13 days Short Annapurna Round Trekking


Popular
Name Short Annapurna Round Trekking/ Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking/Short Round Annapurna Trekking
Transportation options Flight/Private vehicle/Tourist Bus/Local Transportation as per requirement & budget
Maximum Altitude Thorong –La pass(5416m)
Best Season March-May and September-November
Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu & Pokhara Breakfast Lunch and Dinner during Trekking
Accommodation Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara Tea houses in Trekking.
Trekking hours Approximately 6-7hr a day
Protected Area Annapurna Conservation Area
Major Attractions Annapurna I(8091m) Annapurna II (7937m)Annapurna III (7555m) Machhapuchre/Fishtail (6993m) Manaslu(8156m) Dhaulagiri(8167m) Nilgiri(7061m) Lamjung(6983m)
Annapurna Round Trekking

Short Annapurna Round Trekking advises to drive in the most section of lower Marshyangdi valley, instead of trekking whole region of Annapurna circuit. The trekking has coined its name from the massif Annapurna mountain ranges at the north-west of Nepal.

The short Annapurna round trekking encircles entire Annapurna region, equally driving in lower region and trekking in upper region of Annapurna. For the reason, short Annapurna Round Trekking is also popular as short Annapurna Circuit trekking. Thorong-La pass (5416m) is the highlight of short Annapurna Round Trekking that joins Marshyangdi and Kaligandaki valley, two famous regions in Annapurna Conservation Area.

This short Annapurna round trekking is highly popular among the trekker. Importantly, trekker can experience diversified landscapes, vegetation, culture and tradition of people within a short span of time. The short Annapurna circuit trekking starts by the bank of Marshyangdi river. Usually, with the lower temperate forest of chestnut, walnut, maple around Syange and Chame. The casual and easy trekking gradually enters to Pisang and Manang the popular sub-alpine villages in the region.

Furthermore, the short Annapurna circuit trekking stretches to the alpine landscape of Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi. And finally snowline of Thorong-La pass (5416m). The trekking descends to deep and wide  Kaligandaki valley dominated by Mount Dhaulagiri(8167m) and Mount Annapurna(8091m). Along with other numerous peaks in the horizon. Trekking on two different valleys gives an opportunity to experience an entirely different class of landscape, flora, fauna and human habitat. Plus an opportunity to explore their cultures, traditions, and lifestyles on Himalaya.

People on lower trekking region of short Annapurna round trekking follows Hinduism. Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung are the major cultural community living with great harmony. People of Upper trekking region, especially around Pisang, Ngawal, Braga, and Manang, follow Buddhism similar to Tibetan culture.

The short Annapurna Round Trekking of 13 days is the shortest model of Classic Annapurna Round Trekking of 21 days. We drive on jeep through dusty and gravel road up to Chame and start the trekking in Marshyangdi valley. There is slight risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) for amateur trekkers but is great advantage for general trekkers. Especially, considering the budget and time. Also, there is a possibility for trekker to join side trips for example to Tilicho lake or Nar Phu valley trek during short Annapurna circuit trekking.


Outline Itinerary

Day 1 International Arrival in Kathmandu(1300m)
Day 2 Drive from Kathmandu to Syange(1315m)
Day 3 Drive from Syange to to Chame(2710m)
Day 4 Trek from Chame to Pisang(3300m)
Day 5 Trek from Pisang to Manang(3520m)
Day 6 Acclimatization day in Manang(3520m)
Day 7 Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka(4210m)
Day 8 Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong phedi(4640m)
Day 9 Trek from Thorong phedi to Muktinath(3800m) Via Thorong –La pass(5416m)
Day 10 Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom(2700m)
Day 11 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara(850m)
Day 12 Drive/fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara
Day 13 International Departure

Note: This is a standard itinerary proposed for general trekkers which can be modified until then, that do not violate our business ethics and norms. We will always seek verification from our field experts before approving your itinerary.

Detailed Day to Day Itinerary

30 Min Hotel

We will drive you straight to your hotel in private vehicle as soon as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu. We will give you short briefing on our final agreed program. And if you are the first time traveler in Nepal we will give information about restaurant, ATM, money exchanges and other useful information until we meet for next day.


After your breakfast, we drive to Westside of Nepal on zigzag hilly road by the bank of Trishuli and head north following Marshyangdi river to reach Besisahar from Dumre. It takes 6 hr drive to reach Besisahar a well developed town from where most of the economic and administration works are handled. The ancient and classic trekking used to start from Besisahar but due to road access most of the trekkers drive on jeep to escape trekking on dusty road and save some extra trekking days. Dense tropical forest, numerous waterfalls, terraced paddy fields and towering hills make the driving fun and thrill.


Again we drive from Syange to reach Chame in jeep following the Marshyangdi river. We pass by numerous villages and tea houses while driving in jeep. The landscape gradually changes from tropical forest to lower temperate forest of chir, pine,maple broken by upper temperate forest. Though the road is bumpy, narrow, zigzag but the scenic view of mountain that gradually appears on horizon namely Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and AnnapurnaIV makes a drive little excited. Chame is beautiful large village from where all governmental administrative work is handled and our trekking officially starts.


