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The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek stands out as one of Nepal's best hiking trips, giving the famous circuit spots in just 12 days. This package covers 110-120 kilometers with nine walking days through the Annapurna region. The short Annapurna circuit trek begins in Jagat and ends in Jomsom, taking trekkers across river valleys, mountain meadows, and high passes. This route fits active hikers who can walk 5-7 hours daily on rough ground, with Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters being the toughest part.
The local culture matches the mountain scenery for lasting memories on this shortest Annapurna circuit trek. Apples from Bhratang farms provide energy during long hiking days to the trekkers. Manang Valley families follow the same traditions their ancestors practiced hundreds of years ago. Muktinath Temple attracts devoted pilgrims from India and Tibet who trek for weeks to reach this holy place. Walking through Kagbeni's ancient stone doorways transports visitors into a forgotten medieval village. These cultural moments pair perfectly with massive peaks that make every climb worthwhile.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) work best for trekking, when clear skies and good weather make hiking much easier. March to May brings pink and red flowers blooming on the hills, while September to November gives you the clearest mountain views all year. All needed permits, covering Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP), come with the package. During this trek, hikers discover a region shaped by raw landscape, ancient customs, and the strong character of mountain villages along these trails.
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek itinerary starts when hikers land in busy Kathmandu and check into hotels for the night. A bumpy drive follows the Marshyangdi River to reach Dharapani village at 1,860 meters. This small riverside spot marks where the real walking begins on one of Nepal's most popular mountain trails.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Nepal takes hikers through green valleys with rice terraces and old stone houses. Walking days go through Chame and Pisang villages, where families raise water buffalo and grow barley in small fields. Thick forests slowly change to steep rock walls as the path gets higher and the air gets thinner.
Manang village is at 3,519 meters and gives trekkers a needed rest day among huge glaciers and white peaks. This old Tibetan village has time for side trips to places like Milarepa Cave and the blue Gangapurna Lake. The extra day helps people get used to the thin air before the hardest part of the trek starts.
Past Manang, the Annapurna Circuit Express Trek gets much tougher as it climbs to Yak Kharka at 4,050 meters. Brown landscapes take over from green trees, with yak herds spread across windy grass fields. The Thorong Phedi camp becomes the last place to sleep before trying the circuit's highest mountain crossing.
The trek's hardest part happens at Thorong La Pass, which sits at 5,416 meters high. Prayer flags blow in strong winds while hikers rest and breathe hard in the thin air. Good weather shows amazing views of snowy peaks going on forever, making the tough climb worth it for most people.
Going down from the pass brings hikers to the holy Muktinath Temple, where Hindu and Buddhist visitors come from all over South Asia. The old temple is in a dry part that looks nothing like the green valleys down below. Jomsom town gives the last place to stay, sitting among red rocks and the deep Kali Gandaki River valley.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Thorong La Pass choice ends with a drive from Muktinath to the lake town Pokhara and a final flight back to Kathmandu. This short circuit mixes natural beauty, local life, and high mountain walking into one great Himalayan adventure.
Explore the Himalayas like never before with a curated set of alternative routes for the short Annapurna Circuit trek.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek covers around 230 kilometers of mountain trails over 15 to 20 days, making it one of Nepal's longest hiking routes. Hikers travel from green subtropical valleys to barren high-altitude deserts before crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
The Annapurna Circuit Short trek reduces this classic route down to just the best parts for hikers with less time. Instead of walking the full 230-kilometer route, this shorter version focuses on key highlights like Thorong La Pass and traditional mountain villages.
This makes the famous circuit doable for people who want the main Annapurna experience without spending three full weeks in the mountains.
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous treks in the Himalayas, covering around 160 to 230 km over 17 to 21 days. Trekkers pass through green valleys, terraced fields, and high mountain deserts, reaching the highest point at Thorong La Pass, 5,416 meters above sea level. Along the way, you can see stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchhre, and visit traditional villages that show the local culture.
