Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is one of the most famous treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This region has everything: magnificent mountain views, lush green forests, and rich cultures and heritages. The Annapurna region has one of the most beautiful trails in the world, with sublime scenery and mesmerizing cultural values.
Mount Annapurna was the first mountain to be successfully climbed among the 14 highest peaks in the world.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers fast-flowing rivers with profound gorges, along with sacred Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries, and is also the biggest conservation area in Nepal. Trekking in the Annapurna region is a concoction of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear turquoise lakes.
The landscapes of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek have barren plateaus and high-altitude meadows. As this region falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, it is home to many endangered species of plants and animals, like the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, bear, etc. The lush green forests of the Annapurna trails have oak, bamboo, pine, sandalwood, magnolia, juniper, rhododendrons, etc.
The major highlights of the entire Annapurna region are the mountain vistas of Annapurna I (8,091 m), II, III, IV, Annapurna South, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 m.), Nilgiri (3,637 m.), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m.), Gangapurna (7,455 m.), and many other mountains.
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek showcases the authentic and local lifestyle of people living in the mountainous region. There are different ethnic groups of people living in the area, mainly Gurung and Magar in the south, while Thakali and Loba are dominant in the north. A small number of Brahmins, Chhetris, and other occupational castes also exist in the region.
These people on the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek trails are famous for their hospitality and friendliness. Most people practice Hinduism and Buddhism and have their dialects, cultures, and traditions according to their ethnic groups.
The festivals in the Annapurna region are generally influenced by Tibetan culture. The generally celebrated festivals are Dashain, Tihar, Teej, etc., but the special festivals are Yarthung and Dachen.
The festivals in the mountains are not just for entertainment; they are related to survival and lifestyle. Yarthung is a horse racing festival, which will help find out which horse is the strongest among all. Dachan is the festival where they conduct the bow-and-arrow competition.
Therefore, the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is not just about walking in the magnificent landscape; it is also about exploring the rich cultural and traditional palate in the high Himalayas of Nepal. Trekking in this region is an adventure with unforgettable memories and self-resilience.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary Area.
- Witness the magnificent peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, etc. up close.
- Experience the traditional Nepali villages and lifestyles.
- Immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of the high mountains.
- Get an opportunity to catch a glimpse of endangered animals like snow leopards and red pandas.
- Experience the stunning variation of landscapes in Nepal, from the tropics to the Rocky Mountains.
SHORT ITINERARY
1:
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
2:
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m.) to Chame (2,650 m.)
3:
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m.)
4:
Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m.)
5:
Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540 m.)
6:
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4.050 m.)
7:
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525 m.)
8:
Trek from Thorong La Pass to Muktinath (3,760 m.)
9:
Drive from Muktinath to Jomsom (1,200 m.)
10:
Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (820 m.)
11:
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 m.)
12:
International Departure Day
ITINERARY
To be on the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, you will have to come to Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, our representative from the company will come to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
After checking in at the hotel and freshening up, you can go explore nearby areas of the hotel. You can visit local markets and historical sites and interact with people. Go stroll around and make yourself comfortable in the surroundings. Return to the hotel for the night.
We will start heading to the Annapurna region on this day. We will take an early Jeep to Besisahar in Lamjung and then to Chame. The distance from Kathmandu to Besisahar is 173 km, and then to Chame is 67.7 km. The ride will be about 8–9 hours long.
Though long, the ride from Kathmandu to Chame is going to be very beautiful. We will take the Prithvi Highway, on which the Trishuli River will accompany our drive, and meet the Marsyangdi River. We can see terrace farming, typical Nepali villages, and beautiful scenery on the way.
We will change our vehicle and head to Chame, where we can enjoy the serene and lush green forests and the vistas of the stunning Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. We’ll settle into a tea house for the night.
On this day, we will trek from Chame to Upper Pisang. The actual trek, the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, starts from this day on. The trail in the beginning is flat, and then gradually it becomes steep, but not very difficult. As we go up, we can see the marvelous views of the stunning landscapes of hills, valleys, and rivers.
We will pass beautiful villages like Talekhu and Bhratang, where there are traditional mud houses, and then reach Dhikur Pokhari. From here, we can see the majestic peaks of Chulu, Tilicho, Pisang, and Annapurna.
