| 1 People (per pax) | 2-7 People (per pax) | 8+ People (per pax) |
|---|---|---|
| $1474 | $1390 | $ 1334 |
| Pay $295 Now & $1179 on arrival | Pay $278 Now & $1112 On arrival | Pay $266 Now & $1067 on arrival |
All good things come in small packages. One example that perfectly justifies this saying is our Short Annapurna Circuit Trek package. This Short Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, starting in Kathmandu, takes trekkers around the Annapurna massif and brings them back to Kathmandu to end the trip in just 15 days. But, this 15 days gives trekkers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of breathtaking mountain vistas (including the two highest mountains, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, in the world), phenomenal and aesthetically pleasing landscapes that comprises of mountains, valleys, hills, plains and plateaus and the rich history and vibrant culture of people that have attracted and fascinated trekkers and explorers for generations.
Despite the length of the trip, trekkers and explorers will still not miss out on the major attractions, like the historical and religious site in the Kathmandu Valley, largest apple orchard of Bhratang, the exceptional views of Annapurna and Gangapura from Ghyaru and Ngawal, Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters), temple of Muktinath (pilgrim site for both Hindus and Buddhists, Lubra Valley/Village-where the residents still follow and practice Bonism, the views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri from Mustang, the stark contrast in the lifestyle, culture, religion, tradition and housing style of the people inhabiting this fantasy land from start to finish and the natural and man made attractions of the Pokhara Valley. But, these attractions are just to name a few, the trail offers much more than one can imagine, before embarking on this journey.
Like the regular 19 days Annapurna round trek, this trek starts with a drive to Chame from Kathmandu. The journey from Chame to Lubra via Pisang, Ngawal, Manang, Ledar, Thorung Phedi, High Camp, Thorung La Pass and Muktinath will be completely on foot. However, cutting the trip short, the journey onward to Jomsom, Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu will be in a vehicle again. Thus, the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek can be taken as the mini version of the regular Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal.
The best time to embark on this journey is when the landscape comes alive, that is, March to May and October to December. This trek is perfect for anyone looking for a moderately challenging trek that can be accomplished in around two weeks time or for trekkers who are bound by time.
If you are looking to add a bit of luxury to this trek, you might be interested in our 16 days Luxury Annapurna Circuit trek.
However, if you are looking to walk a little longer around the Annapurna massif our 19 days Annapurna Circuit Trek wil be the perfect package for you.
Nevertheless, if you are not an avid trekker, we recommend short treks in the Annapurna region like 7 days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, 9 days Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek, 10 days Mardi Himal Trek or even 12 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
We are also open to customizing the package to meet your needs, requirements and budget.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation
Day 03: Drive to Chame (2,670m/8759ft),(242 km),(12h)
Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,498ft),(15km),(5-6h)
Day 05: Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3,660m/12,007ft),(10km),(5h)
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft),(11km),(5h)
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 08: Trek to Ledar (4200m/13,779ft),(11km),(6h)
Day 09: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,525m/14845ft),(5km),(2-3h) or High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft),(6km),(3-4h)
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,335ft),(15km) (9-10h) via Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)
Day 11: Trek to Lubra Valley (2,790m/9,153ft),(7km),(3h)and drive to Jomsom (2720m/8,923ft) (1h)
Day 12: Drive or fly to Pokhara
Day 13: Sarangkot sunrise trip and explore Pokhara
Day 14: Drive or fly to Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure day
Package includes:
Package excludes:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Welcome to Nepal. One of the company representatives, awaiting your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu will meet and greet you outside the luggage hall and transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu, in a private vehicle (car/jeep/minivan-depending on the group size). After hotel check-in formalities, you can rest for some time. If your flight arrives before noon, a meeting will be conducted at the hotel to check your equipment, introduce you to your guide and brief you regarding the trek. If your flight is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon, evening, or even at night, the meeting will be conducted the following day after the city tour. You can spend the remaining time at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your city tour guide will then meet you at the hotel to start the day’s tour. On this day you will take a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. There are 7 sites, out of which you will only visit 4 of them, namely, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. All of these sites are historically, culturally and religiously very symbolic and notable. If you’ve already visited these sites, you also have an option to visit other remaining world