The Classic Annapurna Circuit is different from the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek offered by Nepal Hiking Team. The short trek is only 12 days and covers a smaller part of the route, while the Classic Circuit takes you through the entire area, giving a complete experience of the mountains, villages, and natural beauty.
At Nepal Hiking Team, our Annapurna Circuit Short trek takes trekkers through the heart of the Himalayas. You will see stunning landscapes, traditional villages, and diverse wildlife. Our experienced local guides make every step safe and informative. They share insights about local culture and traditions.
Safety is our top priority. We carefully monitor acclimatization, weather, and high-altitude challenges to keep your trek secure and comfortable. Trekkers will get to stay in cozy mountain lodges and enjoy nutritious local meals along the route.
Each of our Annapurna Circuit Short trek packages is tailored to your group’s pace, preferences, and interests. Travelers consistently rate us highly for our planning, professionalism, and attention to detail. Nepal Hiking Team is your trusted choice for a safe, memorable, and enriching Annapurna Circuit Short Trek.
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), immigration and baggage formalities are completed before leaving the terminal. A Nepal Hiking Team representative waits outside with a placard and arranges the transfer to the hotel.
The short drive offers the first glimpse of Kathmandu’s lively streets and colorful atmosphere. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax, recover from the journey, or take a gentle walk nearby.
Your adventure begins with a departure from Kathmandu. You'll pass through bustling market towns like Mugling, where vendors sell fresh oranges through vehicle windows. Pine forests replace subtropical vegetation as you climb higher, while waterfalls flow down cliffs.
The final off-road adventure starts as your vehicle passes through narrow cliff-side paths. By evening, you reach Dharapani at 1,963 meters above sea level. This peaceful Gurung village sits surrounded by terraced gardens and towering peaks.
As the official starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Short trek, local teahouses serve hearty dal bhat and butter tea. You'll fall asleep to the sound of the Marsyangdi River, knowing tomorrow brings your true mountain adventure.
The morning starts from Dharapani as you begin the trek to Chame. Wide track passes through dense fir and pine forests. You'll share the trail with pack animals carrying supplies to remote villages, their bells creating a rhythmic soundtrack to your walk.
Marsyangdi River rushes alongside, and small villages like Bagarchhap reveal traditional stone architecture with wood carvings. As you climb higher for five to six hours, the landscape transforms dramatically around you.
Chame greets you at 2,710 meters with its unique blend of mountain administration and Tibetan culture. This district headquarters buzzes with activity as government officials, traders, and trekkers converge.
After breakfast in Chame, your morning departure starts, and you’ll see spectacular views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. The trail leads to a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River.
After an hour of walking, you reach Bhratang village, home to Nepal's largest apple orchard with nearly 67,000 trees. Local teahouses serve fresh apple pie, strudel, and cider made from these famous mountain-grown apples.
Past the Swargadwari Bridge, the trail enters a stunning U-shaped valley where cliffs rise above dense forests. This gentler section allows you to absorb incredible views.
By late afternoon, you arrive in ancient Pisang. Lower Pisang offers intimate views of Pisang Peak's pyramid summit and the Annapurna range. Then, a short climb brings you to Upper Pisang, where traditional monasteries overlook the entire valley. Evening brings deep silence broken only by temple bells.
The trail climbs steeply from Pisang, and you'll really feel the altitude. After a climb, you reach Gyaru, a proper Tibetan village with stone houses and prayer flags everywhere. Keep drinking water and stay warm because your body is working harder up here.
The path continues uphill to Ngawal, where yaks graze in the pastures. Then things get interesting as you drop down toward Braka, and the landscape completely changes. Green fields disappear, and rocky, dry terrain takes over.
Samgag Samling Monastery here is worth a quick visit as it's been around for centuries, and the monks are friendly. Finally, you’ll reach Manang with Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak towering overhead. This place is busy compared to everywhere else on the Annapurna Circuit Short trek.
