Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 10 Days

Trip Facts
DestinationNepal
ActivityAnnapurna Treks
AccomodationHotel in Pokhara and Hotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek
RegionAnnapurna Region
Distance160–260km /100-161miles
Start / End pointKathmandu / Kathmandu
Duration10 Days
Max. Altitude5,416m at Thorung la high pass
Meals IncludedBreakfast in Pokhara Hotel and all Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
Group size2 - 6
Nature of TrekLodge to Lodge Trekking
Best SeasonFeb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec.
Trip Codedwt 002
Activity Per DayApprox. 4-6 hrs walking
TransportationKathmandu to Besishar to Chame, Muktinath to Tatopani via Jomsom, and Tatopani to Pokhara by public transportation, Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
GradeChallenging

Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a beautiful blend of hike & adventure in the Annapurna region where you can view dramatic deep gorges, desolate high mountain passes, and the massive snow-capped mountain ranges as well as relaxing hot springs, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and delightful farming villages.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal

  • Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meter
  • Blue sheep at Yak Kharka
  • Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu east, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
  • World’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge
  • Magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls
  • Visit Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists
  • Visit the beautiful Manang district and interact with its people
  • Jomsom’s busy marketplace
  • Visit Barge Monastery, the largest in Manang
  • Hot springs in Tatopani

Benefits of booking Annapurna Circuit Short Trek with DWT

  • Free airport arrival and departure transfer to/from Hotel by private transportation.
  • Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
  • Provide pulse oximeter for blood oxygen saturation level monitor at high altitudes. It is an important indicator to recognize early signs of impending altitude sickness and other potential health risks.
  • Free excess luggage storage at the Discovery World Trekking store during the trek
  • Medical Kit.
  • Easy booking and reservation system
  • Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
  • 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
  • Easy payment system. 
  • Sleeping bags and Down jacket arrangements if you do not have your own.


Online Trip Briefing

The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available date and time for the trek briefing. Please note that we conduct trip briefing only once either online or in person.

Annapurna Circuit Short Trek Route

This is the shortest Annapurna Circuit Trek package we provide. Annapurna Circuit short trekking adventure begins from Kathmandu. We will take you on a local bus to Besisahar, where we will register our permits. The next day, you will take a local bus for a scenic drive to Chame - the destination for that day. On the way, we will stop by Dharapani to complete the paper (Trek Permits) formalities for the Annapurna region trek.

The next day, we begin the Annapurna short trek from Chame to Pisang, and the path passes through a pleasant forest route. On the way, you will view Paungda Danda Rock. After reaching Pisang, you will rest for the day. The following morning, you will leave Pisang behind and head to Manang while enjoying the north-face views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna. After stopping at Manang for the night, you will head to Ledar the following day.

After reaching Ledar on the fifth day, the journey takes you from Ledar to Thorong Phedi on the sixth day. The seventh day is exciting. You will start from Thorong Phedi, pass through Thorong La High Pass, and head down to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. After spending a night at Muktinath, the following morning, you will leave Muktinath and drive to Jomsom, then to Tatopani for the night. The next day, we will drive you from Tatopani to Pokhara via Beni Bazaar, and from Pokhara, you will return to Kathmandu.

We have designed the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek (10 days) for passionate trekkers who can hike 6 to 7 hours a day as an alternative to our 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, which circumnavigates the entire Annapurna region. It is among the shortest Annapurna circuit trek possible. Please see our Annapurna Circuit Trek Map below for the precise route. 

Why Annapurna Circuit Short Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a fulfilling trek where you will be able to enjoy the panoramic sceneries of the Himalayas, including - Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937m), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), and Tilicho Peak (7,134m). This trek, lasting for ten days, is among the best Annapurna Circuit Treks. If you want, we have got shorter Annapurna treks as well.

What are the attractions of Annapurna Circuit Short Trek?

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 days package, you will get to explore the Tibetan-style Buddhist villages in Manang and the local culture during the Annapurna Circuit trekking. The circuit takes you through several climatic zones as you pass rice paddy fields, subtropical forests, rural farmland, and glacial zones. There is a small chance of seeing a snow leopard in Yak Kharka along with blue sheep. You will pass through Jomsom’s bustling market area, a substantial change from the scenic farms and rural villages, and stop at Tatopani, where you can relax in the famous hot springs.

What about the Annapurna Circuit altitude?

