Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Round Trek, Trekking Annapurna

Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek

US$1380

per person

Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek lets you get a complete advantage of the region as it covers almost the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek, only the dirt road through the Kali Gandaki Valley is avoided.

Trip Highlights

Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule
Visit ancient Manang Village and Gangapurna Glacier
Thorong La Pass 5416 meter
Visiting Hindu’s holy place; Muktinath Temple

Overview

The 18 days Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the many adventures that are provided in the Annapurna region. The trail which started since 1997 is famous for its beautiful scenery which ranges from Snow-covered peaks to barren treeless terrain.

As we move up in the counter-clockwise direction starting from Besishahar to Marshyangdi River, charismatic Himal Chuli and Manaslu attract your attention immediately. Places like Bagarshap (2160m), Chame, Pisang, Yak Kharka, Marpha, Larjung, etc are a blessing while hiking the long circuit. As you reach the highest point of the Trek, the Thorong La Pass (5416 m high), the spectacular view of the Himalayas entices you completely. You will visit Muktinath Temple, the holy place of Hindu and take a flight back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

The Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek, therefore, provides all the advantages that a complete circuit trek does but in much fewer days and easy trek. This plan is suitable for those adventure travelers who have less time and wants to complete the world’s popular Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Brief Itinerary of Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu.
Day 2 Scenic drive to Besisahar; trek to Bhulebule.
Day 3 Start the slow ascent of the Marsyangdi Valley; overnight in Jagat.
Day 4 Reach the village of Dharapani.
Day 5 Steady climb through the forest to Tamang, then descend to Chame.
Day 6 Continue ascending through forested hillsides past the rock face of Paungdi Danda to Upper Pisang.
Day 7 Trek on to Braga and visit the 500-year-old gompa and small tree nursery that Exodus supports.
Day 8 Short walk to Manang; rest of day free for acclimatization.
Day 9 Start heading towards the Thorong La. Half day trek to reach the lodge in Yak Kharka; afternoon
Day 10 Short half-day walk to Phedi, at the foot of the Thorong La.
Day 11 Cross the mighty Thorong La (5416m) to Muktinath, a place of pilgrimage.
Day 12 Trek via Lupra to Jomsom.
Day 13 Fly to Pokhara; afternoon free to explore the lakeside.
Day 14 Fly to Kathmandu.
Day 15 Departure

Accommodations

We will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and teahouses during the trek. We will stay at Samsara Resort or similar hotel in Kathmandu and Kuti Resort or similar hotel in Pokhara. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 260. Peregrine Treks will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be provided from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be provided on the way to the next destination. All meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

This is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, we can accomplish this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Peregrine Treks of any conditions before booking the trek.

Best Time to Travel

Autumn (Sept. to Nov.) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature, then taking this trip during winter (Dec., Jan., Feb.) could also be an option. However, the temperature during winter could be harsh for most guests. Trekking in the summer or monsoon season (June to Aug.) will be affected by rain but the Summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.

14 Days

5416 Meter+ Max. Altitude

Annapurna Region

Trekking

Departure

Kathmandu
Difficulty Level

Tough
What to Bring

Warm Jacket, Trouser, Big neck water bottle, trekking shoes and shocks, warm cap, Sun glasses, normal medicine, head lightr, light shoes,globes etc
Include

From Our Gallery

Arrive Kathmandu

After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Peregrine Treks will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit Peregrine Trek’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Peregrine Treks. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Scenic drive to Besisahar; trek to Bhulebule

We leave Kathmandu early in the morning and drive towards Pokhara. After leaving the Kathmandu Valley the road snakes its way westwards along the Trisuli Valley. We get superb views of the mountains, particularly the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu as we follow the river to Mugling. We then turn off the main road at Dumre and continue to Besisahar where we begin our trek. From Besisahar we walk down to the river and cross to the east side to avoid the new road which is currently under construction. Our trail undulates above the river, continuing northwards up the Marsyangdi Valley with Himalchuli and Peak 29 dominating the horizon. We pass through rice paddies and villages for two hours until we meet the main trail at Bhulebule. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Start the slow ascent of the Marsyangdi Valley; overnight in Jagat

The trail continues up the east bank of the river to Ngaddi, where a hydro project is being built. From here we begin a steady climb through scrub forest finally arriving at Lampatta, a Manangi village with Tibetan style prayer flags. A final short sharp ascent brings us to the village of Bahundanda, perched on a ridge at 1,311m. From the ridge we descend to the river at Syange (1,136m) where we once more cross the river. The trail then follows the river to Jagat. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Reach the village of Dharapani.

