The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is designed for trekkers with limited time who want to experience the most dramatic section of Nepal's famous Annapurna Circuit. In 9 days, the itinerary takes you from Chame through Manang and across Thorong La Pass (5,416m) before descending to Muktinath and continuing to Pokhara.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 9-day guided adventure for fit trekkers who want to explore the Manang Valley and cross Thorong La Pass without booking a longer holiday package. The itinerary starts in Kathmandu and ends in Pokhara, combining road transfers with 5 main trekking days and an acclimatization day in Manang.
Your journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Chame, then continues through Pisang and Manang. Along the way, forested river valleys give way to open alpine landscapes, with views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and surrounding mountains. Traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags introduce you to the upper Marsyangdi Valley's cultural heritage.
After spending an additional night in Manang for acclimatization, you continue through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. The most demanding stage crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, then descends to Muktinath in Mustang. On the final day, a road journey through the Kali Gandaki Valley takes you to Pokhara.
The package includes 8 nights in mountain teahouses, meals specified in the itinerary, a local trekking guide, required permits, and scheduled ground transport. You arrange your accommodation in Kathmandu before the trek and in Pokhara afterward. Porter services are available at an additional cost.
For a longer holiday that also includes Tatopani, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and city arrangements, explore our 15-day Annapurna Circuit Trek.
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Trek information |
Details |
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Package duration |
9 days |
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Package starts |
Kathmandu |
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Package ends |
Pokhara |
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Walking route |
Chame to Muktinath via Manang and Thorong La |
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Main trekking days |
1 day in Manang, with a local hike |
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Highest point |
Thorong La Pass, 5,416 meters |
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Difficulty |
Strenuous |
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Walking time |
Approximately 5–7 hours on most trekking days; 9–10 hours on the pass-crossing day |
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Accommodation |
8 nights in teahouses or guesthouses, on a twin-sharing basis |
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Meals |
As specified in the daily itinerary |
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Included transport |
Kathmandu to Chame and Muktinath to Pokhara by local bus/jeep |
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Guide |
Included |
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Porter |
Available at an additional cost |
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Best seasons |
Spring, March–May, and autumn, September–November |
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City accommodation |
Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels are excluded |
Local buses and shared jeeps are part of this itinerary, so expect winding roads, uneven surfaces, occasional roadside stops, and shared seating with other passengers. Road conditions, traffic, and weather can affect journey times, so patience is helpful. A private transport upgrade is available for the journey to Beshisahar and to Dharapani if you prefer greater flexibility.
Your guide will adjust the walking pace to the terrain, altitude, and group, and some stages involve sustained uphill walking, while others include rocky traverses or long descents. Higher on the route, even a shorter distance can feel demanding, and frequent brief rests become part of the day.
Mountain teahouses provide practical accommodation rather than hotel-style comfort. Rooms generally have twin beds, basic bedding, and limited furnishings. Shared bathrooms are common, and bedrooms are usually unheated.
The dining room is often the main evening gathering place. Hot showers, charging, and Wi-Fi may cost extra, and availability becomes less reliable at higher stops.
Meals are ordered from teahouse menus, with options varying between villages. Expect familiar trekking dishes such as dal bhat, soups, noodles, potatoes, eggs, and pancakes. Food is prepared after ordering, so service can take longer when lodges are busy.
Most evenings are quiet: eat dinner, organize your equipment, discuss the next stage with your guide, and rest. Tell us about dietary requirements before departure so we can discuss what is practical along the route.
The Manang stop gives you a break before moving to a higher overnight destination. Depending on conditions and how you feel, your guide will arrange a local walk followed by time to rest.
Treat this day as part of your preparation for the higher stages. You don't need to do every possible excursion; the activity should suit your condition and leave you rested for the next morning.
Prepare your equipment the evening before crossing Thorong La. You will normally leave before dawn, wearing warm layers and using a headlamp for the initial climb.
The day requires sustained effort followed by a lengthy descent toward Muktinath. The stop at the pass is usually brief and depends on weather and conditions. Keep essentials within reach, follow your guide's pace, and save energy for the downhill section.
