The Annapurna circuit is one of the world’s iconic treks for someone who loves nature, adventures and culture. This trek overly takes 18 to 21 days covering variety of terrains and climate zone. This fill circuit offers you a deep and immersive journey into the heart of Nepal’s Himalayas.
Annapurna short circuit trek is dream land for the nature lovers because of its diverse ecosystems from subtropical forest to glacial environments, the trek offers rich biodiversity. Its panoramic mountain views especially the spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. More of all its tranquil environment you will get a chance to escape into nature which are surrounded by the serenity of the Himalayas.
What if you can enjoy all of this just in a week? Is it really possible to get the amazing experience just in a week? Of course it is possible.
Imagine you being the part of snow caved mountains, feeling the air over the height of 5000 meters and gazing down at the valleys within a week. The Annapurna short circuit delivers a heartwarming experience of legendary mountains in a short period of time without miss the major highlight of Annapurna region. This trek should be in your bucket list.
The modified routes
Road construction in Annapurna Region has shortened the traditional trekking round over the past two decades, these type of change have opened up a new opportunities for those trekkers who have limited amount of time. They can enjoy the circuit’s major highlights.
The short circuit trek to Annapurna typically begins in Chame and ends in Jomsom. This routes typically cut outs the long and lower altitude sections which requires extra days of walking. This version of trek lets you acknowledge the most dramatic and rewarding part of Annapurna region. You will get to see and explore the section of Thorong La Pass.
Trekkers can now enjoy their trekking through jeep, bus and flight from the start to end of their journey thanks to the improved facility and infrastructure that has been built lately.
The modified route Chame to Jomsom
The traditional route of trekking to Annapurna Circuit used to start from Besisahar and end in Nayapul or Ghorepani, but the modern short version of trekking starts at Chame at the height of 2650 m, which is accessible by a long jeep ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From here your trek will lead you through Marsyangdi Valley which passes through other iconic villages like Pisang, Manang, and Yak Kharka, before passing through Thorong La Pass at the height of 5416 m also considered as the highest point of the trek.
After crossing the pass, the route leads you to the spiritual and holy town Muktinath, which is the sacred place to Hindus and Buddhists. The final part of the short trek continues to Jomsom an iconic town in the Kali Gandaki Valley. It is the last destination where the trekkers end their journey and catch flight or jeep back to Pokhara.
What will you do on your short trekking?
Annapurna short circuit trek takes 7 days or can take 10 days. You can do so much just in 7 days. First you will drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Chame and then you trek to Pisang or Upper Mustang from there you will trek to Manang you will take a rest day there and spend your whole day for acclimazing from there you will start your trek from Manang to Yak Kharka then you will trek to Thorong Phedi, crossing through Thorong La Pass and reach to Muktinath your journey will end at Jomsom you have an option to go by jeep or your feet from there you will fly back to your starting destination. Here are some of the things you will do during your trek. List are followed as below to make it clearer:
Day 1: You will drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Chame.
Day 2: Trek to Pisang or Upper Pisang depends on your guide.
Day 3: You will trek to Manang.
Day 4: You will have a rest day or spend your day acclimating in Manang
Day 5: Trekking to Yak Kharka
Day 6: Trekking to Thorong Phedi
Day 7: Cross through Thorong La Pass and reach to Muktinath
Day 8: Trek to Jomsom or you have option to drive
Day 9: Fly back to Pokhara your journey ends.
Trek highlights
Annapurna Short Circuit trekking will always be an unforgettable moments for trekkers. As this trek is dream land for the nature lovers because of its diverse ecosystems from subtropical forest to glacial environments, the trek offers rich biodiversity. Its panoramic mountain views especially the spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. Sunrise at Poon Hill it is once-in-a-lifetime. As you get to experience the sun rise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Another nest experience is scenic diversity that this destination offers you. More of all its tranquil environment you will get a chance to escape into nature which are surrounded by the serenity of the Himalayas. Here are some of the major highlights of this trek:
Manang
It is known as the gate way to high Himalayas residing at the height of 3540 meters. Manang is a culturally and traditionally bound known for perfect acclimatization stop for trekkers. The major highlights of this stop is their cozy bakeries, views of Anapurna III, Gangapurna and Tilicho peak. You will spend a rest day to Gangapurna Lake where local Lamas will give you blessing to head towards Thorong La.
Thorong La Pass
Residing at the height of 5416 meters Thorong La is known as the ultimate mountain challenge in entire trek. Your trek starts early in the morning to avoid strong winds, ensuring your safety and safe passage. The climb to the height is physically tiring but the rewarding part is that you will get 360 degrees views of Himalayan giants. Reaching to the height is truly rewarding though it is very challenging. You will get the feeling of accomplishment at the end of your trek.
