Annapurna Circuit Short Trek 10 Days

Annapurna Circuit Short Trek with 10 Days itinerary has a comparatively shorter trek length than the classic trail. It depends upon where motor transportation is used and where the trek ends. This trek will be crossing two different valleys viz. Marshyangdi River Valley and Kali Gandaki River Valley. The trail also encircles the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV) via Thorong La High Pass (5416m / 17769 ft).

The trek will begin after a seven hour drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar in the Marshyangdi River Valley. The Annapurna Circuit then passes through  Chame, Pisang, Manang and finally via Thorong La High Pass and concludes in Jomsom. The trail takes you along many paddy fields, subtropical forests, several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs and various villages. On your journey you will be passing through the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak with numerous other peaks that falls in the range of 6000 – 8000 m.

Furthermore, this trek has also been voted as one of the best long-distance treks in the world. It combines in its old full form a wide variety of climatic elevation and cultural variety from Hindu villages at the low foothills of Chame to the upper Tibetan Culture in Manang and Mustang. This trek package furthermore includes the very famous temple of Muktinath as well. Moreover you will also be exploring the dry land and the rain shadow area in Manang & Lower Mustang.

Thorong La Pass

Thorong La Pass is a mountain pass with an elevation of 5416 m above sea level. Nonetheless, Thorong La is also the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit trail. Moreover, it falls on the Damodar Himal, north of the Annapurna Himal, in central Nepal. Additionally, Thorong Ri on the slope of Khatung Kang and Yakawa Kang are the mountains forming Thorong La. The pass is thus located on a trail which connects the village of Manang in the Manang District to the east. In addition to trekkers, the pass is regularly used by local traders as well.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is Nepal’s largest protected area covering 7629 km2 (2946 sq mi) in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. It ranges in elevation from 790 m (2,590 ft) to the peak of Annapurna I at 8,091 m (26,545 ft). The conservation area stretches across Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung Districts. Annapurna Conservation Area encompasses Annapurna Sanctuary and is known for several trekking routes including Annapurna Circuit.

Trek Map

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Additional Information on Annapurna Circuit Short Trek:

Booking Your Annapurna Circuit Short Trek:

We offer maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Annapurna region for 2023, 2024 and 2025. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 1049 per person upfront. If you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We accept USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking Your International Flight:

For your 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 10. However, the Jomsom flights can be canceled due to adverse weather, so you might have to opt for your second option, the jeep drive to Pokhara. It might take 7-8 hours. Therefore having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Packing for the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Annapurna Circuit Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival Information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us. If you’re arriving earlier, we can arrange accommodation at the same hotel for an additional cost and provide complimentary airport pickup. Our airport representative will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Starting and Ending Days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 4 to Day 9. You’ll drive to Besisahar on Day 2 to commence the trip and return to Pokhara on Day 10. Additionally, on Day 10 itself, you can choose to fly back to Kathmandu (with additional costs for flight tickets) or stay at Pokhara for the night (your hotel for the day is excluded in your pay). Moreover, if you opt to fly back to Kathmandu on Day 10, you may even plan to catch your international flight back in the evening.

Expect to spend 8 nights and 9 days completing the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Chame to Muktinath via Thorong La High Pass and drive to Jomsom with overnight stays in villages like Pisang, Manang, Lader, Thorong Phedi and Jomsom. Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in 3 Star Hotels with twin/double sharing beds.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are teahouses. Although basic, these teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only. They are typically served buffet-style but since you leave early in the morning for your trip on Day 2, you’ll receive a packed breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trail.

Baggage and Weight Limit:

On your flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, the total baggage weight allowance is 15 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 10/11 kilos in your checked bag and 5/4 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 15-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Drinking Water on the Trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to Annapurna Circuit and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for Extras and Tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 150 to 200 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 100-150 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek:

1. Trek via Thorong La High Pass (5416 m)

2. Visit the very famous temple of Muktinath

3. Take a thrilling return flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

4. Explore the Manang Valley

5. Get spellbound with the spectacular view of the central Himalayas

6. Hike via scenic trails of Lower Mustang

7. Experience a scenic & thrilling drive to Manang