Mini Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route Map
Mini / Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking(17 Days)
Trekking Destination: Annapurna Region
Group Size: Min-2, Max 12,
Highest Altitude on Trek: Thorong la pass 5416M
Grade: Challenging
Transportation: Private Vehicle, Domestic Flight
Type of Tour: Trekking, Hiking, Walking, Culture
Trekking Hour: Approximately 5-6 hours each day
Total Days: 17 Days
Trip Cost : USD 2000.00
  Why Responsible Adventures
View Trip Galley
Book This Trip
Mini / Short Annapurna circuit Trekking - Premium Services at Mid Range Price

This shorter 17 day option enables those who don’t have time to complete the full Annapurna Circuit to trek with the group up the Marshyangdi Valley to Manang, across the Thorung La pass to Muktinath and down into Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Here you will say your goodbyes to the group and fly back to Kathmandu.

Mini Annapurna circuit Trekking

The 'Circuit' Trek

Mini Annapurna circuit TrekkingThe Annapurna Circuit is one of the great walks of the World, making a complete circuit of the huge Annapurna Massif in central Nepal; it provides dramatic mountain scenery and a fascinating mix of local people and culture. This superb mini version retains the main highlights. Starting from Besi Sahar we head north up the Marshyangdi Valley, through lush green foothills and terraced rice fields.

Climbing higher we progress through alpine forests to a dry desert region and the Tibetan Buddhist village of Manang. The mountain views are superb; Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu and the Annapurnas tower spectacularly over the valley. The highlight of this trek is crossing the famous Thorung La pass (5416m) to enter the Kali Gandaki Valley and the long descent to the Hindu temple at Muktinath.