An undulating trail leads to Chyamje, after which we cross a suspension bridge and climb through oak forest. The trail then emerges into a level valley where 'Tal', the next village, is situated at the foot of a grand waterfall (1,700m). Crossing the river a couple of times we reach the village of Dharapani at 1,943m. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Steady climb through forest to Temang, then descend to Chame.

Beyond this village, we continue our climb over a spur to Bagarchap, at 2,164m. The name of this village means 'butcher's place' and, although Buddhist, the people of this region do hunt animals. Continuing we follow the trail through forest to Dhanagyu and climb up to Temang, where we have lunch with magnificent views of Manaslu and Peak 29. The trail then descends through fir and pine forests to Koto and Chame (2,713m), the administrative center of the Manang district. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Continue ascending through forested hillsides past the rock face of Paungdi Danda to Upper Pisang

We now experience a dramatic change of scenery. Leaving the forests and vegetation of the alpine regions behind we enter the upper district of Manang, known as Nyeshang. At first, our trail follows the river closely through a deep canyon before coming to Brathang at 2,919m. The trail then crosses the river and climbs through deep forest from where the impressive curved rock face of Paungda Danda rises nearly 1,500m from the riverbank to Dukha Pokhari, where we stop for lunch. From here we take the trail that climbs away from the road track to Upper Pisang village, where we stay for the night. There is an impressive monastery in the village which we can visit in the afternoon. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Trek on to Braga and visit the 500 year old gompa and small tree nursery that Exodus supports.

From Upper Pisang we take the high-level route to Braga via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal. This is a wonderful walk with great views across to the Annapurnas. We start with a steep climb up to Gyaru. From here the trail undulates up the valley with magnificent views across to the Annapurnas to Ngawal, where we have lunch. We descend from Ngawal to Mungi and drop down to the main trail just before Braga, a picturesque village dominated by a large ancient gompa. We stay here for the night and can visit the 500-year-old gompa. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Short walk to Manang; rest of day free for acclimatisation.

It is a short 2km (1hr) walk on the main trail into Manang, passing some beautifully carved mani walls. We spend this day around Manang acclimatising to the altitude. Most people climb the hill behind Manang to enjoy the magnificent views of the whole Annapurna range and the enormous icefall that crashes and rumbles down from Gangapurna. This is the part of the trek where we are closest to the mountains. Across the valley the huge bulk of Gangapurna and the Annapurnas tower way above us- the sunset and sunrise over this great amphitheatre is one of the most beautiful mountain views in the country. There is also a chance to walk up to the huge glacial lake below Gangapurna. Manang has many bakeries and coffee shops and is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Start heading towards the Thorong La. Half day trek to reach the lodge in Yak Kharka; afternoon acclimatisation walk.

Leaving Manang we head towards the base of the Thorong La. We climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley and turn northwest up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. We are above the forests now and pass through dry, alpine country, with scrub juniper and occasional clumps of birch. We spend tonight at a lodge in Yak Kharka. We will reach the lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon we will have an acclimatisation walk onto the surrounding hills. Look out for the Blue Sheep that inhabit this cold, windy spot. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Short half day walk to Phedi, at the foot of the Thorong La.

