Short Annapurna Circuit Trek – 7 Days Adventure

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from the bustling city of Kathmandu. The journey starts on a deluxe bus, which takes you out of the valley and along scenic highways towards Besisahar. As you travel, the landscape transforms from urban sprawl to rolling green hills, terraced farms, and winding rivers. Upon reaching Besisahar, the main road ends, and you’ll switch to a more rugged shared 4×4 jeep. This is where the true mountain journey begins, as the vehicle navigates the bumpy and dramatic track that carves its way up the Marsyangdi River valley. You’ll pass waterfalls, suspension bridges, and small villages before arriving in Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district, where you’ll spend your first night amidst the crisp mountain air.

This is your first full day of trekking. After breakfast in Chame, you’ll set out on the trail, which initially leads through dense pine and rhododendron forests. The path offers stunning views of the Lamjung Himal and the narrowing valley. You will cross the Marsyangdi River several times on suspension bridges and pass through the charming village of Bhratang. One of the day’s highlights is trekking along the dramatic, curved rock face known as the Paungda Danda. The landscape gradually opens up into a U-shaped glacial valley as you approach Pisang, a village divided into lower and upper sections, offering spectacular views of Annapurna II and the surrounding peaks.

Today, the landscape becomes drier and more arid as you venture deeper into the rain shadow of the Annapurna massif. You have two route options: the lower, easier trail or the more challenging upper trail via Ghyaru and Ngawal. The upper route is highly recommended as it rewards you with breathtaking, high-altitude panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Along this path, you will pass ancient Tibetan-style villages, stupas, and mani walls. Before reaching Manang, you can visit the historic Braga Monastery, one of the oldest in the region. The day ends in the large, bustling village of Manang, a hub for trekkers to acclimatize and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery.

This is a crucial day for acclimatization as you gain significant altitude in preparation for crossing the Thorong La Pass. Leaving Manang, the trail climbs steadily through alpine landscapes, with vegetation becoming sparse and the air noticeably thinner. You’ll pass through the small settlement of Yak Kharka (Yak Pastures) and continue the ascent. The destination for the day is either Thorong Phedi (“foot of the pass”), a basic settlement with a couple of lodges nestled at the base of the pass, or you can push on for another strenuous hour up a steep switchback trail to High Camp. Staying at High Camp makes the next day’s pass crossing shorter but can make for a difficult night’s sleep due to the extreme altitude.

The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek begins well before sunrise. In the cold and dark, you’ll start the long, slow, and steady ascent to the summit of Thorong La Pass. The high altitude makes this a strenuous climb, but the reward at the top is unparalleled. Reaching the prayer-flag-draped summit at 5,416 meters is a moment of triumph, offering a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of snow-capped giants. After celebrating, you begin the steep and lengthy descent of nearly 1,600 meters. The landscape dramatically changes from the icy pass to the barren, desert-like terrain of the Mustang region. Your trek ends at the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists. From there, you will take a local jeep or bus for a short, bumpy ride to Jomsom, the administrative center of the region, famous for its strong afternoon winds.

Enjoy a scenic full-day drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. The route follows the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge on earth, winding past apple orchards, villages, and changing landscapes as you descend to lower altitudes. Arrive in Pokhara by evening and relax by the tranquil Phewa Lake. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

After breakfast, travel back to Kathmandu on a comfortable deluxe tourist bus (6–8 hrs). The journey follows rivers and hillsides, offering beautiful countryside views along the way. Arrive in Kathmandu by evening, marking the end of your short yet unforgettable Annapurna Circuit adventure