The starting point of this trek is Besisahar at (760m/2492ft), and the trek will take you up to 5,416m/17,756ft at Thorong La Pass before descending to 3,760m/12,623ft at Muktinath. You can see our Annapurna Circuit itinerary for trek height details.

This package includes a local bus ride from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar or Bhulbhule. However, for an extra cost, you can book a private jeep. Similarly, we recommend you book a private jeep instead of a local bus while traveling from Besi Sahar to Chame for a smoother journey. Though it will cost you a little more, you will be comfortable as the road from Besi Sahar to Chame is very rough, and the drive is long. In addition, while returning, you have the option for a self-funded (flight cost not covered in the package) flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. We also want our guests to arrive in Kathmandu one day before the trip departure day (before 3 p.m.) for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person briefing.

Annapurna Circuit Day to Day Itinerary

  1. day1

    Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m / 2492ft) west of the Kathmandu Valley

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (190km / 118miles) 6-8 hrs

    Early morning after breakfast, we take a local bus to Besishar, which takes about 6-7 hours (190 Km). The route passes out of the valley along the picturesque Trishuli river to Besisahar, situated along the Marsyangdi River. Throughout your ride, you will see amazing terraced farms, beautiful villages, gorgeous Ganesh and Manaslu snow peaks.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Gangapurna (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  2. day2

    Drive From Besisahar (760m / 2492ft) to Chame (2,710m / 8,890ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (66.5km / 41.3miles) 7 - 8 hrs

    We take a local bus to Chame. The bus route passes through several jungles and terrace farms along the Marsyangdi River. We will be passing through the peaceful Jagat Bazaar and stopping briefly at Dharapani (1860m) to register our permit. Dharapani is the main entry point for Annapurna Trek. Then, we continue our bus ride until we reach Chame.

    Chame has a busy bazaar and rejuvenating hot springs along the Marsyangdi river- where we can relax. From Chame, you can witness the fantastic views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Lamjung Himal (6,932m) up the valley, and if you look back, you will be able to see the Manaslu (8,154m) and Peak 29 (7,833m) 

    • Overnight stay at Four Season Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  3. day3

    Trek from Chame (2,710m / 8,890ft) to Upper Pisang (3,300m / 10,826ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 13.2km / 8.2miles
    Highest Altitude 3,115m / 10,200ft
    Trek Duration 5 - 6 hrs

    Our actual steps on the trail start from Chame, first, we walk through a steep and narrow valley to catch the views of Paungda Danda Rock face, a curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. Along with Paungda Danda Rock, you will also get clear views of Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Then we descend to the Manang Valley floor to reach Pisang - the destination for this day.

    • Overnight at Hotel Mandala (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  4. day4

    Trek from Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft) to Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 17km / 10.6miles
    Highest Altitude 3,540m / 11,300ft
    Trek Duration 5 - 6 hrs

    This day we continue our trek on the upper trails of Pisang via Geru. We choose this trail as it offers the outstanding northern face of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. As we ascend, you will feel the air turn cold, dry, and harsh. This trail will take you through several Tibetan-style settlements from where you get a chance to explore Buddhist culture before reaching Manang. In Manang, we will pay a short visit to Barge Monastery - the largest monastery in Manang.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  5. day5

    Trek from Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) through Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft) to Ledar (4,200m / 13,779ft )

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 9.4km / 5.8 miles
    Highest Altitude 4,050m / 14,275ft
    Trek Duration 3-4 hrs

    The fifth day on our trail is challenging as we will be gaining an elevation of more than 500 meters. We first make our way to reach Tanki Manang (upper Manang Village). At Tanki Manang, you can see stone-built houses with flat roofs, and as you move ahead, you will realize that you are nowhere near any other settlements. The place is desolate. As you continue further, you will reach a tiny village - Gunsang, and shortly after, you will arrive at a peaceful meadow known as Yak Kharka. The path to Yak Kharka might have been challenging, but from Yak Kharka, the trail to Ledar is easy. We will spend our night at Ledar.

    • Overnight stay at a ledar Hotel Dhading laxmi
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  6. day6

    Trek from Ledar (4,200m / 13,779ft) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 8.5km / 5.2 miles
    Highest Altitude 4,525m / 14,525ft
    Trek Duration 4-5 hrs

    Today's trek will be a short one - 3 to 4 hours as it also helps the acclimatization process. We leave Ledar behind and continue our walk, which takes us across Jorsang river(4310m) and to Phedi at (4,525m/14,525ft). Phedi is a Nepali word for the foot of the hill. 

    • Overnight stay at Thorong High Camp Hotel
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  7. day7

    Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m/12,623 ft) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 15.6km / 9.6miles
    Highest Altitude 5,416m / 17,756ft
    Trek Duration 9 hrs

    The most challenging part of the trip lies on our seventh day, as we will be crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world, and the highest point of this trek. We wake up very early at 3 am to face this challenge and push ourselves against icy air and rough high-altitude trails, but the views from the pass are totally worth it. 

    From the Thorong La Pass, on your north, you will see a panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks extending to Tibet, and as you turn back, you can see the Annapurna massifs. After enjoying the views from the Thorong La Pass, We descend to Muktinath. 

    The descent is quite steep and will take between 3 to 4 hours. Muktinath is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists - the Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means Hundred Waters. Muktinath Temple has 108 water sprouts with icy-cold water flowing from Kali Gandaki. Moreover, you can also see the eternal flame that has been burning there for more than 2,000 years.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Town House Muktinath (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  8. day8

    Drive from Muktinath (3,760m/12,623 ft) to Jomsom (2,720m) and then to Tatopani (1200m/3,940ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (113km / 70 miles) 6-7 hrs

    On our eighth day, we take public transport from Muktinath. The road heads down the valley to Jomsom. We will soon find ourselves at the bottom of Kali Gandaki river valley and to Jomsom, district headquarters of Mustang. Jomsom's bustling marketplace provides a great change from the scenic farms and rural villages we had previously visited. We will stop and rest for a while in Jomsom and catch a local bus to Tatopani. 

    Our journey passes along the deepest gorge in the world, and it will take us from the arid high elevation terrain to the lowlands with lush jungle and farmlands. Throughout your bus journey, you get to enjoy the great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges until we finally reach Tatopani. At Tatopani, we can take a dip in the nearby hot springs before settling for the night. (Tatopani means hot water in Nepali.)

    • Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Lodge (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  9. day9

    Drive from Tatopani (1200m / 3,940ft) to Pokhara (850m / 2788ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (197km / 122miles) 6 –7 hrs

    We wake up early in our hotel in Tatopani and take a local transport, and head to Pokhara. Your journey will take roughly seven hours, and before reaching Pokhara, you need to pass the beautiful Beni Bazaar town.
    Pokhara is a tourist paradise with almost all the amenities you would ever require. We encourage you to explore Pokhara and arrange dinner for yourself. It must have been a long time since you missed your best food.  

    • Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch)
  10. day10

    Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (200km / 124miles) 6-7 hrs.

    Finally, on the tenth day, early morning, you will return to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. The 200 km route first goes along the Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli River while letting you enjoy the natural scenery and farmlands. The bus makes one last climb, and you will be back in Kathmandu. We hope that you had a memorable journey.

    • Excluded from the package
    • Standard meal (Breakfast)

What is included in Annapurna Circuit Package (10 days)?

  • Drive from Kathmandu to Besishar to Chame and Muktinath to Tatopani to Pokhara by local bus.
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
  • One night accommodation with attached bathroom in Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara
  • Total 8 nights - five nights rooms with an attached bathroom at Besishar, Chame, Pisang, Muktinath, and Tatopani. Three nights standard rooms at Manang, Ledar, and Phedi / High Camp (Twin Sharing Room)
  • All standard meals (9 lunches, 8 dinners, and 10 breakfasts) during the trek
  • Government licensed experienced trek leader (guide) and porter to help trekkers luggage (2 trekkers will share 1 porter, luggage weight limit 9 kg per trekker).
  • Guides and porters meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses
  • Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
  • Souvenir - a company's T-shirt & cap
  • Discovery World Trekking Certificate of appreciation after the successful trek
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek at Kathmandu
What is excluded in Annapurna Circuit Package (10 days)?
  • International flight costs
  • Nepal entry visa fees at Tribhuwan Internationa Airport- (15 days - $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
  • Excess baggage charges (limit is 9kg weight per trekker)
  • All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after we start the journey
  • Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, or late departure, or early return from the trek
  • Personal expenses - shopping, snacks, bottle or boiled water, hot drinks (tea, coffee), cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc.
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Additional costs or delays caused by conditions beyond company control like landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policy, political strikes, mass movements, etc
  • All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "What is included in Annapurna Circuit Package (10 days)?" above

Official Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map

Gears for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal

Clothing, gear, and equipment for Annapurna Circuit Treks depend upon the season you are trekking, and you may have to make adjustments accordingly. Please bring only the essentials to the trek as per trekker luggage weight limit is 9 kg. Since you will be sharing a porter with another fellow trekker, we suggest you pair up with a fellow trekker and pack your things in a duffle bag. You can leave the excess luggage at the Discovery World Trekking office for free. Here is a list we compiled for your trek.

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf

  • Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat

  • Headlight with extra batteries

Face

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Face/body wipes

Hands

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Heavyweight winter gloves

Body

  • Hiking shirts

  • Long sleeved synthetic fiber shirt

  • Hooded rain jacket

  • Fleece jacket

  • Lightweight cotton pants

  • T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)

  • Polypropylene underwear

  • Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)

  • Sweater

  • Waterproof jacket and pants

Footwear

  • Hiking boots

  • Thick wool socks (take an extra pair of thick light socks)

Essential gear

  • Backpack or daypack (size depends on whether you take a porter or not)

  • Thermal bottle

  • Water purification

  • Trekking pole

  • Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in the high altitude trek)

  • Toiletries (toilet papers, tooth paste, tooth brush, )

Toiletries

  • Medium size drying towel

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Deodorant floss

  • Biodegradable bar soap

  • Nail clippers

  • Small mirror

Personal accessories

  • Money

  • Watch

  • Cell phone

  • Camera

Extra items

  • First aid kit

  • Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport

  • Notebook and pen

  • Binoculars

Annapurna Circuit Trip Info

Arrival (free airport pickup)

We will pick you up from the airport and drop you at your hotel by private vehicle on your arrival and vice-versa on your departure for free. Our representative will be at the Tribhuvan International Airport holding a pamphlet with your name. They will either present you with a Khada or Marigold garland as a welcome gesture and then take you to your hotel. You must submit your flight details to take advantage of this free service. We provide this service so you do not feel alone in a new country.


Trek start

You will arrive in Kathmandu at least one day earlier (before 3 pm) than the trek departure date. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person briefing. On the trek departure day, your trip guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the bus station to catch a bus to Besisahar. Local transport (from Kathmandu - Besisahar, Besisahar - Chame, Muktinath (via Jomsom) - Tatopani) is included in the package. You can book a private jeep for an extra cost.

Accommodation

The 10-day Annapurna Circuit Trek includes lodge-to-lodge stays in the trekking regions and one night in Pokhara at the best available hotel. We select the best available accommodations at all places.

You will stay five nights in twin sharing rooms with a private attached bathroom at Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Muktinath, and Tatopani. Similarly, you will spend three nights in twin-sharing standard rooms at Manang, Ledar, and Thorong High Camp. You will stay one night at a hotel in Pokhara in a room with an attached bathroom, TV, 24-hour hot water, power, and laundry facility. Solo travelers will stay in a single private room with an attached bathroom wherever available and single private standard rooms in other places.

Two nights in Kathmandu before and after the trek may be required but is not included in the package. Kathmandu hosts a wide range of hotels to suit your tastes and budget.


Meals

This trek takes you to high elevations near the world’s highest peaks, so you need enough carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients. We will provide you with nutritious food, but you might not have all the choices you enjoy in big cities.

We will provide 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners in the trek region. Menu item options include traditional, Asian, and Western cuisines. However, as we go up menu list will get shorter. 

We highly recommend you take fresh vegetables and liquids such as green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup (must) at high altitudes. Further, we advise you to try popular Nepali foods, such as dal (lentil), bhat (rice), tarkari (curry), momo (dumplings), and Chow mein (noodles). 

Though plenty of non-veg items are available in trekking regions, we do not recommend them because the meat in such places may not be hygienic. We also encourage avoiding dairy items along with alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and hot chocolates. 

All personal bills - alcoholic drinks, hot (tea, coffee, etc.), and cold drinks - in tea houses/lodges or cafes except standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from the package. Similarly, this package does not include lunch and dinner in Pokhara.


