Creative Holidays Nepal

Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek

$1,100

The Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek has been proved as a highly praised and spectacular trekking route in the Annapurna region since it opened to foreign trekkers in 1977. Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate kind of trek; neither very demanding nor less demanding. You should be fairly fit and should be able to endure long walks uphill and downhill.  This is a trek that combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas and unique Himalayan cultures. This is the ideal trek for all those travelers who would like to experience Nepal’s classic Annapurna circuit trek in a short time frame. Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you from lush sub-tropical region of Nepal to the desert like alpine region to cross the challenging Thorong La Pass. It combines the lower part of the region is covered by mixed villages and sub-tropical forests.The dramatic views of Annapurna range and Mt. Dhaulagiri is a fascinating treasure that will keep you going throughout your journey. Annapurna Circuit Trek is an amazing trek that showers you with a wide variety of natural amusement that Nepal has to offer. Immerse into the rhododendron forests and vibrant mountain villages to explore the beauty that lies in the towering pinnacles of Annapurna panorama. Encounter the temples, monasteries and some fascinating landscapes that would cater your hunger and lust for natural and cultural fantasies. The acquaintance with the rural lifestyle and unique tradition of ethnic group people will inspire you for living with joy.

  • Duration:14 Days
  • Highest access: 5416m
  • Group Size: Min 2 to Max 14
  • Location: Annapurna Conservation Area project (ACAP)
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Best season: Feb to May & Sept to Dec
  • Transportation: Flight/Private vehicle
  • Accommodation: Hotel /Tea House

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at the airport and transfer to a hotel.Stay overnight and prepare for the trek.

Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1430m). 6-7 hours.

Take a drive to Chamje from Kathmandu for 7-8 hours.The road up to Besisahar is pitched and smooth drive. From Besisahar, the road is bumpy through the Marshyangdi River valley. So, it can take a bit more time than expected.Overnight at lodge.

Day 3
Chamje to Dharapani (1860m). 5-6 hours.

Start the trek by crossing a bridge, avoiding the motor road .The trail is undulating. Walking about three hours, we reach to the ridgeline and we enter into the Manang district. We reach Tal (which was once a Lake and later the settlement established). The open area begins. After half an hour, we cross the suspension bridge and walk through the road.Finally, we cross the last bridge and reach to Dharapani. Overnight at lodge.

Day 4
Dharapani to Chame (2670m). 5-6 hours.

We check in to the ACAP checkpoint and walk through the fine trail. The views of Larke pass of the Manaslu region on the right. After an hour, we reach to Bgarchhap. The first view of Annapurna II and Timam range can be seen. Then we walk through the Danaque, cross the bridge and walk up hill to Timang .We walk gradually through the pine forest, pass Koto and reach to Chame. It is a district headquarter of Manang. Overnight at lodge.

Day 5
Chame to Pisang (3200m). 5-6 hours

It is one of the most beautiful walking day regarding the wonderful views of Himalayas and the local surroundings. We get to Bhartang, which has got a huge iconic apple farm in the village. Cross the bridge and reach to Dhukur Pokharai with a gradual climb up. We see the Paudi hill, which walls the Pisang village. We stay at Upper Pisang, which is a gateway of the Pisang peak climbing trail. Overnight at lodge.

Day 6
Pisang to Manang (3540m). 5-6 hours.

It is going to be a long walk today.The trail is almost labeled for an hour through the highway route. Then we climb up steeply to Ghyaru, which is about an hour. The route is undulating. The sceneries of the picturesque valleys and mountains are amazing. We reach to Ngwal (here, we meet the trekkers who come from the Nar Phu Valley). Then we follow the road, pass Mugje, Bhraka and reach to the Manang village. Overnight at lodge.

Day 7
Rest in Manang.

We take rest for acclimatization and explore around the Manang village. Generally, we walk to the monastery .Another option is to hike to the Gangapurna Lake and explore the sceneries. Overnight at lodge.

Day 8
Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m). 4-5 hours.

We ascend through the Tangki Manang by crossing the stream. Thorung Khola flows down on our route and the frequent meeting Chhortens make the trek more charming. The elevation is getting higher which makes our walk difficult. We cross the small bridge over the Ghyanchang Khola and ascend continually to Yak Kharka. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 9
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m). 5-6 hours.

Thorung Phedi is located at 4450 meters elevation and an important place to the trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit route. From Yak Kharka, we walk for half day through the gentle trail. Crossing the stream, we reach to a tea shop. Then we walk through the landslide area, where we should be aware and walk very carefully. Gradually, we reach to Thorong Phedi at lunch time. Overnight at lodge.

Day 10
Thorong Phedi-Thorong La pass (5416 m) – Muktinath (3760m). 9-10 hours.

We start to trek in the early morning and ascend to the Thorung Pass. First we climb to the high camp through the steep route, incuding some zig zag section. Then the trail is wide and relatively easy. However, due to the altitude, the walk becomes slow. We reach to a tea shop and follow the gentle steep route to the Thorong La top (5416m, 4 hrs. Then we descend all the way to Muktinath through the technical trail (appx. 4 hrs). Muktinath is a religiously significant place for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. There are 108 water sprouts near the Hindu temple, and a burning fire lamp inside the Buddhist monastery. Overnight at lodge.

Day 11
Muktinath to Jomsom.

The sacred place of Muktinath is a famous place for pilgrimage. It is equally important place for the Buddhist devotees. The surrounding of Muktinath is Himalayas and the barren landscape. After worshipping in the Muktinath temple, we trek down to Jomsom, the headquarter of the Mustang region. We stay here and wait for the flight tomorrow. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 12
Fly to Pokhara.

It is a short and a wonderful flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and other peaks are just awesome. The short flight takes us to the city of Lakes-Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13
Drive back to Kathmandu.

Take a drive to the tourist bus park and drive further to Kathmandu. It is again about 6 hours drive on the highway. You arrive Kathmandu and transferred to hotel. Enjoy the evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14
Final departure.

Arrive at the airport and check in for the flight back.