heritage sites, like the Patan Durbar Square, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan. Moreover, if you are more into nature and history and culture, you can also choose to go on a guided day hike to one of the nearby hills surrounding Kathmandu. After the tour/hike, you will be dropped back to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Chame (2,670m/8759ft),(242 km),(12h) This day’s drive, that is, the drive from Kathmandu to Chame saves 2-3 trek days. The drive takes about 12 hours. This drive covers a distance of approximately 242 kilometers. Early morning breakfast at the hotel and you will start your journey to Chame in a private jeep. The first part of the drive (roughly 135 kilometer is on the Prithvi Highway that runs up till Dumre. It’s a very picturesque drive that is mostly along the Trisuli River. From Dumre, the drive continues north-west on the Bhanubhakta Acharya Highway that runs from Dumre to Chame. This highway starts in Tanahu district, passes Lamjung and ends in Manang. The road to Besisahar is mostly black topped, however, the road onward to Chame is mostly off road. It’s a very adventurous and scenic drive. You can clearly notice the stark change in the landscape, vegetation and housing style of people on this part of the trip. You can stop at your preferred place for lunch and short toilet breaks. Once in Chame, you will check into the lodge and spend the remaining evening resting after the long drive. Overnight in a lodge in Chame. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,498ft),(15km),(5-6h) You will get back on the trail after breakfast at the lodge in Chame. The total distance you will cover today is approximately 15 kilometers, which will take around 5-6 hours to complete this journey. The climb is gradual as the altitude gain this day is only about 530 meters. From Chame, about a 1 hour 20 minute hike, past the green fields and through the dense forest of Pine will take you to Bhratang, which is famous for its apple farm and cafe that serves fresh apple juice and other apple products. From here, you will further continue on an up and down trail that hugs the cliffside. Enjoy the view of the river, mountain and the waterfall along the way. Soon you will cross the bridge and continue on a steeply ascending trail that goes through the forest. The trail evens out around the village of Dhikur Pokhari. The views of the snow capped mountains look stunning from this section. Shortly after Dhikur Pokhari, the trail forks one leading to Upper Pisang and the other to Lower Pisang. Following the lower Pisang trail you will continue down into the valley. On the way, enjoy lakes, grassfields and snow-clad slopes that accompany the meandering trail that runs along the Marsyangdi River. About 45 minutes downhill walk from Dhikur Pokhari will take you to Lower Pisang, where you will check into the lodge for overnight stay. In the afternoon, you will also go for an acclimatization walk to Upper Pisang, located 100 meters higher than Lower Pisang, across the river. Upper Pisang is a traditional village, where you can see traditional stone houses with flat roofs. Making your way through the narrow alleyways of the village you will hike all the way up to the monastery that presents the stunning views of the mountains above and the valley below. Spend some time relishing the views before heading back to the Lower Pisang for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3,660m/12,007ft),(10km),(5h) Breakfast at the lodge in Lower Pisang and you will get back on the trail to get to your next destination, the village of Ngawal located roughly 10 kilometers north-west of Lower Pisang. The first leg of the journey takes you from Lower Pisang to Ghyaru, which is about 5 kilometers walk and takes roughly 2 hours to complete this leg. After crossing the river the trail up to the Mani Wall, made up of stone slates inscribed with mantras, is quite easy. However, after walking past the Mani Wall, the zigzag trail that steeply ascends up the hill to Ghyrau is challenging. Nevertheless, despite the challenge the entire section is very scenic and offers multiple photography opportunities. Enjoy the first glimpse of the face of Annapurna II, lush green forest below and the valley. Ghyaru presents more rewarding surrounding views. Spend some time taking in the view and then continue your trek to Ngawal, located roughly 5 kilometers south-west of Ghyaru. From Ghyaru, the path first slowly climbs toward a pass marking the highest point of the day. Enjoy the splendid view of Annapurna II and the surrounding peaks, green slopes and the sprawling valley. You will then gently head down to Ngawal. A 2 hour hike from Ghyaru will finally bring you to Ngawal. In Ngawal, check into the lodge and if you are not exhausted, around the evening, you can explore the village of Ngawal. Overnight in a lodge in Ngawal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft),(11km),(5h) After breakfast, get ready to enter the drier part of the Manang district. Located 11 kilometers south-west of Ngawal, it takes about 5 hours to complete today’s journey from Ngawal to Manang. Compared to the previous day, this day is easier. There are two routes that lead to Manang from Ngawal. Taking the longer yet more adventurous route that goes through a quarry down the vallely and enters the forest, you will hike down to the village of Braga. If you want, you can visit the nearby monastery before reaching the village. Moreover, if you are planning on visiting the Ice Lake, the next day for acclimatization hike, you can choose to stay in this village only. If not, you can continue to Manang following the dusty road straight ahead that runs along the river. