Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 15 days

Duration
15 days
Activities
Trekking
Grade
Moderate
Altitude
5416 m.
Group Size
2-10 persons
Best seasons
Around the years

The Sort Annapurna Circuit Trek is intended for those who have limited time and desire to ascend above 5000 meters.Without a question, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the Himalayas' most rewarding hikes. It gives visitors the chance to see Nepal's southern and northern Himalayan beauty. Rhododendron woods, a sparse Tibetan Highland environment, and a variety of ethnic groups can be encountered along the road.Before crossing the Thorong-La (5407 m), we ascend to the significant trading settlement of Manang (3351 m) on our northward trek.

Line after line of snowy mountains stretch out in front of you as you approach the pass, and far below you is the subtropical Kali Gandaki Gorge.We descend to Muktinath and its revered Buddhist and Hindu shrines from the heights of the Pass. As you go further south, towering windswept passes are replaced by woods or mandarin and banana groves, highlighting the difference between them and the Nepal Himalaya.Finally, we make our way out of the gorges and turn to face the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains before descending to Pokhara by way of forested hills.

Highlights


Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft).

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport Adventure Magic Trek's representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner in  Nepalese restaurant in the centre of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.

Day 2:

Drive to Beshishahar ( 5 hours ).

This morning we leave Kathmandu for our long trek to Annapurna. Drive by local bus to Beshishahar through the beautiful Nepalese countryside. Beshishahar is big town and district headquarters of the Lamjung District, explore the surrounding area and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3:

Drive to Syange one and half an hour and Taal for overnight ( 1800m).

After a breakfast drive to Syange, from there trek goes continues gradually uphill from the river and the last steep climb to get to Jagat for lunch stop. From here an hour further walk on rocky path & long scenic waterfall across the river and finally brings you at Chamje fwher you will have tea break then wlak to  countinuee to reach to Taal for Overnight.

Day 4:

Trek to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft), 5-6 hrs walk.

From Chamje a short walk brings to a suspension bridge over the raging Marshyangdi river, after crossing the bridge it's another steep climb for another 2-3 hours till Tal, the village is situated on the gorge-valley by the side of the river Marshyangdi and decorated with beautiful waterfall & sandy spread river. Further trek follows the upstream up to the Dharapani, which is through the rocky trails and crossing few suspension bridges and small teashops bring you at quite large village at Dharapani for the overnight at hotel.

Day 5:

Trek to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft), 6-7 hrs walk.

We continue our trek further to Chame. From where changing the vegetation, people and the landscapes changes and the air will gets cooler, the trail then climb through pine forests to Bagarchhap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. After a pleasant walk to Bagarchhap, the altitude slowly gains as we come at Danaque and to the alpine region passing through farm, orchards and beautiful pine forest with views of towering peaks of Lamjung and Annapurna II, the trail follows the river Marshyangdi upstream passing by the villages of Latamanang and Koto before further half an hour brings you at Chame for overnight at the hotel. This is head quarter of Manang district with grand view of Annapurna II.

Day 6:

Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,496ft), 5-6 hrs walk.

The trails leads from the other side of the river on the northern bank passes through pine woods and small villages with few ups and downs till you reach the orchard village of Bhartang for apple garden. We continue on the gradual path up to a bridge, from the bridge a short steep climb through the pine forest brings you at the top of the ridge of Dhukur Pokhari for the lunch. After walking out of the tree line a great view of Pisang peak on the north and the Chulu peak can be seen with Pisang village below you, from this top a gentle descent of one hour brings you to windswept village of Pisang for overnight. Evening visit upper Pisang for the Tibetan style of houses and monastery with panoramic view of the Annapurna range and valley.

Day 7:

Trek to Manang (3,500m/11,482ft), 4-5 hrs walk.

The trek starts with pleasant walk through pine forest and the scenic view. The walk climbs gently up for half an hour and reaching the top, stop at a ridge to get our first view of the Manang valley, This grand spot offers a spectacular views of the valleys, Humde village with it's short air-strip and the great peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II & III, Tilicho and on the right Chulu east, on the back Pisang peak. The walk forward to Humde and pleasant walk up to the Braga village for traditionally built up Tibetans style of houses and if can be visited the monastery, it has an outstanding display of statues, Thanka paintings and the religious manuscripts. From here it is only an hour walk to Manang for the overnight.

Day 8:

Acclimatization day at Manang (3,500m/11,482ft).

