Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 Days

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek: Best Season

The short Annapurna circuit trek is viable to take in any season and month of Nepal. However, if you wish to have the most fulfilling and successful expedition, then plan your 10 days Annapurna circuit trekking journey in the season of Fall/Autumn that lasts between Septembers through November.

It is also the busiest hiking time as the season offers the most enchanting temperate climate with excellent azure sky and the clearest possible visuals of the high Annapurna massifs.

The heat during the day also dwell around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and the atmosphere will also be cleanest with the monsoon rains washing away the dust and pollution. In addition, you will also feel the festive vibe of Dashain and Tihar.

Following closely, the next perfect time for the Annapurna circuit short trek will fall during spring lasting between March to May.

The entire Annapurna area with Manang and Mustang enliven with the green dense hills, crimson blossoms of rhododendrons, and the abundance of charming wildlife. In Pokhara and Kathmandu, you can also celebrate the colorful Holi festival with the locals.

The third best time period for the short Annapurna circuit trek is winter lasting between December and February particularly if you love snow and the added thrill. The weather will be the most constant with the bluest bright sky you can ever imagine.

The least possible time period will be the summer/monsoon time lasting between June to August. Specially the July and August months will be quite tough due to the soaring heat of around 30 to 35 degree Celsius. The sky will also pour 700 mm of rain in Annapurna which is the highest in Nepal.

However, Mustang and Manang will be specially enjoyable during this time as they are flanked by the massive walls of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna that protect the region from heavy shower.

Annapurna Circuit Short Trek: Difficulty Grade and Challenges

The 10 days Annapurna circuit trekking journey has been designated a third-category grade with regard to its difficulty level. It means, the trekking route is of moderate nature, devoid of any technical demands, thus suitable for adventurers aged 15 years and above.

The short trek to the Annapurna circuit route spans 160 to 230 km that you need to complete within 10 days. In the initial week, the journey will take place in the Marshyangdi Valley where you will ascend the elevation from 1200 m to 4500 m.

The daily walking session will generally last between 5 to 6 hours on average with each day altitude increase limited to around 500 to 800 m. it means that you will progressively increase your elevation so you will be well-acclimatized before touching the summit of the pass.

The entire route is dotted with numerous pleasing villages and the comfortable shelters so you will have a restful sleeps after the lengthy walks of the day.

The 4450 m elevation at Thorong Phedi will be your maximum height for sleeping while the 5416 m altitude of the Thorong La will be your highest elevation.

The eighth day of the trek will be particularly tough, hard and long that involves the crossing of the pass along with the 1600 m descent to Muktinath.

In addition, the changing landscape of the short Annapurna circuit will also not be easy but not overly complicated as well. When journeying to the mars like terrain of Mustang, you may have to deal with the scorching sun during the day.

Therefore, a strong motivation, and physical and mental condition are no doubt very mandatory for this trek.

Who can be the participants of our 10 days Annapurna circuit trekking adventure?

Any individual 15 years or older who are in prime of their health can can handle the pressure of walking for long hours along the diverse mountainous terrain of Annapurna are eligible to participate in our short Annapurna circuit trek.

So do not hesitate to reserve your spot even if you are someone who is just going to undertake your trekking experience. The Annapurna route has been now changed for good and there are now new improved high roads, and comfortable lodges.

Before, the journey could only be completed within 21 days but now no more than ten days is needed. In addition, the elevation is also typically lower if we compare it to other trekking routes of Nepal.

However, it is vital that you understand the adventure will still occur in proximity to the tenth tallest Himalayan peak of the planet and you will still have to traverse the height of the Pass that surpasses the heights of many famous mountains around the world.

There is also the added thereat of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) to consider. Also, any unexpected and unwanted events can occur when you meaner through the high mountains, forests, bridges, and alpine deserts.

So if you are strong willed to manage the extended walks, adventurous terrains, and have the prime physical and mental condition, then you can easily overcome any challenges of the trip.

To give you an idea, the short Annapurna circuit trek is more accessible than the Everest Base Camp trekking adventure. However, we do advise those people who have the chronic physical condition related to kidney, lungs and heart to talk with their doctor.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness/ Altitude Sickness) and Acclimatization

The high arid sparse atmosphere of the mountains often has diminished oxygen in the air which can stimulate the AMS during our short trek to Annapurna circuit.

Our bodies have the capability to adjust to this new air but the need enough time. So to facilitate a proper adjustment, we have arranged for a driving journey before undertaking the hike.

We have also planned a day off in Manang when you can just rest or take short acclimatization walks around the area. Then, in the following days, our hiking plan consist of only 2 to 4 hours of trekking which will allow your bodies to get well-adapted to the Annapurna air before reaching the Thorong La Pass.

We advise each of our participants to ascend gradually and not rush which can result in altitude-related complications such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, and persistent headaches.

If you have any of these symptoms, please cease your journey and rest at the same or lower altitude for a few days. You can also take  Diamox (acetazolamide) which will not mask contrary to the common myth but rather help you in quick adjustment.

For increased oxygen absorption, we also encourage you to intake as much water as you can (3 to 4 liters recommended) along with ginger or lemon tea, soup, etc.

Please also do not allow your body to hyperventilate and hyper sweat and try to deep breathe when climbing. We like to assure you that our guides are competent enough to handle such situations, so please do not hesitate to communicate any physical discomfort you may experience during the trek.

