Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 10 days

Best time for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The ideal seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are spring and autumn, offering perfect climatic conditions and surroundings filled with vibrant flowers and lovely green hills, ensuring safety as well as clear views of landscapes and mountains. Besides, the temperature doesn't fall below -5 at night time and rises beyond 22 degrees at the daytime, offering a perfect humidity to hike on and cozy nights to settle in. 

Meanwhile, one can undertake the trek to the Annapurna circuit in the monsoon and winter as well, but one must be highly prepared and carry proper gear, essential and set 1-2 contingency days as if there is a heavy snowfall then, the way to the pass remains closed for 1-2 days. In winter, the trails are filled with frosty snow and fall below -5 degrees, and it is a huge challenge to cross the high pass of Thorong La, but pro hikers who want to push their limits would love it.

The least visited span of the year is during the monsoon season. At this time, the trails become completely slippery at lower altitudes but won't cause much hassle at higher terrains as it falls under the rain shadow area. However, the pathway to the high pass becomes a hassle due to a heavily covered snow pathway.

Nonetheless, Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition crafts packages throughout the year with customized itineraries according to the weather conditions, ensuring everyone shall undertake this Annapurna Circuit Trekking despite holiday timebound. Here is a detailed overview of what each season has to offer: 

Spring (March to May)

Spring tends to be the best time for the Annapurna circuit as the temperature is mild, ranging from 12 to 22 degrees Celsius only, which is the finest condition to start the hike without feeling drained out and sweaty.

The best part is! The forested area is thrived with the red rhododendrons of more than 1000 blooming, at mid March, that is why many enthusiastic hikers admire this trek after March or mid time in between March and May. Besides, there is a less chance almost zero of rain fall and snow fall making the route easy and offering the clear views of Himalayan range at the same time.

Autumn (September to November)

Another ideal time to do this Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is in Autumn as it falls after the end of monsoon, which means heavy rainfall in Nepal. So, the weather gets clear, providing the undisturbed views of mountains due to less precipitation. The temperature is mild and moderate, ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, which is the finest season to hike at the upper trails. 

Besides, the main festival of the Himalayas, Dashain, and Tihar fall under this timeframe in between October, which simply means you'll get to know how such festivals are commemorated by the Manage (Tibetans) in such a highland.

On top of that, the flowers that thrived in red in spring turned into a golden, crusty color in autumn, and the green hills turned into dry brown leaves, adding the cocoa surroundings en route. Thus, if you are someone who craves to make the best out of the Himalayas, then autumn is perfect for you.

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty

While the Annapurna Circuit Trek falls under relatively moderate trek, this 10-day short trek to the Annapurna Circuit tends to be a challenging expedition as it is a rapid version of the regular classic one. However, it doesn't include any technical route that requires some expertise in rock scrambling or specialized gear; anyone with basic physical fitness can attain it.

The walking trail soonly begins from Chame (2670 m), where the terrain is relatively easy but demands at least 5 hours of hiking, till you reach Manang via Upper Pisang. The strenous section comes from Yak Kharka (4050 m) with a rugged and steep pathway until crossing Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters, with a challenging uphill walk of 3 to 4 hours, which becomes challenging to beginners. So, make sure to engage in some sort of physical strengthening activities to build up your stamina level. 

Besides, this Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking ascends 3000 meters daily, which isn't an easy task with the thin air to navigate, especially when planning to cross the world's highest pass of Throung La that also has a snowy pathway and slippery section. Just make sure that you carry a good pair of crampons and follow some preventive guidelines to avoid the risk of altitude sickness. Other than that, anyone who can do 6-7 hours of walking can easily undertake this Annapurna Circuit Short Trek with no hassle.

To know more in detail, here is an overview of the difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. 

Risk of Altitude Sickness and Safety Guidelines

Even though this trek ascends to the height of 2500 and reaches above 5000 meters, the risk of altitude sickness during this Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is low.

Wondering how? Well! Our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary doesn't exceed the ascent of 500 to 600 meters each day, even though it is a short version, which means that you will have a gradual ascent with no hurry, preventing the risk of high-altitude sickness. On top of that, you will be guided by the best trekking guides who are medically equipped, ensuring that you are safe 24 hours a day, even if you are in a critical condition. If such an unfortunate situation comes, then they will help and assist you directly, making sure that your safety comes first.