Leaving behind chortens and mani walls in Chame we trek on rocky and steep canyons for few hours in deep and narrow valley to reach Bhartang.We cross a suspension bridge and climb steep slope in between pine forest for about 2 hour and then the trail becomes more gentle and easy to reach Pisang ; village surrounded by Chulu and Pisang peak.The day becomes clearly interesting as trekking path from Upper temperate region enters to sub alpine region with wide valley accompanied by shallow vegetation.


There are two different routes to reach Manang from Pisang.The ideal route would be upper trail through Gheru and Ngawal since this route offers you the unrestricted parallel view of mountains. Though you need to climb steep for an hour to reach Gheru it is highly recommended for the scenic views of Gangapurna, Pisang peak, AnnapurnaII AnnapurnaIII and Chulu peak on horizon and Marshyangdi valley at deep bottom.Due to poor rainfall and cold weather the sub alpine vegetation seems dry and significantly different with sparse pine trees .The trekking path is easy with small up-downs in between pine trees to reach Ngawal from where it takes about 2 hr hour to reach Manang.


In order to adopt our body with new environment ,humidity,temperature and altitude it is highly important to acclimatize yourself. Manang would be wonderful place to have a rest day in overall considering the altitude and beauty of this region. The forthcoming two days is really challenging part of this trek since we have got pass ahead and we will be gaining more altitude. It is always better to have a easy short hike around rather than staying ideal to avoid altitude sickness. The major mountains that can be noted down today would be Annapurna II, Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m ) to the South, Tilicho (7,132 m) , Chulu West (6,583 m), Chulu East (6,059 m) to the North .


Yak Kaharka literally is a pastureland for the cattle. It will take around 4 hr to reach Yak Kharka from Manang with short and steep climb .You will climb gradually northward leaving the Marshyangdi Valley behind. The trekking continues in open and dry meadows with sparse juniper bushes offering you the magnificent landscape along with AnnapurnaII AnnapurnaIII AnnapurnaIV and Gangapurna .Upon reaching Yak Kharka you may take short hike above the ridges of Yak Kharka to amplify the acclimatization.


You climb gradually up towards the head of Valley to reach the Thorang Phedi which takes around 4 hr trek from Yak Kharka. After crossing the suspension bridge, the winding narrow path continues with the Thorong Khola deep in Thorang Valley. The landscape becomes much more hostile and fragile with steep slopes which have been eaten by ancient glacier and vulnerable to dry landslide. Thorang phedi welcomes you with chorten ,you may relax on your own or can hike up to high camp.


We start early morning since you will have long and relatively hard day. Most importantly, the weather could dramatically change in high altitude. One hour climb from Thorang phedi leads you to High Camp (4830m), where you can take a short tea break to warm yourself. The path seems easy and gentle but the altitude and low oxygen level makes the trekking slower and tiring. After 2 hr walk from High camp, prayer flags could be seen from far away at Thorong-La pass (5416m) which offers the magnificent view of Thorong peak, Yakwakang peak, Chulu west. After congratulating and picture session we trek down about 4 hr to reach Muktinath enjoying the vast Kaligandaki valley.


Muktinath is holy site equally important to Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. It is worthy to visit the Muktinath temple in the morning before descending Jomsom. You can see lot of Hindu and Buddhist people taking bath in icy cold water. You can see massive Mount Dhaulagiri(8167m) and Nilgiri ranges dominating the wide,barren,dusty and windy Kaligandaki valley. While trekking down you can notice the fraction of Trans Himalaya zone. The region is primarily inhabitant of Thakali people. Jomsom and Marpha is the landmark for apple production as well Jomsom is government administrative hub of the region.You can enjoy the last trekking dinner with your guide and porter as tribute to their hard work for making your trekking successful.


In the morning after taking breakfast you will take a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. On reaching Pokhara you can relax on your own walking around lake side or can ask your guide to arrange short sightseeing trip around Pokhara.


From Pokhara either you can take a short flight or take a private transportation to Kathmandu in accordance to the agreement we made before the start of trek.


Our office representative will be in your hotel 3 hour prior your flight time to drop you in Tribhuvan International Airport.


what's included?

  • All Airport Transfers.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara with Bed and Breakfast.
  • Tea House Accommodation during Trekking.
  • 3 Meals in Trekking Breakfast Lunch & Dinner.
  • Air and Road transportation as per the agreement made.
  • All the necessary trekking staffs and porters for the trekking including 1 English speaking guide.
  • All the paper works and documents required for the trekking including all the permits.
  • Sleeping Bag.
  • Salary, wages, food, accommodation and transportation of all the Nepalese staffs during trekking.
  • Insurance of all the Nepalese staffs during trekking.
  • First Aid Kit Bag(specially for Nepali staffs).
  • All local taxes and fares.

What's not included?

