The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

The trek starts and finishes with a private air-conditioned vehicle transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, to your chosen hotel. In the morning, the next day, a comfortable private car/jeep takes you from Kathmandu to Besisahar, which is approximately . Six to seven hours along the Prithvi Highway and the nearby riverbeds of the Trisuli and Marsyangdi in the valley of the inner country, and it is such an enjoyable journey as it leads you across the mid-country of Nepal. After Besisahar you will get the jeep to Chame, a five- to six-hour jeep drive that passes through the rough mountain roads.

Your journey in a jeep with some excitement passes the valley of mountains and the lively bazaar.

On the way down back, after crossing the Thorong La Pass and after a visit to the religious place of Muktinath, a jeep transfer from Jomsom drives along the gorge of Kali Gandaki, a magnificent passage carved by the mighty Gandaki River down to Pokhara, about six to seven hours of driving. Then after that you will be transferred in a private AC vehicle back to Kathmandu or take a short domestic flight (extra cost) back to Kathmandu, as flying from/to Pokhara from Kathmandu can face delays due to mountain weather; make your flight from Kathmandu more appropriate for the domestic sector after that.

NUTRITION and HYDRATION At high altitude nutrition is vital, and the Annapurna Circuit is well equipped with tea houses offering nutritious food, fully provided for you on 5 of 6 trekking days of this trip. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided in this package include your fully provided meals all day. The tea house kitchens of the circuit offer lots of great hot food options, with Dal Bhat, rice, soup of lentils, and vegetable curry in it being by far the favorite and the one most commonly found; it provides energy all day long and is often unlimited in quantity!

Another common option includes a lot of different varieties such as fried rice, noodle soup, pastas, Tibetan momos, porridges, pancakes, and eggs, as well as set menus.

The circuit easily provides for vegetarians and vegans and usually consists of almost only plant-based ingredients with add-ons of animal protein being offered. Most restaurants have vegan and vegetarian meal options available. Most importantly, for drinking water, only purchase filtered water or carry water purification tablets with you: they cost next to nothing per serving (and you can even often purchase boiled/filtered water for a small amount in tea houses), and they will greatly reduce your use of disposable plastic bottles in such a remote and beautiful landscape. Hot drinks can be found everywhere, and I truly recommend the hot ginger, hot lemon honey tea, or a simple black tea.

Rooms, tea house rooms, and trekking lodges accommodate trekkers in rooms typical of the teahouse-style accommodation that has for many years formed the foundation for trekking the Himalayan mountains in Nepal. Rooms are usually tidy twin or double-bed private rooms with blankets and pillows provided. Lower down in the villages of Chame, Pisang and Manang you will find somewhat spacious rooms and even a comfortable bed, private hot showers (often sun-heated), Wi-Fi, and attached shared wash facilities. 

Higher up at Thorong Phedi and High Camp, these rooms become simpler, sharing bathrooms (often with no heating) and arranged like dormitory-style sleeping in bunk beds. Two nights will be spent at Hotel Mulberry (or similar), a 4-star hotel with a full-service restaurant, WiFi and facilities in the heart of Kathmandu, and one night in the town of Pokhara at Temple Bell Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar, with views of mountains, a tranquil lake and spa services perfect for recovering from the trekking.

Two mandatory permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, both of which are fully included in your package:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. Cost: NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) for foreign nationals. This permit funds conservation efforts and community development projects within the ACAP.

• TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): A mandatory safety registration document for all trekkers in Nepal. Cost: USD 10 for organized group trekkers, USD 20 for individual trekkers.

• Permits can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Kathmandu (Pradarshani Marg) or at the ACAP office in Pokhara (Damside). Our team handles all permit acquisition on your behalf.

• Permit checking points are located at Besisahar, Jagat, Dharapani, and Thorong La, where rangers will verify your ACAP and TIMS documents. Always carry originals.

This moderate-to-tough trekking trip will mostly include long days, early departures, and the altitude of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft) but can be enjoyed by anyone who maintains good fitness levels. Each day (Days 4-6), expect 5 to 7 hours of hiking across varied types of ground, including stoned trails, trekking in forested sections, rocky moraines, and high, steep mountain switchbacks. Daily gains in altitude, while challenging for all, can be overcome with slow, steady pacing.

