Short Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 days

Trip Information

Minimum and Maximum Walk per day on Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek has various walking days as one may even go for almost 20 walking days depending on your pace.

On the 8th day, you will be covering the longest walk of the whole Short Annapurna Circuit Trek. This is going to be a 7–8-hour long trek to Muktinath from Thorang High Camp via Thorang La Pass. You will reach a height of 5,416 meters and get the best views of the Annapurna and Mustang regions.

This path continues over rough, high-altitude terrain and this pass is well known for its dramatic landscapes and fine views. From the pass, the journey down to Muktinath encompasses many different landscapes: from alpine meadows to sacred temples.

Day 5 has the shortest walk of about 3-4 hours around the Manang. This day is set for acclimatization and exploration at an altitude of 3,440 meters. Wonderful views of the Annapurna range will be seen, as well as a nearby lake and viewpoint. The gentle walk helps you enjoy the tranquil environment and picturesque landscapes that should set you ready for the upcoming trek.

Elevation and Distance we cover during our short Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The overall Short Annapurna circuit trek is about 12 days and around 160 km in length. From Kathmandu, at an elevation of 1,300 meters from sea level, the trek carries on to the highest point at Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 m, before finally dropping down to reach Pokhara, lying at 820 m.

Elevation changes during the 12 days on Short Annapurna Circuit Trek are drastic. A trekkers’ elevation rises up to 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass from 1,860 meters at Dharapani. Other drastic elevation changes include the drop to 1,190 meters at Tatopani and the last climb to finish at 2,660 meters at Ghorepani.

This represents many variations in altitude and exposes trekkers to an exceedingly special and breathtaking view during their trek to the Annapurna region.

What are the alternative routes?

Those who want to opt for other treks instead of Short Annapurna Circuit Trek find several routes that offer experiences quite different from one another.

The Ice Lake trek offers a much more miniature version of the classic 12 days of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek which is crowded. This 6-day trek with its great views of Machapuchare, Lamjung Himal, and Dhaulagiri is ideal for beginners and will surely provide a captivating experience in less time.

Annapurna Sanctuary Area Trek combines the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek with the Annapurna Base Camp trek, aka the Annapurna Sanctuary. This 10-day extension gives you the best of the Annapurna region without the high-altitude pass of the Short Annapurna Circuit.

Mardi Himal Trek on the best of Annapurna Base Camp offers a much less popular route. It’s an accessible 4–6-day trek sharing a path with the 12 days Short Annapurna Circuit Trek route. This will be very serene on flat terrain, offering you beautiful vistas over the Annapurna range.

Nar Phu Valley trek is for those craving a tougher adventure. Take a side trip to the isolated Nar Phu Valley, which takes nine extra days from the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is the most challenging trek, far-flung, and off-beaten; previous experience on advanced trails is required.

Best Season to go for Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

For the exceptional entertainment of the 12-days Annapurna Circuit Trek, flow sooner or later in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). In spring, the landscape is filled entirely with colorful rhododendron plant life, and the weather is great for hiking.

The temperatures are slight, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to sixty eight°F) in decreased areas, making it comfortable for on foot. The skies are usually clean, supplying you with first-rate views of snowy peaks, and the trails are surrounded by lush greenery.

Autumn is also extraordinary, with solid weather and clear skies. The temperatures live at ease, ranging from 12°C to twenty°C (54°F to 68°F) in low areas. You’ll have great visibility and gambling with lovable panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain degrees.

Autumn is dry, decreasing the probability of rain and making the overall hiking experience even better. Both spring and autumn provide the best situations to understand the numerous landscapes. Enjoy the wealthy culture, and see the majestic mountains at the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Difficulty Situations that May Occur During Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

The 12-days Annapurna Circuit Trek is fairly challenging and appropriate for human beings with a very good health level. The path covers numerous terrains, from forests to meadows and high mountain deserts, supplying a numerous however traumatic hiking enjoy.

Although no longer as difficult as a few technical treks, it nevertheless requires physical power and intellectual sturdiness. One huge venture is the altitude advantage, particularly at Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters). Dealing with thin air and the hazard of altitude sickness approach trekkers need to adapt slowly.