Muktinath
Muktinath is considered as the spiritual and scenic stop. From the routes of Thorong La Pass you will reach in Muktinath. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site, well known for its eternal flame and 180 water spouts which is believed to clean your sins. This place brings value to Hindu and Buddhist culture. Whole values brings life to Muktinath region.
Kali Gandaki and Jomsom
This is your last destination and your journey is fully fulfilled. From Muktinath you will follow the routes to reach Kali Gandaki River also known as the deepest pass in the world, bordered by Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. This trek will end in Jomsom where trekkers can feel their journey, their suffering, and their enjoyment throughout their trek to Annapurna.
Why it’s perfect for trekkers with limited time?
Everybody have limited time in this busy world not everyone can afford to take 3 to 4 days week off to complete the full Annapurna Circuit. This shorter version of Annapurna trek is ideal for working professionals who are looking to escape the high altitude, travelers who are on tight schedule and have limited amount of time who is wanting a maximum impact on their minimum time frame, first time Himalayan trekkers who wants to take challenges without any over commitment. Repeat trekkers who have done other routes and are looking to trek off Throng La quickly. The shorter version of this trek offers you thrill of high altitude trekking, cultural immersion and epic scenery all this just in a time frame of 7 to 10 days.
Duration, distance and level of difficulty
This whole trek takes you 7 to 10 days depending on your level of pace and acclimatization and how you are planning to reach the destination whether from the flight or jeep. Distance to this destination is approximately 70 to 90 kilometers it also depends on your start and ending point. Your starting point is Chame which is at 2620 meters. The highest point Thorong La pass at the height of 5416 meters. And the ending point Jomsom at 2720 meters.
Overall this trek difficulty level is considered moderate to difficult depending on trekker’s physical ability. This trek includes high altitude gain especially at the regions like, Manang and Thorong la that’s why trekkers should be fully prepared for long day’s walk of at least 6 to 8 hours a day as you have to cover Annapurna region in short period of time that may effects the altitudes which shouldn’t be underestimated by trekkers. Acclimatization is curtail since trekkers might face high altitude, take a rest day in Manang to adjust and before pushing yourself to higher elevations. Prior trekking experience is helpful but it is not mandatory. Your good physical fitness and preparation can make a huge difference in this trek.
Best time to trek
Annapurna region looks best in its main seasons so consider visiting this trek during its prime season. Ideal season for short Annapurna Circuit trek are spring (March – May) where you will be offered with clear skies, rhododendron blooms and its forest. The temperature is slightly warmer so you might not have to fear to catch cold or weather sickness. Another is autumn season (September – November) in this month you will be offered with crisp air, you will be able to see the clear views of mountains visibility experience will be ten out of ten. The weather is stable so you don’t have to worry about sudden weather changes.
You should avoid visiting in Monsoon season mainly during the month of June to august and mid-winter late December to February due to landslides, heavy snow, extreme cold, unpredictable weather condition and slippery roads.
Tips for successful trek
You should acclimatize properly so spend your full day resting in Manang and other routes. You should always pack smart don’t bring unnecessary things because they will be load for you. Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food to avoid altitude sickness. Hire guide or porter for your safety and easy trekking, hiring guide or porter is especially helpful for local insights as these guide and porter knows the tradition and the culture of the place better. You should start your day early as Thorong La crossing takes 6 to 8 hours your safety is in your hand.
Conclusion
Annapurna Short Circuit Trek is dream land for the nature lovers because of its diverse ecosystems from subtropical forest to glacial environments, the trek offers rich biodiversity. Its panoramic mountain views especially the spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. More of all its tranquil environment you will get a chance to escape into nature which are surrounded by the serenity of the Himalayas. This trek will take you inside the Himalayas where you will get closure of stunning mountains. Your trek will start walking through scenic trails, passing through traditional villages and getting the experience of breathtaking mountain views.
Annapurna Short Circuit trek is living proof that you don’t need to rush down your youth for money and time. Time is precious so take a moment and enjoy your time to make memories not only money. You can do so much just in little time frame. You will get to experience the Himalayas of nature live your adventure just in less time. Annapurna Short Circuit trek is really life changing it is not just trekking journey but it is also an experience and the hope of starting your new journey to Himalayas. If you are hoping to have a life changing journey and want to escape from the reality then Annapurna Short Circuit Trek is fit for you.
Either you are a seasonal traveler or a busy person who have less time frame then Annapurna Short Circuit Trek is best for you. Hold your time for a second and live freely, create memories with Annapurna Short Circuit Trek.
