12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Trip Code: N-AT-140
- Destination: Nepal
- Season: Sep/Oct/Nov/Mar/Apr/May
- Max Altitude: 5416 meters/17769 feet
- Trip Starts/Ends: Kathmandu/Kathmandu
- Transportation: Private Car and Coach
- Accomodation: Standard hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara & Tea-house in Trekking
- Trip Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Trip Overview
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 12-day hiking tour around Mt. Annapurna Himalaya. The classic Annapurna Circuit trekking is 20 days or more. We have shortened the classical tour to 12 days following the same route by only reducing the days of hiking.
The target group of Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is those people who desire to explore the fascinating Annapurna Himalayan zone and cross the world’s longest mountain pass called Thorung La within a short time.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible to make more shorten like 10 days. But, since it includes high pass hiking and needs to be physically fit for high elevation, we suggest 12 days of trekking for the people who have less experience of high altitude trekking in the Himalayas. The 12-day Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is for all who are physically fit and love outdoor adventures. It does not require prior trekking experience or any specific training.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is recognized as one of the world’s scenic hiking routes. It grants you an awesome panoramic view of high Himalayan peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Pisang, Chulu, and many others. Apart from mountain views it also gives the dramatic landscapes of high land, the century-long Buddhist culture in medieval villages of Manang, a lifestyle similar to Tibetan, rivers, gorges, terraced farmland, etc.
Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Pisang. To arrive at Pisang, from Kathmandu you will take a coach tour to Besi Sahar. Next day, from Besi Sahar you set off your jeep drive following the classic route of Annapurna Circuit through Marshyangdi River valley. From Besi Sahar, after around 6 hours of driving, you will reach Pisang.
From Pisang, by trekking, you will enter the Manang Valley famous as the Himalayan Shangri-La. In Manang, you will spend two remarkable days. Manang is a very beautiful village with traditional houses, farmland, and animal husbandry. From this village, you enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. In Manang, our trekking guide also takes you to visit Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) or Milarepa Cave for acclimatization propose.
Leaving Manang, you move ahead to climb Thorong-La pass. Thorong La is the high elevated point of the entire Annapurna circuit trek at an altitude of 5416 meters. It is also the highlight of the Annapurna circuit trek. It provides you with awesome 360-degree views.
After Thorung la top you will descend to the holy place called Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the sacred temples both for Buddhists and Hindus. Then walk to Jomsom via Kagbeni with Jhong Village. From Jomsom, you either drive or fly back to Pokhara following Kathmandu.
When to do Short Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done in any month and date of the year. The best time for Annapurna Circuit Trekking is from mid of Sept to the end of Nov and from March to mid of June. During this period the daytime is sunny and warm with outstanding views. Trekking to Annapurna Circuit in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is likely to be difficult because of the bitter cold and the snow will possibly cover the higher part of the trail like around Thorong La Pass. Annapurna Circuit Trekking in the summer season (mid of Jun to mid of Sep) is also possible but will be affected by rain/monsoon.
The trip departure date of Annapurna Circuit Trekking will be on any date on which you feel comfortable. We organize this trekking mostly as a private trip. For any further information about Short Annapurna Circuit Trek, please feel free to contact us.
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for an updated best price and any further information about this Trek. Once we receive your request message, we get back to you within 24 hours.
Itinerary
Our tour officer will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu. He/She will be displaying play card with your name written in it outside the airport terminal. He will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, he will assist you to check in and do a pre-trip meeting with you. You will be briefed about your overall program, introduced your guide and clear your questions/queries if any. During the meeting please clear the due balance and handover a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Overnight at a hotel.
