Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 9 Days, Affordable Cost- 2024/2025

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 9 Days, Affordable Cost- 2024/2025
At a Glance
  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 5,416 m/17,756 ft
  • Group Size 2-20
  • Trip Style Trek
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Highlights
  • A short 9 days itinerary for the Annapurna circuit trek
  • Perfect for travelers who are bound by time and cannot do the usual long Annapurna circuit trek
  • Only recommended to travelers who can walk 6 to 7 hours a day
  • Trek through subtropical forests and pass by terraces and pastures before following glacier moraines
  • Come across a wide range of flora and fauna on the way
  • Explore beautiful mountain villages and meet with different Nepali communities
  • Enjoy stunning mountain landscapes, rejuvenating air, and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets
  • Cross the thrilling Thorong La pass and visit the important pilgrimage site- Muktinath Temple
  • A journey packed with adventures and authentic experiences

We have designed a short itinerary of the famous Annapurna circuit trek for travelers who are bound by time and can walk 6 to 7 hours a day. Following this short Annapurna circuit trek 9 days package, you will be trekking through different climatic zones while spending nights in picturesque Gurung and Magar villages on the way.

The best thing about this Annapurna circuit trek itinerary is that it includes your arrival and departure to/from Kathmandu as well as traveling between the starting/ending point of the trail. So, in total, you will be trekking for 5 days in the Annapurna region and spend 4 days arriving, commuting between the trailhead, and departing from Kathmandu, Nepal.

If you cannot do the standard 14 to 18 days Annapurna circuit trek, then we highly recommend you join us on this short Annapurna circuit trek 2024 adventure. With our expert team, explore the beauty of the Annapurna region, experience the thrill of crossing Thorong La pass, and witness breathtaking mountain panoramas.

What to expect during the short Annapurna circuit trek 9 days?

The short Annapurna circuit trek explores the northwest section of the Himalayas in Nepal. The trail is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you will come across a wide species of flora and fauna. The trek starts from Chame (2,610 m/8,890 ft). Most of the trek route goes through rhododendrons and pine forests and gradually ascends to the vast pastures of Yak Kharka (4,050 m/14,275 ft).

In between, follow a very scenic route from Pisang village (3,115 m/10,200 ft) to Manang village (3,540 m/11,300 ft). From Yak Kharka, the vegetation changes to shrubs. You will be following steep, rocky slopes to reach the Thorong La pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft) and navigate via landslide debris to Muktinath Temple (3,710 m/12,172 ft).

The trek ends in Muktinath, and you will drive along the deepest gorge in the world- Kali Gandaki Gorge to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,600 ft) via Pokhara (822 m/2,697 ft). During the trek, you will meet with different Nepali communities and see the authentic mountain lifestyle.

Similarly, come across both Hindu and Buddhist heritage as you visit temples and monasteries on the way. Mountains like Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Fishtail (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), and many others are seen during the short Annapurna circuit trekking.

"If you have 3 to 4 extra days, consider extending the trek to the stunning Tilicho Lake, situated at 4,919 meters. It is the second-highest lake in the world."

Can you do the short Annapurna circuit trek alone?

Sadly, no, you cannot do the short Annapurna circuit trek or any trek in the Annapurna region alone anymore. From April 1st, 2023, the Nepal government has banned solo trekking in the Annapurna region because of an increasing number of lost and injured solo trekkers.

So, if you are a solo traveler and wish to do the short Annapurna circuit trek 9 days, you can join our fixed departure group or trek privately with our guide and porter. Group trek allows you to travel with like-minded individuals from around the world, whereas private trek is customized to suit your requirements.

Is short Annapurna circuit trekking right for you?

The short Annapurna circuit trek is ideal for fit trekkers who can manage to walk long hours daily to complete the trek quickly. Likewise, our short Annapurna circuit trek itinerary does not have an acclimatization day, so the participant must have previous high-altitude experience. This package is only recommended to those who are bound by time.

Perks of doing the Annapurna circuit short trek with us

Trekking becomes hassle-free and safe with our professional team in Nepal. You can trust our team and freely embark on the Annapurna circuit short trek or any other trek in the Himalayas. Our expert team will take care of all the permits and logistics involved in the journey.

Likewise, we also have the genuine short Annapurna circuit trek cost that will not make a hole in your pocket. During the short Annapurna circuit trek from Kathmandu, our team will be there to support you throughout the journey. Book your short Annapurna circuit trek 2024/2025 departure now at the best price.