Day to Day Outline Itinerary (17 days)
Day   Activities
Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. (1330m)
Day 2 - Half day walking tour of Ason the old spice market, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
Day 3 - Drive to Besi Sahar. (810m)
Day 4 - Trek to Bahundanda. (1310m) 5-5.30 hours.
Day 5 - Trek to Chyamje. (1430m) 6-6.30 hours
Day 6 - Trek to Bagarchhap. (2160m) 6-7 hours
Day 7 - Trek to Chame. (2630m) 5 hours.
Day 8 - Trek to Pisang. (3190m) 5 hours
Day 9 - Trek to Manang. (3500m) 5 hours (Low Route) or 7-8 hours (High Route).
Day 10 - Trek to Rest Day for Acclimatization.
Day 11 - Trek to Yak Kharka. (4090m) 4 hours.
Day 12 - Trek to Thorung Phedi. (4420m) 4 hours
Day 13 - Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorung la (5415m) Approximately 8-10 hours.
Day 14 - Trek to Jomsom 2800m
Day 15 - You take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, and transfer to your hotel
Day 16 - After a morning relaxing in Pokhara, you will take the exciting flight back to Kathmandu giving you the opportunity to view the Annapurna massif you have just trekked around. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and then have the opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventures and to complete any sightseeing and last-minute shopping. Overnight Hotel.
Day 17 - International Departure
Day to Day Detail Itinerary
Day   Activities
Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. (1330m)
Day 2 - Half day walking tour of Ason the old spice market, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
Day 3 - Drive to Besi Sahar. (810m)
The drive to Besi Sahar takes about 5 hours. Leaving Kathmandu valley you are driven on the Tribhuwan Raj Marg (Highway) along the Trisuli river until Mugling. From Mugling you go Westwards along the Marshyangdi River. You will be trekking along the Marshyangdi River until the day you go over the Thorung la pass 5416m. From Besi Sahar we have a short trek of 90 minutes to 2 hours towards the village of Khudi. After an hours walk you cross a bamboo bridge which signifies the approach to Khudi. You can relax to the sound of the mighty Marshyangdi.
Day 4 - Trek to Bahundanda. (1310m) 5-5.30 hours.
Leaving Khudi, you pass by a local school on the right side. You will have to stop at Bulbule where there is a check post for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). You cross a steel bridge over the Marshyangdi river which serves as a vital connection between both sides of the village. You continue past mostly level rice fields until the village of Ngadi (The birth place of Late DR. Harka Gurung). Your trek leader will probably suggest a lunch stop. After lunch you will cross another large suspension bridge over the Ngadi River where the trail begins to ascent straying away from the Marshyangdi river through a wooded area. The last hour is a pretty steep climb to Bahundanda (Hill of Brahmins) through cultivated fields.
Day 5 - Trek to Chyamje. (1430m) 6-6.30 hours
Leaving Bahundanda, you will descend on several stone steps. The farmers can harvest 2-3 crops a year in these lowlands depending on the rainfall. The path levels off and from here the small villages of Sildhunga and Tadring and be seen on the hillside opposite the valley. Contouring along the undulating path until the descent to the small settlement of Syange. You will have a rest stop before the descent at Ghermu phant for a drink and to admire an impressive water fall on the opposite side of the valley. You need to cross a suspension bridge across the Marshyangdi. You will notice the sides narrowing and getting steeper while walking up the valley. You may pass mule trains along the way. From here is a steep climb to the village of Jagat. A series of up and down walk brings you to Chyamje, the final stop for the night.
Day 6 - Trek to Bagarchhap. (2160m) 6-7 hours
You cross a suspension bridge to the east side of the Marshyangdi soon after leaving Chyamje. You continue along a series of over hanging rock formations. The path begins to traverse a broad ledge after a short climb. You then come to a series of stone steps as you pass a couple of tea shops while going uphill. The trail evens out after a while and you will cross though an archway- which is the gateway to Tal and the Manang district. Tal means lake in Nepali. You can see a broad expanse where a lake used to be. The Tibetan influence gets more evident from here on with Chortens, Gompas and the architecture of the buildings.
The trail from Tal levels out for a while, a welcome relief for your legs. You will cross a bridge back to the West of the Marshyangdi after about an hour later. You can see the old trail on the other side which was recently abandoned due landslides. The trail continues up wards until the village of Dharapani where there is a police check post. Bagarchhap is only another 45 minutes walk from Jagat. (1920m)
Day 7 - Trek to Chame. (2630m) 5 hours.
Great views of Mt. Annapurna II 7937m and Mt. Lamjung Himal (Mountain) 6932m greet you as you proceed up the valley. You reach the village of Danakyu after 30 minutes. If you look behind the lofty peaks of Mt. Manaslu 8156m, the eight highest in the world and Peak 29 7833m could be visible on clear days. There is a steep climb for about an hour through Pine and Fir forest with spectacular scenery. You may see Langur monkeys in the forest. You will reach Timang village with spectacular views of Manaslu 8156m. Continuing on a flattish path and a river late the village of Thanchok is reach. The towering Annapurna II 7937m is incredible further up the trail. The path rejoins the main trail while descending through woodland down to Koto which sits in the shadow of Annapurna II 7937m. The Nar Khola (river) from the recently opened valleys of Nar and Phu joins the Marshyangdi from the right side of the valley. Chame which is the district headquarters of Manang is a short walk from here. There are excellent views of Lamjung Himal 6932m from here.