  • International Flight Fare.
  • Visa fees.
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory) of all the clients that needs to cover medical and Helicopter evacuation.
  • Expenses of Personal nature (Laundry bill/Telephone bill/Equipment Charging Bill/Bar bill etc).
  • Expenses incurred due to the unexpected situation (Strike/Natural calamities).
  • Tip to trekking staffs.
  • All Expenses not mentioned on Cost Includes section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Annapurna Round Trekking

1. What is short Annapurna Round trekking?
Annapurna Round trekking receives the name after the Annapurna Himalaya range. And the word “round” which generally means encircling the Annapurna Mountains along with other peaks and mountains. Instead of following the lengthy classic route, trekker drives in jeepa round lower section of Marshyangdi valley.

2. How can I start short Annapurna Round Trekking?
You can drive on local or private vehicle to Syange and further drive to Chame next day. Skip the dusty gravel road and start your trekking from Chame for this particular trekking itinerary.

3. What is the landscape features of short Annapurna Round Trekking in general?
The trekking that starts from tropical region with dense forest, terraced crop fields through Marshyangdi valley heads to one of the hostile, unfavorable yet beautiful landscape on ThorongLa pass( 5416m) and descends to Kali Gandaki valley.

4. Why short Annapurna Round Trekking is so popular?
The easy access to one of the most beautiful landscape on Himalaya , dense forest, terraced farm,mixed Nepali culture and tradition plus numerous close views of mountains and peaks has kept this trekking extremely busy.

5. What kind of weather and temperature can I expect during trekking?
The weather and temperature is highly unpredictable on mountain but generally during March April May (spring) and September October November (autumn) you can expect clear and warm day while evening will be cloudy and cold. The temperature is freezing in morning and evening in upper trekking region while lower region has tolerable cold.

6. What equipments do I need to trek to Annapurna Round?
Good pair of trekking boots, thermal wear, fleece jacket, Down jacket, light weight wind cheater, trekking pants and shorts, long sleeve and short sleeves T-shirts, rug sack or duffel bag, personal day bag, gloves, enough pair of socks, sunglasses, headlight, woolen beanie caps, water bottle, personal toiletries , gadgets and books depending on number of days.

7. I am amateur trekker in Nepal, is this trekking suitable for me?
Yes amateur trekker can trek to Annapurna Round under our strict guidelines without any difficulties.

8. How flexible is short Annapurna Round trekking itinerary?
The access of gravel road, considerably makes the trekking days short. So currently, Round Annapurna trekking is one of the most flexible trekking itineraries in Nepal. It has numerous itineraries options. Trekkers can expect in between 13 to 21 days or even more.

9. What if I finish short Annapurna Round trekking before schedule date?
We strongly advise you to follow the agreed final itinerary since we do not refund the trekking money, but somehow if you finish earlier we will always try our best to adjust the reservation of your accommodation and flight but cannot be guaranteed.

10. What permits and documents do I need to trek to Annapurna Round?
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card is required to trek on this region.

11. What kind of food and Room can I expect during short Annapurna Round trekking?
Generally the food is fresh, tasty and can choose wide range of dishes from menu cooked by moderately professional cooks. You will get comfortable and clean common twin bed room throughout trekking but upper trekking region has countable tea houses and is extremely busy so sometime it is really difficult to get good rooms.Not always but sometime you end up spending nights on dormitory or dining hall.

12. What about drinking water during trekking?
Plastic water bottle are available in tea houses but it is highly recommended to avoid plastic bottles and use boil water instead. As well you may buy high grade water purification tablets on your home country or in Nepal.

13. What can I expect from Nepali staff?
Guide speaks good English so there will be no any problem for communication while porter might or might not speak English but you can always speak with your guide to know more about the porter. Nepalese trekking guide are friendly and responsible with good sense of humor so you can open up for any conversation you like.

14. Do I need to buy Medical and evacuation Insurance?
Yes, this is mandatory. You can purchase the insurance policy on your home country or we can assist you to buy the policy in Nepal.

15. Do I need special vaccination or Medical assessment before starting short Annapurna Round trekking?
Generally any kind of vaccination is not required. But,if you have long term health problem and under regular surveillance of your doctor, it is recommended to consult your doctor. Though we provide basic medicines to our Nepalese staff but for you we advise to bring the general medicine from your own country.

16. Is there risk of Acute Mountain sickness (AMS)?
Yes there is always risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) especially for amateur trekkers, if you choose random trekking itineraries. Furthermore, if you do not follow the standard itinerary but we always provide you the best and safe itineraries to avoid this deadly situation.

17. What should I do if I get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
We are always concerned with your safety. We suggest talking with your guide ASAP and descend to safe altitude. And if the situation doesn’t get any better we evacuate you immediately with helicopter. Hence, take you for further medical examination on designated hospitals and clinics.

18. What is the price of short Annapurna Round Trekking ?
We have provided you various options on our website homepage to know approximate price regarding the trekking in Nepal; however there is always room to reach final agreement through private emails if there is any. And we assure you there will be no any extra cost once we reach the agreement.

You are always welcome to send us private messages for the information that you could not find in this section regarding short Annapurna Round Trekking. We will always provide accurate information within 12 hours upon receiving your messages.

CANCELLATION

Free cancellation up to 60 days prior departure, after which the deposit becomes non-refundable.