Trekking commonly takes 5-8 hours a day, so good health is essential to deal with one-of-a-kind elevations and terrain. While having a little trekking is beneficial, the Annapurna Circuit is open to adventure fans inclined to stand the demanding situations of the Himalayan panorama.

Altitude Sickness at the 12-Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

Be careful about altitude sickness at the 12-days Annapurna Circuit Trek due to the rapid boom in elevation. Going higher procedures much less oxygen within the air, which can cause altitude sickness. It is also known as acute mountain illness (AMS), and occurs especially above 2,500 meters.

Feeling sick, dizzy, worn-out, and having problem respiratory are signs of altitude sickness. Trekkers have to be aware of those signs due to the fact ignoring them can cause intense situations like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

It’s crucial to go up slowly and take deliberate relaxation days to let your body get used to less oxygen. Drinking lots of water is critical to avoid altitude sickness because now not having enough water can make it worse.

Trekkers need to make certain to drink a lot of water at some point during the trek. If signs and symptoms don’t go away or get worse, it’s crucial to go all the way down to lower altitudes quickly. The trekking plan includes rest days at the proper times, lowering the hazard of altitude-related problems.

Overall, being careful, alongside proper adjustment and staying hydrated, can reduce the probability of altitude sickness and permit trekkers to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Annapurna Circuit.

What to expect from our Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Get ready for a Short Annapurna Circuit Trek to take you through the fantastic landscapes of the Himalayas. You’ll see lovely views of tall peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The trek goes through lush forests with colorful rhododendron flowers, charming villages, and meadows that result in the excessive-altitude wilderness in the Manang Valley.

You can experience the numerous cultures as you skip through villages following Hindu and Buddhist traditions, every one with its customs. You’ll have chances to meet friendly locals, mastering approximately their daily lives and traditions.

The maximum exciting part is the difficult climb to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Your difficult paintings will be rewarded with panoramic perspectives of the Himalayan skyline. Throughout the trek, you may come upon distinctive flora and animals, like yaks grazing in high-altitude fields.

The Annapurna Circuit is greater than the simplest trek; it’s far an exploration of nature, a cultural journey, and a non-public fulfillment while you conquer Thorong La Pass. Get prepared for a transformative journey with breathtaking views, cultural discoveries, and a protracted-lasting feeling of fulfillment even after the trek is over.

Accommodation, Food, and Transportation in short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Accommodation:

During the 12-day Annapurna Circuit trek, you will live in teahouses or inns along the trail. These vary from simple to greater snug, giving you a comfy area to rest after a day of hiking. Teahouses have better services, generally shared rooms with basic bedding.

Though centers are simple, the warm temperature of hospitality and connections with fellow trekkers make for a unique and noteworthy revel. In high-altitude locations, inns are probably more simple, and you may need to percentage facilities, including bathrooms.

Reservations are usually no longer needed, supplying you with flexibility in your hiking plan. During the trek, we will make necessary arrangements to make your stay comfortable in lodges.

Food:

Teahouses at the Annapurna Circuit also serve as dining locations, presenting quite a few foods to fuel your trek. Menus comprise both Nepali dishes and global options, ensuring alternatives for extraordinary tastes.

Common gadgets are dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, momos (dumplings), and diverse meats. It’s vital to maintain a balanced food regimen and stay hydrated during the trek. Teahouses commonly provide hygienic food, and you’re encouraged to hold snacks and water for a drive at some point in the day.

Transportation:

The Annapurna Circuit involves a combination of trekking and short drives to cover longer distances quickly. The adventure starts off-evolved with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, where the trek starts. Local buses or personal jeeps are typically used for those road segments.

During the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek, you’ll normally stroll on well-marked trails. Daily trek durations range from five to 8 hours, overlaying special elevations and terrains. In a few parts where road entry is available, short jeep rides may be taken to hurry up tours among trailheads.

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek ends with a drive from Pokhara again to Kathmandu, supplying you with a very last take look at the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna Circuit. Overall, the mix of comfortable teahouse remains, numerous meal alternatives, and an aggregate of trekking and short drives enhance the Annapurna Circuit trek.