Our trekking guide will pick you up at the hotel at 7:00 am and escort you to the bus station. You will have 5:30 hrs scenic drive to Beshi Sahar through mountain terrain. On the way, the bus stops for half an hour for lunch. Then drive continues till you reach Besi Sahar. Upon arrival at Besi Sahar (760m), you will see the eye-catching mountain landscape. It’s a small town nearby Marshyangdi River. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you take a local jeep for driving to reach Pisang. The jeep follows on off-road. Firstly, it runs along with the Marshyangdi River. Then it climbs gradually the steep way and passes through the major stopping places (Bhulbhule, Syange, Jagat, Dharapani, Chame) of the old Annapurna Circuit Trail. The bus ride is a little bit bumpy but very much exciting with scenic views. After you arrive in Pisang, you will be checked in to your lodge. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today the trail continues through the drier upper part of the Manang district. Ahead this trail separates into two routes: upper and lower route. Later both meet up again at Munchi. The lower route is by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325meters which involve less climbing than the upper route via Ghyaru. You guide take you through the upper route as it has panoramic views of the mountain peaks such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others on the trail. You will experience a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today. On the way, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Your short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang, will also be memorable. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today is the rest day for acclimatization purpose. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to a nearby higher place is suggested to get acclimatized. The next two days will be a very challenging and tiring trek with a rapid gain in altitude. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. Further, you may go for an easy excursion to Vraga village which is at a little distance. You may also visit at aid post of Himalayan Rescue Association where you can get ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, your day starts with crossing the stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail passes a few pastures. The route further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village is called Yak Kharka. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today your destination is Throng Phedi. It is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Generally, Trekkers use this point as a base camp. After some hours of ascending along with crossing the river, you will arrive at Thorung Phedi. You will not see any more trees around here. Just below settlement, there is a big pastureland. From Thorung Phedi the next camp is High Camp. It takes further 1:30 to 2 hr to reach High Camp from Thorung Phedi. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today is the longest trekking day of your whole trekking and also the most highlight section of your trip. It is wise to leave early in the morning at 4 is to reach Thoroung La pass by 9-10 am otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect the journey. The trail continues uphill all the way to Thorong pass where you can see stone hillock with flapping prayer flag. As soon as crossing throng La the trail descends all the way to Muktinath, the holy place for Hindus and Buddhist. It has a holy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and several Buddhist monasteries. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today before you are heading to Jomsom visit Muktinath temple. Then you follow the trail down to the Eklebhatti. As the trail extends you can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. You pass through meadows, stream, and hills over to Kagbeni, a village laden with Buddhist Chortens and a small monastery. Then you continue trekking following the Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Jomsom is a small town with many facilities and is also headquarter of Mustang district. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Wake up early in the morning around 5:30 AM and have a breakfast then walk to the bus station for the drive to Pokhara. From Jomsom to Beni is off-road driving but a scenic one. You pass through the villages of Marpha, Kalopani, Ghasa, Tatopani. On the way, you can see beautiful Rupse Waterfall. From Beni to Pokhara is blacktopped road. Upon reaching Pokhara, you check in at Hotel. Free and relax. In the evening you may visit Fewa Lake and walk on the Lake Side street to see the market. Overnight at a hotel.
After breakfast, you walk to the tourist bus station with a trekking guide. The bus leaves Pokhara at 7 A.M. You will reach Kathmandu around 2 pm. The rest of the day at leisure/ you can do some last minute souvenirs shopping for your family and friends. Evening you will be offered farewell dinner with Nepali cuisines and cultural dances at typical Nepali Restaurant. Overnight at a hotel.
The trip concludes today. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Travel Tips
The best season and most favored time of Annapurna Circuit Trekking (Round Annapurna) are autumn (From Mid September till November end) and spring (From the beginning of March until mid-May). During this period daytime is sunny and warm with outstanding views. At this time the temperature in the day is between 10 C to 30 C. The nights are often cold with the temperature between 5 C to -20 C. Trekking to Round Annapurna in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also possible but temperature during winter could be harsh for most people. Trekking in the summer season (June, July, Aug) will be affected by rain/monsoon but the Summer trek could be an advantage for a keen botanist.
All foreign nationals except Indian Nationals are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival time in Kathmandu at the airport. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can be also taken at entry points at Nepalese borders. For Nepalese Visa it requires your passport with at least six months validity, recent digital photo (size: 1.5″ x 1.5″) and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:
| Visa Facility | Duration | Fee |
| Multiple entries | 15 days | US$ 25 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
| Multiple entries | 30 days | US$ 40 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
| Multiple entries | 90 days | US$ 100 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
We would offer you the meeting and greeting service in Kathmandu International Airport on your arrival time. For this, you need to pass us your International flight details at least 2 days before your arrival date in Kathmandu. After you get down from the aircraft you just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see our tour officer standing with a playcard with your name written on it. He will greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to the hotel.
In Round Annapurna Trekking it does not require tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Lodges typically offer a room with a wooden bed with a simple mattress or foam pad, a cotton pillow, and a blanket or quilt. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in a local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for you (here rooms cannot be booked in advance).
In the case of Kathmandu and Pokhara, we offer you a tourist standard hotel under 3-star categories unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice.
In the trail of Annapurna Circuit, it’s commonly available of Authentic Nepali meal: Dal Bhat (rice with lentils soup and seasonable vegetables), noodles, pasta, chapatis, eggs, French fries, porridge, and muesli. The restaurant of lodges also serves Tibetan foods like momo, thukpa, chowmein, along with pizza, spring rolls, pancake, and another continental as well as Indian foods.
Tea and hot lemon are traditionally the main drinks on the trail though coffee is found everywhere. Bottled soft drinks, bottled water, and even beer are common along the route but the price of each bottle rises each day when you move upward.
