Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our friendly team will warmly pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in, you will have the opportunity to meet the owner for a full briefing about your Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. During this meeting, you will also meet your experienced guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, ensuring your safety and comfort.

Your Annapurna Circuit Short Trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar. The journey follows winding mountain roads alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, passing terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and traditional villages. As you enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, the mountain scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Overnight in Dharapani.

From Upper Pisang, you can choose between two trails to reach Manang. The lower route via Humde is easier, mostly flat, and takes about 5–6 hours, but offers limited views. The upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal is more demanding, around 7–8 hours, but far more scenic, with sweeping mountain vistas and charming old stone villages. For those with good fitness, we recommend the upper trail. You’ll arrive in Manang by late afternoon for a warm meal and rest

Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the high altitude. You’ll have the option to hike to the breathtaking Ice Lake (around 4,600 meters) and Gangapurna Lake (approximately 3,900 meters). These side hikes offer stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and glaciers while supporting your body’s adaptation to thinner air. Taking this day to rest and explore ensures you’re well-prepared and energized for the challenging days ahead on the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek.

The trail climbs steadily into alpine terrain with wide-open views and chances to spot blue sheep or grazing yaks. After about 4–5 hours, we reach Yak Kharka by lunchtime. Don’t miss the dal bhat here — it’s famously perfect for refueling. You’ll also have time for a light side hike around the valley to support acclimatization.

Our guides, who have led this route dozens of times, recommend arriving early to allow your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Based on our field experience, gentle walks around Yak Kharka in the afternoon significantly improve acclimatization and reduce the risk of altitude-related issues.

Today’s trek is short but steeper, gaining altitude quickly. Our original plan is to stay at Thorong Phedi (4,540m), where you’ll likely sleep better due to the slightly lower elevation. However, if you're feeling strong and well-acclimatized, your guide may suggest continuing up to High Camp (4,800m). Staying at High Camp makes the next day's Thorong La Pass crossing shorter and more manageable.

Our guides assess your condition carefully based on years of experience leading high-altitude treks. While sleeping at Phedi ensures better rest, pushing to High Camp can give you a strategic advantage on summit day — especially in colder or windier seasons.

We start before sunrise to cross the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The climb is tough but safe when properly acclimatized. From the top, the views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and the surrounding Himalayan giants are unforgettable. After celebrating the summit, we descend to the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath — home to eternal flames and sacred temples for both Hindus and Buddhists.

After breakfast, we begin a scenic 6–7 hour drive covering approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) from Muktinath to Pokhara. The journey takes you through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, passing charming Thakali villages and terraced hillsides. While the road can be bumpy at times, the views are truly rewarding. Pokhara, with its serene lake and mountain backdrop, is the perfect place to end your trek and unwind.

On this day, the owner will personally meet you in Pokhara to assist with your transfer arrangements. Depending on your choice and the flight schedule, we will organize your vehicle accordingly. You can either take an 8–9 hour drive covering approximately 200 kilometers back to Kathmandu or opt for a scenic 25-minute flight for an additional $105. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and saves time.

If you wish to extend your stay in Pokhara for a few more days to relax or explore, we can easily arrange that as well.

On the final day of your adventure, we will ensure a smooth transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport based on your flight schedule. Our team will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport in plenty of time for your international or domestic flight.

Whether you are returning home or continuing your travels, we will bid you farewell, hoping that your journey through the Annapurna Circuit has been a memorable experience filled with incredible views, cultural encounters, and a sense of accomplishment.