Day 8 - Trek to Pisang. (3190m) 5 hours
This day is a shorter trek to Pisang. However as it is so beautiful most trekkers take their time to admire the scenery and take lots of photographs. You will pass through a series of mani walls. The trail is pretty even until the apple orchards of Brathang. The trail heads uphill for about 45 minutes through forest, leveling off before reaching a suspension bridge. A moderate climb follows after crossing the bridge through a forest consisting of Juniper, Pine and Fir. The valley begins to broaden and Pisang Peak 6091m stands out in front of you. You pass a couple of small lakes where sometimes birds can be seen wading. Pisang is divided into upper and lower.
Day 9 - Trek to Manang. (3500m) 5 hours (Low Route) or 7-8 hours (High Route).
There are 2 options on the days a low route 5 hours or the high route 7-8 hours. If you take the lower, less strenuous route, the path out of the valley is pretty level and then once out of the valley you begin to contour round to your left and climb up onto a ridge. The view from this ridge is breathtaking looking down into the Manang valley and you will want to stay here all day to enjoy it! Dropping to the valley floor the path is wide and dusty. You will have noticed that the scenery here is becoming more arid, the air drier and the wind colder. Annapurna III (7,555m) rises to the left and passing through the village of Hongde you will see the deserted remains of the old village on its outskirts. The path then rises gradually and takes you into the next valley. After a couple of hours walk you will pass through the village of Braga, just 30 minutes walk from Manang.
The High route
If you are feeling fit and energetic then the high route on the east bank of the Marshyangdi is strenuous but well worth the effort. You cross the river out of Pisang village and then take a reasonably level path through scrub land, passing a small picturesque lake on your right. You then pass a long mani wall and descend to cross a stream and begin a strenuous zigzagging climb up to the village of Ghyaru (3,673m). A welcome tea shop is the first house you reach in the village. It is well worth climbing up to visit the Gompa at the top of the village. The views from here of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV are totally stunning. From Ghyaru you continue up the valley on a wonderful high level trail, passing the ruins of a castle set on a promontory, with views both ways up and down the valley. You then arrive at the village of Ngawal (3,650m) where there is a large newly built Gompa up to the right. You leave the village near a long mani wall. Finally you descend back to the valley floor and rejoin the main trail to continue to Braga and Manang.
Day 10 - Trek to Rest Day for Acclimatization.
It is essential to spend time for acclimatisation in this area. There are splendid views of the peaks from both Manang and Braga villages. Manang is a large village situated on a rise immediately across from the huge Gangapurna glacier. A beautiful emerald lake lies at its foot. There are plenty of good walks in the area and for at least a couple of hours you should try to climb as high as possible above the village. Side trips are recommended to a small summit with prayer flags about an hour above Braga village, or up the ridge behind Manang village, or to a viewpoint above the lake opposite Manang Village. It is also possible to walk up the valley towards Tilicho Lake to the village of Khangsar. In addition it is worth visiting the Manang Gompa or, if it is open, visit the clinic run by the Himalayan Rescue Association they often have talks about altitude in the afternoon. There are also shops to explore for souvenirs.
Day 11 - Trek to Yak Kharka. (4090m) 4 hours.
Despite being shorter day, it is essential for acclimatisation to stop between Manang and Thorong Phedi. You will leave Manang and take about 30 minutes to reach the upper village. After this you contour round the hillside and gain great views of the Grand barrier, the high ridge between Roc Noir and Nilgiri named by French climber Maurice Herzog. Below the grand barrier you will see down the Khangsar valley which leads up to Tilicho lake. Passing the hamlet of Gunsang you continue through the barren upper reaches of the Manang valley. The path ascends gradually but is still hard work due to the increased altitude. You will arrive at Yak Kharka and have lunch there. In the afternoon you could take a walk further up the valley or climb the ridge behind the village if you make it to the top of the ridge there are great views of the north of the Annapurna range. Either of these walks would help with acclimatisation. Even if you only venture a short way above the camp there is the chance to see the large flocks of blue sheep which inhabit this area. Either of these walks would help with acclimatisation.
Day 12 - Trek to Thorung Phedi. (4420m) 4 hours