Luggage

We assign one porter for every two trekkers, and the maximum combined load we allow a porter to carry is 18 kg. So, that calculates to a 9 kg luggage weight limit per trekker. We also expect you to carry a small backpack for your valuables. Please bring with you only the essentials. You can leave your excess luggage at your hotel or our office store. We provide free luggage storing service for our trekkers during their trek period.


Typical day

Each day you will be trekking, climbing, enjoying the scenery, taking photos, and exploring the local villages. During the expedition/trek, our expert Sherpa guide will share information and historical facts about the places you will be trekking. The porters will carry most of your luggage. However, you may also need to carry a small backpack for your valuables.

The day starts with an early morning hot cup of tea/coffee. After breakfast, you will set off on the day's walk from 7 am to 8 am, depending on the duration and nature of the walk. After trekking for three to four hours, you will have lunch around midday on the route to the next destination. You will rest for an hour and continue the trek.

The afternoon walk is generally shorter - about two to three hours. Once you reach the overnight lodge/tea house/tent, you can snack on the extra dietary food and explore the place, where you will spend the night. 

We serve dinner around 6.30 pm.  Before heading to bed, you can spend quality time in friendly conversations. Your expedition leader/guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing, you can enjoy onboard games like Monopoly, and cards, or watch mountaineering documentaries. Most of our guests also prefer to learn common Nepali words. If reading provides you pleasure, you can pack one or two books.


Electricity and water

Throughout the lodges you will be staying during the Annapurna Circuit trek, electricity for the camera and mobile battery recharge is available for an extra cost. Similarly, you can buy packed mineral water from local lodges and en-route shops or fill your water bottle with boiled water. We also provide water purification pills if you need them. You should not drink water from the rivers, taps, and wells, in the trek regions because they may not be drinkable.


Communication

While on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can use internet service at the lodges for an extra service charge. But once we reach high altitudes, we will communicate using phones. The Discovery World Trekking Office remains in contact with all trek teams at least once a day via the team guide. If you want, you can buy a local SIM in Kathmandu, but depending on the network the signals may not be strong enough. 


Tipping

Nepali culture accepts and honors tipping, and it is a way to show gratitude. Tipping is at the trekkers' discretion and should be based on service quality, trek cost, and trek length. We encourage you to tip at the end of the trek and as a group.


Trek End

On the last day of your trek, you will leave Tatopani on local transport and head to Pokhara. On the way, you will leave Beni Bazaar town. Your trek ends in Pokhara. Later we will organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu.


Feedback

At the end of the trek, Discovery World Trekking hosts a farewell dinner in Kathmandu, and after dinner, we will also present you with a trek completion certificate (hard copy). It is also a perfect time to share your experience and provide us feedback.


Useful Info

The itinerary listed above may need modification for unforeseen events beyond our control. However, we do our best to stick to the itinerary. If such a modification is unavoidable, your trek leader will decide on the alternative route after consulting all trek members. Moreover, we advise you to add two extra days for the trek so that you will not miss your international flight back home in case of delays during the trek.


Trip extension

After trip completion, if you have extra days, you can go on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu or nearby areas. You can also go on a jungle safari in Chitwan, paragliding, rafting, canyoning, or other treks.

Departure

On your departure to your home country, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. We hope you enjoyed your Annapurna Circuit Trek and will be back in Nepal for more exciting treks.

Trek season

The weather is the most important factor when deciding to go on an Annapurna Circuit Trek Tour. Though Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible throughout the year, the trek is easier in some seasons. Trekking during spring and autumn when the skies are crystal clear makes trekking easier while allowing you to enjoy great landscape views. 

During winter, trekking gets a bit challenging due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, but it also excites many adventurous trekkers. Similarly, during Monsoon, the trails may get slippery, and the clouds might cover the views. Discovery World Trekking conducts Annapurna Circuit Treks throughout the year. The temperature in the mountains changes according to the altitude and seasons. Here is an overview of the weather in the high elevations of Annapurna Circuit Treks.

March-May (spring): During spring, mountain lovers and travel enthusiasts come to Annapurna Circuit trek in large numbers. In this season, the temperatures are mild, the rainfall is low, and the trekking conditions are perfect. The mean daily temperatures in the high elevations are between 5 to 0°C. Lower regions along the trek are warmer, making it pleasant for everyone to trek during this season.

The trekking season begins after March. By April, the trek route throughout the Himalayas will be aligned with red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers up to 3,000 meters. The temperature starts rising from mid-March up to mid-May. The weather is cool the skies are bright, and you can enjoy the clearest views of the mountains.

June to August (summer): The summer in Nepal lasts from June to August. The temperatures are high, but the Monsoon season coincides with summer making the trek paths wet and slippery. Monsoon generally begins at the end of June and continues till the second week of August.

At high elevations, the temperature during the days usually ranges from 10°C to 23°C and gets relatively colder at night ( 5°C to 10°C). Mornings are mainly clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, but they disappear at night. Various plants bloom during this season, the valleys look green, and you can enjoy completely different views compared to other seasons.

September to November (autumn): The autumn season (September, October, November) is a popular season for the Annapurna Circuit treks. Moderate temperatures, mild wind, and low precipitation make autumn a perfect season for Annapurna trekking. The sun shines brightly, the skies are clear, the temperature for trekking is just right, and you can get a superb view of the mountains.

You can enjoy spectacular starry skies at night. The Monsoon will be over by early September. Daytime temperatures at high altitudes can reach 20°C. Nights are relatively colder at around 5°C. The greens that grew during the Monsoon fade to golden/amber providing a spectacular contrast against the crystal blue skies. You will see the terraced farms full of ripening grains. The environment is clean, and the lowlands are lush. The biggest festivals of Nepal - Dashain & Tihar - also fall during this season. This adds a sense of joy to all trekkers. 

December to February (winter):  Winter treks in the Annapurna circuit are also popular. The places along the Annapurna circuit trek can get cold, but it excites many trekkers. The temperature at high elevations of the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be as low as -10 °C. But the daytime is pleasant and relatively warm with enough sunlight. 

The coldest time is from late- December through early February. After late February, the climate gradually gets warmer. Despite being cold, the skies are usually clear, and the mountains are at their best. It snows at high altitudes, and the trails are the least busy. Though it might not be the best trekking season for beginners, experienced trekkers will have no problem.

Weather at high altitudes is unpredictable and changes quickly.


Trek difficulty

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging and alternative short trek to 14 Days Annapurna Circuit. The hike in the lower lands below 3,500m from Chame (2,710m) to Manang (3,540m) lasts 6 to 8 hrs per day, and in the high mountains, above 3500m, from Manang to High Camp (4,900m), you will be trekking for 3 to 4 hours per day because trek in high altitude is physically demanding. Past hiking experience would be an added advantage, but no technical experience is necessary.

Trekkers who can hike at a reasonable pace for 6-8 hours per day can complete this Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is a remote mountain journey, and the trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents, and steep forward trails through the rocky paths and the forests.  Exercising and jogging regularly for a couple of weeks before the trip is a good idea as it enhances stamina. To join the Annapurna Circuit Trek, trekkers should be in good health with fair physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination.

Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek. You might also consider taking your doctor's advice.


Trek safety

Although Annapurna Circuit Trek takes place at high altitudes, this trek is safe. Our itineraries are well created, keeping in mind the acclimatizing needs of the trekkers. Discovery World Trekking takes several precautions to ensure your safety so that you can enjoy your journey without any worries. Our guides have completed Intensive Wilderness First Aid training.  We check food & accommodation hygiene in the lodges/hotels we will be staying. Moreover, we also travel together for group safety. In emergencies, in coordination with your insurance company, we deploy a helicopter to bring you back to safety. 


DWT team

Our trained and experienced guides/Sherpas will accompany you during the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. For every two trekkers, we will assign a porter. Since our crew members are local people from remote high Himalayas, their physical endurance at high altitudes is phenomenal.

All our staff members are precious to us. We pay them well and cover their insurance, clothing, food, and lodging. They receive medical care when ill or injured. Discovery World Trekking believes that only a happy person can keep others happy. Hence, we try hard to keep our staff happy. 

Our crew has:

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid Training
  • Government-authorized Trekking Guide Training Certificate
  • Fluency in speaking English and one other major language
  • Conservation and Biodiversity Training
  • Rock climbing experience



Visa

All foreigners, except Indian nationals, need a valid visa to enter Nepal. You can get an on-arrival Visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport or Nepali borders touching India or Tibet. You can find more information about visas at www.immigration.gov.np

To apply for the visa, you need a passport that is at least valid for six months, one passport-size photo, and a visa fee. The current visa fee is USD 50 for 30 days stay, which you need to pay in cash. 

