Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 10-day version of the Classic Annapurna Circuit route. It is built for trekkers who want to cross Thorong La Pass, visit Manang and Muktinath, and finish in Pokhara without walking the full lower circuit.

This trek starts with the arrival in Kathmandu. You then drive to Dharapani and begin walking from the main trail section toward Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and Muktinath. The trip ends in Pokhara on Day 10.

It is shorter than the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, but it is still a serious high-altitude trek. You still cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. You still need good fitness, sound acclimatization, and a steady pace.

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Blue lake with Annapurna II and Annapurna IV

Quick Facts about Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Detail

Information

Trek name

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Duration

10 days

Trek starts

Kathmandu

Walking starts

Dharapani

Trek ends

Pokhara

Highest point

Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m

Main places

Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Pokhara

Trek type

Teahouse trek

Difficulty

Moderate to hard

Best seasons

Spring and autumn

Best for

Time-limited trekkers who want the main Annapurna Circuit high route

Who Is the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek For?

This trek is for people who want the main Annapurna Circuit experience in less time. It works for many trekker types, but the route should match your fitness and comfort with altitude.

This trek can fit:

  • Active first-time trekkers with guide support
  • Trekkers who have done hiking before
  • Travellers with limited days in Nepal
  • Trekkers who want to cross Thorong La Pass
  • Trekkers who want to finish in Pokhara
  • People who want Manang, Muktinath, and the high route without the full lower circuit

This trek may not be the best fit if you want slow travel, more lower-valley walking, or extra buffer days. In that case, the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek may suit you better.

Why Choose the Short Annapurna Circuit Route?

The short route saves time by using road access to Dharapani. This means you skip the lower walking section and start closer to the high route.

You still get the main parts many trekkers come for:

  • Chame and Pisang
  • Manang Valley
  • Acclimatization day in Manang
  • Yak Kharka
  • Thorong Phedi
  • Thorong La Pass
  • Muktinath
  • Finish in Pokhara

The main trade-off is pace. Because the trek is shorter, the route feels more focused. You need to be ready for back-to-back walking days and altitude gain.

Day to Day Itinerary of Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The route follows this order:

Kathmandu → Dharapani → Chame → Pisang → Manang → Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass → Muktinath → Pokhara

This route skips the lower walking days from Bhulbhule and Chamje. It is designed for trekkers who want the high Annapurna Circuit section in a shorter time.

Day 01
Arrival Day in Kathmandu

You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A team member meets you and transfers you to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest or walk around Thamel.

Depending on your arrival time we schedule your meet with the team for a trek briefing. Your guide checks the route plan, permits, gear, safety points, and next morning drive details.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

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Welcome our special guest for Short Annapurna circuit trek second time

Day 02
Drive to Dharapani

After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu toward the Annapurna region. The road follows river valleys, hill towns, and changing terrain as you move toward the Marsyangdi Valley.

The drive is long. Road conditions can change after rain or road works. Dharapani is the starting point of your walking route.

Overnight in Dharapani.

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Chamche waterfall on the way to go Dharapani from Kathmandu

Day 03
Trek to Chame

Today you begin walking. The trail moves through forest, villages, river sections, and uphill parts toward Chame.

Chame is the district center of Manang. It is a good place to feel the shift into the higher Annapurna route. You may see mountain views along the way when the weather is clear.

Overnight in Chame.

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Entry gate of Chame Village 2,670m

Day 04
Trek to Pisang

The trail climbs from Chame toward Pisang. You pass pine forest, narrow valley sections, and high rock faces. The air feels cooler as you move higher.

Pisang gives strong views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and nearby ridges. Depending on the route and conditions, your guide may choose Lower Pisang or a route through the upper side.

Overnight in Pisang.

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Beautiful view of Lamjung himal and Annapurna II just before to reach Dhukur Pokhari On the way to go Pisang

Day 05
Trek to Manang

Today you walk toward Manang, one of the most loved villages on the Annapurna Circuit.

The landscape becomes wide and dry. You may see prayer flags, monasteries, old houses, and mountain views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Chulu peaks, and Tilicho Peak.

This is one of the best cultural and scenic days of the trek. The route may pass near Braga village and monastery before reaching Manang.

Overnight in Manang.

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Ngwal Village perfect stop for Lunch on the way to go Manang from Pisang

Day 06
Acclimatization Day in Manang

This is a rest and acclimatization day. You do not stay in bed all day. Your guide will plan a short hike to help your body adjust to the altitude.

Possible side walks include Gangapurna Lake, a viewpoint near Manang, or Braga village. The exact walk depends on weather, your condition, and local advice.

This day matters because the route climbs higher after Manang. A steady acclimatization plan gives you a better chance of crossing Thorong La safely.

Overnight in Manang.

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Manang Monastery perfect acclimatization place

Day 07
Trek to Yak Kharka

Leave Manang and walk toward Yak Kharka. The trail climbs slowly through open land, pastures, and small settlements.

You should walk slowly today. The route is now above 4,000 meters, so the pace matters more than speed.

