Annapurna Circuit Short Trek – 13 Days

Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrival in kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft)

  Your journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft), the vibrant capital city and main international gateway to Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Sherpa Himalaya, who will greet you with a traditional flower garland and a brief introduction to your upcoming adventure. Afterward, you will be comfortably transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, freshen up, and recover from jet lag, preparing yourself for the exciting Himalayan journey ahead.

  Overnight at KTM Hotel

• Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m/2,493 feet)(6-7 hours)

  The scenic drive from Kathmandu (1,300 m) to Besisahar (760 m) marks the beginning of your Annapurna adventure, covering approximately 6–7 hours through Nepal’s diverse mid-hill landscapes. As you leave the capital city behind, the road winds alongside flowing rivers like the Trishuli and Marsyangdi, offering beautiful views of terraced farmlands, lush green hills, and traditional villages scattered across the countryside. The journey combines well-paved highways in the initial section with more rugged and occasionally bumpy roads as you approach Besisahar, adding a sense of raw Himalayan travel experience. Along the way, glimpses of distant mountain peaks and local rural life create a captivating introduction to the Annapurna region, making this drive both visually rewarding and culturally enriching for trekkers.

  Overnight at Besisahar 

• Day 03: Drive to Chame (2,670m/8,760 ft), 4-5 hours

  The drive from Besisahar (760 m) to Chame (2,670 m) is an adventurous off-road journey of 65 km, typically taking 4-5 hours depending on road and weather conditions. Following the Marsyangdi River, the route climbs steadily through subtropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and steep landscapes, passing through villages like Bhulbhule, Jagat, and Dharapani. As the elevation increases, the scenery dramatically shifts from lush greenery to pine forests and alpine terrain, with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks. The road is mostly rough, narrow, and unpaved beyond Besisahar, often dusty or muddy, making the ride thrilling yet challenging. Despite the rugged conditions, this drive offers a raw and authentic Himalayan experience, providing a stunning introduction to the Annapurna region and setting the tone for the trek ahead.

  Overnight at Chame

• Day 04: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824feet), 5 – 6 hours

  The trek from Chame (2,670 m) to Pisang (3,200 m) is a scenic and rewarding walk of approximately 5–6 hours along the classic Annapurna Circuit trail. The route offers refreshing mountain air and a peaceful trekking atmosphere. Along the way, trekkers pass traditional settlements and cross suspension bridges while enjoying spectacular views of towering peaks, including Lamjung Himal and the majestic Annapurna II, which becomes increasingly prominent as you approach Pisang.

  Beyond the natural beauty, this route also offers meaningful cultural encounters, as you pass through small settlements inhabited by Gurung and Tibetan-influenced communities.Along the route prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens reflect the region’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. This blend of scenic grandeur and authentic local culture makes the Chame to Pisang trek both visually stunning and culturally enriching, offering a true taste of life in the Annapurna region.

  Overnight at Pisang

• Day 05: Trek from Pisang to Ngawal (3700m/12139 ft) 4-5 hours

  The trek from Pisang (3,200 m) to Ngawal (3,660 m) is a rewarding 4–5 hour walk along the scenic upper trail of the Annapurna Circuit. This route offers panoramic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak, along with sweeping vistas of the Marsyangdi Valley. Passing through traditional villages like Ghyaru, trekkers experience strong Tibetan-influenced culture, with prayer flags, mani walls, and ancient stone houses. The local residents, mainly of Tibetan origin, follow a simple lifestyle based on farming and herding, preserving their rich Himalayan traditions. This short yet beautiful section blends stunning mountain scenery with authentic cultural encounters, making it a highlight of the trek.

  Overnight at Ngawal

• Day 06: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,500m/11,482feet), 3-4 hours

  The trek from Ngawal (3,660 m) to Manang (3,540 m) is a gentle 3–4 hour walk across the scenic upper Annapurna Circuit trail. The route traverses open alpine terrain with wide views of the Marsyangdi Valley, offering stunning panoramas of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and surrounding peaks. As you gradually descend toward Manang, the landscape reveals dry, high-altitude desert features mixed with yak pastures and ancient trails. Along the way, you pass small settlements and monasteries that reflect the region’s strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, where local residents continue traditional lifestyles centered on farming and livestock. This short and peaceful section is ideal for acclimatization while providing a rich blend of Himalayan scenery and authentic cultural experience.