Chinese and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) citizens get free visas. Citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan may not get an on-arrival visa. Hence if you are a citizen of these countries, contact your local Nepali embassy.


Trek booking 

Discovery world trekking is a Nepal government-authorized and bonded trek and tour operator. Additionally, we are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Therefore, you can book your trek/expedition with Discovery World Trekking trip with 100 percent confidence. 

We require 10 percent of the trip booking amount as advance. Please send your documents like passport copy, passport-size photos, travel insurance policy, and arrival and departure flight details within a week of booking. You can pay 10% advance using bank transfer, western union, or through our website online payment, and the remaining amount when you arrive in Nepal. We accept cash, bank transfer, or credit cards. You will also receive the payment options in your email.

You can book this EBC trek here. 


Currency Exchange

Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs) is the local currency. (1 USD = ~ Rs.130 NPR). You can exchange major foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Legal money exchanges display their rates publicly.

We recommend cash exchange to avoid hassles like a lengthy process and high commission bank rates of around four percent or more. You can withdraw cash (in Rupees only) from one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu and Thamel using your international credit or debit cards. Most of these ATMs are open around the clock. The maximum withdrawal amount is 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupees processing for foreign cards.

Most Asian banks do not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn, or faded. So please bring only new, clean notes.


Extra personal expenses

You need to arrange for meals and accommodations in Kathmandu. All meals, transfers, and accommodations required for Annapurna circuit trekking are included except for the lunch and dinner in Pokhara.

Trekkers will have to bring personal spending money to cover the costs of accommodations in Kathmandu, visa fees, travel insurance policy purchase, beverages, snacks, souvenirs, tips to the trekking crew members, and other personal expenses. We recommend you bring cash (major currencies) and exchange them in Kathmandu.


Travel Insurance
 

Insurance for Annapurna Circuit Trek is compulsory. There is a slight chance of altitude sickness and other unforeseen events, such as climate change. All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate to Discovery World Trekking before starting the trek. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation, including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes. We can recommend insurance companies based on our clients' experiences, but we do not sell insurance policies.

Trekking members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information once they book the trekking. In emergencies, we will use your insurance policy and the informational documents you sent us for a quick rescue operation or to cover your medical expenses. 

Do not just rely on information insurance companies place on their website. Call them and recheck if they cover helicopter rescue and evacuation costs at altitudes up to 6000m, along with all medical expenses.


Last-minute booking

For those unable to book Annapurna Circuit Trek in advance Discovery World Trekking has a provision for last-minute booking. To take advantage of this service, you need to pay 100% of the trek cost 24 hours before the trip starts. 

We try to conduct last-minute booked treks/trips on your date. However, sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control - bad weather or unavailability of lodging, there is a small chance of trek delay. For more information, contact us at 977- 9851054143 / 9840055491 (Paul Gurung) or email us at [email protected].

Group & private trek

We organize groups as well as private treks. Group discounts are available based on your team size. The bigger your team is, the more discount you will get. However, if Discovery World Trekking assembles the group, you will not be eligible for discounts. We can handle any group size. Each group will have a guide, and, for every two trekkers, we will assign a porter. For groups of 12 or more, we will arrange an assistant guide.


Responsible travel

As an eco-tour company, we are aware of the environmental consequences of our actions and try our best to protect the environment. Our policy is to leave only the footprints behind in the trek regions. Please make sure you think about the environment and not litter carelessly. Discovery World Trekking works with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize eco-friendly trips that benefit travelers and communities.


Notes

10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek includes fixed departure dates from Kathmandu and Pokhara, and we can tailor a trip to accommodate your requests and schedule. Please review your designated departure date for this trek, and if your designated departure date does not suit your schedule, contact us. We can re-arrange the trek at your convenience.

The itinerary we listed above might need modification for unforeseen events beyond our control. However, we do our best to stick to the itinerary. 

We look forward to guiding you in the Annapurna region on a trek considered the best long trek in the world.

 

Trip Departure Dates

Note to solo travelers:

If you are a solo traveler, please reach out to us via call/WhatsApp/Viber at +977-9840055491 or email [email protected] before booking the trip to confirm the departure date.

Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.