If you want a taste of the high Himalayas without doing long weeks of traveling, then this itinerary is an obvious choice.

There is no technical experience or equipment required for trekking this route, although reasonable stamina and fitness are necessary; train for this trek with lots of trekking, cycling, jogging, or stair climbing in the months before the trek, and you will not have any problem completing this itinerary. Anyone with any kind of breathing disorder or serious heart problem or someone who has suffered altitude sickness previously should get advice from their doctor first.

The acclimatization component of a high-altitude trek will decide your chances and the amount of hardship you face to a greater extent than anything else. The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek itinerary facilitates a gradual increase in altitude: after reaching the highest altitude zone at Chame (2710 m), the daily increment is at most manageable; Chame is a useful starting point, and you would use Pisang (3310 m), Manang (3519 m), and Thorong Phedi (4540 m) as waypoints in achieving the altitude required to cross Thorong La. Since accommodation is available at different altitudes on either side of the highest pass, a rest day would be organically taken; our trekking plan schedules for such by building into the itinerary the rest at Manang for acclimatization.

On the 5th day of your travel, for this trek on our circuit itinerary, you will visit some viewpoints higher up from the village, e.g.

Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake in an effort to allow the body to adapt to the thinning air and put it in gear without excessive strain on the body—that is, to “climb high, sleep low.” If available and open, the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) of Nepal organizes morning lectures on “Altitude Awareness.” These are extremely important supplements to trekkers. So always remember that you should be drinking a lot of fluids (water, for instance) at this altitude; do not take alcohol, and also do not take sleeping pills, as sleeping at high altitude in low concentration of oxygen could prove fatal for an individual, and let your guide know of any symptoms you experience instantly.

Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS) is a real risk on the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek given that the Thorong La crossing reaches 5,416m. AMS can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level, and no previous altitude experience guarantees immunity. Early recognition and prompt action are the keys to managing it safely.

Common symptoms of AMS include:

• Persistent headache, especially upon waking

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fatigue and weakness disproportionate to the activity level

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia or unusual breathlessness at night)

Prevention strategies:

• Ascend gradually — never increase sleeping altitude by more than 500m per day above 3,000m

• Stay well hydrated — aim for at least 3–4 litres of water per day

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sedative medications at altitude

• Consider Diamox (acetazolamide) prophylaxis after consulting a physician

• Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals and avoid heavy protein at altitude

• Report any symptoms immediately to your guide — never try to 'push through' AMS

If AMS symptoms worsen or signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) appear — including severe loss of coordination, confusion, or wet cough with frothy sputum — immediate descent is mandatory and helicopter evacuation may be arranged. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and AMS response protocols.

Packing smart is essential for a comfortable and safe high-altitude trek. Use this categorised checklist to prepare:

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layer (top and bottom) — synthetic or merino wool

• Insulating mid-layer fleece or down jacket

• Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers

• Trekking trousers (2 pairs) — one lightweight, one warm

• Thermal underwear for overnight stays above 4,000m

• Warm hat, sun hat, and balaclava for the pass crossing

• Trekking gloves (lightweight) and insulated mittens for high altitude

• Warm wool or fleece socks (4–5 pairs) + liner socks

• Gaiters (optional but useful in snow conditions near the pass)

Trekking Gear

• Sturdy waterproof trekking boots (well broken-in before the trek)

• Trekking poles / walking sticks — essential for descent and pass crossing

• Backpack (30–40L for day use; main luggage carried by jeep or porter)

• Sleeping bag rated to -15°C / 5°F — essential for High Camp

• Headlamp with spare batteries — mandatory for pre-dawn pass start

• Sunglasses with UV protection — Category 3 or 4 for high-altitude glare

• Trekking sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm with SPF

Personal Items & Toiletries

• Hand sanitiser and biodegradable soap

• Toilet paper and small trowel (for above-treeline use)

• Personal hygiene essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes)

• Quick-dry travel towel

• Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 x 1L minimum)

• Water purification tablets or filter (Lifestraw, Sawyer, or SteriPen)

Electronics

• Camera or smartphone with high-capacity battery pack

• Universal power adapter (Type C/D plugs used in Nepal)

• Solar charger (highly useful above tea house electricity zones)