We will move forward, leaving the place behind, and then cross a suspension bridge, finally reaching the destination of the day. The views from the Upper Pisang are to die for. We can see Kunti Danda, Pisang Peak, and Longyo Danda from here.
On the fourth day of our Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, we will trek from Upper Pisang to Manang. The trail on this day is comparatively difficult, with some steep ascent and descent. We will be trekking through the beautiful hilltops of Ghyaru and Ngawal.
The highlight of this day is the views we can get. We can see the high mountains like Lamjung Himal, Khangsar Kan, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, etc.
On the way to Manang, we will go through the traditional Tibetan-influenced Buddhist villages of Munchi and Braga. Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang region, is also located here in Braga. We’ll explore the monastery and learn about Tibetan and Buddhist cultures.
After passing by numerous monasteries and shrines, we’ll finally reach Manang. The entrance road to Manang village is embellished with Buddhist temples and shrines. The Manang village is the perfect stop for our fourth day of the trek.
Acclimatization is crucial to any trek. As we are gradually ascending to a higher altitude, we need to be acclimatized to the level of air pressure. For that, we will spend a day here at Manang on the fifth day of our Annapurna Circuit Short Trek.
We go on an acclimatization hike on this day. We’ll take a short tour of Gangapurna Lake. Gangapurna Lake has amazing views of Mt. Gangapurna, Annapurna, the Glacial Dome, and Khangsar Kang. We can see the glistening glaciers reflecting the majestic mountains from here.
After the acclimatization hike, we can prepare for the next day’s trek and rest for the night.
On this day, we will continue our trek from Manang to Yak Kharka. We will ascend from Manang towards Tengi village. On the way, we can see beautiful waterfalls, and passing those, we will bid goodbye to Marshyangdi Valley and ascend to Jarsang Khola Valley.
We will slowly walk, enjoying the meadows and the forest of juniper trees. We can see a picturesque village, Ghusang, which looks like it’s out of a fairy tale.
After some time, we will finally reach our destination, Yak Kharka. It is a pasture land where Yaks are grazed and is beautiful.
On the seventh day of our Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, we will trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or Thorong High Camp. The trail is rocky and rugged, but the views from the past are amazing. We can see blue sheep and yaks grazing.
The terrain and the atmosphere of this day are quite different from our previous days of trekking. The trails are rocky, deserted, and at higher elevations.
We will rest for the night at Thorong Phedi and prepare for the next day’s trek, which is going to be easier than this day.
We will trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass on this day of ourtrek. The beginning of today’s trek is a little difficult, as we will be ascending from Thorong High Camp to Thorong La Pass.
Thorong La Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,416 m, from which we can see the various mountain ranges like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Thorong Peak, etc.
We will descend towards Muktinath after crossing the Thorong La Pass. It is all downhill and easier after the pass. The trail is rocky yet beautiful as we gradually descend.
The Muktinath temple is the second largest Hindu temple, where there are 108 taps and 2 ponds. It is believed that if a person takes a shower in those 108 taps, their sins are cleansed. We will stay overnight here at Muktinath on this day.
Our walking days on the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek end here. We will drive in a bus from Muktinath to Jomsom on this day, or we also have an option to walk as Jomsom is just 21 km from Muktinath.
We will visit the Muktinath Temple early in the morning and then drive or walk to Jomsom. We will pass through beautiful hamlets like Kagbeni and Ekle Bhatti. The roads are bumpy somewhere, but the scenery of the dry peaks and walls is amazing.
After enjoying the bumpy and beautiful drive or a day long hike, we will stay overnight at Jomsom for the night.
Jomsom is a small settlement on both sides of the Kali-Gandaki River. It is the point from which the route to Muktinath and Upper Mustang separates. Here is a little airport that has regular flights from and to Pokhara.
We will drive to Pokhara from Jomsom, which will be in a Jeep and will be approximately 150.6 km. It will be around a 5-hour drive on the most iconic roads of Jomsom. We will follow the Kali Gandaki River to Pokhara.
After landing in Pokhara, we can explore the vibrant and fun city for the entire day. We will visit the Phewa Lake, the Taal Bahari Temple, and many other attractions. We will stroll through the streets of Pokhara in the evening, enjoying its nightlife.
This is the last day of our entire Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. On this day, we will be returning to Kathmandu via flight. We will have an early morning flight to Kathmandu, bidding our goodbyes to Pokhara.