The trekking team who will go with you is the most significant thing that makes your Annapurna Round trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable. We would provide you with skilled, experienced, courteous, knowledgeable and helpful trekking guide and porters. The trekking guide leads you in the trail and brief you all the about this route and porters carry your luggage. Our all trekking guides are carefully selected in terms of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and their knowledge about local culture, ecosystem, geography, flora and fauna, and history. With aim of sustaining local communities, we only employ local people as trekking guide and porter. Our all trekking guides are certified by Nepal Government, Ministry of Tourism. We manage trekking team such a way that one trekking guide in each group and porters like one porter for two trekkers.
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or crossbreeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. – a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room in Kathmandu for free of charge.
Every morning, first of all, packing your bags and then have a hearty breakfast at the lodge restaurant. Then set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours you all stop for lunch in a local restaurant. Then continue walking for your destination. After lunch, it’s the only a couple of hours walking. You usually arrive at your destination in the time of afternoon tea. Check in at the lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure. At the free time, you may explore the surrounding village, doing a bit of washing or simply relax by reading books and writing a diary. On some days you will arrive at your destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. Most people also spend free time playing cards and other games reliving the day’s adventures. Then in the evening have a dinner and you will be briefed by your trekking guide about your next day’s walking and then go to your bed for a well-earned sleep.
Round Annapurna Trekking is moderate trek suitable for any passionate walkers who able to walk at least 5-7hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can do this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but not compulsorily required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip.
At high elevations, the combination of reduced oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure can produce a variety of unpredictable effects on the body, known collectively as Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is also commonly known as Altitude Sickness. Everyone who treks over 3500 m experiences some mild symptoms of AMS like slowness, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, racing pulse, disturbed sleep and swelling of the hands and feet but serious cases are very rare. The golden rule of prevention from Altitude Sickness is don’t walk too fast at altitude, drink plenty of liquids, eating well, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding alcohol. If in case you feel any mentioned symptoms the simple cure is to move down (descend) and you shouldn’t ascend further until you start feeling better. To treat AMS there is also available medication Acetazolamide (better known under the brand name Diamox). The dosage is 250 mg every twelve hours. Diamox improves respiration at altitude and can, therefore, accelerate acclimatization. Some doctors recommend a preventive dose (125 mg twice a day) for people trekking at high elevations. At the time of trekking our trekking team always guides you to prevent from Altitude Sickness and they always have Diamox along with first aid kit.
We believe casualty and a serious sickness will not happen in the trip. If it happens we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since all the expenses incurred in evacuation liable to you please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
We strongly advise you to take travel insurance before joining a tour which should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation and helicopter evacuation at high altitude places and loss of your luggage. We would request you to bring your insurance documents when you come to Nepal.
The following list is a guideline to help you pack for your trekking. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg or 33 pounds. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porter. However, you are required to carry a small day- pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you pack only what is necessary.
Important Items : Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional), Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; Cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Note: * mark item we will provide you in service. If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you embark for trekking.
The itinerary for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of the trip ending should always coincide with the original itinerary.
Kindly keep in mind that sometimes unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
Naturally Annapurna Region is so beautiful but equally, it is fragile as well. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of this area. We at Silver Himalaya Adventures are extremely conscious about protecting its beautiful natural environment and preserving the fascinating local culture. We are doing our level best to minimize our impact as much as possible. Our all trekking guides and porters are well trained and motivated to following guidelines for responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism. In trekking, they also advise you do’s and don’ts to minimize your impact on the local environment.
In addition to your Trekking trip, you can join in various side Trips in Nepal like a cultural tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jungle Safari in National Park, White Water Rafting in Himalayan Rivers, Golfing, Adventure activities like Bungee Jumping, Ultralight Flight, Hot Air Ballooning, Paragliding, Jeep flyer etc. You also can extend your trip to neighboring Himalayan Countries: Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim (India) which seems more appealing to you. On your request, we will give you the detail of the side trips.
Trip Reviews
I finished Annapurna circuit trek including Poon Hill last November 2017. It was the awesome trekking that I had ever done in my life in terms of perfect Himalayan views, beautiful villages, nice local people and several sceneries. My trek was organized by Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition. Before the start of the trek, Mr. Suman, the team leader of this company, briefed me overall about this trip. He introduced my guide Lhakpa and porter Hari. With these two people, I started my trek from Besisahar. I took our time, spending two days in Manang for acclimatization purpose. But it was not a free day. My guide took me to visit glacier and lake. After Manang, we moved up to cross Thorung La Pass. It was my dream to cross this world’s longest pass and I achieved it with my good guide and porter. After Thorung La via Muktinath, Tatopani I also trekked to Poonhill. This is also very nice place. To my opinion everybody who go for Annapurna Circuit they also should include Poonhill for the more exciting experience. Finally, I am very much thankful to the whole team of Excellent Himalaya for organizing me this best trekking. See you guys again for next great trekking.
Shilan
Australia
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