Training and Preparation for the short Annapurna Circuit trek

Since we have to spend a prolonged time at high altitudes in our short Annapurna circuit trek, we need a greater level of physical and mental condition for this adventure.

A greater physical condition means you must have good fitness, strength, and endurance. In order to improve all these elements, you must prepare and train yourself two months before leaving for this trek.

If you are a regular active exercise loving person, you can continue what you are used to. However, if you are new, then start slowly and ensure you allow sufficient recovery time between sessions.

Swimming, cycling, running, and walking will be the beneficial activities for you along with other routines that increase your heart rate such as ascending and descending stairs, playing football or any other sports, or running on treadmill.

You should also pay special attention to your leg muscles and increase their strength through pull ups, squats and pushups. Mirror the high altitude hiking activity by loading your backpack with heavy books and going up and down along the inclined slopes.

Another Route to the Annapurna circuit short trek and its Extension Options

Most of the travelers now complaint about the Annapurna trails losing their value because of the development of roads. However, there are still parts and trails of Annapurna that are untouched by these developments and offer you the genuine trekking thrills that you look for.

This authentic and lesser known trail around Annapurna will necessitate the longer days and tent stay. The villages that you will pass through include Ghalegaon, Bhujung, Ridge Camp, Joli Kharka, Thulo Tal, Phulu, Kori, Tasa Kharka, Sikles, and Ghawchok.You will then arrive at Pokhara after encircling the Annapurna range.

If you can give away three or four days, then you can also take a detour around Ghorepani and Poon Hill. If you are inclined to add a few more days, then you can also stop at the base camp beneath the shadow of Annapurna I.

You can also divert your route in the middle of the journey to discover one of the highest glacial lake- the Tilicho.

Sleeping, Eating, and Transportation

To enable for you a relaxed and carefree journey during our 10 days Annapurna circuit trekking adventure, we will be looking after all the pre-arrangements of your sleeping, eating and transportation.

When walking through the villages, we will ensure you have the finest lodge stay with more amenities as much as possible. Generally, in these lodges of the villages, you will get a room equipped with two single beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows.

Some lodges may also offer you a single room with private bath and hot water. This depends on the route, and the time of your exploration. Otherwise, in the remote and higher villages and when the accommodations are full, you have to be satisfied with the communal toilet.

As for the food, three main course will be served in the lodges including lunches, dinners and breakfasts. Dal vat will be the main common menu along with Tibetan bread, dumplings, thukpa, and noodle dishes. In Kagbeni, make sure to try some dried yak meat and yak burgers.

Regarding your transportation, a local bus or sharing jeep will be used for your travel from Kathmandu/Pokhara to Dharapani and from Jomsom to Pokhara.

We also offer you the upgrade option for your transportation with a private vehicle (car, van, or jeep) or a short internal flight from Jomsom to Pokhara at extra payment.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is both necessity and a compulsion for our Annapurna circuit short trek. Please kindly note that once your place is confirmed in our trek, you will have to send us the copy of your insurance so we can go ahead for arranging the necessary papers and permits for the trek.

The Annapurna region is vast, and has now health facilities nearby. But it is still the mountain terrain of Nepal where any event beyond your expectation can occur any time during the journey.

A fall, a slip, a sprained ankle, a broken bone, or severe AMS, damage to your baggage and gear are only some of the events that we can mention. All these events can cause the extra financial load on your wallet so getting travel insurance for this trek is necessary.

The comprehensive plan in your insurance will guarantee that you are well protected against any such unforeseen events. The insurer will cover for your search, rescue and evacuation by helicopter, they will cover for your extra stays and the premature cancellation of the trek, and they will also reimburse you if you have any damage to your belongings.

Just make sure that your insurance covers all geographic areas of our short Annapurna circuit trek. Verify that your coverage includes medical and emergency expenses, as well as high-risk activities like hiking at altitudes above 5500 meters. It should also be valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek is an exceptional adventure that will lead you around the stunning Annapurna mountain range, while the Annapurna Base Camp trek, fondly known as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, will lead you beneath the shadow of Annapurna I, the tenth-tallest Himalaya with 8091 m altitude.

The base camp of this peak rises at 4130 m altitude and is surrounded in all direction  by the impressive profiles of various other snow pyramids. The Annapurna circuit trek is a longer and more demanding route which will take you further from the mountain while the Annapurna base camp trek will give you an intimate experience with the Annapurna I.

The Annapurna circuit trek on the other hand consist of the thrilling ascent of the world’s tallest Pass- the Thorong La at 5416 m along with the journey into the deepest gorge of the planet- the Kali Gandaki.

Both treks however will give you equally beautiful scenery and mountain spectacle. Each route will navigate through the vast Annapurna Conservation Area, and both are available for the new hikers.

So, depending on your time availability, budget, health, and physical condition, you can choose any of the trek as both will guide you towards the magnificent Annapurna massif.

Must-have Permits for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

After you confirm your participation in our 10 days Annapurna circuit trekking journey, we will proceed to file a request at Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara for the two must have permits for this trek: the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.

The TIMS card will contain all your trek information along with your personal details so Nepal authorities can locate you in an emergency rescue if needed.

The ACAP permit will permit you to hike carefree through the conserved area of Annapurna. The TIMS Card will come with the payment of NPR 2000 per tourist while the ACAP will come with the payment of NPR 3000 per tourist.

Please note that our guide will be arranging all the official procedures and the related costs are already incorporated in the trek total cost.