Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Our airport support team receiving you from the arrival gate of the Tribhuvan international airport. Then transfer to your hotel at heart of Thamel. After room checked-in take your own time and explore the colorful alley of Thamel. We booked your accommodation a 3-star category hotel with inclusive breakfast. We host the official meeting at the evening where we share detailed of the trek.

The 10 hours drive begins in the morning from your hotel at Kathmandu. About 5 hours' drive on blacktop road brings us Besisahar where the trail joint from Pokhara for Annapurna circuit trek. After checking Short Annapurna circuit trek permits our drive towards Pisang village. Further road contain unpaved and cemented coated till Dharapani then off-road drive to Pisang. It is scenic drive that offers beautiful view of the landscapes, gorge, countryside, waterfall and mountains.

A trailhead to Manang passing series of unique mountain villages and Buddhist monument. There are two different route to reach Manang, upper route via Gyaru and Nwagal village is more spectacular. We capture panoramic mountain vista of Annapurna mountain range, Manaslu with Marshyandi valley. The path is elobrate by buddhist flags also flapping and blowing into the thin air. We also visiting 500 years old Bhakra monastery. Manang village is large town with luxurious drinks and abundant pastries. There is himalaya rescue acaistion and possible to participant in the AMS class.

A lot of things can do while acclimatization in Manang village. The Tibetan-style mountain village is built with clay, stone, and huge timber. As it is influenced by Tibetan culture can see plenty of monasteries, stupa, chhorten etc. Manang village has a bar, cafe, restaurant, and projectors to watch mountain-related movies. Here we talk about what is possible to do in Manang village in Annapurna circuit trek. You can choose any of the below-day trips for high altitude acclimatization.

Ice Lake/Kecho Tal (4,570 m)
One of the challenging day trips in Manang village and complete day trip. About 6-7 hours up and down trek that provides a wider range mountain vista above the Marshyandi valley. There are two ways to get Ice lake in Manang, the main way connected from Bhraka village. Another way is leading from Manang village. Ice lake day trip would be the best side trek in Manang that helps a lot for high altitude acclimatization. The Ice lake side trek offers the best view of the Annapurna mountain range & Tilicho peak. There are two different lakes on the ridge, the lake is frozen in the spring season and emerald color in Autumn.

Praken Gompa/100 years Monk (3,945 m)
An amazing Buddhist gompa on the rocky cliff on the head of Manang village. It is about 4-5 hours round trip the path includes steeply ascend and sharp downhill trek on the stony trail. The old monks live with his daughter throughout the year in the isolated cave monastery. There are two different compartments in the cave monastery. The visitor can visit the main hall where the monk prays and bless the trekker to succeed the Thorung la pass. You'll also get an awesome view of the Annapurna mountain range right above Gangapurna Glacier Lake.

Milarepa Cave (4,320 m)
The history said Buddhist saint and poetry Milarepa had visited Manang valley and done meditation on this sacred cave. The Milarepa was on his journey on the Himalayas of searching for enlightenment in life. This is one of the fewer tourists visited place in Annapurna circuit trek. The cave laying in the basement of Annapurna mountain range in lovely landscapes. The history said, an animal poacher chasing the deer with the assist of his dog then unfortunately reached to cave and disturbed. Then the saint and hunter start the discussion either kill or leave the deer. Then Milarepa finally convinces the hunter with his indulgence influence then the hunter turned into a follower. We still see the bow of the hunter on the rock sculpture. It is about 5-6 hours walk to and fro Manang village, beside the fabulous cave also offers an exceptional view of the valley and the mountains.

Chongkor Viewpoint (3,850 m)
The viewpoint is tucked opposite the side of Manang village a few hundred meters above Gangapurna glacier lake. It is recommended for an easy day trip and breath with mountain air and get the stunning view of turquoise color Gangapurna Lake. Chongker viewpoint trip takes about 3-4 hours for up and down grit path. There is one seasonal tea shop at the viewpoint where some snacks and drinks are available. From here snap a close-up view of the Gangapurn glacier and ancient Manang village. From here also possible to further walk in the direction of Annapurna III base camp.

We walk beyond the tree lines through the juniper, dwarf rhododendron, and cedar shrubs. The route passes magical back-street and potatoes and buckwheat farm to Tanki Manang. Tanki Manang is the highest altitude permanent human hamlet en route of Annapurna circuit trek. The gradual climb up the trail to Yak Kharka approaches a magnificent view of the snow mountains. We also stopped several local tea shops along the trek for breath and to admire the culture and nature. There is a large green field often see the yak and blue sheep are grazing together at the courtyard of Annapurna massif. Different types of mountain herbs are found on sides of the path and that natural perfumes make your hike marvelous. Yak Kharka has 5 basic neat and clean lodge that offers accommodation and fooding.

Great hike from Yak Kharka to Thorong/Thorung High camp on Annapurna circuit trek. The magical landscapes change from pasture and herbs plant to moraine glaciers. The distance to Thorong high camp is approximately 7.5 km and about 800 m altitude gain in 5 hours trek. The first part of the trail is easier than the second part although gentle climbing to Ledar village.

Rentcenly Manang based mountain photographer spotted snowleopard crossing the suspension bridge in Ledar. Our trail ahead through the moraine and crossing landslide section to Thorung phedi. Then a 60-minute vertical climb on the great canyon of the boulder brings us Thorong/Thorung high camp. You get breathtaking mountain view of the Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Gangapurna Peak, Chulu West, Yakwakang, Thorung Peak, Purkung, and Jinjang etc.

Spectacular hiking from Thorong High Camp to Muktinath with crossing attractive high altitude Thorong la pass (5,416 m). The Thorung la pass is highest altitude we traverse in short Annapurna circuit trek. The trek starts early in the morning then we follow uphill trail in the cold temperature. You'll be rewarded with a splendid view of 360-degree Mountain View.

The distance from Thorong high camp to Thorong la pass is roughly 4 Km. It about 3-4 hours trekking to Thorung la pass top. On way to Thorung la pass summit passes two tea shop that serve hot dinks in costly price. From Thorung la pass summit straight descending on stony path to Muktinath temple. You'll be delight with arid landscapes scenery and georgous view of Mount Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. We then make a tea break at Chabarbu on foot of the Thorong la pass then an hour downward trek to Muktinath. Muktinath temple has great value in the Nepalese community both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages. From here 45-minute jeep drive to Jomsom village via Kagbeni village.

We follow our scheduled flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. A brief mountain flight provides a close-up view of Annapurna I and Mount Dhaulagiri. Upon arrival Pokhara airport transfer to hotel then discover lakside and Pokhara city.

There is an option to get back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, like a 20-minute flight and overland drive. The 20-minute flight is the best way to get back to Kathmandu although costs U$D124. The standard and deluxe tourist bus depart daily from Lake Side Pokhara. It roughly takes 6-8 hours to reach Kathmandu, possibly to traffic along the drive but it is an absolutely scenic drive. On your drive journey bus stop along the way for the toilet, breakfast, and lunch.

The Short Annapurna circuit trek ends here by today. We hope you had a memorable and fantastic adventure with us in the Himalayas. You'll be transferred to Tribhuvan international airport 4 hours before your flight schedule. Musical adventure trekking airport representative will assist to drop-off. Wish you have a wonderful flight back home.

Note: If you are willing to do a scenic mountain flight to see Mt. Everest or willing to do one-day thrilling white water rafting. We can help to organize you.