Today is full of rest for acclimatize and explore Manang. The village of about 500 flat-roofed houses is the picturesque set amongst some spectacular scenery -Annapurna II, Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Gangapurna (7,454 meters) to the South - Tilicho (7,132 meters) and the Grand Barrier to the West - Chulu West (6,583 meters) and Chulu East (6,059 meters) to the North. After explore and relaxing day at Manang, visit Himalayan Rescue Association and if needed go for movie show.

Day 9:

Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft), 3-4 hours walk.

After a wonderful time at Manang, the trail leads to a slow climb up for an hour to the Tenki Manang for enclose view of the Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho peak. The track gently winds up offering inspiring views and through terrains with juniper bushes as the only surviving vegetation around this region and will brings you at Yak-Kharka for the overnight.

Day 10:

Trek to Throng Phedi (4,400m/14,432), 3-4 hrs walk.

We start our trek with slow and own pace to get to Phedi. We still have same amazing view of mountains and landscapes. After an hour walk reaches at Ledar and continues to climb along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge to get a small tea shop. We stop for wonderful view and tea breaks, we follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope before heading to Thorong Phedi for the overnight. Phedi, which means 'foot of the hill', is a common Nepali name for any settlement at the bottom of a long climb.

Day 11:

Trek to to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft) via Throng La (5,416m/17,765 ft), 7-8 hrs walk.

Today is longest and hardest day of the whole trip. We start our walk early in the morning with packed lunch and the trail becomes steepest initially and reaches at high camp. Walk on your own pace viewing with sunrise and glimpse of the mountains. We continuing walk to the top takes 3-4 hrs to the Throng top and with a great feeling of victory take a short breaks for picturesque scenery and down to the Mustang part of mountains and the Kaligandaki valley far below to the West. Finally, we made to Muktinath after 7-8 hrs long walk and overnight at lodge.

Day 12:

Driver to tatopani for overnight..

We visit temple in the morning and drive to Jomsom that will be 1 and half an hour drive,Once you reach to Jomsom you will change another bus to  go tatopani that will be 4 hours drive.you can take bath in Natural Hotspring at tatopani

Day 13:

Drive to Pokhara.

After breakfast you will drive to Pokhara  it will be 7 hours drive.

Day 14:

Drive to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), 5-6 hrs drive.

Early morning drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful Nepalese countryside to reach the Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the time relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.

Day 15:

Departure from Kathmandu.

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.


Inclusion

Cost Inclusive:

Cost Inclusive

  • Airport arrival and departure by private vehicle
  • Deluxe twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar -syange and jomsom to pokhara by local bus
  • Pokhara-kathmandu by tourist bus
  • Nayapul to Pokhara by private vehicle
  • Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
  • Accommodation on teahouse/lodge during the trek
  • Trek leader (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa helper and all payments
  • Annapurna Conservation entry fee and permit
  • Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag
  • Exclusive medical kit bag
  • All government and local taxes.

Exclusion

Cost Exclusive

Cost Exclusive

  • Departure taxes
  • Lunch and dinner in city
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
  • Tips for driver, guides and porters.

Helpful Info

What Type of Trek is This?

This is tea house trekking tour thus you will be eating ans sleeping at the tea houses  during your trekking period.

A Day on Trek  

Each morning after packing our bags and a healthy breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before retiring for a well-earned sleep.

Meals and Accommodation

In Kathmandu we use 2 star  hotel to ensure a comfortable stay and relaxed environment before and after your trip. All breakfasts are included at the hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms are generally twin share - depending on group size and room availability, triple share may be offered to your request.

While on the trek, we provide good quality food in sufficient quantities from Tea Houses/Mt. lodges. We provide all meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and tea & coffee) from the teahouse menu during the trekking period.  Most of the  accommodation is in guesthouses which are basic structures, generally with shared facilities but very comfortable. In some guesthouses, showers are available; where there are no showers; there are private facilities in which you can sponge bath.

Luggage while on Trekking

During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or cross breeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kgs, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors.

Ground Leader and Crew

1) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable)
2) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)
The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. On camping trek, there will be 2/3 porters for each members while on GAP and on Lodge trek 1 porter for 2 members.

Join a group or private Trip:

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our ‘departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time).

If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.

Group Size and Fixed Departure Date:

If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 15 people.

Personal Expenses

Personal expenses depend largely on the type of trek, duration and the trekking region.

If you are on Camping or Tea house trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).

If you are on ‘GAP’ trek style you need to pay for all your meals. NPR 1000-1500 a day should be enough to cover your meals. We pay for your accommodation at mountain hut (tea house) along the trail and bear all the expenses of staff assigned by us.

Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 5 - 10% of the total tour cost as tips.

Flight and Transfers

In our package drive to beshisahar by tourist bus  and  drive back from pokhara  to Kathmandu is inclusive but if you wish to travel by private can let us know .

Communication  and Electricity:

While trekking in the remote parts, you may not have an access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, en route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working.  There is  electricity  facility entire trekking trails in Nepal  thus  there won’t be any problem  to re-charge your battery and  cameras.If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, Adventure Magic Treks can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).

Climate and Best Time to go .

The best seasons to trek in the Annapurna region are Autumn (from mid-September till November end) and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. The nights are cold (between -20 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking in the winter is possible; however, it is much colder than Autumn and Spring.

March, April, October and November are the most popular and favored months for traveling. Please choose the date that is convenient for you.

Itinerary Changes

The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.

You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.

Trek Duration  

We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.

Vaccinations

As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.

First Aid Kid  

We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.

Altitude :

Altitude Sickness has the potential to affect all travelers from 2500m and higher our itinerary is planned in such a way that you make very gradual ascend, spending some days at a low elevation to build necessary acclimatization before walking up to Annapurna south base camp at 4130m (the highest point on this trek). When you are at high altitude, your body needs time to adjust to smaller quantities of oxygen in the air at 5500m/18,044ft; the air pressure is approximately half that of sea level, i.e. there is half the amount of oxygen.

Check out "Altitude illness" by Dr Jim Duff

Rescue and   Evacuations

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

Insurance

Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation.

Responsible Travel

Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Adventure Magic Treks , we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible.
As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strew with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry out all our garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.

Trip Extensions

In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try water rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tour. You may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan, whichever seems more appealing to you. Since the trek ends in Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, it would be nice and relaxing for you to spend a day or two taking in the sights and sounds of this scenic city.

Social Responsibility

Adventure Magic Treks  works with the motto ‘Development through Tourism’. Keeping in line with this motto, Adventure Magic  Community Service Project  was imagine to authorize deprived, marginalized, poor and minority section of Nepal.

Staff’s Care:

We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We are the first ever company to supply high-altitude porters with crampons. Therefore we are lifetime member of Keep.

Booking conditions:

  1. It is fundamental you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken only as a guideline. We can not be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, Adventure Magic shall provide suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Adventure Magic Trek  shall only be responsible for refunds after deducting the expenses already incurred.
  2. Your booking will be confirmed by email once we receive your  20 % advance payment.
    The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 1 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment..
  3. If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
    2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (US$ 10 % )
    15 days  to 2 months before departure – 5% of total trip cost
    Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost

Booking Procedure:

If you still have any questions regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us. We answer all enquiries within more or less then 12 hours. If you want to book a trip, you can e-mail us at info@adventuremagictreks.com  or contact us straight by phone: +977-1-4410361


Trekking Gears

Clothing and Equipment List for Trekking in Himalayas:

Our main paramount is to offer safe and enjoyable trek for your clients.As part of the booking process, we will provide you with a comprehensive clothing and equipment list for proposed trekking .Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past.Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your traveling period.

Foot wear:Walking boots, Wool and liner socks, sandals

Clothing:

Waterproof jacket and trousers, Trekking trousers, Long sleeve shirts, Micro fleece, Mid to heavyweight fleece, Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece, Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic), Fleece pants, Medium weight down jacket

Hand wear: Fleece gloves, Warms mittens and/or gloves

Head wear: Wool or fleece hat, Sun hat, Scarf, Head torch and extra batteries,Sunglasses

Personal Equipment:

Sleeping bag, Backpack large enough to carry water bottles, camera and extra clothing, Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized, two water bottles (Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best), Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF, Insect repellent, Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira), Favorite snack food, Books, iPod and cards etc, Trekking poles, Camera with spare batteries and memory cards, Insurance certificate.

Travelling:

Duffle bag or large backpack for your personal gear on the trek (carried by a porter), Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag, Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu, Toiletry bag include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.

Personal first aid kit:

Any personal medications, Diamox (optional) helps with acclimatization.

Adventure Magic Treks always provide down jackets and down sleeping bags for all our trips.The above list is one 'rough guide' of kit which you'll need to consider before leaving home. Each trekker should carry one backpack for items required during the day.Your day backpack will contain items such as warm clothes, jacket, camera, water bottles, and personal first aid kit and day snacks. The rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel bag or backpack will be carried by a porter.The maximum weight allowance is 15kgs/33 pounds that we strongly care of porter rights and solely against any exploitation on its operation.