• Offline maps downloaded (Maps.me or AllTrails for Annapurna Circuit)

Documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel date)

• Nepal visa and entry documents

• ACAP and TIMS permits (provided by us)

• Travel insurance policy document with emergency contact numbers

• Emergency contact list and trek itinerary copy

Medicines & First Aid

• Personal prescription medications with sufficient supply

• Diamox / acetazolamide (consult physician before use)

• Ibuprofen or paracetamol for headache and pain management

• Oral rehydration salts (ORS) sachets

• Blister plasters and moleskin

• Antiseptic cream and adhesive bandages

• Anti-diarrhoeal medication (Imodium or similar)

• Antihistamines for allergic reactions

Thorough preparation is the foundation of a safe and enjoyable Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. While this is not a technical mountaineering expedition, the high-altitude pass crossing demands respect, fitness, and awareness. Here is how to be trek-ready:

Physical Preparation

• Begin a cardiovascular training programme at least 8–12 weeks before departure

• Include activities such as hiking, trail running, cycling, swimming, and stair climbing

• Practice loaded hiking with a daypack to simulate trekking conditions

• Incorporate strength training for legs, core, and upper body stability

• If possible, complete at least 2–3 multi-day hikes (overnight camping or mountain walks) before the trek

ACAP Trekking without a Guide While independent trekking is allowed within the Annapurna Conservation Area, it is not advisable. It’s always best to hire a professional and licensed guide who will take care of navigation, health, contact with the tea house owners, cultural aspects of the trip, and more! (For an additional cost, you can also arrange for porters who can carry up to 20 kg of luggage, so you only have to trek with a light daypack!)

• Check long-range forecasts before your departure and during the trek

• Afternoon thunderstorms are common in late spring and early autumn — plan daily walks to end before noon where possible

• Sudden snowfall at Thorong Phedi, High Camp, and the pass can occur even in peak season — be prepared

• Monsoon season (June–August) makes the lower trails slippery and visibility poor — not recommended for the pass crossing

• Winter (December–February) is possible but requires specialist cold-weather gear and experience

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trek and is not negotiable from a safety standpoint. The Annapurna Circuit includes sections of remote trail where helicopter evacuation is the only viable emergency rescue option, and this can cost between USD 3,000 and USD 8,000 without insurance coverage. Your policy must include:

• Emergency medical evacuation coverage (including helicopter rescue from high-altitude zones above 4,000m)

• Medical treatment coverage for altitude-related illness, injuries, and hospitalisation

• Trip cancellation and curtailment coverage

• Personal belongings and baggage loss coverage

• Ensure your policy specifies trekking above 5,000m is covered — many standard travel policies do not

Far from just a mountain walk, the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is a truly unforgettable, life-changing expedition that pushes your body, excites your soul, and fills your life with memories for years to come. Within just 10 short days, you will experience one of the most geographically and culturally diverse trekking routes on earth, starting in the subtropical valleys of the Marsyangdi River before reaching the 5,416 m / 17,769 ft elevation of Thorong La Pass—quite literally the pinnacle of any trekker's list. The real reason for this trek's magic, however, lies not solely in the altitude or the awe-inspiring mountain panorama but in the full sensory experience.

You’ll find yourself lost in the familiar sound of boots on age-old stone, warmed by your surroundings in a traditional tea house after a challenging day’s hike, and struck by the beauty of Annapurna II’s morning silhouette in Pisang. Find yourself calmed by Muktinath's serene spiritual presence, then enjoy the sense of achievement arriving in Jomsom.

This condensed version of the Annapurna Circuit is designed to offer trekkers with limited time access to this legendary trekking route without compromising on its very core spirit. All travel, including private transfers, a highly qualified English-speaking guide, and luxury 4-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as all food throughout the trek, ensures you have no logistical concerns to distract from the truly unique, transformative experience. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it be a solo quest for altitude-fueled introspection, a couples’ joint effort to celebrate a shared life, or a friends’ expedition to tackle the highest trekable pass in the world, the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek can cater to it. Nepal’s mountains beckon, and the trail awaits.

All you need to do now is set forth.

Secure your Annapurna Circuit Short Trek now with our local expert team, and we'll organize every last detail so all you have to concentrate on is your ultimate Nepalese adventure.