Mountain weather and road access can alter the schedule. Your guide may adjust departure times, walking plans, or overnight arrangements when necessary. Extra accommodation, transport, or itinerary changes can also create additional costs, so discuss contingency arrangements with us before booking.
Approach the trek with flexibility. The most rewarding experience comes from allowing time for the journey rather than expecting every day to run to an exact timetable.
The main walking route from Chame to Muktinath covers approximately 69 kilometers, and the estimated total walking distance is around 73 kilometers, including the listed short acclimatization hike in Manang. Your actual distance depends on the trail you follow and the excursion you choose.
Road transfers are separate from the walking total, and this itinerary ends trekking at Muktinath, then continues to Pokhara by vehicle, without the Ghorepani and Poon Hill extension.
Read our Annapurna Circuit Trek distance guide to compare walking distances, daily stages, and different route options.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a strenuous high-altitude trek. A shorter holiday does not remove the challenge of steep trails, repeated walking days, or the Thorong La crossing.
Prepare with regular hill walking, longer hikes, and descent practice while carrying your daypack. Share your recent hiking experience with our team so we can help you assess whether this itinerary suits your preparation and available time.
Our Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty guide explains the terrain, fitness requirements, and what makes the route challenging.
Weather on the 9-day route varies with elevation and season. Conditions around Chame and Manang can differ considerably from those near Thorong La Pass, so prepare for changing temperatures, cold mornings, wind, and possible snow or rain.
For a detailed overview of seasonal conditions, read our Annapurna Circuit Trek weather and temperature guide. Use it for planning, then confirm current conditions with our team before departure.
Choose the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek when the 9-day program suits your travel plans. If you want a different Itinerary, additional destinations, or another level of service, compare these alternatives:
Compare each itinerary and its inclusions before deciding. Our team can help you choose the option that best fits your time, interests, and preferred support.
The short Annapurna Circuit trek is a 9-day itinerary that starts in Kathmandu and ends in Pokhara.
You will make your arrangements for pre- and post-trek accommodation. This 9-day route is carefully planned to avoid road traffic and focus on the most scenic and culturally rich sections of the Annapurna Circuit.
Find the detailed day-by-day program.
The road to the Himalayas begins!
The adventure begins with an eye-catching yet long road trip to Besisahar, starting at Kathmandu. The path is a serpentine route through some river valleys, green hills, terraced fields, and distant villages, leaving the urban noise of the city behind.
You will ride alongside the rivers Trishuli and Marshyangdi to Besisahar, the scenery will turn into subtropical vegetation and then the pine-covered slopes, and with some luck, you may see your first view of distant snow-capped mountains.
Leaving Beshisahar, we take a local shared jeep to Chame along the Marsyangdi Valley; the journey follows a winding, rough mountain road past terraced fields, hillside villages, waterfalls, and forested slopes.
Expect a bumpy ride; travel time varies depending on road conditions, weather, and stops along the way. We arrive in Chame, Manang's district headquarters, and settle into our lodge for the night.
After breakfast, we begin trekking from Chame, following the Marsyangdi Valley through pine forests and mountain settlements. The trail combines gentle stretches with uphill sections as we make our way toward Pisang.
Along the route, we pass beneath the impressive rock face of Paungda Danda. As the valley opens, the landscape becomes drier, with views of Annapurna II and surrounding peaks when the weather is clear. We arrive in Pisang and settle into our teahouse. The rest of the afternoon is available for resting and preparing for the next day’s walk toward Manang.
After breakfast, we follow the upper route toward Manang through Ghyaru and Ngawal. The initial climb to Ghyaru is steep and demanding, so we walk steadily and take breaks along the way. In clear weather, this elevated trail offers impressive views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and Gangapurna.
From Ghyaru, we continue along the hillside toward Ngawal, passing traditional stone houses, prayer wheels, and mani walls. This section provides a closer look at the Tibetan Buddhist heritage of the Manang Valley while keeping us above the lower valley route.
Beyond Ngawal, we descend toward the valley floor and continue through Braga, known for its monastery and mountain setting. We then follow the trail to Manang, where we settle into our teahouse for two nights, with an acclimatization day planned for tomorrow.
We spend a second night in Manang before continuing to higher overnight stops. After breakfast, your guide will arrange an excursion suited to the weather, trail conditions, and how you feel.
Options include a shorter walk toward Gangapurna Lake or a more demanding uphill hike toward Cave Gompa. The distance, duration, and highest elevation reached depend on the route selected. The purpose is to remain active without exhausting yourself before the next trekking stage.
After returning to Manang, you have time to rest, explore the village, and prepare your equipment. Tell your guide if you feel unwell so the following day’s plan can be reviewed.
After breakfast, we leave Manang and climb gradually through the upper valley toward Yak Kharka. Trees become fewer as the trail enters open alpine terrain, with rocky slopes, grazing areas, and mountain views.
We walk at a steady pace, taking breaks as needed while gaining elevation. You may see grazing yaks or horses along the route, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
On arrival at Yak Kharka, we settle into our teahouse and rest. Facilities are simpler at this elevation, so keep warm layers accessible and prepare for a cold night.
Today, we continue toward Thorong Phedi, our overnight stop before crossing Thorong La. The route passes through Ledar and follows rocky mountain trails with uphill sections and exposed traverses.
Although the walking day is shorter than the pass crossing, the altitude makes a measured pace important. Follow your guide’s instructions through narrow sections and take care on uneven ground.
After reaching Thorong Phedi, we rest and prepare for an early departure. Your guide will discuss the next day’s conditions, check how you feel, and help you organize warm clothing, a headlamp, water, and other essentials.
We begin before dawn, with the departure time decided by your guide according to conditions. Using headlamps for the initial climb, we follow the uphill trail from Thorong Phedi toward Thorong La Pass.
This is the itinerary’s most demanding day. We maintain a steady pace and take necessary breaks as we climb through high-altitude terrain. At Thorong La, 5,416 meters above sea level, prayer flags mark the highest point of our journey.
Weather and conditions permitting, we pause briefly for photographs and to appreciate the mountain setting. We then begin the long descent toward Muktinath, saving energy for the downhill walking rather than spending an extended period at the pass.
On arrival, we settle into our teahouse and rest after a demanding day.
After breakfast, we visit the Muktinath temple complex, subject to the transport schedule and local access arrangements. This pilgrimage site is respected by both Hindus and Buddhists, and its surroundings provide a final cultural experience before leaving the mountains.
We then travel by local bus or jeep through the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Pokhara. The journey passes through changing landscapes, from the dry Mustang region to greener hills and settlements farther south.
Expect a long road journey, with travel time affected by road conditions, traffic, weather, and stops. Our nine-day program ends on arrival in Pokhara, where you arrange your onward accommodation. You can then rest and enjoy the lakeside city at your own pace.
You need to pack for changing mountain conditions; even though the trek is only 9 days, we advise prioritizing layered clothing, dependable trekking boots, a suitable sleeping bag, waterproof outerwear, gloves, sun protection, and a headlamp for early departures and pass crossings.
Also, keep your luggage practical by reducing duplicate clothing and unnecessary electronics. Before finalizing your bags, confirm any borrowed equipment and porter arrangements. Seasonal additions should reflect the conditions expected on your departure.
Use our complete Annapurna Circuit Trek packing list for clothing, footwear, equipment, and your final packing checks.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are generally the preferred seasons for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek. Your choice depends on the conditions you prefer, your tolerance for cold, and your available travel dates. For a detailed seasonal comparison, read our guide to the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Our monthly guides cover the wider Annapurna Circuit region and help you understand the conditions relevant to this 9-day route:
Outfitter Himalaya arranges the trekking permits included in your Short Annapurna Circuit package. Before departure, our team will confirm the documents and personal information needed for your booking.
For a detailed explanation of permit types, fees, and application requirements, read our Annapurna Circuit Trek permits guide. Confirm the arrangements for your nationality and departure date with us before traveling.
Expect simple teahouse and guesthouse accommodation, mostly twin-sharing. The facilities vary between villages and become more basic at higher elevations. Shared bathrooms are common, and sleeping rooms usually have no heating.
Read our guide to accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek for a fuller explanation of rooms, bathrooms, and lodge facilities.
Meals are included in our cost, depending on the daily itinerary. Teahouses along the trail typically offer dal bhat, noodles, rice dishes, soups, eggs, porridge, and other simple meals.
Yes. You can book a guided private trek or enquire about joining an available group departure. Travelling alone does not mean trekking without support: our package includes a local trekking guide. Confirm the departure price, room-sharing arrangements, and any private-trek supplements before booking.
Suitability depends on hiking experience, fitness, health, and the ability to manage demanding mountain days—not age alone. This high-altitude itinerary should not be treated as a general family walk. Share your family’s ages and recent hiking experience with us before booking so we can discuss whether additional days or another route would be more appropriate.
Yes. We can discuss additional nights, different transport arrangements, and route extensions before booking. Shortening the program requires careful review of the walking stages and acclimatization arrangements; essential preparation time should not be removed simply to fit a tighter schedule. Changes may affect the price and included services.
The best seasons for the Short Annapurna Circuit trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the rhododendrons bloom and the weather is stable, with clear skies and dry trails.
Not necessarily. This trek is not far-fetched if you have good physical fitness and are mentally prepared for a high-altitude trek. It is strongly advised to have pre-trekking training.
This trek is moderate to challenging, as it involves steep climbs, high altitudes, and long walking days. However, you don’t need technical climbing skills and can be managed through proper preparation.
You’ll stay in locally-run teahouses/ lodges along the route. There are basic, simple rooms with twin beds, warm blankets, and shared bathrooms.
You’ll enjoy traditional, authentic Nepali food - dal, bhat, and tarkaari. However, Western food, such as momos, noodles, and pancakes, is also available for order. Vegetarian food is widely available. For vegan food, it can be prepared on order.
Meals are included as specified in the daily itinerary. The current program provides lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Days 2–8, and breakfast and lunch on Day 9. Drinks, purchased snacks, and other personal food expenses are excluded unless specifically listed in your booking.
Charging and Wi-Fi are available at some lodges, often for an additional fee. Availability, speed, and reliability vary, particularly at higher elevations. Carry a power bank, download essential information before departure, and expect periods without a dependable connection. Do not rely on uninterrupted internet access during the trek.
Our package includes the Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and TIMS arrangements. Outfitter Himalaya organizes the paperwork and confirms the documents required before departure. Read our Annapurna Circuit permits guide for more information, and confirm the requirements for your nationality and departure date with our team.
A local trekking guide is included. Porter service is available at an additional cost and should be arranged when booking if you want assistance carrying your trekking luggage. Confirm the porter arrangement and baggage allowance with our team before departure.
Our guide coordinates the trekking stages, helps you prepare for changing conditions, and monitors how you feel along the route. Plans may need to change because of weather, trail access, or a trekker’s condition. Mountain travel carries risks that cannot be eliminated. Discuss contingency arrangements and suitable travel insurance before booking.
Yes. Altitude illness can affect trekkers regardless of fitness or previous experience. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Manang, but acclimatization does not eliminate the risk. Tell your guide promptly if you feel unwell. Do not ascend to a higher sleeping elevation with symptoms; worsening symptoms require descent and medical assistance.
Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters above sea level, is the itinerary’s highest point. You cross it between Thorong Phedi and Muktinath. This is a pass crossing rather than a mountain summit climb.
The main walking stages from Chame to Muktinath total approximately 69 kilometers. Including the listed short acclimatization hike in Manang, the estimated total is around 73 kilometers. Actual distance depends on the trail and excursion selected. See our distance guide for route comparisons.
Bring layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, dependable trekking boots, a suitable sleeping bag, gloves, sun protection, and a headlamp. Keep luggage practical and confirm borrowed equipment, porter arrangements, and seasonal additions before departure. Use our Annapurna Circuit Trek packing list for the complete checklist.
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