Why choose the Nepal Hiking Team?
- The most trusted and innovative trekking agency since 2009 AD.
- Licensed guides with more than ten years of experience, extensive knowledge of local culture, and the necessary safety training.
- Recognized by TripAdvisor for our experience and dedication to excellence, ranked as the no. 1 trekking agency in Nepal.
- Budget-friendly and comfortable accommodations are guaranteed.
- A substantial network of local vendors to ensure the best deals possible.
- Immediate response from our dedicated travel consultants.
- Detailed and transparent pricing without any hidden charges.
- A greater focus on well-being, boasting a 99% safety record.
- Committed to supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy.
- Employment for deserving youths from rural communities.
Best time for the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is almost conducted throughout the year. But the best time to go is spring and autumn.
Spring (March, April & May) is one of the most popular times to go on this trek. With rhododendrons and wildflowers in full bloom, it’s the best time to experience nature at its best. This is also a perfect time to see local farming communities in full swing.
Autumn (September, October & November) is another best time to go trekking here. You can witness perfect weather with a moderate climate all around. You can witness Mount Annapurna perfectly during this time with clear skies and stunning panorama.
You can also go on this trek during the summer as well. If you want to see greeneries and wildflowers in their natural form then this might be the perfect time for you.
Avoid end of December to end of February for the Annapurna Circuit. Heavy snowfall can block passes and trails, making trekking unsafe and challenging.
Why is Annapurna Circuit Short Trek good for you?
- It is one of the adventurous trekking routes in Nepal
- This trekking route is quite challenging for a person.
- They have comfortable accommodations all over the route.
- It is a perfect high-altitude hike for beginners
- Stunning and Picturesque mountain views
- Witness a rich culture and traditional experience
- Get Diverse culture, landscape, terrain, or ecology.
Physical Fitness
As this route is quite challenging and strenuous, you have to be physically fit to go on it. It consists of difficult paths and steep trails. This trek will take you to an elevation of more than 5000 meters, so you might need to be physically and mentally sound.
Nepal Visa Information
It is important to note the details of the visa-acquiring process. Indians do not require a visa, whereas it is compulsory for all foreigners.
Requirements for the visa application are as follows:
- You need a valid passport with at least six months left before it expires and a passport-size photo. Make sure it has at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
- You must apply for your visa before reaching Nepal. Click here to apply.
- You can pay the visa fee with either cash or a credit card. You can get a 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa by paying US $50 or its equivalent in foreign currency. Another option is a 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa that costs US $135.
- Online visa applications will remain in the system for only 15 days. The system will automatically delete it after 15 days. Thus, we recommend you to submit the visa application only 15 days before your arrival date in Nepal.
- People from Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Cameroon, Swaziland, Iraq, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Palestine on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport may not get visas from the immigration in Nepal. Please ensure that you contact your local Nepalese embassy to complete your visa application process.
- You can also contact the Nepal Embassy or Nepal Consulate in your country for prior information regarding visa requirements.
Arrive and Departure
Almost all the countries are connected via air to Nepal. Once you arrive at the Airport, our representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will pick you up at the gate. They’ll drive you to your hotel, and help with your check-in. Our package includes a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu for two nights. Normally, Woodapple Hotel and Spa or similar. The hotel is within walking distance of all the major attractions.
After your trip concludes, you will be dropped off at the airport from the hotel for your departure.
Trekking Permits
To go on this Trek, you’ll need a special pass to enter this region:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Trekkers' Information Management Systems (TIMS)
These permits are all included in your package so no extra charges will apply.
Trek gears Preparation
For your Annapurna Circuit trek with Nepal Hiking Team, pack sufficient hiking clothes due to no laundry on the trail. Proper gear is essential for safety and comfort.
For a tailored packing list, check out on our detailed guide.
Accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
During your overnight stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara you’ll be accommodated in a 3-star hotel located in the tourist hub. It’s situated near shops, restaurants, currency exchange centers, banks, and ATMs.
While on your trek, you’ll find lodges along the way. They are usually family-run establishments and have a common form of accommodation. It may consist of squat toilets or western-styled toilets depending on the establishment.
They are basic and provide basic amenities with most places having attached bathrooms and comfortable beds. It is recommended to carry a sleeping bag with you.
There is a wood fireplace in the dining or kitchen area, so you can be warm during the cold nights.
Meals during Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
Your breakfast is complimentary in Kathmandu and served buffet style inside the hotel. However, lunch and dinner are not included so you’ll have to arrange it on your own.
During the trek, your meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner) are included in the package. You’ll be offered an assortment of dishes along the way. The most common is Dal Bhat (Steamed rice with lentil soup) with either vegetables or Non-vegetarian options, as well as vegan options.
Note: If you’re allergic to anything or only have gluten-free foods, you should tell your guide.
Drinking Water Option on the Trek
You should have at least 3 to 4 liters of water each day to protect your body from dehydration.
Even though plastic water bottles are available, we recommend against buying them. That’s why they have set up safe water stations in different places. You can fill up your water bottles with it for clean drinking water here.
You can also use purification tablets or portable filtration tools as well. Our guides will have purification tablets with them so you can ask if you filled your bottle with natural spring or tap water. So we recommend you fill up your water bottles at filling stations or lodges.
Transportation to/from Kathmandu
You drive starts from Kathmandu to Dharapani in a private vehicle. After your trek concludes, you’ll be transported to Pokhara from Muktinath via a private jeep. And then from Pokhara, you take a flight back to Kathmandu. The cost of all transportation is included in our package.
Acclimatization
We prioritize safety and adhere to all safety protocols. This trek can reach altitudes of up to 5,400 meters, so our itinerary includes a day for acclimatization in Manang village. Our experienced guides will adjust the trekking pace to suit your speed and stamina.
