Details:
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is an ideal adventure for trekkers who want to experience the highlights of Nepal’s legendary Annapurna Circuit in a limited time. This 10-day itinerary combines spectacular Himalayan scenery, authentic mountain villages, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and the thrilling crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the world’s highest trekking passes. Along the way, you’ll explore the beautiful villages of Chame, Upper Pisang, and Manang, hike to the stunning Ice Lake and Gangapurna Lake for acclimatization, and conclude your journey at the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath before driving to Pokhara.
duration: 10 days
maximum elevation: 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass)
total trekking distance: approximately 115 km
total driving distance: approximately 390 km
highest overnight stay: Thorong Phedi (4,525 m)
difficulty: moderate to challenging
best seasons: spring (March–May) & autumn (September–November)
required permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card
Trip Highlights
- Cross the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).
- Explore the beautiful mountain village of Manang (3,540 m).
- Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views from Ghyaru.
- Visit the beautiful Green Lake near Manang.
- Acclimatization hike to Ice Lake (4,600 m) and Gangapurna Lake.
- Experience the Tibetan-influenced culture of the Manang Valley.
- Walk through alpine forests, yak pastures, and dramatic river gorges.
- Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple.
- Scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
- Driving Distance: Airport transfer (6 km)
- Driving Time: 30–45 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 0 m
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Later, meet your trekking guide for a detailed trip briefing covering the route, altitude, weather conditions, and safety guidelines. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the lively streets of Thamel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Kathmandu (1,400 m) – Besisahar – Dharapani (1,960 m)
- Driving Distance: Approximately 220 km
- Driving Time: 9–10 hours
- Elevation Gain: +560 m
Leave Kathmandu early in the morning and travel along the scenic Prithvi Highway before following the Marsyangdi River valley to Besisahar. Continue by jeep along a rugged mountain road through waterfalls, terraced fields, and traditional villages to reach Dharapani, the official gateway to the Annapurna Circuit.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 3: Dharapani (1,960 m) to Chame (2,670 m)
- Distance: 15 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +710 m
Today’s trail passes through dense pine and fir forests, charming villages such as Bagarchhap and Timang, and offers your first close views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Cross several suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River before reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 4: Chame (2,670 m) to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
- Distance: 14 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +630 m
The trail follows the Marsyangdi River through pine forests before entering a dramatic U-shaped valley. Walk beneath towering rock faces and enjoy stunning views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak before arriving at Upper Pisang, a traditional village known for its Tibetan-style houses and monasteries.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 5: Upper Pisang (3,300 m) to Manang (3,540 m) via Ghyaru
- Distance: 17 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +700
- Elevation Loss: −460 m
Today follows the spectacular upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal, regarded as one of the most scenic sections of the Annapurna Circuit. The climb to Ghyaru rewards you with breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East, and Pisang Peak. Along the route, you’ll pass the beautiful Green Lake before descending gently into Manang.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540 m)
Option 1: Ice Lake (4,600 m)
- Distance: 12 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: +1,060 m
Option 2: Gangapurna Lake & Viewpoint (3,900–4,000 m)
- Distance: 5 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: +450 m
Use this day to adapt to the altitude. The hike to Ice Lake offers spectacular views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu East. If you prefer a shorter excursion, visit the turquoise Gangapurna Lake and nearby viewpoint overlooking the glacier. Return to Manang for the night.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 7: Manang (3,540 m) to Ledar (4,200 m)
- Distance: 11 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +660 m
Leave Manang and follow the alpine trail through Tenki and Yak Kharka, where yaks graze on high mountain pastures. The landscape becomes more rugged as you climb above the tree line. Continue to Ledar, a quiet settlement surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 8: Ledar (4,200 m) to Thorong Phedi (4,525 m)
- Distance: 7 km
- Walking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Gain: +325 m
Today’s trek is relatively short to allow time for rest before crossing Thorong La Pass. The trail traverses rocky slopes and crosses small streams before reaching Thorong Phedi, the final stop before the pass.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 9: Thorong Phedi (4,525 m) – Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – Muktinath (3,760 m)
- Distance: 16 km
- Walking Time: 8–10 hours
- Elevation Gain: +891 m
- Elevation Loss: −1,656 m
Begin before dawn to make the gradual ascent to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek. From the summit, enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before descending to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 10: Muktinath (3,760 m) to Pokhara (822 m)
- Driving Distance: Approximately 170 km
- Driving Time: 8–10 hours by jeep
After breakfast, drive through Jomsom, Marpha, Kalopani, Ghasa, Tatopani, and Beni before reaching Pokhara. Along the way, enjoy views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, apple orchards, and the contrasting landscapes of Mustang and the lower Annapurna region.
