Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Welcome to Nepal. Our team member will be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Our team member will welcome you and transfer you to a three-star hotel in Kathmandu (in a private vehicle). You can relax for a while after checking into the hotel. We will meet you at our office, introduce you to your guides, and brief you on the trek. The meeting will be followed by a warm welcome meal at one of Kathmandu's best traditional Nepali restaurants. Along with the meal, you will experience Nepali ethnic dancing and cultural music. Rest overnight.

Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Manang via Besisahar. Besisahar used to be the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Now we can drive up to Chame in good road condition; we can drive to Khagsar also. 

Stay overnight at the tea house of Chame.

Today is a long drive day from Kathmandu to Manang village. You will gain around 2200 m in altitude. After crossing Besisahar, we will go through the off-road. The off-road driving experience is interesting and challenging at the same time.

We will halt at Manang to acclimatize our body to a higher altitude. We will keep ourselves busy and enjoy a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If time permits, we will enjoy a hike to Braga village, where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association, which offers some knowledge about altitude sickness.

We will do some yoga and training in the morning. We will visit the surroundings at aytime,  interact with local people, and see the lifestyle of people living above the Himalayas.

Overnight in Manang

From Manang, we will continue through the stream, rise through Tenki, and climb out of Marshyangdi Valley. The trail follows the valley northward, passing a few pastures and scrubs of juniper trees to reach Yak Kharka. The trail passes the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead.
Overnight in Yak Kharka

The trip from Yak Kharka to Thorung-La Phedi is part of the Annapurna Circuit and takes hikers through Himalayan alpine environments, providing both challenge and spectacular beauty. The route begins in Yak Kharka's high-altitude grazing areas and gradually ascends, offering panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and broad valleys. As trekkers go over the steep terrain, the air becomes thinner, adding another degree of adventure to the experience.

The walk concludes in Thorung-La Phedi, the base camp for people attempting to cross the treacherous Thorung La Pass. The anticipation grows as you reach this critical spot, surrounded by towering mountains. Resting at Thorung-La Phedi helps hikers acclimate and enjoy the tranquil environment of the high-altitude terrain, preparing both physically and mentally for the exciting challenge at the pass. This section of the Annapurna Circuit captures the essence of Himalayan trekking: a balanced combination of natural beauty, physical exertion, and the excitement of reaching new heights.

We will cross Thorong La Pass, the mountain pass with an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft), with the holy Muktinath being our destination of the day. At 3710 m, Muktinath Temple is one of Nepal's most ancient and sacred temples for God Vishnu. Besides exploring and learning more about the history of this special place, you can also enjoy the mountain view of the Annapurna southern range and the Tibetan plateau. Rest overnight at the hotel.

Early in the morning, we will have our breakfast, and if you want you can again visit the Muktinath temple and get blessings, or else we will pack our bags and then drive to Pohara from the Muktinath. The distance between the Muktinath temple and to Pokhara valley is 165 km, which is 102 miles, which can be reached in 8 hours. On the way, we will visit some of the places like Marpha village whcih is known as the applce orachads, and then on the way we will stop at the Rupse waterfall and click pictures.

We will have lunch in Beni and then drive to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you can check in into the hotel and then relax also, or you can take a stroll on the lake side and do boating, which is relaxing. Not only that, if you get time, you can visit the Mahdnera cave, Davs fall, Pumdikot, Gupteshowr maahdev cave, and many more. You can check our blog on the topic: Best places to visit in Pokhara. We will stay overnight in Pokhara

Starting an early morning scenic flight lower back to Kathmandu is a beautiful way to end a Himalayan vacation. As the first light of morning paints the surrounding landscapes in golden, warm tones, the journey develops over winding mountain roads, exposing the magical charm of the Nepalese countryside. The quiet towns and terraced fields gradually awaken, providing a relaxing and immersive experience. The early morning drive allows guests to see the ever-changing landscape of beautiful hills, historic communities, and distant summits, all bathed in the soft dawn light. With its combination of calm and botanical magnificence, this return journey to Kathmandu provides a thoughtful transition from the highland marvels to the colorful vigor of the capital metropolis.

Or

Explore Pokhara the whole day and return to Kathmandu via flight at evening. You can choose this option by adding few hundred dollars to the total cost.

As the moment for the last departure from the Annapurna region approaches, trekkers are filled with amazement and melancholy, saying goodbye to the breathtaking vistas and kind hospitality. The ride's return to Kathmandu concludes an incredible experience, leaving unforgettable memories of the Annapurna Circuit's diverse terrain and cultural diversity. While leaving, consider pondering on the beautiful panoramas of the Himalayas again, appreciating the accomplishment of conquering massive mountain passes and crossing historical pathways.

As you prepare to go, the allure of the Annapurna region may inspire a desire for further exploration. Consider extending your stay in Nepal by researching alternative itineraries, such as the Annapurna Base Camp trek, for a unique perspective of the Upper Mustang expedition to explore the spooky landscapes of the old Kingdom of Lo. Whether exploring the remote Manaslu Circuit or immersing yourself in the cultural marvels of the Langtang Helambu trek, Nepal calls with many trekking opportunities, offering adventure and discovery beyond the Annapurna Circuit.