain paths that wind past waterfalls, through forests, and over suspension bridges. As you climb higher, the terrain becomes more remote and facilities more basic, but the scenery only gets better.
The trek's highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, one of the most renowned and demanding parts of the trek and you need strong legs, a consistent pace, and ample patience to complete this pass. But with wise preparation, you will have memories of a lifetime to cherish the short Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal.
Many trekkers choose to trek the Annapurna Circuit independently, which is generally safe. But do not forget you are in high mountains, where altitude sickness and the occasional accident can and do happen.
That is why we at Outfitter Himalaya always suggest going with a professional guide. Not only will you stay safer, but you will also worry much less and truly live in the moment.
Crampons are generally not required on the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek in the busy seasons: autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May). The trails are mainly dry and in good condition up to the Thorong La Pass, the high-point area. Solid trekking boots with a good grip would do the trick. But if you decide to go in winter (January to February), we recommend taking along light crampons or micro-spikes, just in case.
Due to snow and ice, some sections can get slippery, especially those near the pass. Chances are you won't use them, but having them in your backpack gives you an additional sense of safety and confidence on the trail.
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