Even though this, short trek to Annapurna circuit doesn't invades any high risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), there is a famous line that goes by, "It is always the best thing to implement the preventive guidelines and be fully prep rather than a cure and regret, just like that, here are some of the tips to avoid the risk of AMS that becomes one hundred percent effective throughout the journey:

• Make sure to carry an oximeter to ensure that your pulse rate doesn't fall below the normal one; just check the oxygen level at every stopping point and be alert.
• Try to hydrate yourself with 3-4 litres of water each day, however, if that sounds too much, then try to moist the body with soupy noodles, juice, and seasonal fruits to stay hydrated.
• Do not over speed your hike, thinking of matching the pace of fellow hikers, Please take note that every individual carries their level of endurance and stamina, so just walk along the guide. Overspeeding means increasing the heart pulse rate, which can immediately cause a sort of breath.
• Carry a "Diamox" if you are a beginner and have it with medical precaution if you are a beginner and have ever been to an expedition at such high altitude. What it does is it acts as a preventive medicine to avoid the possibility of AMS.
• If you feel any sort of discomfort, such as out of breath, lack of control, loss of sleep and appetite (insomnia), skin turning pale, nausea- feel like vomiting and severe headache, then inform the guide immediately. They will look out for what can be best done and ensure that you are safely handled.

Annapurna Circuit Elevation and Distance

In total, this Annapurna Circuit Trek covers approximately 188 kilometers, with an elevation gain to 5416 meters, taking a proper acclimatization day in between. This trek to the Annapurna circuit starts from Chame (2670 meters), and the minimum altitude is 870 meters at Pokhara- the ending point of the 10-day short journey. 

This trek to Annapurna Circuit ascends to the maximum height at Thorung La Pass, with covering almost 4500 meters in between bypassing Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong High Camp, which by then, you will adopt the rising elevation so, that won't cause any hassle even if it reaches at such high altitude.

In between, acclimatization day is usually set in Manang, so one can explore the upper valley more in depth and visit the fascinating Gangapurna Lake (3480 meters) or Ice Lake. Afterwards, the trek then rises to Yak Kharka and Thorung High Camp to simply get used to the altitude of over 4000 meters before crossing the highest pass of Thorung La before descending to Muktinath located in the Mustang district via the deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki Valley.

The standard Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary does covers the Poon Hill and Tatopani, thus as it is a shorter version, it simply skips this part of the Annapurna region to shorten up the trip for those having limited time and only reaches to Jomsom and Pokhara.

In total, this Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking covers around 188 km and is usually completed in 10-12 days; hence, the regular route does require 15-16 days. Thus, you can even extend this trip by opting for 12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek that covers Poon Hill, Tatopani, Ghorepani within these timeframe that conceals more than 200 km.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for this Annapurna Circuit Short Trek as hiking uphill with a daily ascent of more than 2000 meters means the risk of unfortunate conditions such as weather, climate, landslides, trip delays, and AMS is always there. So, make sure to attain a good travel insurance policy that covers theft, lost baggage, trip cancellation and delays, and most importantly, the helicopter evacuation over 3000 meters. If possible, try to get travel insurance from the company of your own home bound that way it can be managed effectively. Having such assurance ensures the trip becomes a completely safe expedition and lets you walk along the trail with a free mind.

Meals and Drinking Facilities along the trail

Throughout the Annapurna Trekking Trail, you will get varied options that cater to your taste and preference, from western, American, continental, to Indian, Local and Asian, the food limits are unlimited. This package includes all your standard meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trip, which are prepared and served accordingly by the locals themselves after the order is given.

There are several options, from where we highly recommend you having green vegetables, soups, thukpa (sherpa stew), garlic items (if you aren't allergic to them), liquid items such as garlic soup, hot lemon water with honey and ginger, tibetan tea, or any sort of teas such as black tea, green tea and coffee. Meanwhile, we suggest not to consume the milk after crossing the height of 3500 meters, as it would be totally hard to digest. 

Besides the vegetable option, there are many non-veg optional menu as well which is dried in sun also called as sukuti. But, try to avoid it as they are stored for many days, which isn't hygienic and fresh. Try to consume nonveg soups for a substitute instead. We also genuinely suggest you try Nepali Dal Bhat, which is said to be "Dal Bhat Power 24 hours" where the rice is served with veg times, non veg (chicken)- which can be exclude if you prefer, lentil soup, some kind of pickle, which can be refilled.