PriceDeparture DateTrip status
$1100$700save $40010 Days22 Mar, 2024 - 31 Mar, 2024Booking OpenEnquire Now
$1100$700save $40010 Days25 Mar, 2024 - 3 Apr, 2024Booking OpenEnquire Now
$1100$700save $40010 Days29 Mar, 2024 - 7 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now
$1100$700save $40010 Days1 Apr, 2024 - 10 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now
$1100$700save $40010 Days5 Apr, 2024 - 14 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now

Benefits

Team of highly experienced Experts
No Booking or Credit Card Fee
Hassle-Free Booking
Your Happiness Guaranteed
Best Price Guarantee

Group Discount Prices

No. of PersonsPrice per Person
1 PaxUS$ 970
2 PaxUS$ 700
3 PaxUS$ 680
4 - 6 PaxUS$ 660

Travelers' Review

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Chasing  Trek Drams at Thorang la Pass in Annapurnaeve Circuit

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Personal Experiences from EBC & ABC

Micheal- US
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inspiring words from EBC & ABC

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Annapurna Circuit Trek Trip Reviews

5

Based on the opinion of at least 1085 people.

5 out of 5 reviews from tripadvisor brand

Bryson

Written Jun 26 , 2023

My husband and I did the 10-day Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. I accepted the challenge and we succeeded. A big part of it is the support we received from Discovery World Trekking.

When we arrive in Kathmandu, we were greeted by his team and got a personal pickup from the airport. Our guide was personable, funny yet very professional the entire time. He knows the trail inside and out, he knows how to pace each day of our hike based on our strength surprisingly,.


I am certain that in the future, we will come back to Nepal and no doubt, Discovery World Trekking would be our preferred tour guide!

Tyson

Written Jan 15 , 2023

I could not say enough good things about our experience with discovery world trekking. Paul gave us a great experience from start to finish. We got super lucky with the guide and Porter we were given, Simbir and Ganesh.

 

Both treated us like family during the trek! Simbir did a great job calling ahead to each tea house ensuring we would always have a comfortable place to stay and Ganesh was always so great to us! And I hope to see him as a guide one day! Overall, I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking to trek in Nepal! And we're hoping to return soon and we will definitely be using Discovery World Trekking!

Discovery World Trekking

Abraham

Feb 15 , 2024

I did the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek with Discovery World Trekking. I must say that was an absolutely breathtaking experience! The stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and majestic mountains made every step worth it. The trek offered a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, allowing me to immerse myself in the beauty of the Himalayas.

The local guides were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, adding depth to the journey with their insights into the culture and traditions of the region. The accommodation along the way was comfortable, and the food was delicious, providing much-needed energy for the trek. Overall, I highly recommend the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Nepal. Thank you, DWT.

Andres

Feb 19 , 2024

My experience with the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek was mostly positive. I first made contact with Paul of Discovery World Trekking. He explained everything and made arrangements for my trip. I started my trip with a group and my first reaction was the breathtaking scenery.  The route was well-planned, offering a good balance of challenge and relaxation. I had a great guide and strong porters which made my journey even better.

Additionally, while the accommodation was generally satisfactory, there were a couple of instances where things could have been better. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience was memorable, and I would recommend this trek to anyone looking for a rewarding adventure in the Himalayas, with the caveat of being prepared for some challenges along the way.

4.9

Based on the opinion of at least 158 people in the Travel & Vacation Category.

4.9 out of 5 reviews from tripadvisor brand

Jesse

US

Apr 20, 2019

I booked a trek via Discovery World Trekking. The owner, Paul from Nepal, was extremely responsive and accommodating to our timelines and wants, and needs in the trek. He built a great itinerary for us during our time in Nepal and was nice enough to make some last-minute changes as our schedule shifted significantly.

 

The trek itself was AMAZING. Everything was so well-planned and we didn't have to lift so much as a finger to plan anything as it was all taken care of, very professionally. Our guide, Saroz, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Our two porters, Gokul and Amrit were also GREAT and so friendly. We had an incredible trek with Discovery World Trekking and would definitely book through them again. It was a very awesome experience, from start to finish.

Uziel

US

Jun 26, 2023

Discovery world trekking is the best company to go to for your lifetime experience who knows how to give you the best experience. I am super happy with our trip planner Paul who planned everything from beginning to end. I absolutely like to say I achieve my goal because of DWT. I can’t thank them enough.

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Discovery World Trekking is the trademark name of Discovery World Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Our name, logo, and slogan are registered in Nepal. Our Nepal Tourism Board trekking and travel company license number is 1495.

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