  Overnight at Manang

• Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang: hike to chongkor view point (3750m)

  An acclimatization day in Manang (3,540 m) is an essential part of the Annapurna Circuit trek, allowing your body to adjust safely to the increasing altitude before heading toward Thorong La Pass. This rest day is both relaxing and rewarding, as it includes a short yet scenic hike to Chongkor Viewpoint (3,750 m), one of the best acclimatization hikes in the region. The trail gently ascends above the village, offering sweeping panoramic views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the surrounding high Himalayan landscapes. From the viewpoint, trekkers can also witness the dramatic contrast of the dry alpine valley and glacial terrain below.

  Overnight at Manang

• Day 08: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484feet), 3 - 4 hours

  The trek from Manang (3,540 m) to Yak Kharka (4,050 m) is a scenic 3–4 hour ascent through the high alpine landscapes of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail gradually climbs out of the Manang valley, offering stunning views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and the surrounding snow-covered peaks. As you gain elevation, the vegetation becomes sparse, replaced by open yak pastures, rocky terrain, and vast Himalayan wilderness.

  Along the route, trekkers may encounter grazing yaks and blue sheep, reflecting the region’s traditional high-altitude pastoral lifestyle. Small teahouses along the way provide rest points while local residents, influenced by Tibetan culture, continue their simple mountain way of life centered on livestock and seasonal herding. This section of the trek is peaceful yet increasingly remote, offering a true sense of altitude and isolation, making it an important and beautiful step toward the Thorong La Pass.

  Overnight at Yak kharka

• Day 09: Trek from Yak kharka to Thorang High Camp(4800m/15748 ft) : 5-6 hours

  The trek from Yak Kharka (4,050 m) to Thorong High Camp (4,880 m) is a challenging yet rewarding 5–6 hour ascent toward the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit.

  As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and dramatic, with sweeping views of snow-covered peaks and deep mountain valleys.

   

  This section offers a true high-altitude experience, where thin air and raw Himalayan beauty create a sense of adventure and accomplishment. Along the way, trekkers pass small seasonal teahouses and encounter herders who rely on livestock in these harsh conditions, reflecting a resilient mountain lifestyle. Reaching Thorang High Camp provides a stunning vantage point of the surrounding peaks and prepares you for the early morning crossing of the iconic Thorang La Pass, making this a crucial and memorable part of the journey.

  Overnight at Thorang High Camp

• Day 10: Trek from High Camp to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764feet)

  The trek from Thorong High Camp (4,880 m) to Muktinath (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,764 ft) is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Annapurna Circuit, taking around 5–6 hours. Starting early, the trail ascends through rugged, high-altitude terrain to the summit, where trekkers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From the pass, a long descent leads into the dry, dramatic landscapes of Mustang, ending at the sacred site of Muktinath. This section offers a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and spiritual significance, making it a true highlight of the trek.

  Overnight at Muktinath

   

• Day 11: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (6-7 hours)

  The drive from Muktinath (3,800 m) to Pokhara (822 m) covers approximately 180 km and takes around 6–7 hours, offering a spectacular transition from the high-altitude landscapes of Mustang to the lush hills of central Nepal. The route passes through Jomsom and follows the Kali Gandaki River, showcasing dramatic views of deep gorges, arid cliffs, and distant Himalayan peaks such as Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. As the journey continues, the scenery gradually changes into green valleys, waterfalls, and terraced farmland. Road conditions vary from rough and dusty tracks in the upper sections to smoother paved roads closer to Pokhara, making the drive both adventurous and visually rewarding.

  Overnight at Pokhara

• Day 12: Flight or Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

  Today, you will either fly or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu as per your travel plan. If you choose to fly, the journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Himalayan ranges. Alternatively, the drive takes around 6–8 hours, passing through scenic hills, rivers, and traditional countryside landscapes.

  Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be warmly received by a Sherpa Himalaya representative and transferred to your hotel. After completing your incredible Annapurna Circuit with Jomsom trek, this is the perfect time to relax and unwind. Depending on your schedule, you may also explore the vibrant city, enjoy some local shopping, or take a short sightseeing tour around Kathmandu.

  Overnight at Kathmandu

• Day 13: Final Departure

  On your final day in Kathmandu, a Sherpa Himalaya representative will meet you at your hotel for a warm farewell before your departure. You will be comfortably transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free exit from Nepal.

  Before saying goodbye, the team will express their gratitude for sharing this incredible Himalayan journey with you. As a token of appreciation, you will be presented with a traditional Buddhist scarf (Kha-tak), symbolizing peace, prosperity, long life, and harmony, along with a certificate marking your successful completion of the Annapurna Circuit with Jomsom Trek. With heartfelt thanks and a warm Namaste, the team bids you farewell, hoping to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in Nepal.