Again today is another short day, yet essential for proper acclimatisation. Leaving Yak Kharka you will pass through the small collection of lodges known as Letdar. You will take a high route, which winds its way around the eastern side of the Thorong valley, before dropping down to the valley floor. Crossing the river there is a short but sharp climb to Thorong Phedi. Phedi means foot of the hill and while it is the jumping off point for crossing the Thorong La it is not the prettiest place in the world! In the afternoon it is worth walking up beyond the first notch to the collection of huts known as upper base camp, as an acclimatisation walk, and then continuing up to the right to a small peak for superb all round views. Watch out for blue sheep here. (4420m)
Day 13 - Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorung la (5415m) Approximately 8-10 hours.
Starting at dawn or thereabouts you first ascend steeply for 1 hours to a rock ledge and notch at 4,679m, then continue up along an ascending and undulating trail. This ascent will seem endless and be warned there are several false summits - but there are great views back down the valley as you go. Finally, after anything from 3 to 5 hours, you arrive at the top of the Thorong La 5,416m) with its large cairn and many prayer flags. You will have spectacular views of the Annapurna Range to the south and the Mukut Himal bordering Dolpo to the west. The peak immediately south of the pass is Thorong Peak this is a trekkers peak and you may see people climbing here. You will probably not want to linger too long at the pass as it can be very cold and you will probably be feeling the effects of altitude. The descent to Muktinath is very steep and takes some 3 to 4 hours. This is where you might appreciate having walking poles to take the strain off the knees! During the descent there are splendid views of Dhaulagiri (8,175m) and Tukuche Peak (6,920m) and all the way down into the valley of the Kali Gandaki below. Finally you see the buildings of Muktinath coming in to view. You bypass the enclosure round the famous temples and descend to the main village, which is actually called Ranipauwa and not Muktinath, a name which technically refers just to the temple.
Day 14 - Trek to Jomsom 2800m
Today you walk on the fair weather road till Eklebhatti. Despite having to descend 1000m it is not hard on your knees unless you are suffering from the previous days descent. From Eklebhatti, you criss cross between the road and the banks of the Kali Gandaki river. You will notice how windy the Kali Gandaki valley is after 10 am. The Kali Gandaki here is called the Thak Khola, from the ethnic group, the Thakalis, many of whom live in this area. Enterprising and ambitious, the Thakalis formerly dominated the salt trade with Tibet in this region and after its collapse diversified into running hotels along the trek route, construction and other businesses. Overnight lodge.
Day 15 - You take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and wander around the lakeside town. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 16 - After a morning relaxing in Pokhara, you will take the exciting flight back to Kathmandu giving you the opportunity to view the Annapurna massif you have just trekked around. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and then have the opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventures and to complete any sightseeing and last-minute shopping. Overnight Hotel.
Day 17 - International Departure
Fact Finder
Duration - 17 day Journey with 11 days trekking
Trip Details: -
  • Experienced Nepalese guides & Leader
  • Porters to carry personal gear
  • Supplementary snacks during trek
  • 4 Nights in Kathmandu
Activities - Cultural, Touring, Walking
Trip Grade - Challenging
Mode of Travel - Private coach, Domestic flight
Group & Staff - Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver
Accommodation - Comfortable lodges throughout 11 day trek
Land Cost - US$2000 Till 2010. US$2200 from 2011.
Trip Dates - Trip date for 2010 Land Cost Trip date for 2011 Land Cost
    23rd January - 8th February 2010 US$2000 6th January - 22nd January 2011 US$2200
    6th February – 22nd February 2010 US$2000 20th January - 6th February 2011 US$2200
    20th February - 8th March 2010 US$2000 3rd February – 21st February 2011 US$2200
    6th March – 22nd March 2010 US$2000 19th February - 7th March 2011 US$2200
    20th March - 5th April 2010 US$2000 3rd March – 19th March 2011 US$2200
    3rd April - 19th April 2010 US$2000 17th March - 2nd April 2011 US$2200
    17th April – 3rd May 2010 US$2000 31st March - 16th April 2011 US$2200
    1st May - 17th May 2010 US$2000 14th April - 30th April 2011 US$2200
    15th May – 31st May 2010 US$2000 28th April - 14th May 2011 US$2200
    29th May - 14th June 2010 US$2000 12th May – 28th May 2011 US$2200
    30th September - 16th October 20 US$2000 26th May - 11th June 2011 US$2200
    10 14th October- 30th October 2010 US$2000 9th June - 25th June 2011 US$2200
    28th October - 13th November 2010 US$2000 29th September - 15th October 2011 US$2200
    11th November - 27th November 2010 US$2000 13th October- 29th October 2011 US$2200
    25th November - 11th December 2010 US$2000 27th October - 12th November 2011 US$2200
    9th December - 25th December 2010 US$2000 10th November -26th November 2011 US$2200
    18th December – 1st January 2011 US$2000 24th November - 10th December 2011 US$2200
        10th December - 26th December 2011 US$2200
        23rd December - 8th January 2012 US$2200