After arriving in Kathmandu, we can utilize our last day by going shopping, visiting places, and exploring the city.
On this day, you will be dropped off at Tribhuwan International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Or you can start a new trip with us and continue exploring Nepal.
What is included?
- Airport Pickup and Drop
- Welcome Dinner
- 3 Nights Bed and Breakfast while staying in Kathmandu hotel and Pokhara hotel
- All Meals of B,L,D while on the trip
- All Transportation
- guide wages,meals,insurance
- Medicine box
- Permit fees, National Park fees
- 1 porter for 2 person and 1 guide assistant for 5 people
What is excluded?
- International air tickets, visas
- Travel Insurances
- Alcohol, Soda and Bakery items
- Extra Meals which isn't included
- Tipping for Staffs
- wifi charges ,battery charging
- extra personal staff
- Helicopter rescue
- porter for 1 pax
Trip Information on Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
Best Season
Though you can trek the Annapurna Circuit any time of the year, there are two seasons for an easier and more beautiful trek. The first one is in the spring, from late March to May. Another is the autumn, from late September to November.
Spring and autumn have the perfect weather for the trek, with clearer skies and dryness. These seasons offer warm sun and stunning views throughout the trek.
The winters, December to February, are the low season for the trek because of the snow.
You can imagine what you’ll have to encounter at the higher elevation. Saying that it’s not impossible to do this trek in the winter. It can be done but with more unique challenges.
If you want to do this trek during the winter season, you’ll have to bundle yourself up with more thermal layering, special trekking equipment to handle the snowdrifts, and probably a couple more days to complete it.
The good things about trekking in the winter are that the skies are clearer, there won’t be a lot of crowds, and the expenses may be a little less.
Elevation and distance
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is done in the high Himalayas of Nepal. The entire 190-kilometer trekking distance starts from Besisahar in Lamjung. The starting elevation is 760 m. With the gradual ascent, the elevation rises to 5,416 m at Thorong La Pass, which is the highest elevation in the entire Annapurna Circuit Short Trek.
The walking distance, as mentioned above, is 190 km, whereas the one-way drive distance is approximately 240 km.
Difficulty and altitude sickness
The risk of altitude sickness at an altitude like that of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is not very uncommon. The first risk is reaching an elevation of 3,500 m and then passing the high Himalayan Pass at an altitude of 5,490 m.
Though the Annapurna trek is risky, if it is done with proper care and acclimatization, it can be completed successfully without any obstacles.
Some people may experience exhaustion, headaches or dizziness, nausea, and a lack of breath due to low air pressure. If any of these symptoms appear in anyone, they should rest and hydrate themselves.
Even after resting and hydration, the symptoms aren’t lessened; they should descend to a lower elevation and take care of themselves properly. In case of an emergency, they should be brought down to the hospital for professional medical care.
The other difficulty, other than the altitude, is the rugged landscape during the trek. Some parts of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek are rocky, but most of the trail is very beautiful and worth taking the risk.
Minimum and Maximum Walk per Day
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek can be made as long as you want or as short as you want. In our itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, the minimum walk is on the 7th day of the trek, where you will be walking for 4 to 5 hours on a moderate-level trail.
The longest walk of the entire trek is for 9 hours, which is on the 8th day of our Annapurna Circuit Short Trek itinerary. On this day, you will be trekking from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath, crossing the high Himalayan pass, Thorong La Pass.
Other than these days, the maximum number of hours of walking is 7 hours.
Gadgets charging, communication, and Internet
The tea houses and lodges in the developed areas and the lower parts of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek offer charging facilities, but you may need to pay some extra charges for them, which range from $200 to $400 per device.
Charging cables and adapters should be carried for phones, cameras, and other electronic devices because you may not find them on the trekking trails.
It may not be possible to connect to the network in many of the parts of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek area, especially in the remote and higher altitudes. You can get a local Nepali SIM that provides basic internet services and makes phone calls, but as mentioned before, access to the network will be limited.
Just like the other facilities, the internet is also limited on this trek as the area is remote and the altitude is very high. Getting internet service depends on the tea house or lodge where you are staying. They may or may not have the service.