Side recommendations- Momo (Dumplings), Thakali Set, Mustang Aloo (potato with Tibetan spices), Sherpa stews, noodles, Tibetan bread and noodles.

Accommodations during Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

Our Short Annapurna Circuit Trek package includes all your lodging facilities throughout the trip that are arranged for a complete 10 days after the booking is made with us. While staying in the Annapurna region, the amenities are simple yet comfortable, whereas at the lower trails, you will be provided with the attached washroom and single bedrooms.

Meanwhile, moving to the upper section after crossing Upper Pisang, excluding Manang, every tea house has a shared bathroom and limited amenities. Single bedrooms will be arranged if you are hiking solo; other than that, with 2-3 members, you must share twin bedrooms due to the few tea houses that are along the trail.

For comfort, a cozy mattress, pillows, and blankets will be provided. Also, take note that at the upper trails such as Thorong High Camp and Yak Kharka, it might get too cold at night, so if you want a sleeping bag, then let us know. We will arrange it before the trip gets started.

What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

To undertake this Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking, firstly, the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and secondly, the TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System card are required. These permits are covered by our Short Annapurna Circuit Trek cost and arranged after the pre-booking is made with us. Hence, there won't be much hassle for you; just send us a passport photo, and they will be managed soon after.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit fee (ACAP cost): NPR 2000 for SAARC individuals and NPR 3000 per person for other country individuals

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System fee) TIMS Card cost: NPR 2000 and USD 19 each.

Transportation Facilities during the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

As, the road construction now has made till manang, to get access to transportation can be easily available. Due to the dirt road, the Annapurna Circuit Trekking route is accessed by either jeep or local bus. Hence, to acclimatize well, we won't directly drive to Manang but to Chame from Kathmandu via Besisahar on a local bus or private jeep, depending on your choice. For the private vehicle, the cost will be slightly more, We will take a shared jeep from Besisahar as the bus goes up to Besisahar only.

Before returning to Kathmandu, we will spend 1 more day in Pokhara via flight of 25 minutes from Jomsom to Pokhara. Our 10-day Short Annapurna Circuit Trek package covers all the means of transportation and is managed most finely, without any problem.

Essential Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal (ATM, WIFI, Tipping, Personal Expenses, Internet, Electricity, Luggage)

• Personal Expenses: Please take note that even though our Annapurna Circuit Trek cost covers all your requirements for the trip, you might require some amount of cash to spend on buying gears, souvenirs, tipping guide, extra beverages and many other logistics such as usage of hot shower, laundry service, wifi any more along the trail.
• WIFI: There will be no any problem regrading the communicative system as every tea houses has the facility of wifi for communication. However, after crossing Manang, the wifi is only available at the dining area, due to satellite limitation, so you must use the wifi at the dining area, paying $3-$4 depending on the lodge.
• Network: The Network works perfectly fine at the lower trails, whereas while moving or en Annapurna Circuit Trek route, the network might not work. To get proper accessibility, buy an NTC SIM Card in Kathmandu, then buy datapack for communication pack, it will work fine for just a call to back home.
• Electricity/ Electric Socket: Please ensure carrying power banks at least (2) as at the higher elevation, the electric sockets aren't attached in the room, where you have to charge the gadgets in the kitchen area, that too queing for line which is quite frustrating. 
• Luggage: Extra luggage can be stored in Kathmandu at our office. Also, do not overload the hiking bag even if you hire a porter, as the maximum bag weight shall be 22 kg, not more than that. One porter can carry 2 hikers' bagpacks but must be below 22 kgs combined. 
• Tipping Guide and Porter: Our Short Annapurna Circuit Trek cost doesn't include tipping, so you must tip the guide and porter on your own. Tipping is expected in every trip, but it isn't compulsorily necessary and given by force. But please remember their hardship and pay them accordingly as they play a huge role in making the trip a complete success. 

Last Minute Booking

If you are already at your peak time for this Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking, then do not worry as we even take last-minute bookings at peak hours. Even though it is quite a hassle to manage logistics last minute, we always look forward to making the trip a complete success and making your way to the Himalayas with no hassle. However, whereas the pre-booking we usually cost is 20% of the trip, as it is last-minute booking, we require 100% of the cost of the trek to arrange everything shortly and pay accordingly for everything, for instance, permits, lodges, meals, transportation, and many others. For more queries, feel free to contact us.