Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short - 15 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 15 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 5,416 m / 17,764 ft. Walking Per Day: 5-6hrs
Accommodation: N/A grade Grade: Fair Strenuous
Best Season: Autumn and Spring Group Size: 1
Mode: Tent-Camp/Lodge Culture: Sherpa, Tamang, Magar, Gurung

The Annapurna Circuit Trek in the western region of Nepal is one of the best trekking trails in the world. This provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in its unmatched natural beauty and gain insights into Buddhist and Hindu culture. During our Annapurna Circuit Trek, we encircle the whole Annapurna Himalaya passing through beautiful forests, picturesque landscapes, striking waterfalls, deep gorges, shining glaciers, diverse cultures, and pristine lakes with awesome views of the snow-capped Himalayas all the way.

A special Trekking Permit will be arranged to enter Annapurna Conservation Area, where we discover unique flora and fauna. The route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek involves crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m/17,770ft which is a great challenge and will provide rewarding memories that will last forever.

Getting Started: Annapurna Circuit Trek

Our Annapurna Circuit Trek commences shortly after a short sightseeing tour around culturally rich Kathmandu valley. Firstly, we take a drive to Dharapani via Besisahar from Kathmandu on a newly constructed road. Then our trekking kicks off as we hike from Dharapani towards Chame. The trail passes through the Annapurna conservation area surrounded by enchanting mountains with a massive glacial plateau in the center. As we gain altitude, the vegetation around us slowly changes from dense forests to small shrubs; finally, we arrive at a point similar to a Tibetan plateau called Manang. There we can get insights into Tibetan influenced culture and traditions and also acclimatize for a day.

Thorong La Pass and Muktinath

Analyzing your fitness level and physical skills, our trek leader will decide whether to stop at Thorong Phedi or push onwards towards the Thorong high camp for an overnight stay. We will then cross Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. Thorong La Pass blesses us with stunning views of Annapurna, Kali Gandaki valley, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks as never seen before.

The trail further leads us to Muktinath, the pilgrimage site where we can see a perfect unification of Hinduism and Buddhism. We then visit the red monastery at Kagbeni where we can view the golden book of the Dalai Lama. Then we descend towards Marpha, the apple kingdom famous for local apple products. We will then take a dip at Tatopani, a natural hot spring for relaxation.

Ending the short and memorable trek in Nepal

While we return back after the end of our Annapurna Circuit Trek, we get the remembrance of all Annapurna Himalayan ranges from Ghorepani Poon Hill Viewpoint which is famous for best sunrise views. We descend towards the Gurung inhabited village of Ghandruk and get back into Pokhara. In this way, our trek ends and we drive or fly back to Kathmandu.


Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
    • Meals :Lunch / Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel

     

  • Day 2 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
    • Duration :Half Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Kathmandu Durbar Square

      » Boudhanath

      » Pashupatinath

    • Highlights :

      » Sightseeing at Kathmandu

      » UNESCO World Heritage Sites

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Equipment checking and briefing about the trek

     

  • Day 3 Kathmandu to Chame(2,710 m/ 8,891 ft) via Besisahar(760m/2,493ft)
    • Duration :10-11 hrs (241Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Transportation :Private 4WD Jeep
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Descend :605m/1,984ft
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Besisahar

      » Tal

      » Dharapani

      » Chame

    • Highlights :

      » Waterfall

      » Landscapes

      » Marshyangdi Rivers

     

  • Day 4 Chame to Pisang(3,200m/10,498ft)
    • Duration :5 hrs (13Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :490m/1,607ft
    • Location :

      » Chame

      » Bratang

      » Dhukurpokhari

      » Pisang

    • Highlights :

      » Apple Garden

      » Apple Agro farm

      » Annapurna II View

      » Lamjung Himal View

      » Buddhist Monasteries

      » Pine Forest

     

  • Day 5 Pisang to Ngawal(3,660m / 11,482 ft)
    • Duration :7 hrs(12Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Ngawal Mountain Home
    • Ascend :460m/1,509ft
    • Location :

      » Pisang

      » Deurali Dada

      » Ghyaru

      » Ngawal

    • Highlights :

      » Green Lake

      » Pisang Peak

      » Panoramic View of Annapurna II, III, IV

     