You can get internet services in some of the tea houses and lodges, but they may not be reliable. You need to pay some extra charges for it as well. It may range from NPR100 to NPR500 per day. In some of the parts, like Manang and Jomsom, you can get the facilities of internet cafes, which charge per hour.
Accommodation
There are varieties of options for accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, like tea houses, lodges, and guest houses. Most of these accommodations cater to all the basic requirements of tourist trekking in the region.
The lodges and tea houses are cozy and pleasant. The rooms are mostly shared, but you can also find single supplement rooms, but you need to pay a little more for them. The rooms have blankets and beds to keep you nice and warm.
Most of the rooms don’t have attached bathrooms, so you will have to use shared bathrooms, which are mostly built in the eastern squat style. Toilet papers aren’t used in the washroom, and it is suggested that you bring your toilet paper for your use.
You will be spending two nights in Kathmandu in a tourist-standard hotel at the beginning of the trek. The rooms will be on a twin-sharing basis and will come with all the basic amenities like a charging station, bathrooms, etc.
You will also be staying a night at Pokhara, a tourist-standard hotel, on a twin-sharing basis. As the hotel will be tourist-standard, you will find all the basic accommodation facilities here.
There is an accommodation rule for the high Himalayantrekking, and it applies to the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek as well. It isn’t considered well if you have your dinner somewhere and go to sleep in a different lodge or tea house. You must eat and sleep in the same lodge or tea house.
Foods and Drinks
Though the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is done in the mountains, away from the network coverage area, you will find all kinds of foods during the trek, from pizza to pasta and burgers. Despite finding Western foods as well, it is suggested that you test the regional dishes when trekking in the Annapurna Circuit.
For breakfast, you can have tea or coffee, porridge, muesli or oats, toast, pancakes, variations of eggs, Tibetan bread, etc., which will fuel your energy until lunch.
The lunch and dinner menus are the same, with the same varieties of foods like Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), one of the best foods when trekking in no matter what region in the world, boiled potatoes, Sherpa Stew, Thukpa (noodle soup), garlic soup, momo, lasagna, etc.
You can find all types of beverages in this trek, ranging from sodas to alcoholic drinks. Though you can find all sorts of drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and dairy), it is suggested that you not consume them because they may upset your stomach. It is better to stick with green tea, hot lemon, garlic soup, ginger tea, honey ginger, etc., which can provide your energy to walk for hours or even days.
On the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, only breakfast will be provided at Kathmandu and Pokhara. The three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—will be provided on the days of the trek. You will have to pay on your own if you wish to have anything else except these three meals.
Alternative Routes
If you find the classic Annapurna Circuit Short Trek crowded and boring, there are various other routes you can take and explore the region even more.
A few of such treks are:
Trek to the Ice Lake
If you are looking for a shorter trek, then you should go for the Ice Lake trek at Annapurna IV Glacier. It is an alternative trek to the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, which can be completed in not more than 6 days. It is a beginner-friendly trek.
Though shorter than the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, it is equally beautiful with mesmerizing views of Macchapucchre Himal, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and many more.
Annapurna Sanctuary Area Hike
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek can be joined by the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which is also called the Annapurna Sanctuary. You can leave the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek’s trail and hike to Annapurna Base Camp, which takes about 10 days to complete.
Annapurna Sanctuary trek is the perfect trek for anyone who is not ready to tackle the high pass of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek yet wants to experience the mountains and the landscapes of the Annapurna region.
Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal trek is located on the eastern side of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It was opened to trekkers in 2011, so the trail is well-marked, less crowded, and closer to nature in relatively flat terrain.
The trail of the Mardi Himal trek is met midway with the trails of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, from where you can continue the circuit trek.
If you are doing the Mardi Himal trek only, it is the perfect trek for those who can’t commit to a longer trek and stand at a higher elevation. It can be completed in 4 to 6 days without any problems.
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu is the valley in the Himalayas that is a rain shadow area. It is in between the Annapurna region and the Manaslu region. The trek to the Nar Phu Valley can be added to the itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek with the addition of an extra 9 days.
The trails of Nar Phu combined with Annapurna Circuit are very advanced and may not be suitable for a beginner.
The Nar Phu Valley was opened in 2003 for trekking, so it is still remote and has the untouched beauty of Nepal, despite modern amenities. The trail is rugged and in between the cliffs, so precautions and prior experience are essential.