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Soon a large Tibetan village with several stupas and monasteries greet you, marking the arrival of Manang. In Manang, you will check into the lodge and spend the rest of the day either resting at the lodge or exploring the settlement of Manang or enjoying one of the cafes that serves freshly brewed coffee and bakery items. Overnight in a lodge in Manang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang The reason why Manang makes one of the most appropriate places for acclimatization, before gaining any more elevation is because of the number of side-hike options it offers. Another reason is you are already over 3500 meters and in the following 3 days you will gain around 2000 meters elevation. Therefore, altitude sickness can hit you anywhere. Hence, exposing your body to a higher elevation than your sleeping stop will let you know how your body will take the further altitude gain. The best way to check this is to go on an acclimatization hike. Manang offers both half and full day hiking options. If you are looking for a half day hike, Gangapurna Lake lookout, 100 Lama Monastery look out and the monastery above the Braga Village are some of the best options. However, if you are looking for a longer hike, a day hike to Ice Lake is the best option. Depending on your choice, your guide will take you on a day hike. You will get back to the lodge in Manang for overnight stay after the hike. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Ledar (4200m/13,779ft),(11km),(6h) You will start this day after the first meal of the day. Leaving the town of Manang, you will hike to Ledar located approximately 11 kilometers north-west of Manang. The journey takes about 6 hours. The trail goes through Tengi, Ghusang and Yak Kharka before reaching Ledar. The trail up till Ghusang is a bit challenging as most of the elevation gain of the day is till this place. Out of the total 660m elevation gain, around 410 meters elevation gain will be in this section of the tail. From Ghusang to Ledar the trail grows narrower but levels out with only usual ups and downs. The views of the distant snow-capped peaks, hovering eagles higher up in the blue sky, river that cuts through the valley and view of the drove of blue sheeps and herds of yaks grazing the sparsely scattered juniper shrubs all contribute to make the walk very interesting. Nevertheless, apart from these pretty surrounding views and the beautiful landscapes, the best part of today’s hike is the hike in a complete vehicle-free zone. Ghusang makes a perfect place to stop for tea/coffee and toilet break. After reaching Ledar, you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,525m/14845ft),(5km),(2-3h) or High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft),(6km),(3-4h) From Ledar, whether you choose to trek to the Thorung Phedi or to the High Camp, this day will be the shortest day of the Annapurna Circuit. This will also be your last night in the Manang district and the highest you will sleep on this trek. The oxygen level in the air drops down to around 55%, therefore, be prepared for shortness of breath, increased resting heart rate and exhaustion without hard work. After breakfast, leaving Ledar, you will continue your hike further following the narrow trail that runs along the river you will hike down to the suspension bridge. You will cross the bridge and steeply hike to a small tea house located on the trail. The walk further is on a trail that goes through the landslide areas. You need to be very careful while crossing this area and strictly follow your guide’s instructions. Shortly after crossing this area you will reach Thorung Phedi, located roughly 5 kilometers north of Ledar. The journey takes about 2-3 hours and the elevation gain is only about 325 meters. If you want the following day’s hike to be short, you can also choose to hike 1 kilometer further north to the High Camp on steeply ascending switchbacks covered with loose rocks. The altitude gain will be around 725 meters and the journey takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. However, if you want to sleep better, we recommend staying down at the Thorung Phedi. Overnight stay will be in a lodge. Call it an early night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,335ft),(15km) (9-10h) via Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) It’s a very important day. You will reach the altitude of 5,416 meters at Thorung La Pass, which is one of the highest navigable passes in the world and the highest point of this trek. Leaving Manag, you will enter the Mustang district. The distance you will cover today is approximately 15 kilometers and hike for about 9-10 hours to cover this distance. Elevation gain will be around 900 meters and elevation loss will be around 1650 meters. Depending on your choice of night stop the previous day, you will either start the hike at 4 am (from Thorung Phedi) or 5 am (from the High Camp). The point to start early is to reach the Pass around 10:00 am and so that you can spend some time at the pass before the afternoon wind starts to hit the area. Carrying packed breakfast, the hike continues on a steeply ascending, narrow trail where the trekkers need to head towards the pass on a single file. Although the distance is only 4 kilometers, it takes about 4 hours for an average hiker to reach the Pass. You will spend some time here taking in the views, having breakfast and enjoying the surroundings. You will then continue your hike to Mustang, located roughly 11 kilometers west of Pass. This descending hike is initially easy, grows steeper in between and ends on a gently descending trail around Muktinath. Enjoy the splendid views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The walk is mostly on mud and loose gravel. A 5 hour hike will take you to Muktinath, where you will check into the lodge for a meal and overnight stay. Around the evening, if you are not tired, you can visit the temple of Muktinath and the nearby buddhist monastery. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek to Lubra Valley (2,790m/9,153ft),(7km),(3h)and drive to Jomsom (2720m/8,923ft),(1h) Lubra Valley is one of the must visit places in Mustang. It’s a pristine Bon village that dates back to the 12th century. People in this village still follow Bonism, which is a Tibetan-born, primitive, animistic indigenous religion that worships nature-based deities incorporating both Buddhism and Shamanism. After breakfast in Muktinath, a hike approximately 7 kilometers south-west of Muktinath will bring you down to the village of Lubra. It’s a very beautiful village inhabited by only 14-15 families.The trail takes you to the pass, before descending down to the village. Once in the Lubra village, to understand more about Bon religion, culture and tradition, you can visit Yungdung Phuntsok Ling monastery and Gon Phuk, a small temple on the mountainside above the village. After exploring the village, temple and the monastery, you will hike down to the suspension bridge. Crossing the bridge you will now drive to Jomsom, which only takes about an hour. Jomsom is one of the windiest places in Nepal and gets much windier in the afternoon. Therefore, after reaching Jomsom, the best thing to do is to check into the lodge and take a rest. Around the evening, you can set out to explore the town of Jomsom. Overnight in a lodge in Jomsom. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Drive or fly to Pokhara Your journey to Pokhara starts after breakfast in Jomsom. Jomsom to Pokhara is about a 9 hour drive and a private jeep will be arranged to transfer you from Jomsom to Pokhara. From Jomsom to Beni is mostly off road drive, however, from Beni to Pokhara the road is well pitched except for a few sections. Once in Pokhara, you will be dropped to the hotel booked for you. You can spend the evening either resting at the hotel or exploring the lake area. The best way to spend the evening is either going on a boat ride in the Phewa Lake or just strolling around the lake area. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara. If you want to fly to Pokhara instead of driving, we can arrange that too at extra cost. All flights to and from Jomsom are scheduled early in the morning, mostly before 9:00 am. Therefore, as per your airport reporting time, your guide will transfer you from your lodge in Jomsom to the airport. He will help you with boarding formalities and you will fly to Pokhara. In Pokhara our drive will pick you from the airport and transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Pokhara. You can spend the remaining day at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara. Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flights completely depend on weather and mountain weather is very unpredictable. Therefore, if your flight to Pokhara is canceled due to weather or any other unforeseen situations, a private jeep will be arranged to transfer you from Jomsom to Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Sarangkot sunrise trip and explore Pokhara One of the best spots to enjoy mountain sunrise when you are in Pokhara is Sarangkot. Therefore, you will start this day one hour before sunrise and drive to Sarangkot viewpoint. You will spend some time enjoying the enthralling mountain sunrise view and get back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, you will go for a city tour and visit attractions like Pumdikot, World Peace Pagoda, Gupteshwor Cave, David’s fall and the Mountaineering Museum, in a private vehicle. After the tour you will be dropped back to your hotel for overnight stay. Moreover, if you are more into adventure activities than taking a tour of the city, we can also make arrangements for paragliding, zip lining, rafting, hot air balloon ride and ultralight flight for you (extra charges will be applicable). Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Drive or fly to Kathmandu Breakfast at the hotel and you will start your journey to Kathmandu in a private vehicle (car/jeep/minivan-depending on the group number). From Pokhara to Kathmandu, the entire drive is on the Prithvi Highway. You can stop for lunch and short toilet breaks when needed. Provided that the road condition is good and not affected by the highway traffic, this drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu is only 6-7 hours. Once in Kathmandu, you will be dropped back to the hotel booked for you Kathmandu. In the evening, one of the company representatives will meet you for farewell dinner and feedback. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu. If you do not want to use the road transportation and save time we can also arrange a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (extra charges applicable). Meals: Breakfast and Farewell dinner
Day 15: Departure day Breakfast at the hotel and as per your airport reporting time, you will be transferred to the airport from your hotel, in a private vehicle, to help you catch your onward destination flight. Meals: Breakfast
just arrived from Annapurna Circuit Trek with amigo. had a great time at the mountains with the help of the guide Kishor and the porter Amit. They were there for me 24 hours a day, helping out and making sure I was okay. Just want to thank them and recommend Amigo company and them. Thanks Tika, Kishor and Amit again !!
Our group of 7 friends and family from the UK recently completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Amigo Treks and Expedition, and it was nothing s