Yak Kharka means yak pasture. The village is small and simple. The air is thinner, and nights are colder.

Overnight in Yak Kharka.

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View of Annapurna Himalayan range on the way to go Yakkharka from Manang

Day 08
Trek to Thorong Phedi

Today you walk from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. The trail passes Ledar and climbs through dry highland terrain.

You may cross suspension bridges and walk along sections where the hillsides are loose. Your guide will set the pace and choose safe timing based on weather and trail conditions.

Thorong Phedi sits below Thorong La Pass. This is the base for the pass crossing.

Overnight in Thorong Phedi.

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Information bord in thorang Phedi

Day 09
Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

This is the hardest and most rewarding day of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek.

You start before sunrise and climb toward Thorong La Pass. The pass stands at 5,416 meters. The climb is slow and cold, but the views from the top can be outstanding on a clear day.

After photos and a short rest, descend toward Muktinath. The descent is long, so take care with your knees and footing.

Muktinath is a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. After the pass, the dry Mustang-side scenery feels very different from Manang.

Overnight in Muktinath.

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Way to go thorang la pass in november 2025

Day 10
Drive to Pokhara

After breakfast, drive from Muktinath toward Pokhara. The route passes through the Kali Gandaki Valley and lower hill areas before reaching Pokhara.

This is the final day of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek package. The trip ends in Pokhara.

You can rest by the lakeside, add extra nights in Pokhara, or arrange onward travel based on your plan.

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Dhaulagiri Mounatin range and Muktinath village after complete Thorang la pass (5,416M)

How Hard Is the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is moderate to hard.

The trail does not need climbing ropes or mountaineering skills. The difficulty comes from altitude, cold, walking days, and the Thorong La Pass crossing.

You should be ready for:

  • Several days of walking in a row
  • Long drive to Dharapani
  • Sleeping above 3,000 meters
  • One acclimatization day in Manang
  • Cold night at Thorong Phedi
  • Early start on pass day
  • Long descent to Muktinath

If you can walk 5 to 7 hours on hilly trails and prepare before the trip, this trek can be a good fit.

Can Beginners Do the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes, beginners can do this trek with the right preparation and guide support. But it is not the easiest first trek in Nepal.

A beginner should choose this trek only if they:

  • Have good fitness
  • Can walk uphill for several hours
  • Can handle basic teahouse stays
  • Can follow a slow altitude pace
  • Have the right gear
  • Accept that weather may change the plan

For beginners who want more time to adjust, the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek may be safer and more comfortable.

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On the way to Tilicho lake the best side trip of the Annapurna circuit trek

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Topic

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Duration

10 days

14 days

Walking starts

Dharapani

Bhulbhule

Ends

Pokhara

Kathmandu

Pace

Faster

More gradual

Lower valley walking

Less

More

Main pass

Thorong La

Thorong La

Best for

Less time

Fuller route

Culture exposure

High route focus

Lower and high route

Acclimatization

Manang rest day

More route build-up

  • Choose the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek if you have limited time and want the main high route.
  • Choose the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek if you want a fuller route and more gradual start.

Safety on the Short Annapurna Circuit Route

The short route saves time, but altitude still needs care. The acclimatization day in Manang should not be removed.

Your guide will watch your pace, food intake, water intake, weather, and altitude signs. If weather or health creates risk, the plan may need to change.

Safe trekking means:

  • Walk slowly above Manang
  • Drink enough water
  • Eat even when appetite drops
  • Keep warm at night
  • Start early for Thorong La
  • Listen to your guide
  • Do not rush the pass

Is This Short Annapurna Trek Right for You?

This trek is a good fit if you want the main Annapurna Circuit high route in 10 days and are ready for a steady pace.

It is not the best fit if you want slow travel, many rest days, or the full lower circuit.

Best Time for Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best seasons are spring and autumn.

Spring

March to May is a good time for warmer weather and mountain views. Lower areas can have rhododendron blooms. Higher areas may still be cold.

Autumn

September to November is the most popular season. The air is often clear after the monsoon. Trails are busier, but mountain views are strong.

Winter

Winter is colder. Snow may affect Thorong La Pass. A winter trek needs a flexible plan.

Monsoon

Monsoon can bring rain, landslides, and road delays. Some high areas sit in a rain-shadow zone, but access roads can still be affected.

Accommodation and Food on the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

This is a teahouse trek. You sleep in local lodges on the trail. Rooms are basic. In high places, toilets may be shared, and rooms can be cold at night.

Food is simple and filling. Common meals include dal bhat, noodles, soup, fried rice, potatoes, eggs, porridge, tea, and coffee.

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Guest House in Timang on the way to go Tilicho lake

What to Pack for Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Bring clothing for warm lower areas and cold high areas.

Pack:

  • Down jacket
  • Fleece or warm mid-layer
  • Base layers
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Trekking pants
  • Warm hat
  • Sun hat
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking poles
  • Hiking boots
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Personal medicine
  • Daypack
  • Duffel bag

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