You can get hot showers, decent food, and even check your messages. The Manangba people here trade yak cheese and use horses to carry stuff to villages higher up. After such a long day, their wood stoves and hot tea feel like heaven.
After long days of trekking, your body needs a break, and Manang is the perfect place for it. This rest day isn't just about lounging around; it's crucial for getting used to the thin air.
Most trekkers take an easy morning hike to Gangapurna Tal, a stunning blue lake that sits right below the glacier. The walk takes about two hours and gives your legs something to do without overdoing it. If you're feeling strong, the hike up to Milarepa Cave is tougher but worth it.
Manang village itself is fascinating once you start looking around. The locals here are incredibly welcoming and love chatting with trekkers about their mountain life. The flat-roofed houses are perfect for drying yak cheese and barley, and you'll often smell fresh bread baking in clay ovens.
You’ll get to spend the evening around a wood fire with some butter tea, getting your strength back for the days ahead.
Leaving Manang behind feels a bit sad after such a cozy rest day, but the trail ahead is beautiful and much shorter. You finally escape the dusty jeep track and get back onto proper mountain paths where your boots feel at home.
The Annapurna massif will be seen right above you now, so close you feel like you could reach out and touch the ice. Past the little settlement of Tengi, the world starts changing fast.
The trail follows the sparkling Marshyangdi River as it gets smaller and wilder. Chulu West and Chulu East peaks show off their snowy faces while you climb steadily upward. Your breathing gets heavier, but the views keep getting better with every step.
After crossing a wooden bridge, you reach Yak Kharka at 4,018 meters. The place is exactly what it sounds like, which has wide pastures where yaks graze between stone walls.
This is your shortest walking day, which gets you to Ledar first, where guards check your permits one more time. You'll pass some basic tea shops at Deurali, where trekkers grab last-minute snacks before the big climb.
A shiny new metal bridge crosses Jarsang Khola, and then you're walking through some landslide areas where rocks tumble down regularly. Make sure to keep your eyes up and move quickly through these narrow sections.
Thorong Phedi sits at the bottom of the pass like a final base camp before the main event. Most trekkers stop here for the night, but if you're feeling strong, you can walk up to Thorong High Camp. It's another hour or so of climbing, but it puts you 300-400 meters higher, which makes tomorrow's pass crossing much easier.
High Camp is basically just a few stone shelters to the mountainside, but waking up closer to the pass means less suffering in the morning. Either way, get to bed early because tomorrow is going to test everything you've got.
Your alarm goes off at 4:30 am, and it's freezing cold outside your sleeping bag. You need to start early to beat the afternoon winds. The first few hours include rocky slopes, patches of snow, and thin air.
Take it slow, drink water constantly, and don't feel bad about resting every 20 minutes. After 3 to 4 hours of climbing uphill through endless switchbacks and fake summits, you finally see the prayer flags of Thorong La Pass fluttering at 5,416 meters. The views include Annapurna's massive wall, the Great Barrier Ridge, and you realize you're standing on top of the world.
Everyone takes a million photos at the pass, and you should too, because this moment is huge. However, don't hang around too long as the weather can change fast up here. The descent to Muktinath is long. You drop through the Thorung Khola valley with amazing views of the Kali Gandaki and Dhaulagiri's giant pyramid.
By evening, you’ll reach Muktinath completely exhausted. This sacred place, with its eternal flames and Hindu temples, feels like the perfect reward after the hardest day of your life.
After morning prayers at the sacred temple, you get into a jeep for the long drive to Pokhara. The first few hours take you through Mustang's wild landscape. Your body is still recovering from yesterday's pass crossing, so the bumpy ride gives you time to think about what you just accomplished.
The road follows the Kali Gandaki River through the world's deepest gorge, with Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri towering above. You’ll stop in Jomsom, where locals sell the sweetest apples you've ever tasted.
By the time you reach Pokhara, the air is warm and humid, full of the smell of tropical flowers and cooking dal bhat. Phewa Lake spreads out like a mirror reflecting the Annapurna range, and suddenly you're back in the city with hot showers, cold beer, and soft beds waiting for your tired bones.
The 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu feels surreal after all those days of walking. You’ll get to watch the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges beneath you. Just days ago, you were up there gasping for air at 5,416 meters, and now you're flying over those same peaks in comfort.
The green valleys and tiny villages look like a toy model from up here, making you realize just how far your legs actually carried you. Landing at Tribhuvan Airport, you’ll get to experience car horns and a lot of people.
Your hotel room feels like luxury after sleeping in mountain lodges for a week. Most trekkers spend the afternoon wandering around Thamel buying gifts. Your muscles are still sore and your face is sunburned, but there's this weird satisfaction knowing you crossed one of the world's highest passes on your own two feet.
Today concludes your unforgettable Annapurna Circuit Short trek adventure. A member of our team will visit you at your hotel to make sure your departure from Nepal is as seamless and comfortable as your arrival.
You’ll be taken to the airport around three hours before your flight, giving you ample time for check-in and departure formalities. As you leave, you’ll take with you cherished memories, stunning photographs, and the pride of having experienced one of the world’s most breathtaking trekking destinations.
Our Annapurna Circuit Short Trek provides cultural experiences with breathtaking mountain views, making it an unforgettable adventure. With every detail carefully managed, from guides to accommodations and meals, your journey is seamless, safe, and filled with memories to last a lifetime.
The Nepal Hiking Team Short Annapurna Circuit trek offers an unforgettable Himalayan experience with fully guided support and a carefully planned itinerary.
The package includes professional English-speaking guides, experienced porters, trekking permits, and government taxes.
Personal expenses such as bottled water, snacks, souvenirs, and tips for guides and porters are not included. This allows trekkers to manage their own budget comfortably.
Pricing based on group size:
This pricing ensures that every trekker enjoys a fully supported, well-organized journey through the Annapurna region, combining stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a safe, memorable trekking experience.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done throughout the year, but some seasons offer far better conditions than others. To help you plan your adventure, here’s what each season is like on the trail.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderate to strenuous, with some demanding sections. Covering around 110 to 120 kilometers in nine walking days, the Besisahar to Manang short trek itinerary takes you through valleys, alpine trails, and steep ridges.
Most days involve 5 to 7 hours of walking, so trekkers need good fitness, stamina, and steady pacing. The trek usually starts in Besisahar and ends in Jomsom, giving you a compact version of the classic route.
The toughest part of the journey comes at Thorong La Pass, the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek elevation and highest point at 5,416 meters. The climb is steep and the air is thin, making it both physically and mentally demanding. Yet, standing at the pass with panoramic views and colorful prayer flags is one of the most rewarding experiences of the trek.
With the Nepal Hiking Team's short Annapurna Circuit, you get proper acclimatization, safe pacing, and support along the trail. While the trek is challenging, the mix of mountain scenery, cultural villages, and personal achievement makes it an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
I just did the Annapurna Circuit Trek for 14 days with Nepal Hiking Team, and this was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
From the responsiveness of the host Ganga Thapa / Balram Thapa to the care, guidance and support of the guides Aital, Buddhi and Sabeen, it was an incredible journey through the Himalayas and it was only possible because of Nepal Hiking Team.
I had a great time, the places they booked along the way were amazing, they treat you like a family member and that makes the experience even better that I had thought. I am definitely going to recommend them for anyone traveling to Nepal for any of these hikes/tours. Highly recommended.
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Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Nepal Hiking Team was an incredible experience, one that created many once-in-a-lifetime memories.
The Annapurna Circuit trek was everything I could have hoped for: stunning vistas, daily views of the majestic Himalayas, quaint mountain-side villages, temples and prayer wheels. The people of Nepal are warm and welcoming. Our group of seven was expertly led by Nepal Hiking team lead guide Ganga Tamang, assistant guide Govinda Adhikari, and porters Ram Krishna, Karan, Saurab and Raju.