Trip Safety during Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
During this trek, our experienced guides, who have numerous years of experience in trekking, will accompany you. In the event of an emergency, our guide will be well-equipped to handle the situation and make informed decisions. Additionally, all our guides carry first-aid packs for immediate medical attention.
Internet & Mobile Network
The mobile coverage is pretty good in this route. The network and internet infrastructure in this region is much better. There is availability of Wi-Fi in lodges which might be chargeable. You can use sim cards from providers like NCELL and NTC to buy an internet package. This might be cheaper to do than pay for Wi-Fi at every place you stay.
Where to buy SIM cards? You can buy SIM cards inside the airport, or in Kathmandu. Make sure you have a passport copy and a photograph.
Electricity and use to travel adaptors on the trek
All the lodges have electricity and you can charge your electronic devices there. However, keep in mind that charging is very limited and may not even work sometimes due to technical difficulties. The lodges usually charge a fee for the charging stations and the price may vary to places. During peak season, you may have to wait to charge your device because of the high demand in the charging facility. We recommend you bring a power bank or battery pack as a backup in case of a power outage or limited charging facilities.
In Nepal, there is no flat-pronged wall mount. There are two types of plugs: Two pins and three pins. The average voltage output varies between 220 volts to 240 volts and 50 Hz frequency. You can get a universal adapter to suit all the criteria.
Hot Shower Aaiblibity
You can take a hot shower in all the lodges during the trek. In most of the places, you pay a certain charge for the hot water. If you have a private room with attached bathrooms, you can shower easily. But if there is a common shared bathroom then showering might be difficult because everyone wakes up at the same time as you do. So make sure you get some wet wipes, just in case.
Money for the trek
You can exchange or withdraw the amount in Kathmandu or Pokhara. As there are no ATMs or banks during the trek so, you’ll need to carry cash during the trip. For your expenses, approximately 25,000 NPR would be enough. You have to use Nepalese Rupees in everything that you use or buy along the way, such as showers, snacks, charging stations, Internet/Wi-Fi, etc. An ATM typically has a daily withdrawal limit of NPR 30,000 to 50,000.
At the end of your trip, you can tip your guide and porter for their dedication toward your journey. You can tip any amount according to the level of satisfaction with their services.
Trekking Crew
We employ only experienced guides and porters who are well-trained and adequately licensed. Our guides have completed their training and their mountain guide licenses from TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal). And also received their training from NATHM (Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management). They have years of experience in guiding several big and small groups.
As for our porters, we think about their welfare as well. We make sure their load doesn’t exceed the permissible limit. They are paid fair wages and actively work for their welfare (sponsoring their training, education of their kids, etc.).
Is Travel Insurance Needed for this Trek?
We recommend proper insurance coverage for your trip to Nepal. It should include provisions for high-altitude rescues (the Maximum elevation of this trip is 5400 meters), evacuation services, hospital costs, accidents, and injuries. Also, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully.
Here are some examples based on our experiences
- USA and Canada: Tugo, United Health Care, World Nomad, Blue Cross
- Australia and New Zealand: Fast Cover, Allianz Australia
- Singapore: Ergo, World Nomad (Explore plan level 3)
- Europe: Europe Assistance, Austrian Alpine Club, Allianz Europe
- India: ICICI Lombard
Disclaimer: Our recommendations are just a suggestion. You can purchase travel insurance from any other company. However, we advise you to review each policy in detail before purchasing.
Private/Group Tours
At Nepal Hiking Team, we organize private as well as group tours. A single-person private trek will incur an additional cost, whereas a private tour of two or more people will not incur any additional charges.
Private tours are flexible which allows you to set your schedule, sticking to the itinerary. Similarly, group tours might consist of 2 to 10 people from different Countries so you get to interact with different people.
Trip Extensions
If you want to extend your trip beyond trekking, the Nepal Hiking Team has a variety of tour packages to suit your preferences. You could either extend your trip to Pokhara for a leisure day after your trek or you can go to Chitwan for a wildlife tour.
You can do some adventure sports like Bungee Jumping, Rafting or zip lines as well. You can browse through our website to learn more about our packages. Whatever your preference may be, you have an array of choices to be made.
Responsible Travel
Here at Nepal Hiking Team, we promote a responsible and stable trekking practice. We aim to organize a more sustainable trip by supporting local businesses and providers. Our efforts aim at boosting local economies by directing resources to local ventures.
Even during trekking, we focus more on local tea houses and homestays operated by the local families. We also focus on environmental friendliness and safe choices throughout the trek. We maximize the use of reusable materials and minimize the use of plastics. We strictly refrain our trekkers from littering along the trail.
What are the best tips for a successful Annapurna Circuit Short Trek?
- Prepare yourself physically and mentally 2 to 3 months before venturing into this journey.
- Carry protein bars and dried fruits to snack on top of the mountains.
- Don’t let your body face dehydration and digestive discomfort. Avoid eating junk foods, alcohol, expired snacks, or dairy products at all costs.
- Be responsible for your travel. Avoid bottled water and other plastics for ecological safety and to maintain the beauty of the place.
- Follow expert guidance and take enough time for acclimatization. If you experience symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), contact your guide as soon as possible.
- Explore the Nepali culture and traditions through our guides and local people.
- Choose the best time for your travels to see the mesmerizing view much better.
- Make an early booking to get the best possible accommodation and experience for this route.
- Freely appreciate your guides with tips for their support – a common practice in Nepal.
- Extend your travel plan with one of our tour packages leading to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, or Chitwan.
Thank you for considering the Nepal Hiking Team for your upcoming adventure. We're here to assist you every step of the way, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need help finalizing your trip.
