Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek: scenic trails, cultural villages, and Thorong La Pass (5416 m)!

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trekking route in Nepal’s Annapurna region. It is renowned for its magnificent beauty and scenery. Trekking enthusiasts worldwide rank it among the top 10 trekking spots.

The trek usually starts from Besisahar/Bulbule and follows a detour, taking you through a series of beautiful villages, including Jagat, Dharapani, Manang, and Pisang. Thereafter, the route to climb up to Thorong La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,416 meters, is difficult. Trekking on this route is a lifetime achievement and offers stunning views of the Himalayan range of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks.

The eye-catching natural beauty will captivate you as you continue your journey. The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs dominate the horizon with shining snow-capped mountains. The Annapurna trail also takes you through the canyon, Kali Gandaki Gorge, and offers glimpses of fascinating glacial lakes, including Lake Tilicho, one of the highest in the world.

In addition to the incredible views, the Annapurna Circuit Trip offers the chance to immerse yourself in the rich local culture. The area is home to different ethnic villages, including the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi ethnic groups, each with its traditions and languages. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries, Buddhist stupas, and traditional villages, where warm and hospitable locals will greet you with a smile.

Major Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• Different landscapes: Explore a variety of remarkable landscapes, from lowland subtropical forests to alpine highlands, passing rice terraces, waterfalls, and charming villages along the way.
• Thorong La Pass: Challenge yourself to cross Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. This is the highest point of the trek and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
• Natural beauty: Marvel at the majestic beauty of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges with their snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and pristine glacial lakes.
• Cultural discovery: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of local communities, including the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi ethnic groups. Visit ancient monasteries and traditional villages, and interact with friendly locals along the trails.
• Muktinath Temple: Visit the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath, known for its 108 fountains and eternal flame.

Day Hike to ICE LAKE 4600 m

Ice Lake, also known as Kicho Tal, is a stunning high-altitude lake in the Manang Valley of Nepal. At an altitude of approximately 4,620 meters (15,157 feet), the lake frequently freezes, hence its name. It is a popular side trek for those on the Annapurna Circuit (for acclimatization day), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The hike offers views of Annapurna II, III, and IV; Gangapurna; Tilicho Peak; the Chulu range; and many other snowcapped mountain peaks.

The day hike to Ice Lake typically starts from the villages of Manang or Braga and takes about 8 to 9 hours round-trip. It’s a challenging hike with a significant elevation gain, making it an excellent acclimatization activity for trekkers preparing for higher altitudes.

After breakfast, you can start the hike around 6 to 7 a.m. You can take your necessary and valuable things with you (a day bag). Water and snacks (energy bars) are necessary to carry with you. There is a teahouse on the way to Ice Lake around 4200 m, so you can stop and drink a cup of tea and coffee. Then, when you come back from Ice Lake, you can eat some soup or light food. Then continue descending to your hotel.

Best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

The spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons are the ideal times to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trail is decorated with colorful rhododendron forests in bloom during the spring, while in the fall, clear mountain views against a backdrop of blue skies can be found. These times of year offer consistent weather, which makes hiking comfortable and visibility excellent.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty:

While the Annapurna Circuit Trip is a remarkable adventure, it’s important to note that it falls under the category of moderately difficult treks. It requires excellent fitness and some prior climbing experience. Climbing to the heights and crossing the Thorong La Pass poses the most significant challenges, requiring good climatic and physical preparation. Altitude sickness is a concern, and hikers should know the symptoms and take the necessary precautions.
Despite the challenges, the rewards of the Annapurna Trek are immeasurable. The combination of breathtaking nature and cultural immersion makes this trip genuinely unforgettable. It’s a chance to reunite with nature and make memories to last a lifetime.

Hike to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)

The challenges of the hike to Thorong La Top, such as crossing the Thorong La Pass, add to the sense of accomplishment and make it a truly rewarding experience. A trip around the Annapurna allows you to witness the majesty of the Himalayas up close, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer, this trek offers an unforgettable journey filled with natural beauty, cultural encounters, and personal development for individuals.

Why choose Himalaya Darshan Treks for your Short AC Trek?

• Himalaya Darshan Treks provides licensed and professionally trained trekking guides and staff.
• There is a strong focus on safety and adaptability.
• Trekking in an ethical way
• Personalized service from the time you arrive until the time you leave
• We are experts in treks in the Annapurna region, which guarantees real experiences and smooth logistics.
• HD Treks is a local company and has many years of experience in tourism in Nepal.

Conclusion:

To sum up, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventure that offers stunning scenery, cultural immersion, and a connection to nature. The trek will take you through various terrains, from lush valleys and rhododendron forests to alpine passes with panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Along the way, you meet friendly local communities, learn about their traditions and unique way of life, and have the chance to stay in traditional teahouses.

Are you ready to book this trip?

To book this trip or for more inquiries, you can click Book this trip on our web page. Likewise, we have many different trekking packages, so you can choose the best and most suitable trip with us. We suggest early booking so you have enough time to prepare for the trek. We are ready to organize your trek based on your travel bucket list. You can also contact us by WhatsApp at +977 9841073239 for quick inquiries.

Booking Procedure

Himalaya Darshan Treks makes it easy and safe to book your Manaslu Circuit Trek. HD Treks is a fully government-registered company with more than ten years of experience trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayas of Nepal. We are also proud members of NMA and TAAN. We guarantee professional service from the beginning to the end of your trip. To confirm your reservation, just send a 20% deposit by bank or wire transfer to our official bank account. Thereafter, we’ll send you an email with the final confirmation.

Please send us a copy of your passport, travel insurance information, and flight information within a week of making your reservation. You can pay the rest of your balance in cash at your hotel in Kathmandu or by bank transfer a week before your flight to Nepal.

FAQS for Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

How high is Thorong La Pass?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek (Thorong La Pass) is 5416 meters above sea level. This trek is a beautiful adventure that includes high passes in the Annapurna Conservation Area. This trekking route is well known worldwide, so it is the world’s most popular trek route in Annapurna.

How long does it take to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Normally, the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes 10 to 13 days to complete, but if you choose the route that includes the Tilicho Lake trek, it will take longer. It takes 13 to 15 days to trek, but it depends on your chosen trek route. We at Himalaya Darshan Treks offer three different packages for the Annapurna Circuit trek: 1, Annapurna Circuit short trek; 2, Annapurna Circuit trek via Tilicho Lake, and 3, Annapurna Circuit trek with Ghorepani Poonhill trek. So you can choose your best one.

Do I need a permit for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Of course, you need two permits: 1, a TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System), and 2, an Annapurna Conservation Entry Permit (ACAP). With this permit, you are allowed to visit the Annapurna trek.

How much does the permit cost?

The cost for permits is the TIMS Card, which costs NRs 2000 pp., and the ACAP entry permit costs NRs 3000 per person per entry.

Do I experience altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Altitude sickness may occur when trekking above 3000 meters. There will be high chances of altitude sickness. In this trek, you have to summit Thorong La Pass at 5416 m. So, always be aware of the risks of altitude sickness. Follow the necessary precautions, such as walking slowly, acclimatization, and staying hydrated (drinking enough water). It plays a big role in the success of your trek.

What about Internet and phone connectivity?

Internet and phone connectivity are available during the trek. Most of the guest houses provide internet service, but you have to pay, and just a few places are free too. So you can buy a local SIM card with data for additional options. But it is also not working in all the places.

What do I need to pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

For the trekking gear and Packing list, you can visit this: Trekking Gear