Can a beginner join the trek?
Yes, the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is for beginners. For every trek, we make some preparations and take preventive measures. There are also some of them that a beginner trekker should understand. Some key points need to be considered.
Physical Fitness
As you need to walk for several days and several hours, which includes steep and uneven terrain, before going on this trek.You should do some exercise, which includes running, hiking, cycling, yoga, etc., at least 4-5 months before the trek. By going on a short hike, it will be helpful to be prepared for the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek.
Altitude sickness and acclimatization
There are chances of being sick as you go higher, so you should not hurry up while going up. Proper acclimatization is crucial to preventing altitude sickness, mainly as the trek reaches the high pass. i.e., Thorong La Pass.
Also, you need to be careful or aware of symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. You should stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and take medicine like Diamox to control altitude sickness.
Packing Necessary Things
It is better to carry necessary things like clothing, which includes hiking boots, rain gear, and thick clothes. Also, gear like sleeping bags, headlamps, power banks, etc. are also necessary, and a health kit is also one of the necessary things, which includes medicines for altitude sickness and first aid supplies.
Trekking Skills
You need to ascend slowly to minimize the strain on your knees and joints. You can use trekking poles for support. Map-reading and basic navigation skills are also necessary in case you get lost on the trails.
Mental Preparation
One of the crucial things is to be mentally prepared. As you need to face different challenges that come along while trekking, you need to be mentally prepared for them.
The accommodation in tea houses, long walks, different weather conditions, etc. may not be as you had expected, but you should make it enjoyable and maintain a positive attitude to complete the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek successfully.
Health and Safety
While going up, you should check your health first to ensure if you are fit for high altitude or not. Safety measures need to be taken if you are even feeling a little bit dizzy. You should not force yourself for your betterment.
Preparation and physical fitness
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is a challenging trek that will test your strength both physically and mentally. Without proper preparation and training, you may find yourself giving up on the trails. You must prepare well for the trek.
You can prepare yourself by going on long walks and hikes twice a week before the trek. When training, choose destinations or conditions that are as similar to the Annapurna region as possible.
You can also train in the gym using a treadmill and stair machine to strengthen your legs for the steep uphill and downhill of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trekking Trail. Also, do cardio training 2 to 3 times a week. It will help you keep your breath and focus at high altitude.
When setting up your training, make sure you set up your nutrition too. Use more calories and more protein to build muscles and stay healthy.
Give yourself enough time for preparation and training. Go slow and steady, and let your body adjust to the change.
Trekking Permits
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is done inside the Annapurna Sanctuary Area. You can get access to the region only if you have an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The cost of ACAP is NPR. 3000, or USD 27.
Not just that, you also need a TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) for the Annapurna Trek. This cost NPR. 2000, or USD 18.
The price of the permit and the card varies according to the nationalities of the trekkers.
To obtain a TIMS card, you need:
- Passport photocopy
- Passport-size photo (2)
- Trekking Insurance
- Emergency contact number at home and in Nepal
To obtain ACAP, you need:
- Passport
- Passport-size photo (2)
- TIMS Card
You can get these permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the Tourism Information Center.
Transportation
We will take a jeep from Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar to start our Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. After the completion of the walking days of our trek at Muktinath, we will have two options: either walk to Jomsom or by bus.
We will drive from Jomsom to Pokhara in a jeep. The Jeep will be very comfortable and better than the bus ride. The Jeep will also make the journey easier and shorter, comparatively.
We then return to Kathmandu from Pokhara on a flight.The direct flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu will be 25 minutes long and we will have an opportunity to witness the majestic mountains and landscapes of Nepal from the air.
This is a time-saving mode of transportation because it takes a minimum of 6 hours to reach Kathmandu by roadway.
The transportation we will be using, as well as the alternatives we can take, are given below:
By Bus to Besisahar from Kathmandu
One way to start your Annapurna Circuit short trek is from Besisahar. Besisahsar is located in the Lamjung region of Nepal. There is no airport in Lamjung, so the road is the only option.
It takes about 7 hours to reach Besisahar from Kathmandu, but sometimes, due to the ongoing construction on the Prithvi Highway, the duration may be extended.