  • Day 6 Ngawal to Manang(3,500m/11,482 ft)
    • Duration :5 hrs(9Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :350m/1,148ft
    • Location :

      » Ngawal

      » Mugje

      » Braka

      » Manang

    • Highlights :

      » Braka Village( Typical Buddhist Village)

      » Landscapes

      » Marshyangdi River

      » Mountain Scenery

     

  • Day 7 Manang Acclimatization Day | Ice lake Trekking | Day Hike
    • Duration :Whole Day
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :1,060m/3,477ft
    • Descend :1,060m/3,477ft
    • Location :

      » Manang

      » Braka

      » Ice Lake

    • Highlights :

      » Old monasteries

      » Ice Lake

      » Views of Annapurna Ranges

     

  • Day 8 Manang to Ledar(4,200m/ 13,779ft)
    • Duration :5 hrs(7-8Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :660m/2,165ft
    • Location :

      » Manang

      » Ghusang

      » Yak Kharka

      » Ledar
       

    • Highlights :

      » Mountain

      » Similar faces with Tibetan Culture

      » Landscapes

      » Glacier Lake

      » Wildlife

      » Typical Villages

      » High Altitude Hike

     

  • Day 9 Ledar to Thorong High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft ) via Thorong Phedi(4,420m /14,501 ft)
    • Duration :6 hrs(5-6Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :725m/2,378ft
    • Location :

      » Ledar

      » Thorong Phedi

      » High Camp

    • Highlights :

      » Himalayan range view

      » Gorgeous Landscapes

      » Snow Leopard

      » Mountain Thar

      » Blue Sheep

     

  • Day 10 Thorong High Camp to Muktinath(3,800m/12,467 ft) via Thorong La Pass(5,416 m / 17,764 ft)
    • Duration :8-9hrs(12-13Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :491m/1,610ft
    • Descend :1,616m/5,302ft
    • Location :

      » Thorong High Camp

      » Thorong La Pass

      » Muktinath

    • Highlights :

      » Glacier Walk

      » Panoramic view of Annapurna Ranges

      » One of the most popular and famous Passes in Nepal

      » Achievement of a lifetime ( High Altitude)

      » 108 Taps

      » Jwala Mai(Gas Flame)

      » Pilgrims

      » Nun Leading Monastery

     

  • Day 11 Muktinath to Tatopani(Hot Spring)(1,200m/3,937 ft) via Drive
    • Duration :5-6hrs(80Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
    • Transportation :4WD Jeep/Bus
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :2,600m/8,530ft
    • Location :

      » Muktinath

      » Jharkot

      » Kagbeni

      » Jomsom

      » Marphak

      » Kalopani

      » Larjung

      » Ghasa

      » Rukse Chhahara(Waterfall)

      » Tatopani

    • Highlights :

      » Hot Springs

      » 108 Taps

      » Landscapes

      » Cold Desert

      » Jeep Ride

      » View of Dhaulagiri Mountain and Annapurna I

      » Pine Forest

      » Ice Fall

      » Thakali Culture

      » Salt Trade Spot

     

  • Day 12 Tatopani to Ghorepani(2,860m/9,383ft)
    • Duration :7-8hrs (13-15Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :1,660m/5,446ft
    • Location :

      » Tatopani

      » Sikha Ghara

      » Chitre

    • Highlights :

      » Waterfall

      » Typical Nepali Village

      » Mountain Sceneries

      » Rhododendron Forest

      » Pine Forest

      » Foods

     

  • Day 13 Ghorepani to Pokhara(810m/2,657ft) via Poon Hill(3,210m/10,531)
    • Duration :7-8hrs (13-14Km Walking) and 1.5hrs (44Km Drive)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :2,000m/6,561ft
    • Location :

      » Ghorepani

      » Poon Hill

      » Ulleri

      » Nayapul

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Sunrise view from Poon Hill

      » Panoramic View of Mountains

      » Dense Rhododendron Forest

      » Bushes

      » Pine Forest

     

  • Day 14 Pokhara to Kathmandu
    • Duration :200Km (5-6hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :710m/2,329ft
    • Location :

      » Pokhara

      » Malekhu

      » Dhading

      » Kathmandu

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Farewell Dinner in the evening

     