Itinerary

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Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Welcome dinner

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and meet with our team outside the terminal. They will drop you at the hotel and brief you on any important information. Get some rest and later meet us in our office for trek preparation. We will pack the duffel bags, arrange the permits, and do last-minute shopping. In the late evening, there will be a welcome dinner.

    Distance: 238 km/148 miles

    Altitude: 760 m/2,493 ft

    Duration: 8-10 hours

    Accommodation: Lodge

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

    From Kathmandu, we will drive to Besisahar early in the morning. The route follows a well-made highway along the Trishuli river. On the way, we will get to see picturesque verdant hills, waterfalls, terraces, and snow-capped mountains. As we reach Dumre and continue the drive, the ride gets bumpy till Besisahar.

      Distance: 80 km/50 miles

      Altitude: 3,115 m/10,200 ft

      Duration: 4 hours drive & 5 hours trek

      Accommodation: Lodge

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

      We leave Besisahar early and drive to Chame. The road is uneven and follows hillsides. The views of waterfalls, terraced fields, and small settlements are superb on the way. In Chame, we will have a lunch and start trekking from here to Pisang. The trail follows a steep narrow valley and ascends to Paungda Danda Rock.

      It is a huge rock rising 1,500 meters from the Marsyangdi river. From here, the trail descends to the Manang valley floor and ascends to Pisand villages. On the way, we will get to see striking views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II.

        Distance: 17 km/10.6 miles 

        Altitude: 3,540 m/11,300 ft

        Duration: 6 hours

        Accommodation: Lodge

        Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

        We will begin our day with a warm breakfast and follow a beautiful route to Manang village. The trail offers breathtaking views of Annapunra II, Annapunra III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, etc. As the trail ascends, we can see a change in climate because the air gets dry and crisp. Manang is a big village with many modern services. We will also visit an ancient monastery called Braga before reaching Manang village.

          Distance: 7.5 km/4.6 miles

          Altitude: 4,050 m/14,275 ft

          Duration: 4 hours

          Accommodation: Lodge

          Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

          The trail continues to Yak Kharka from Manang village. We will come out of the Marsyangdi valley today and follow a steep, rugged route to Jarsang Khola valley. The trail gradually gets narrow as we ascend and pass by meadows. Soon, we will trek past a small settlement called Gunsan and reach Yak Kahrka.

            Distance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles

            Elevation: 4,525 m/14,525 ft

            Duration: 5 hours

            Accommodation: Teahouse

            Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

            Leaving Yak Kharka, we will cross a small river and ascend to Ledar. From here, follow an uphill narrow route to Thorong Phedi for the night stay. On the way, we can see views of Chulu Peaks, Annapurna II, Gangapurna Himal, Taboche Peak, etc.

              Distance: 15.6 km/9.6 miles

              Elevation: 5,416 m/17,756 ft

              Duration: 8-9 hours

              Accommodation: Teahouse

              Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

              Today is a big day because we will be crossing the very famous Thorong La pass. From Thorong Phedi, the trail steeply ascends, following a rocky track to the top of the pass. The mountain panorama from the top of the Thorong La pass is outstanding. The trail then descends to Muktinath via landslide-prone areas.

                Distance: 357 km/233 miles

                Elevation: 1,400 m/4,600 ft

                Duration: 14-15 hours

                Accommodation: Hotel

                Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner

                Early in the morning, we will explore the Muktinath temple and have a big veg breakfast. It is a religious place, so no non-veg food is available here. Leaving Muktinath temple, we will embark on a long ride back to Kathmandu. Following the bumpy hillsides, we will drive to Pokhara first, enjoying stunning mountain views.

                From Pokhara, the road is smooth till Kathmandu. This section of the ride will be quite scenic as well. In Kathmandu, take your time to rest and shop. Today is your last day. Meet us in the late evening for a farewell dinner.

                  Meals: Breakfast only

                  You have completed one of the tough treks in the Himalayas. Congratulations on that. But with the end of the trek comes your departure time. Our team will escort you to the international airport and bid you our last goodbyes.

                    Cost Details
                    Includes
                    • All airport pick-up and drop-off services are complimentary.
                    • A complimentary welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant.
                    • The two nights stay in Kathmandu, with breakfast (twin sharing).
                    • Transportation from Kathmandu to Besishahar to Chame and Muktinath to Pokhara to Kathmandu.
                    • All necessary trekking permits, like the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, the TIMS Card, etc.
                    • During the mountain season, three meals per day are consumed: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
                    • All accommodations during the mountain.
                    • Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, pomegranates, when and if available.
                    • Complimentary duffel bag or agency T-shirt (for your trekking stuff, if needed).
                    • Government-approved, first-aid trained (with a medical kit), an English-speaking professional local guide, and of the 2 guests 1 porter
                    • First-aid kit.
                    • Staff insurance, a well-paid salary, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
                    • If necessary, rescue arrangements will be made.
                    • Certificate of achievement, if needed.
                    • Agency service charge and government tax, or VAT.
                    Excludes
                    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee.
                    • Lunch and dinner in the city, or Kathmandu and Pokhara.
                    • Personal insurance, trekking gear, personal expenses, items lost or stolen, and so on.
                    • Temple and monastery entrance fees.
                    • Personal guide and porter.
                    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fees, etc.)
                    • All drinks, chocolate bars, desserts, laundry, hot showers, battery charges, wifi, etc.
                    • Tipping to staff.
                    • Extra nights on the mountain and city, which are not maintained.

                    Useful Information

                    Difficulty

                    • Trek distance: The short Annapurna circuit trek spans 60 km to 70 kilometers. Daily walking distances vary from 8 to 15 km, with a typical duration of 5 to 6 hours of trekking each day.
                    • Difficulty level: The short Annapurna circuit trek is a challenging venture. Crossing the Thorong La pass is very difficult and requires good physical fitness. The trek keeps you above 3,000 meters for multiple days. You will trek on different terrain, including steep and rocky tracks.
                    • Altitude sickness: Altitude sickness is a big concern during the short Annapurna circuit trek because you will ascend high every day until you reach the top of the Thorong La pass. Be careful of symptoms like headaches, vomiting, nausea, shortness of breath, or difficulty in sleeping. If you get any of these symptoms, inform your guide and follow his instructions. Read below to learn how to prevent or avoid altitude sickness.
                    • Preventive measures: The biggest preventive measure for altitude sickness is keeping yourself hydrated and maintaining your pace. In addition to that, you should eat nutritious food and get ample sleep. If you follow these few things, you can avoid altitude sickness during the short Annapurna circuit trek.
                    • Previous trekking experience: The challenge of the short Annapurna circuit trek varies based on one's trekking experience. Seasoned trekkers may find it manageable, but for novices, the journey can be demanding. If you're relatively new to trekking, it's essential to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the trek.
                    • Trek preparation: To prepare yourself for this challenging journey, we advise initiating a six-week training regimen. Focus on cardio, stamina, leg strength, and flexibility exercises to build the necessary physical resilience. Gradually progress from simple workouts to professional training programs tailored for trekking.

                    The best time to do the Everest base camp trek in Nepal

                    • Spring: Spring (March to May) is one of the most popular times for the Annapurna circuit short trek. The weather is mild and stable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The trails are covered with rhododendrons and offer stunning mountain views.
                    • Autumn: Autumn (September to November) is the second best time to explore the Annapurna circuit. Daytime temperatures range from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius. Trails are well-defined and dry, with minimal rainfall. The views of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking, and the crisp air enhances the visibility. The landscape is vibrant with fall colors.
                    • Summer/monsoon: The summer and monsoon (June to August) seasons run together in Nepal. The lower parts of the trails are very affected by heat and heavy rainfall. The humidity is high, and the Annapurna region is at high risk of landslides. Likewise, the trails are slippery and muddy due to rain, and leeches may be present in some areas. Overall, summer/monsoon season is not an ideal time for a short Annapurna circuit trek.
                    • Winter: Crossing the Thorong La pass in winter is the most challenging part. Due to heavy snowfall and bad weather, the trail also gets closed. To do the Annapurna circuit trek in winter, you have to study weather and trail conditions and properly prepare for the journey. The climate is very cold. Temperature goes below freezing point. And the views may get obstructed sometimes.