This was a wonderful competent team, and not once did I have any worries about our day-to-day activities or our safety, which was stressed by all. I highly recommend Nepal Hiking Team and would absolutely use them again if I visit Nepal again.
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+We've been back in Australia for 2 weeks now since our Annapurna Trek and still cant believe how lucky we were with our timing. Floods before we arrived then snow disrupting a lot of people's trekking plans the week after we finished.
I am reaching out to specifically thank you for putting our itinerary together and making our time in Nepal wonderful and stress-free. I would also like to congratulate you on your choice of employees.
Indra was the most fantastic guide. Fun, knowledgeable, easy to speak to and a very intune understanding of each of our groups expectations. Me and my husband Mark and I were the Mumma and Pappa of our group and Indra showed lots of patience when the Altitude became challenging, allowing me to linger behind and interact with the locals and animals and enjoy the scenery without feeling pressure to keep up with the younger ones. His ability to make everyone in our group was happy and well was fantastic. Please pass on our appreciation to him.
Sandip, our Assistant Guide ,was also a joy to walk with. Looking after us at meal times, sharing a joke, card games and some dancing, and under Indra's guidance will become a great Lead Guide.
I also have complete admiration for our Porters, Gulu, Binod and Rajan. They have the hardest job and greet us every morning with a smile, and then load all our gear daily again with a smile at every interaction please also pass on our gratitude.
We did the 12-day Short Annapurna Circuit Trek. What an amazing experience!!
Ganga organised our itinerary to trek in a group and nothing was too much trouble.
If you’re worried about booking through a local company, you need not worry. Everything was seemless from being met at the airport at 2 am on arrival to an amazing 12 days in the Himalayas to safe delivery back to Kathmandu. Can not fault our experience or our team, if guides and porters.
Thankyou, Indra, Sandip, Gulu, Binod and Rajan
Four friends and I flew in from across Canada and the U.S. to hike the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Hiking Team in September 2025, and it was truly life-changing. This trek pushed us in ways we never thought possible, both physically and mentally, but our amazing guide Ramesh, along with Gokul, Ram, Surendra, and Sanjaya, made every challenge feel achievable. They were kind, caring, and treated us like family from day one.
Their expertise and flexibility allowed all of us to successfully cross Thorong La Pass, while still immersing ourselves in Nepali culture, enjoying local food, traditional music, and visiting beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples. Evenings in cozy tea houses playing dhumbal with the team became some of our favorite memories.
The views were breathtaking every single day, and the warmth of the locals reminded us how much tourism supports their communities. Nepal Hiking Team handled everything seamlessly from logistics to accommodations and always adjusted the pace to match our needs.
I can’t recommend them enough. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-timer looking for a meaningful challenge, this is the trip of a lifetime. Nepal is one of those places you can’t visit just once, it stays with you forever.
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Our guides have worked in the Annapurna area for over 17 years. They know these mountains better than anyone, and all our guides have proper licenses.
We keep you safe on every trek with small groups that give you personal attention. We pick good tea houses where you can rest and eat well, and your trip follows a clear plan that works.
Our team helps you day and night, so you can call us anytime if you need something. We don't leave you on your own, and we're always ready to help.
More than 2,300 people gave us five stars after their trek because they trust us. We've done this many times before, and we know how to get you safely around the Short Annapurna Circuit.
Our Short Annapurna Circuit trek usually takes eight people, but we can handle anywhere from two to ten trekkers. Nepal Hiking Team always starts trips on time, even if only a few people join the group. You can also trek alone if you want a more personal trip.
We promise that your booking is safe and your Short Annapurna Circuit trek will happen as planned. The only time we might change things is during serious problems like political trouble or natural disasters. In those cases, we will give you other good options.
Yes, we take solo trekkers on all our group trips. If you're the only person signed up for your date, we'll still run the Short Annapurna Circuit trek just for you. You'll pay solo rates but get the same full support as any group.
Yes, we set up private Short Annapurna Circuit treks for families, friends, and people traveling alone. On private trips, you can pick your own dates and go at your own speed if you have two or more people. We make sure everyone in your party stays together as one group.