The alternative ways to do the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek are:
Pokhara to Kathmandu by Bus
You can start your Annapurna Circuit Short Trek from Pokhara as well. For that, you can travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus. There are two types of buses. The first one is a general bus, and the other one is a VIP sofa bus. The general bus fare starts at NPR 1200, and the VIP Sofa Bus fare starts at NPR 1700.
It will take a minimum of 6 hours to reach Pokhara by bus, and the ride will be smooth but a little bumpy here and there due to ongoing construction. You can enjoy the winding roads through the forests along the river, passing little villages and towns on this ride.
Travel Insurance
As the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is done in the high Himalayan region, trekking insurance is a must. Any mishaps can take place when trekking, so to save on extra expenses, trekking insurance is essential.
The elevation of this trek will go above 5000 m elevation, so make sure that your insurance covers the cost of misplaced luggage, cancellation, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation costs.
You should take the trekking or travel insurance as an investment because it saves you from further expenses in case of mishaps.
What can we expect from this trek?
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek promises different cultural immersions, breathtaking scenery, and diverse and vast experiences. You can find breathtaking landscapes of lush green hills, snow-capped mountains, rocky mountain passes, and terrace farmlands.
You can also find people from different ethnic backgrounds, like Gurungs and Thakalis, who are the inhabitants of the Himalayas. You will be warmly welcomed there with an open heart. You can explore and learn about their culture and traditions and immerse yourself in them.
You can also find culture mainly rich in Buddhism and Hinduism, which includes heritage like ancient chortens, monasteries, and prayer flags.
You can observe the physical and mental challenges as we ascend. especially when crossing high passes, you will need more effort and require acclimatization, which is physically demanding. At higher elevations, you can observe that the weather changes rapidly. As you go higher, the weather changes from warm and sunny to cold and snowy.
You will find basic accommodation at teahouses, which includes a comfortable bed and a shared bathroom with limited facilities. Local basic meals like dal bhat, rice with lentil soup, noodles, etc. have a limited variety of foods.
You will need cards such as Annapurna Conservation Area Permits and a Trekkers Information Management System, which are travel permits.
Different experiences can be gained, such as being rewarded by crossing a high altitude; Thorong La Pass, after overcoming many challenges, offers beautiful sights and views. You can find the sacred place of Hindus and Buddhists known for 108 water spouts, Muktinath Temple.
Various wildlife species can be found while ascending, including blue sheep. Himalayan Tahr as well as numerous bird species. You can also get a chance to observe Annapurna Conservation Area’s rich biodiversity.
You will encounter altitude sickness, so safety and health precautions are necessary, such as acclimatizing properly to avoid altitude sickness, gradually ascending, and not forcing yourself to take the necessary rest days for your body. You also need to take the necessary first-aid kit, trekking poles, headlights, and thick, warm clothing.
If you are ascending in a group, you should be friends with fellow trekkers so that you both can help each other out and share experiences, which can help you be mentally and physically prepared for various upcoming challenges.
The budget varies from expenses to accommodation, food, and services like guides or porters. If you choose it wisely, then you will end up doing this trek on a moderate budget
Photo & Video
Weather can be typically wet, and trails can be muddy and slippery in monsoon season, i.e., between June and August. Also, at higher altitudes, the temperatures can drop to below -10 °C at night.
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek requires physical training; participants must be physically prepared to ascend continuously and should be able to carry their heavy things. So, you should be physically prepared.
Tip your guide or porter above USD 150 so that they can take it as a reward for helping you ascend successfully. You can tip up to USD 250 for climbing guides to climb the peaks with you.
Yes, you can find internet access across the limited available, which are available in teahouses, and also mobile data coverage in some places along the routes.
The necessary things to pack are thick, warm clothes, trekking gear, which includes trekking poles, headlamps, power banks, slippers, etc., and first aid medical kits with necessary medicines.
Yes, spikes help you get the group for an easier walk, mainly trails covered in snow where it is hard to cross or walk with normal hiking boots. spikes can help you tackle it more easily than normal hiking boots.
You do not need a tent, as there will be teahouses and lodges where you can find basic accommodation and basic meals.
It is possible to do the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek without a guide or porter, but you must have basic knowledge regarding map reading and basic navigation skills. Also, you need to take safety and preventive measures while ascending.
Annapurna Circuit contains long-distance trek routes; depending on the route, it may take 13–22 days.
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