The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a perfect 6-day Himalayan journey designed for those who want to experience the beauty and culture of the Annapurna region without trekking the full circuit. This trek begins with a scenic private jeep ride from Kathmandu to Chame and gradually ascends through picturesque villages like Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, and Ngawal, leading up to the culturally rich village of Manang (3,540m).
Along the trail, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Annapurna Massif including Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak. The highlight of this short trek is the optional acclimatization hike to Ice Lake (4,600m), a turquoise alpine lake offering panoramic mountain vistas and a challenging yet rewarding climb.
This 6-day Short Annapurna trek is ideal for those with limited time but still want a taste of high-altitude trekking, local culture, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. The route avoids the high Thorong La Pass, making it a safer and more moderate option suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike.
With comfortable teahouse accommodation, private transportation, and experienced local guides, this package offers the best of the Annapurna region in a short time. Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a private group, this trek combines adventure, culture, and mountain serenity all in one compact itineray.
Scenic jeep drive from Kathmandu to Chame through hills, rivers, and terraced villages
Breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak
Trek through charming mountain villages like Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Manang
Explore the traditional Tibetan culture and lifestyle of the Manang region
Optional acclimatization hike to Ice Lake at 4600 meters for panoramic alpine views
Witness the dramatic change in landscape from pine forests to high alpine desert
Visit ancient monasteries and local Buddhist shrines along the trail
Enjoy warm hospitality in local teahouses and taste authentic Nepali food
Gradual ascent with proper acclimatization – suitable for first-time trekkers
Avoids the high Thorong La Pass, making it a safer and shorter alternative
Beautiful side trips to Gangapurna Lake, Braga Monastery, and Manang cultural museum
Return journey through lush green valleys and Himalayan foothills
Ideal short trek for those with limited time who want to experience the Annapurna Circuit
Private transportation and professional guide services included
Stunning sunrise and sunset views over snow-capped Himalayan peaks
The best time to do this trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and the best visibility of the Himalayan peaks. In spring, trekkers can enjoy the beauty of blooming rhododendrons and warmer daytime temperatures, while autumn is known for its crystal-clear mountain views and stable weather.
Winter trekking (December to February) is also possible for those who prefer quiet trails and colder conditions. Snow may cover the higher trails like Ice Lake, and nights can be freezing, but it's still safe with proper gear. The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and frequent landslides in some sections.
This is a moderate-grade trek suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. It does not include any high passes like Thorong La, making it safer and shorter than the full Annapurna Circuit. The trail gradually ascends, allowing for proper acclimatization.
The highest sleeping point is Manang at 3540 meters, and there is an optional side hike to Ice Lake at 4600 meters, which is more demanding and suitable for physically fit trekkers. On average, you will walk 5 to 7 hours per day on mixed terrain—forest paths, stone steps, and open alpine trails. No technical climbing is involved, but good physical condition is required for enjoyable trekking.
Even though this trek doesn't go beyond 5000 meters, altitude sickness can still be a concern above 3000 meters. Therefore, a full day is allocated in Manang for acclimatization. You can either rest or choose to hike to Ice Lake or visit Gangapurna Lake and the local cultural museum. The trek is designed with a gradual ascent to help your body adjust naturally to the elevation.
You will stay in locally run tea houses or lodges throughout the trek. These are basic but clean and offer twin-sharing rooms with simple beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. While most rooms do not have attached bathrooms, shared toilets and hot showers are available in most places for a small extra charge. Teahouses in Manang and Pisang are well-established with better amenities and sometimes Wi-Fi service.
All three meals during the trek are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are served at the teahouses and offer a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and continental dishes. A typical trekking menu includes dal bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), fried rice, pasta, Tibetan bread, vegetable soups, eggs, pancakes, porridge, and momos. Tea and coffee are also served with meals.
Safe drinking water is available at lodges and filling stations along the trail. You can fill your bottle with boiled water or use water purification tablets or a filtered water bottle to stay hydrated.
The trek begins with a jeep drive from Kathmandu to Chame and ends with a return jeep drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu. The journey takes about 9 to 10 hours each way and passes through beautiful river valleys, green hills, terraced fields, and remote villages. The road from Besisahar to Chame is rough and bumpy, especially beyond Jagat, but it is full of scenic views of waterfalls, rivers, and mountains.
Two permits are required for this trek, and both are included in your package:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Your guide will carry all permits and handle the entry checkpoints during the trek.
A licensed English-speaking trekking guide will accompany you throughout the trek to ensure your safety, share local insights, and assist with accommodation and meals. You will also be provided with one porter for every two trekkers, who will carry your main luggage. Each porter can carry up to 20 kg in total (10 kg per trekker). You are advised to carry your own daypack with personal items like water, camera, snacks, and rain gear.
Here’s what you should bring for the 6-day trek:
Lightweight trekking pants and shirts
Fleece jacket or mid-layer
Down jacket (nights are cold)
Thermal underwear
Waterproof jacket and pants
Gloves, warm hat, and sun hat
Hiking boots (well broken-in) and trekking socks
Daypack (20–30 liters)
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
Water bottle and purification tablets
Basic toiletries and personal medication
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
Sleeping bags and down jackets are available for rent in Kathmandu if needed.
Electricity is available in most villages, and you can charge your devices for a small fee. Wi-Fi is available in Chame, Pisang, and Manang, but the connection can be slow and unreliable. The NTC and Ncell mobile networks are accessible in some sections, especially around Chame and Manang.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. It should cover high-altitude trekking up to at least 4600 meters, trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and helicopter evacuation in case of altitude sickness or injury. Make sure to check your policy before departure.
Food: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Your journey begins early in the morning from Kathmandu with a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. The road winds through lush hills, terraced farmland, and vibrant villages. After reaching Besisahar, you’ll switch to a 4WD vehicle for the rugged ascent to Chame. The journey offers views of cascading waterfalls, pine forests, and glimpses of Lamjung Himal. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Chame, the administrative center of the Manang district.
Highlights: Lamjung Himal views, riverside scenery, waterfalls, hot springs, pine forests
Overnight: Teahouse in Chame
Drive Duration: ~8–9 hours
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Begin your first day of trekking by following the Marsyangdi River through dense pine forests. The trail offers stunning views of Annapurna II and passes through traditional villages like Talekhu and Bratang. As you approach Dhukur Pokhari, the valley widens, and the dramatic rock face of Paungda Danda appears. A final gentle walk brings you to Upper Pisang, where stone houses and fluttering prayer flags welcome you.
Highlights: Annapurna II views, Paungda Danda, prayer wheels, suspension bridges
Overnight: Teahouse in Upper Pisang
Trek Duration: ~5–6 hous
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today’s trek is scenic and culturally rich. Taking the upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna III and Tilicho Peak. These traditional villages reflect Tibetan-influenced architecture and culture. Descend gradually toward the wide valley of Manang, passing monasteries, mani walls, and chortens along the way.
Highlights: Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, Tibetan villages, monasteries, Marsyangdi valley
Overnight: Teahouse in Manang
Trek Duration: ~6–7 hours
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude with a light hike or cultural exploration. You can take a side trip to Gangapurna Lake or hike up to the viewpoint above Manang for incredible views of the valley and nearby peaks. Alternatively, opt for the challenging hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) if you’re well-acclimatized and physically prepared.
Highlights: Gangapurna Lake, Manang village, Ice Lake option, cultural museums
Overnight: Teahouse in Manang
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Retrace your steps back toward Chame. Descend through pine forests and charming villages, enjoying different perspectives of the mountains and landscapes you encountered on the way up. It's a long walk but mostly downhill, making it manageable for most trekkers.
Highlights: Return views of Annapurna, pine forests, riverside trails
Overnight: Teahouse in Chame
Trek Duration: ~7–8 hours
Food: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: – Hotel
Depart early for your drive back to Kathmandu. The route follows the same rugged trail to Besisahar and continues on the Prithvi Highway. You’ll pass through rural landscapes, rivers, and hills before arriving in Kathmandu by evening.
Highlights: Scenic countryside, riverside villages, farewell to the mountains
Overnight: –
Drive Duration: ~8–9 hours
Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu with cultural show (ethnic music and dance)
Airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle
Private Jeep transportation from Kathmandu to Chame and back from Dharapani to Kathmandu
Two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotel (twin sharing, with breakfast)
English-speaking government-licensed trekking guide
Required number of porters according to group size (with insurance, meals, salary, and accommodation)
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea or coffee during trekking days
Seasonal fruits provided during the trek
Sleeping bags and down jackets (if required)
All necessary trekking permits including TIMS and ACAP
Trekking route map for each participant
All local and government taxes
Nepal visa fees and international flight tickets
Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for breakfast
Personal expenses such as bar bills, bottled water, extra tea/coffee, snacks, battery charging, laundry, etc.
Personal clothing, trekking gear, and equipment
Travel insurance including emergency evacuation and rescue
Tips for guide, porter, and driver (optional but expected)
Any costs arising from natural disasters, road blockages, weather delays, flight cancellations, or other unforeseen events beyond our contro
This is a moderate trek suitable for beginners with good fitness. Daily walking hours range from 5 to 7 hours. No technical skills are require
No, it is optional. Trekkers can choose to rest in Manang or explore other nearby attractions instead.
1. How difficult is the Short Annapurna Circuit TreThe highest overnight point is Manang at 3,540 meters. The optional side hike to Ice Lake reaches up to 4,600 meters.
No, it is optional. Trekkers can choose to rest in Manang or explore other nearby attractions instead.
The package includes private jeep transportation, all meals during the trek, accommodation, permits, a licensed guide, one porter for every two trekkers, and government ta
Simple teahouses with twin-sharing rooms and shared bathrooms are provided. Lodges are clean and comfortable with basic facilities.
No prior trekking experience is required, but good physical condition is important for a safe and enjoyable trek.
Yes, charging is available at most lodges for a small fee. Bring a power bank as backup.
Wi-Fi is available in some villages like Chame and Manang (for a fee). Mobile networks work in selected areas but can be unreliable.
Yes, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card are required and included in the p
You can refill your bottle with boiled or filtered water at teahouses. We recommend bringing a water purifier or tablets for safety.
Three meals a day are included. Choices include Nepali dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, pancakes, soups, and Tibetan bread. Tea or coffee is served with meals.
Bring warm clothes, a down jacket, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
Yes, travel insurance covering emergency evacuation and high-altitude trekking (up to 4,600 meters) is strongly recommende
Yes, an English-speaking licensed guide and one porter for every two trekkers are included in the price.
Private sharing jeep is used for both the Kathmandu to Chame and Dharapani to Kathmandu routes. The drive offers scenic views but can be bumpy.
Yes, the itinerary can be customized based on your time, interest, and fitness level. You can add rest days, visit Tilicho Lake, or continue to Thorong La Pass if you wish to extend the trek. Please let us know in advance so we can arrange everything accordingly.
If this trip is not suitable for you. We can make Tailor Made Trip for you.
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