If you're traveling by yourself, you'll need to pay extra for a private trek. But you'll still get the same good service and support that all our trekkers receive.
Yes, people from most countries can get their visa when they land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You should fill out the online form before you travel and bring cash or a credit card to pay for it. Make sure your passport won't expire for at least six months after you arrive in Nepal, and check that you have one empty page for the visa stamp.
If you want to know more details about getting a Nepal visa, check out our Nepal Visa Information page.
Yes, we pick you up from the airport and drop you off when you leave for all Short Annapurna Circuit trek bookings. Our team member will wait for you outside the airport, holding a "Nepal Hiking Team" sign so you can find them easily. When your trek in the Annapurna area is done, we'll get you to the airport three hours before your flight leaves.
If you come to Nepal early or want to stay longer after your trek, we can change the pickup and drop-off times to match your plans.
Your Short Annapurna Circuit trek package includes three nights at 3-star hotels in Thamel, like the Woodapple Hotel & Spa. We can upgrade you to 4-star or 5-star hotels if you want something nicer, but you'll need to pay extra for the upgrade. The extra cost depends on which hotel you choose and how much better it is than the standard one we include.
Hotel rooms cost USD 45 per night for single rooms or USD 50 per night for twin or double rooms. This price includes breakfast and all taxes, so you don't pay anything extra. If you want to come to Nepal early or stay longer after your Short Annapurna Circuit trek, our team will be happy to book these extra hotel nights for you.
Before your trek starts, we'll have a meeting where you meet your guide and take care of important things. We'll collect your passport and a copy of your travel insurance, and you can pay any money you still owe for the trek.
Your guide will check all your gear to make sure you have what you need. We'll give you a warm down jacket, sleeping bag, cap, detailed map of the Short Annapurna Circuit, and a duffel bag to carry your things.
If you have any questions or worries about the trek, please ask our team during this meeting.
To book your Short Annapurna Circuit trek, fill out the booking form with your trip details and information about all the people going. You can send us your flight and insurance information later if you don't have it ready right now. Pay a 20% deposit to hold your spot on the trek, and we'll confirm your booking once we receive the payment.
When you arrive in Nepal, you can pay the rest of the money for your Short Annapurna Circuit trek using cash or a credit card.
If you cancel your trip for any reason, like getting hurt, getting sick, or other problems you didn't expect, we can't give back your 20% deposit. But we care about our customers, so we'll give you full credit that never expires to use on any future trips or treks with us. This means you can use that money for another adventure with us whenever you're ready to go.
We pick up trekkers from Kathmandu and drive them to Dharapani, where the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek officially begins. The drive takes you through beautiful terraced fields, flowing rivers, and small mountain villages that give you your first look at what the mountains are like. This journey helps you get used to the mountain scenery before you start walking on the actual trek.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek covers about 110 to 120 kilometers and takes 12 days to complete. This makes it a good challenge for people who stay active and like to hike.
You'll walk for 5 to 7 hours each day on bumpy mountain trails that go up and down. The hardest part is crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, where the air gets thin and the climb gets very steep.
The trek has long uphill sections, rocky paths, and high mountain villages that will test how strong you are. But you get rest days in places like Manang to help your body get used to the high altitude.
Even though it's tough, the trek gives you amazing rewards like beautiful mountain views, colorful local culture, and a great feeling of success with every step you take.
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek covers about 110 to 120 kilometers in total. This trek gives you the best parts of the famous Annapurna Circuit but takes less time to finish.
You start walking from Jagat and end your trek in Jomsom. Along the way, you'll walk through river valleys, visit high mountain villages, and cross the famous Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters above sea level.
No, there's no official age limit for the Short Annapurna Circuit trek. We've successfully taken trekkers from 4 years old to 70 years old and even older people on this adventure.
Your health and fitness level matter more than your age when you're hiking at high altitudes. We have special Short Annapurna Circuit trek programs that work well for older people and children, too.
Kids under 16 years old can only do the trek if their parents come with them for safety reasons.
You should start getting ready for your Short Annapurna Circuit trek about 4 to 6 weeks before you go to Nepal. During this time, do lots of cardio workouts like climbing stairs and running to build up your heart and lung strength.
Go on long hikes once a week for 5 to 6 hours while carrying a heavy backpack to get used to walking with weight. Make sure you wear your hiking boots during training so they fit well and don't give you blisters on the actual trek.
Getting your mind ready is just as important as getting your body ready, so work on building strong willpower to handle tough days on the mountain.
Yes, you must have travel insurance for all Annapurna Circuit Short Hikes. Your insurance policy needs to cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters, emergency evacuation, and helicopter rescue if something goes wrong.
We suggest getting your insurance from well-known global insurance companies like Genki Traveler, AXA Travel Insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance, and World Nomads. These companies have good reputations and cover what you need for mountain trekking.
We put together a list of the best travel insurance companies based on what our past trekkers told us worked well for them.
Our licensed guides have worked on high-altitude treks for many years and know these mountains very well. They always carry a first aid kit and a special device called an oximeter that checks how much oxygen is in your blood.
This helps them watch your health and catch any signs of altitude sickness early, before it gets serious. All our guides have good training, so they can make smart choices to keep you safe and healthy during the Short Annapurna Circuit trek.
We also pick the best tea houses that are clean, safe, and have good reputations with other trekkers. If there's ever a serious emergency, we can arrange a helicopter rescue to get you to safety quickly.
These safety measures come with every trek we run in the Annapurna area, so you don't pay extra for this protection.
The best times to do the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek are during spring from March to May and autumn, from September to November. During these months, the weather stays steady and you get clear views of the Himalayan mountains.
These seasons give you the perfect conditions for trekking in the Annapurna area, with good weather that makes walking safer and more enjoyable.
Yes, you can do the Short Annapurna Circuit trek during summer and winter, but these seasons have some challenges. In summer, heavy rain might cancel your flights, which could change your travel plans.
In winter, the trails get icy and snow might block some paths, making walking harder and more dangerous. But these seasons are great if you don't like crowds, because fewer people trek during these times.
Our team can make the trek work all year long if you have the right gear and we prepare properly for the weather conditions you'll face.
You don't need any vaccines to enter Nepal or do the Short Annapurna Circuit trek. But you might want to think about getting a rabies shot because there are stray dogs in the mountain villages that could bite you. Talk to your doctor about what vaccines might be good for you based on your health and travel plans.
We tell trekkers to walk at a steady pace and drink lots of water to stay healthy on the trek. Follow the schedule we give you for getting used to high altitude, eat good food, drink 4 to 5 liters of water each day, and don't drink alcohol.
Our Short Annapurna Circuit trek plan includes rest days so your body can adjust to the thin air. If you feel sick or uncomfortable at any time, tell your guide right away so they can help you.
Your guide will check your oxygen levels often and watch for signs that the altitude is making you sick. If there's a serious emergency, we can get a helicopter to take you to safety.
No, our friendly guides will help you cross the suspension bridges during the Short Annapurna Circuit trek if you need support. They can hold your hand or walk with you to make you feel safer.
After you cross a few bridges, you'll get more comfortable with them and won't be as scared or nervous about walking over them.
Our well-trained porter will carry the gear for two trekkers, but the total weight can't be more than 25 kilograms. You only need to carry a small daypack with your personal things while you walk.
Your porter will walk ahead of you and reach the tea house before you do. So make sure you keep important things like your water bottle, phone, camera, and snacks in your daypack so you have them during the day.
Yes, you can leave your extra bags in a safe locker at your hotel in Kathmandu for free. When you come back from your trek in the mountains, you can pick up all your stored bags.
This means you only need to bring what you actually need for the trek, which makes your Short Annapurna Circuit adventure much easier and more comfortable.