  • Day 15 Departure Day
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick-up and drop service(Private Vehicle depending upon the Group Size)
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu(with Breakfast)
  • 1-night Hotel in Pokhara(with Breakfast)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Transportation costs: Public Bus (Kathmandu – Besisahar), Private Jeep(Besisahar – Dharapani), Private Vehicle(Nayapul-Pokhara), and Tourist Bus(Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • First aid medical box
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Airport Pick-up and drop service(Private Vehicle depending upon the Group Size)
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu(with Breakfast)
  • 1-night Hotel in Pokhara(with Breakfast)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • Breakfast during the trek
  • Transportation costs: Public Bus (Kathmandu – Besisahar), Private Jeep(Besisahar – Dharapani), Private Vehicle(Nayapul-Pokhara), and Tourist Bus(Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • First aid medical box
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets
  • Foods in Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses(internet, laundry, battery charge, donation, etc)
  • All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets
  • Foods in Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • All meals during the trek except for breakfast
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses(internet, laundry, battery charge, donation, etc)
  • All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guide and porters

Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short Map

map of Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 15 days Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short Review

Nepalk Mountain Trekkers - bespoke trek Muktinath to Pokhara

Marilyn S
Marilyn S
Source:Trip Advisor

Truly amazing trek based on my previous experience to many little visited areas & with minimal use of roads . Our guide TB was clearly very experienced, & very accommodating of our bespoke itinerary & slower pace for two mature ladies. He was very tolerant & seemed to enjoy aspects of our trek which took us to many areas with spectacular scenery & few or no tourists. TB was so versatile that he "borrowed" kitchens & supplies in villages to whip up lunch when we found ourselves in places with no lodges. He also understood that we were keen to stay in lodges with optimum views. Our 2 porters Sunil & Sudip were a real bonus - both spoke English & were unfailingly helpful & good natured. I have done many Nepali treks & it is unusual to find such a good crew. Ramesh was always prompt in answering my questions whilst planning the trek from London.

Not too Cold.nice scenery through Mountain villages.delicious food Dhal bat

Wolfgang F
Wolfgang F
Source:Trip Advisor

Nice trek for Nepal newcomers 8days Not too Hard.guide Krishna Was very helpful and we hat good time.luckily no rain at that time

Utterly fantastic

AEML
AEML
Source:Trip Advisor

Highly, highly recommend NMT! I’m delighted to say that Suman started as a guide and after a month of treks and trips in Nepal, ended as a friend. My wife and I landed in Kathmandu having done research but not booked anything and Suman took us through all the options and routes for various regions before joining us on two treks - one in Kathmandu valley and one on the Annapurna Circuit.

Suman was amazing to trek with, taught us some Nepali and even invited us to spend Christmas in his home with his family which was lovely.

I’ll be returning to Nepal and will be delighted to see Suman and the team again!

Trekking

Andreas N
Andreas N
Source:Trip Advisor

Am Flughafen sofort freundlich abgeholt und alles von vorne bis zur Abreise super geplant. Die Menschen sehr freundlich und vorkommen. Unserer Geit super Mensch und sehr gut alles in Englisch erklärt der Gepäckträger wie ein Top sportler. Wir werde in paar Jahren wieder kommen.

En dehors des sentiers battus

Alexandre P
Alexandre P
Source:Trip Advisor

J'ai découvert cette agence de Trekking par hasard et je n'ai vraiment pas été déçu. Je voulais faire un trek pour découvrir la culture local en dehors des habituels treks très (trop) fréquentés et ils m'ont proposé un trek sur mesure correspondant vraiment à ma demande. Je suis parti seul avec un guide vraiment très sympathique et professionnel qui est devenu un ami. Ce trek ma fait découvrir la culture du Népal. Nous dormions chez l'habitant et j'ai pu ainsi découvrir le mode de vie et les coutumes des Népalais. Je n'ai pas vu un seul touriste pendant les 6 jours de mon trek et les personnes rencontrées étaient vraiment accueillantes et intriguées par ma présence. Rien à voir avec le contact ressentie lors des treks sur les sentiers classiques des Annapurna par exemple. Je recommande vivement cette agence sérieuse qui propose des treks à la découverte du Népal authentique.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short - 15 days

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