Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary - 11 days

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary - 11 days


Short Annapurna Circuit Trek encircles the amazing Annapurna range in the quickest possible time frame of 11 days. This itinerary is best for those trekkers looking to experience the major highlights of the Annapurna Circuit like Manang, Thorong La pass, and Muktinath more easily and most quickly.

The construction of proper roads has made it possible to cover some parts of the circuit with an on-land drive. You will drive up to Chame, where the trek begins towards Manang and cross the high pass of Thorong la to reach the Muktinath temple of Mustang. From Muktinath, the trip proceeds with a long drive to Pokhara and then a flight to Kathmandu. All along the trek, you will witness the best that the annapurna region has to offer from abundant flora and fauna to culture and traditions, unique landscape and more.

In this 11 day’s trek, there aren't any detours to Tilicho lake or Annapurna Base Camp, unlike the lengthier three weeks Annapurna Circuit itinerary, so it is a very straightforward route.

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.

Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.

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Trip Highlights

  • Experience the beauty of the Annapurna region, including Manang and Mustang, within 11 days
  • Cross one of the highest passes in the world, Thorong La Pass at 5,416m
  • Traverse in the beautiful Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki River valley rich in unique biodiversity
  • Enjoy up-close views of the eight-thousander mountain ranges like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
  • Immerse in the rich Tibetan Buddhist cultures in Manang and Mustang
  • Visit the holy Hindu and Buddhist temple of Muktinath, one of the highest temples in the world at 3,800m

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrive at Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation
Day 2 Drive from Kathmandu to Chame (2,670m/8,758ft) via Besisahar - 10 to 11 hours drive
Day 3 Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 4 Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11,613ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek
Day 5 Acclimatization Day hike to Ice Lake (4,600m/15,088ft) and return Manang - 7 to 8 hours trek
Day 6 Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13.286ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 7 Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,845ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 8 Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,765ft) and trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,335ft) - 9 to 10 hours trek
Day 9 Visit Muktinath Temple and drive to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft) via Jomsom - 8 to 9 hours drive
Day 10 Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 25 Minutes flight
Day 11 Final Departure from Nepal

Route Map

Route Map for Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Route Map for Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, you will be transferred to your hotel in Thamel.

After relaxing, you will meet the guide and our team, who will assist you for trip preparation. Once the preparation for the trek is done, you can head out to the streets of Thamel to explore the local restaurants and try new cuisine.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Chame (2,670m/8,758ft) via Besisahar - 10 to 11 hours drive

On this day, wake up early to drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, which will take you to the renowned Annapurna region. The drive is long and might include a lot of bumpy experiences. Some parts of the road have been recently reconstructed so the roads might be smooth. Eventually, from Besisahar, you will continue to Chame. At Chame, you will be amazed by the close-up views of the mountain ranges surrounding the area.

Overnight stay in Chame.

Day 3
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek


You will officially begin the trek today as you get your backpack and trekking poles ready for the walk to Upper Pisang. Initially, through the rough jeep track, you will head to Lower Pisang village.

From there, continue to Upper Pisang, where the elevation rises. Along with the rise in elevation, you will witness amazing views of Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna II. You could interact with the Tibetan settlers and witness their unique customs and lifestyle.

Overnight stay in Upper Pisang.

Day 4
Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11,613ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek

From Upper Pisang, this day's trek will take you to the mystical Manang. The hike takes you to an arid landscape with some sections covered in the pinewood forest. You can witness houses that are mostly made of mud and stacked on top of each other. Braga is an old village filled with traditional houses of Tibetan Buddhists. You can also explore an old Buddhist monastery there.

In a short while from Braga, you will reach Manang, where you can take a well-deserved rest at a tea house.

Overnight stay in Manang.

Day 5
Acclimatization Day hike to Ice Lake (4,600m/15,088ft) and return Manang - 7 to 8 hours trek

Ice Lake Ice Lake

There is a significant rise in the altitude, so you need to take a rest day in Manang. While some trekkers prefer to familiarize themselves with the locals by visiting the nearby houses and common grounds, others prefer to take a day hike to the nearby Ice Lake.

Along the northern slope of Chulu East, the trail heads to the Ice Lake known officially as Kicho Tal. It is fed by the Chulu River and is a peaceful place. After taking pictures, head back to Manang and enjoy some local delicacies.

Overnight stay in Manang.

Day 6
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13.286ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek

You will be heading away from the lively Manang settlement and towards an abandoned settlement. Passing by some farmlands, the road becomes steeper and rugged. Taking a steep descent, you will cross a river and head to Yak Kharka - a plain grazing field.

There are few tea houses here, and it might get busy in peak seasons with tourists flocking the circuit.

Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.