Yes, we give you a sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag for the Short Annapurna Circuit trek. The sleeping bag and jacket are made by Nepal Hiking Team and work well in cold weather down to -15°C. You'll also get a trek map, a free Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, and a cap to take home as gifts from your adventure with us.
Yes, we give you a certificate when you finish the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek to show that you completed this challenging adventure. This certificate recognizes your hard work and dedication during the trek.
We provide twin-sharing lodges that have basic comforts like good beds, mattresses, and clean sheets for you to sleep on. In the lower villages like Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang, you'll have your own private bathroom with hot showers. But as you climb higher up the mountain, the facilities get more basic, and you'll need to share toilets with other trekkers. The rooms also become simpler the higher you go.
Yes, you can buy local NTC and Ncell SIM cards when you're in Kathmandu. A SIM card with 7 to 10 GB of data costs about USD 10 to 15, and one with 20 GB costs USD 15 to 20. With a local SIM card, you can stay connected with your friends, family, and work contacts during your Short Annapurna Circuit trek without any problems.
Yes, you can charge your devices at most tea houses during the Short Annapurna Circuit trek for NPR 200 to 500 per device. But the solar power at high places depends on good weather, so it might not always work well. It's smart to bring a power bank with you as backup so you can charge your phone, camera, and other devices even when the tea house power isn't working.
Yes, most tea houses in Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang have Western-style toilets that you're used to using. You'll find these same toilets at most places along the trek route. During winter, the water pipes can freeze at higher elevations on the mountain, so you might need to use squat toilets instead of the regular ones.
Our Short Annapurna Circuit trek package comes with twin-sharing rooms where you share with another trekker. If you want your own private room, you'll need to pay extra money for it. Getting a private room depends on whether the tea house has one available when you get there, so we can't promise you'll always get one.
You can eat many different types of food at the tea houses during your trek, including Nepali, Indian, Italian, and Chinese dishes. All trekkers can get meals made the way they like them during the Short Annapurna Circuit trek. You can also have desserts and cold drinks if you want them during your meals. All the food is cooked fresh and gives you the energy you need for walking at high altitudes.
Yes, you can get vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals at all the tea houses during the Short Annapurna Circuit trek. If you have food allergies or need special food, tell us before your trek starts so we can help you.
This way, we can talk to the lodges ahead of time and make sure they have the right food for you along the whole route.
Important Note: Tell your guide about any food allergies you have. They will make sure you get safe food that's good for your body and won't make you sick.
You have several ways to get drinking water during the Short Annapurna Circuit trek. We suggest using spring water with the water cleaning tablets that your guide gives you, or bringing a water bottle with a good filter built in.
You can also buy boiled water at the tea houses along the trek route, which is safe to drink. The last choice is buying bottled water, but we don't recommend this option.
Bottled water costs a lot of money and creates plastic waste that hurts the environment in these beautiful mountains.
Yes, we let you change your trek completely to match what you want. You can make the walking pace slower or faster, add extra rest days, and include a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu if you'd like.
We can adjust any trip or trek to fit your needs and preferences perfectly. But you can only customize your schedule if you book a private trip, not if you join one of our group treks with other people.
Yes, we can set up a Kathmandu day tour before or after your Short Annapurna Circuit trek. During this tour, we'll take you to visit some of the most important religious places and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. If you want to stay longer and extend your trip by more than one day, we'll be happy to arrange day tours to Bhaktapur and Patan for you as well.
You should give tips to your guides and porters when you say goodbye to them at the end of your trek. Give them whatever amount feels right based on how much money you have, how happy you were with their work, and how well they helped you. Tipping is a good way to show that you appreciate all their hard work in making your Short Annapurna Circuit trek safe and comfortable.
We suggest bringing NPR 25,000 in cash for extra costs during the Short Annapurna Circuit trek, like Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging your devices, and buying snacks. ATM machines in the high mountain areas often don't work or are turned off. That's why you should get all your cash from ATMs in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start your trek and carry it with you.