Note: -Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients.

Cost Includes: -
  • Hotel Shanker (Former Palace turned into 4 star Hotel) or similar in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis
  • Hotel Barahi or similar in Pokhara on bed and breakfast basis
  • Hotel/ Lodges on twin sharing basis
  • All transportation
  • Responsible Adventures' Expert Trek leader
  • Complimentary T-Shirt
  • Use of trekking kit bag during trek
  • 1 Assistant guide between 4 trekkers
  • Trekking "Chef" - We are the first and only trekking company that has this post
  • 1 porter between two trekkers
  • Good clothing for porters and crew
  • Food for porters & crew members (We are less then handful of trekking companies that provide this facitity)
  • Insurance for crew and porters
  • All permits
  • Twin sharing room on trek
  • All meals on trek (best trekking meals in the whole of the Himalaya)
  • Domestic airfare.
Cost Does Not Include: -
  • International airport taxes
  • Visas
  • All optional additional tours or activities during free time
  • Transportation outside of the tour program
  • Travel insurance (Compulsory to have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation)
  • Tips(suggested amount; US$50 per week for staff only), Leader's tipping up to your discretion
  • Items of a personal nature e.g alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenir etc.
Why Choose Responsible Adventures for your Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek?

We are aware that there are many companies seeking your business as you plan your Nepal trekking vacation in the Himalayas. We believe we offer the very best value for money and take your safety, comfort and ultimate vacation experience very seriously. We uniquely offer:

  • A highly qualified and experienced leader who understands both Western and Himalayan cultures with many years trekking experience
  • Fair prices and best value for money – guaranteed
  • Fair Trade living wages allowing our employees to support their families
  • Trekking chefs to provide delicious high quality meals without the risk of sickness
  • Unparalleled attention to client's personal requests and needs
  • Excellent staff to client ratio
  • Personalised service from booking to returning home

In short, Responsible Adventures are the gold standard of trekking companies offering the best value Himalayan Trekking without cutting corners to guarantee you the trip of a lifetime.

 

My husband and I went on a trek in Nepal this past August, and we had a fabulous time. It was truly the most unique, beautiful outdoor travel experience that either of us have ever had. For anyone considering trekking in the Himalayas, we highly recommend Raj Tamang as a guide. His company, Responsible Adventures (www.responsibleadventures.com) and (www.notjusttreks.com), is professional and customer-service oriented. We were amazed at the ways that Raj and his employees went above and beyond to make this experience memorable for us. Raj is a 'walking encyclopedia' of information about the culture and history of Nepal, and his confident, welcoming nature put us at ease. He was experienced at facilitating positive, genuine interaction between Himalayan villagers and Western trekkers such as ourselves, and that made all the difference in our 10 days touring the Manang valley. His company offers a service that is truly a cut above the rest.

We can't wait for another opportunity to trek with Raj! Feel free to check out our story and pics at www.joshandelise2008.blogspot.com

Elise and Josh Drexler
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America

Read More
Back Booking Conditions Book This Trip Risk Assumption Contact Us
Nepal Trekking Packages
Trip Name Duration Trip Grade
Annapurna Circuit Trekking 23 Days Challenging
Mini Annapurna Circuit Trekking 17 Days Challenging
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking 16 Days Challenging
Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking 16 Days Challenging
Annapurna Trekking 16 Days Challenging
Best of Nepal Trekking 27 Days Moderate
Everest Base Camp Trekking 17 Days Challenging
Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lake Trekking 23 Days Challenging
Everest Trekking 15 Days Moderate
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trekking 15 Days Moderate/ Strenuous
Instant Everest Trek to Namche 08 Days Moderate
Langtang Valley Trekking 15 Days Moderate
Upper Dolpo Trekking 25 Days Challenging
Back to Top