Day 7
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,845ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek

This is a tough trekking day as you would need to walk towards the foot of the Thorong La Pass. Walking slowly does the trick if the higher altitude is getting to you. At times the trail seems secluded as there are no teahouses in between or any settlements. The landscape gets rugged and steep. However, the views of mountains on all sides are something that could distract you from the challenge. The climate is very cold, and sleep might be difficult in Thorong Phedi.

Overnight stay in Thorong Phedi.

Day 8
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,765ft) and trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,335ft) - 9 to 10 hours trek


This could be the most challenging part of the trek, as you will be starting early before dawn on a steep and difficult trail. Crossing the pass early in the morning means you won't have to face the harsh winds of the day. The final leg of this day's trek is the toughest as the strong winds and the difficult terrain play a challenging role.

However, reaching the top of the pass is indeed the best experience. Views of the 8,000m mountains like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, along with other mountain ranges, make the whole experience surreal. Following the triumph, you will head towards the ancient kingdom of Mustang, leaving behind Manang. On the other end, you will reach Muktinath, which is a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. There are many standard tea houses in this area so that you can relax your sore muscles here.

Overnight stay in Muktinath.

Day 9
Visit Muktinath Temple and drive to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft) via Jomsom - 8 to 9 hours drive

Muktinath Temple Muktinath Temple- holy pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists

In the morning, you can visit the holy Muktinath temple to receive the blessings of the Hindu and Buddhist deities Lord Vishnu and Avalokiteshwars, respectively. The main temple is small, but you will find surrounding smaller temples and gompas in this area. Moreover, you can run through the 108 bull-faced sacred water taps in the outer courtyard. There are also two small ponds known to take away your sins, so devotees are seen taking sacred baths even in freezing temperatures. It is also popular as one of the world's highest temples at an altitude of 3,800 m.

Following the puja, you will take a long drive to Pokhara city, passing by Jomsom in the lower Mustang along the way.

Upon reaching Pokhara city, you will be transferred to a hotel to relax and stay for the night. You can choose to enjoy the night in a pub or club near the Phewa lakeside. 

Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 10
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 25 Minutes flight

On this day, you will fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu city, enjoying a bird's eye view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. After relaxing at your hotel in Thamel, you can head out for the day to enjoy the nearby popular tourist destinations. You can choose to visit the nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square in Basantapur streets, also known as Freak Street. Witness narrow alleyways, ancient temples, Hanuman Dhoka Museum, or even the place where the living goddess Kumari resides.

At night enjoy a warm Nepali dinner with your team to rejoice in the success of the amazing trek.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 11
Final Departure from Nepal

On this day, bid farewell to your newfound Nepali friends as we drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport international terminal. As you reminisce about the times spent in Mustang and Manang along the Annapurna Circuit trail, you can make plans to return for a different Nepal adventure. Reach out to our team if you wish to prolong the trip or wish to come back for a new one in the future.



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Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Esmeralda Botero
flagsSpain
Oct 11, 2022

We loved this short adventure of Annapurna Circuit

We loved this adventure of Annapurna Circuit, Due to short holidays, we chose this short itinerary. We previously did Mardi and Poon Hill trek which helped us alot in doing this trek. We would like to recommend Third Rock Adventure to everyone.
Luka Smith
flagsCanada
Oct 11, 2022

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Third Rock Adventure is the bestest travel company I can say to anyone. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, my sister got sick due to food poision and when we shared it to Naba, he immediately met us and arranged a room in one of his hotels in Thamel and let her sleep for a day. The next day she was ok afte having enough rest and medication. I felt homely and with families. When we were ready, Naba let us start the adventure. The guide of TRA was great guy with lots of knowledge. He was friendly, attenttive and funny as well. I will never forget his name. He is shiva. We cannot recommend this company enough,
Louise Carr
flagsUnited States of America
Mar 28, 2022

Enjoyed a lot

We choose this trek because we alrady did ABC trek with them. We had only 15 days vacation so we had to finish the trek and enjoy extra relaxed day in Thamel. Thnaks to Naba whose hotel is centered in Thamel. Just before we head to mountains, we had nice coffee talk with him as he opened up about his business and all. The trek was good and our guide is credited for the best experience. Everything was great.
Recommended by Friend
Deegan Mcpherson
flagsMexico
Mar 25, 2022

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

We did a short Annapurna Circuit trek with Rishi and completed it in 11 days. The trek was carefully crafted as the itinerary perfectly matched what we expected. In initial days, it was an easy trek and later it was moderate. The room provided were of good quality. and food were really good. We are now in love with dal bhat with chicken curry. We got to enjoy best views of the mountains and landscape. Thanks to Naba for suggesting this trek. We are more than grateful to him and his team for outstanding service,
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