Another short day to aid acclimatisation. The scenery becomes wilder as we continue ascending the valley. At one point we descend to cross the Jarsang Khola, and traverse a scree slope to the lone teahouses at Phedi (4,420m) at the foot of the Thorong La. Thorong Phedi can be very cold and windy. In the afternoon we can go for a walk up to Thorong High Camp which is the last lodge and is about an hour above Phedi. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Cross the mighty Thorong La (5416m) to Muktinath, a place of pilgrimage.

A long day as we leave Phedi very early the next morning for the climb to the pass. The first part of the ascent is very steep, but it eases somewhat as we approach the top, although the altitude still makes the going tough. Eventually, after numerous false summits, we reach the pass itself at 5,416m. Ahead there is a magnificent panorama of snow-capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet, and looking back we can see several of the main peaks of Annapurna. Directly in front of us is the great chasm of the Kali Gandaki, 2,500m. It's a very very long descent that begins gently and becomes steeper, as we follow a series of switchbacks down to the grassy slopes, before easing off to a gentle descent to Muktinath (3,802m). Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Trek via Lupra to Jomsom.

From Muktinath, we pass through a landscape of bare, eroded hills with a backdrop of snow-capped high peaks. After visiting the temples we take an off the beaten track trail uphill for about an hour to a small col with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Descending steeply we come to the isolated village of Lupra with an ancient Bon monastery. After lunch, we follow a fantastic gorge down to the Kali Gandaki Valley. The last couple of hours we follow the main trail into Jomsom. Teahouse

Meals included: breakfast

Fly to Pokhara; afternoon free to explore the lakeside.

The flights from Jomsom to Pokhara are usually in the early morning due to the high winds which blow up the Kali Gandaki Valley later in the day. The short but very spectacular flight takes us all the way down the Kali Gandaki Valley with great views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. We fly to Pokhara, where we transfer to a small guesthouse for the night. The rest of the day is free to explore this lakeside resort. You can hire a bike and cycle around the lake, shop or simply relax in one of the lakeside cafes. Please note that flights from Jomsom are dependent on good weather. If the flight from Jomsom is canceled, we will return to Pokhara by road. Kuti Resort or Similar Hotel

Meals included: breakfast

Fly to Kathmandu.

We fly to Kathmandu. If the weather is good there should be good views of the western end of the Nepal on this flight. The rest of the day is free to explore Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving, is located. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living goddess. You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. Various sightseeing tours can be booked and paid for locally at the hotel in Kathmandu. For details see the Optional Excursions section. (Very occasionally it may not be possible to fly, in which case we return to Kathmandu by road, arriving in the evening). Samsara Resort (or similar)

Meals included: breakfast

Fly Back to your destintion

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Peregrine Treks representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Tour Location

Our Gallery

Cost Includes:

Pick up and drop from International and Domestic Airport during this package with one official representative
Private tourist vehicles will be available as per itinerary
3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu at three-star hotel on twin sharing basis
Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu Flight ticket
All accommodation in best available lodges/tea houses/tent during trekking
Three times meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with tea/hot water/coffee) during trekking
Welcome or Farewell dinner (one time during Nepal trip)
An experienced and well trained English Speaking Guide and Porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
Salary, Insurance, whole accommodation of trekking crew member
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley in private tourist vehicle
All entrance fees during trekking and sightseeing
Achievement Certificate, T-shirt, First Aid Kit, Trekking Map and seasonal fruits
All necessary paperwork, TIMS, Entrance fees, and applicable all permits
Departure information, visa extension procedure and international flight reconfirmation
Company service charge and all applicable government tax

Cost doesn’t include:

Visa Fee, International Air Fare and all other cost incurred before arrival in Nepal
Traveller’s Travel Insurance (Must cover Accidental, Medical and Search and Rescue)
Hotel accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu because of an early arrival in Nepal or late departure from Nepal, early return from the mountain because of any reason than the scheduled itinerary.
Lunch and Dinner except Welcome or Farewell dinner provided by company in Kathmandu
Alcoholic and soft drinks with all personal expenses
Tipping for guides, porters, and drivers (tipping is not mandatory but highly expected)
Any other unseen expenses which are not mentioned in cost includes part

Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek