Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

When it comes to trekking Annapurna region, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most demanded for adventure lovers. But trekking to Annapurna Circuit requires around 2 weeks. Having said that, if you’re strongly fit and has previous high altitude experience, we can shorten the itinerary. Likewise, other popular short treks in Nepal, we can do the Annapurna Cicuit in short time. In this post, we’ll highlight about Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary, cost and package details.

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 8-days will take us to the mountain ranges of north-central Nepal, taking us from the lowest altitude of Besisahar 823m to the highest point of Thorung La Pass 5416m. Apart from this, the Annapurna Ciruit Trek will take us to the highest point at Thorung La Pass (5416m), touching the Tibetan Plateau for the magnificent views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu Himalayas.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek (12-Day) mainly begin from Besisahar or Bhulbule and end with Nayapul, Beni, Kade, Phedi, or Jomsom. Now with the means of transportation and availability of an airstrip on the trail, the Annapurna Circuit Trek which used to be of 18 to 25 days has been shortened to 6-10 days and Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is just a 3-day hike into the highest Annapurna region, starting from Manang and ending in Jomsom.

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek closely follows the traditional Annapurna Circuit Trek but is a condensed version. In this itinerary, we skip several days of the classical trek by utilizing road transport. Additionally, we will drive from Muktinath to complete the trek in a much shorter time. The drive along the Marshyandi River offers magnificent views of hills, waterfalls, farmland, rivers, and the Himalayas, making it a memorable journey to Dharapani.

What is the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a condensed version of the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek of 12 days, designed for trekkers with limited time (around 7to 8 days) but still eager to experience the stunning beauty of the region. You will start trek from Dharapani or from Chame and ends the trek in Muktinath after passing Thorong La 5416 meter. While the traditional Around Annapurna Trek requires 12 to 14 days, this short itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trekking is designed for those who are either short on time ( 7 to 8 days ) and has strong fit with hiking experience ( trekking up to 450meter ).

The Itinerary: A Quick Overview

The trek typically starts with a drive to Dharapani via Besisahar. Here’s a simplified overview of the itinerary:

Day 1: Drive to Dharapani via Besisahar

Today marks our first day of 8-days Annapurn Circuit Trekking. And this journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar would be approximately 175 km and it takes about 6 to 7 hours (depends on traffic Jam ). While driving, you can see scenic views of lush hills, terraced fields, and the Trishuli River.

Upon reaching Besisahar, we will switch to a 4WD vehicle for an adventurous off-road drive to Dharapani. Becuase road from Besisahar to Manang including Dharapani is off-road. The Dharapani is a small mountain village which is located at altitude of 1860meter from Sea Level and it’s junction point of Manaslu Ciruit Trek & Annapurna Circuit Trek. From Besisahar to get Dharapani by Jeep it takes around 3 to 4 hour. Upon arrival, stay overnight at a teahouse in Dharapani. Next day, before leave to Chame, you can explore Dharapani village from where you can see beatiful views of Manaslu mountian.

Day 2: Trek to Chame

Today marks the 2nd day of our condensed Annapurna Trek and on this day we’ll trek from Dharapani to Chame. After breakfast at a teeahouse in Dharapani, the trek begins along the Marsyangdi River. On this day, we’ll walk through dense pine and fir forests. The trail gradually ascends through villages like Bagarchhap and Timang. From Timang to onwards trek, we will get breathtaking views of Manaslu and Annapurna II. As we approach Chame, we’ll see prayer wheels, chortens, and mani walls, reflecting the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region. Chame is the headquarters of Manang District. In Chame, there is Natural Hotspring. Enjoy the natural hot springs in Chame before resting for the night. It does take around 5 to 6 hour walk from Dharapani to Chame. Stay overnight at teahouse in Chame.

Day 3: Trek to Pisang

Today marks 3rd of our trek and on this day,we’ll trek to Pisang. we’ll follows a narrow valley with towering rock formations on one side and the Marsyangdi River on the other. The trail gradually ascends through lush forests before reaching the Dhukur Pokhari. From Dhukur Pokhari, it will be easy walk to Upper Pisang. From Upper Pisang,you’ll get stunning views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. You can explore the upper Pisang for panoramic sunset views. Stay overnight at a teahouse in Pisang.

Day 4: Trek to Manang

On the 4th day, we will trek up to Manang village. There are 2 route to get Manang from Pisang. You can choose between the lower and upper trails. The Upper Trails offers spectacular views via Ghyaru and Ngawal. The trail passes through Tibetan-style villages, past monasteries, and through alpine landscapes. Upon reachig Manang Village, we can explore the village and visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), and prepare for acclimatization. Stay Overnight at a teahouse in Manang.

Day 5: Trek to Yak Kharka

Today marks the 5th day of our short trip and on this day we will trek from Manang to Yak Kharka. It does take around 3 hour to reach Yak Kharka from Manang. The path gradually ascends out of Manang, crossing Gunsang and offering sweeping views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The landscape becomes more rugged as you reach Yak Kharka. The Yak Kharkaa is a pastureland used by herders and it is sitauted at 4020meter from sea level. It is important to pace yourself and stay hydrated as you climb above 4,000 meters. Overnight at teahouse in Yak Kharka.

Day 6: Trek to Thorong Phedi

On this day, our trek will be relatively short, around 3 hours. The trail ascends steadily, crossing suspension bridges. There is smamll landslide prone zone before reaching Thorong Phedi. The Thorong Phedi (4450m) is the the base of the Thorong La Pass. Some trekkers may opt to stay or hike a little further to High Camp (4,880m) to ease the following day’s ascent. Rest well and prepare for the hardest trek of next day. Stay overnight at a tehousee in Thorong Phedi.

Day 7: Trek to Muktinath

Today marks our 7th day and it’s the most challenging and rewarding day of the entire trek. Starting before dawn, we will ascend to Thorong La Pass. The Thorong La is located at 5416meter from sea level and it takes around 3.5 to 4 hours to reach from Thorong Phedi. It is the highest point of the trek. The climb to Thorong La will be strenuous, but reaching the pass offers incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Once we reach Thorong La, we celebrate this achievement taking some photos at Thorong La. There is also teashop where we can have tea/coffee before descending to Muktinath. Upon spending some time at Thorong La, we will descend steeply towards Muktinath. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. We can Visit the Muktinath temple and its eternal next day morning before taking bus to Pokhara. Enjoy overnight at a teahouse in Muktinath.

Day 8: Drive to Pokhara from Muktinath

Today marks last day of our 7-day trek and on this day we’ll trek just 10 to 15 minues to get Bus Park. From Buspark, we will take a scenic drive from Muktinath to Pokhara. The drive descends through the Kali Gandaki Valley passing through many remarkalbe village such as Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, Kalopani, Tatopani and Beni before reaching Pokhara. Upon reaching your hotel in Pokhara, our 8-day short Annapurna Circuit Trek will be concluded.

Final Thoughts of Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking is adventure for those experinced trekkers who have been at least 4500meter above from sea level and want to do the Around Annapurna trek in very short amount of time.We don’t recommend this short itinerary for beginner trekker as it is high altitude trekking without rest day with quickly ascend. It may cuases AMS for beginners as we ascend very quickly in this 8 days plan.

If you’re an experienced hiker, this trek will leave you with unforgettable memories and a sense of achievement. So book your flight ticket to Nepal, pack your backpack, book treking with us for unforgettable meomories, lace up your trekking shoes, and get ready to experience the 8-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek.

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