                    Accommodation and Meals

                    • Rooms: Teahouse accommodation is common during the Annapurna circuit trek. You will get simple rooms with clean beds and blankets to spend the nights. In some villages like Manang, Jomsom, etc, you may get luxury lodges. The rooms are not heated, so you have to carry a nice insulated sleeping bag.
                    • Washroom: The washrooms are shared in the teahouses. You may get Western and squat-style toilets. Pack toilet paper, travel soaps, toothpaste, and other essential toiletries for the journey.
                    • Hot shower: Hot shower facilities are available in some tea houses at an additional cost. Taking a shower daily during the trek is not a viable option because of cold and hot water issues. So, we recommend alternating shower days and using wet wipes to clean yourself on the days you can't take a shower.
                    • Charging: You will get charging facilities everywhere. Expect to pay a few bucks for the service. We highly recommend carrying a large power bank or spare batteries for backup. Make sure the power bks hold its charge in the cold climate.
                    • WiFi: WiFi is available in many tea houses along the short Annapurna circuit trail now. You can pay a few hundred rupees for the service. Depending on the weather, the connection may be stable or poor. We also recommend getting a Nepali tourist sim with data for a better chance of connectivity on the trail.
                    • Breakfast: The breakfast menu on the Annapurna circuit trail includes toast, eggs, fruits, pancakes, oats, muesli, Tibetan bread, chapati, porridge, sandwiches, etc. For beverages, tea and coffee are available.
                    • Lunch and dinner: The lunch and dinner menu consists of dal bhat, thukpa, thenduk, momo, noodles, pasta, burgers, pizza, curries, rice, roti, etc. You will also get items made of yak meat and chicken. Bakery items are also widely available throughout the trek.

                    Additional Information

                    • Travel insurance: We ask our guests to buy travel insurance for the Annapurna circuit trek to provide them an additional layer of safety. As the Annapurna circuit is a remote part of the Himalayas with no transportation infrastructure, travel insurance offers reliable backup for emergencies. The travel insurance for short Annapurna circuit trekking should cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical bills.
                    • Passport and visa: You need both a passport and a visa to enter Nepal. Get both documents from the related government department in your country and make sure they have the required validity. Likewise, you can also obtain a travel visa upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. However, do check the visa eligibility for your country before you go for this option.
                    • Money exchange: You will need Nepali cash to use during trekking and shop around local markets in Kathmandu. Cards are mostly acceptable in restaurants, cafes, hotels, and malls. There are no ATMs on the short Annapurna circuit trek route, so withdraw enough cash in Kathmandu. You can use your card to withdraw money from ATMs. Likewise, exchange money in banks or money exchange centers in Kathmandu.
                    • Tips: Giving tips to drivers, watchmen, guides, and porters is a custom in Nepal. It is the best way to say thank you to them for their service. Our short Annapurna circuit trek cost does not cover tips, so budget money for the tips.
                    • Luggage: Pack smartly and pack all the little essential things for the trek. Your duffel bag weight should be under 10 kg, and backpack weight is not more than 5 kg. Going above this weight will cost you additional money. Porters will carry the duffle bags during the trek.
                    • Personal expenses: There are some things that are not covered in our short Annapurna circuit trek costs, like international flight fares, travel insurance, shopping, extra snacks and drinks, tips, etc. Budget these expenses and make sure you have ample money to cover your expenditure habits.

                    FAQs

                    • You can do the Annapurna circuit trek in 8 to 12 days. In this package, we have presented a 9 days Annapurna circuit trek for travelers who are looking for a short itinerary.

                    • Seven days is a very strict time frame to complete the Annapurna circuit trek. But if you can walk 8 to 9 hours a day and are strong enough to face the challenges of high altitude trekking in a short time, then we can customize the Annapurna circuit trek 7 days itinerary for you.

                    • For beginners, the short Annapurna circuit trek can get very challenging. We do not even recommend the standard Annapurna circuit trek to beginner trekkers, and the shorter version of it is far more challenging.

                    • The hardest part of the short Annapurna circuit trek is crossing the Thorong La pass. Likewise, towards the end of the trek, you will take a long ride from Muktinath to Kathmandu. If you suffer from motion sickness or do not like long rides, this drive can get exhausting.

                    • There is no age limit for the short Annapurna circuit trek. It depends on the fitness and experience of the trekker. Underage trekkers (below 16 years) are required to do this trek with an identified guardian.

                    • Yes, the short Annapurna circuit trek is still worth it in 2024. The trekking route is adventurous, takes you away from the bustle of the city, and offers breathtaking mountain panoramas. In 9 days, you will make lifelong memories and friendships and unlock a huge achievement for yourself.

                    • No, you cannot do the Annapurna circuit short trek without a guide. Trekking alone in the Annapurna region is banned from April 1st, 2023. Solo trekkers can join our fixed departure groups or trek privately.

                    • No, you cannot see Mount Everest from the Annapurna circuit trail. Rather, you will witness views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, and other stunning mountains.

                    • Yes, the Annapurna circuit is cold, especially the upper part of the circuit. The night and morning times are colder than the daytime.

                    • These are some of the alternatives for short Annapurna circuit trek in Nepal- Mardi Himal trek, Ghorepani Poon hill trek, Khopra Danda trek, Mohare Danda trek, Jomsom Muktinath trek, Langtang Valley trek, Everest Panorama trek, etc.

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