Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek

Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 days Highlights

  • Hike in the beautiful scenic trail along the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki River Valleys.
  • Rejoice in the stunning views of Annapurna I, II, III, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Pisang
  • Peak, Lamjung Himal and many more peaks.
  • Cross Thorong La Mountain Pass (5,416 m), the highest point on the trek.
  • Pay a visit to Muktinath Temple, the sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist.
  • Wander around the traditional villages of Annapurna region.
  • Get insight into the unique culture of native Brahmin, Gurung, Loba, Thakali and Lama people.
  • Experience the Nepalese mountain lifestyle and warm hospitality during the sojourn.
  • Have a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • Enjoy sightseeing activities around the Lakeside, Pokhara.

Overview

Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 days is one of the most popular hiking trails in Nepal for many reasons. You’re sure to see the Himalayan giants, Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri range, and no doubt a huge variety of natural scenery along the journey. Plus, the cultural interest of people living in this region is diverse, with a variety of lifestyle and food; this hike truly provides the natural and cultural beauty of Nepal.

A shorter version of Annapurna Circuit Trek, this hike takes 2 weeks to complete, walking around 5 hours a day, in the shadow of the snow capped Himalayas. The trail initially winds its way from Chamje through the beautiful trails across the traditional villages of Manang and Mustang of the Annapurna region. You’ll cross the mountain pass, Thorong La (5,416 m), the gateway to Mustang region from Manang; pay a visit to Muktinath Temple and hike through the desert-like terrain of Mustang region that more resembles Tibetan Plateau. Muktinath embodies a great spiritual significance to both Hindus and Buddhist, one of the most important holiest shrines, legend has it called this sacred land a place of atonement where thousands of pilgrims visit every year to get salvation. The last leg of the journey involves a mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, and finally concludes with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

During the sojourn, the trek welcomes you with the incredible views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Nilgiri, Tukuche Ri, Gangapurna and many more peaks.

This spectacular day hike involves mid level ascent along the switchbacking trails, past stunning waterfalls, raging rivers, lush forests, mountain passes, all of which are the most scenic. Furthermore, you’ll get insight into the diverse culture and lifestyle of different ethnic groups living in Annapurna region during your stay at the traditional villages.

If you’re looking to hike the entire Annapurna Massif, there is Annapurna Circuit Trek 17 days to reach the foothills of the Annapurna region. Otherwise, Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 days gives you a brief flavor of what it’s like to trek in the land of the Himalayas. Though road construction has changed the trail route in some ways, we have made adjustments in our itinerary to make your hiking experience better. Come and trek with Wondrous Nepal, we offer exceptional services for you.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal. Our airport representative will pick you up from the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Take some rest and recover from your jetlag. In the evening, you can stroll around Thamel, the main tourist hub where you can shop for trekking gears, enjoy sightseeing activities and many more.

Accommodation: Hotel at Kathmandu
Meals: Not included

Day 2
Drive to Chamje (1,430 m) via Besisahar (830 m)

Duration: 8-10 hours

This morning, you’ll have a long scenic drive in a public bus from Kathmandu to Chamje. The route twists and turns its way along the Trishuli River side on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway from Kathmandu to Dumre. Afterwards, the road heads northeast towards Besisahar along the Marsyangdi River which used to be the starting point of the trek. From here, we’ll have a thrilling jeep drive up the hills to Jagat followed by Chamje. You’ll enjoy the scenic view of raging rivers, waterfalls and beautiful hillsides along the journey. Clean up the dust from a long drive, enjoy Nepali local dishes and have a comfortable sleep during your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Chamje
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 3
Trek to Dharapani (2,100 m)

Duration: 5 hours

The trail starts from Chamje, and takes in stunning views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Continue to the trail along terraced farms and metal bridges over Marsyangdi River, it’s a lovely day trekking with an ascent and magnificent mountain views. Climbing up along the trail, we pass by a beautiful Tal village. Afterwards, the hike offers stunning waterfall views and the chance to see horses grazing on the river banks. Then, you follow the grassy trails and walk through evergreens, you’ll enter the Manang region to reach Dharapani where we spend a night there.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Dharapani
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4
Trek to Chame (2,670 m)

Duration: 4 hours

Today’s trail is one of the most scenic along the journey. We start the hike with a steep climb through forests filled with pines and oaks to the village of Danakyu. Then, as you pass the waterfall and head north, the trail rises gently up to Koto. After 2 hours of walking leads toTimang village, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Manaslu along the route. Afterwards, the path keeps winding up to the village of Koto which is the gateway to Nar Phu Valley. From here, you’ll see stunning Annapurna II which is a good spot to enjoy the moment. Continuing on an hour on the trail brings us to Chame, the administrative center of Manang district.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Chame
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 5
Trek to Lower Pisang (2,675 m)

Duration: 5-6 hours

The trail picks its way from Dharapani to Lower Pisang. Along the way, you’ll cross the evergreen forests, climb uphill gently and pass by the villages of Thaleku and Bhratang. Pushing on, we continue hiking on switchbacking trails, and it rises gently up through pine forests to reach Dhikur Pokhari. From here, you’ll enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. This is also where the trail splits towards Lower Pisang and Upper Pisang. We follow the downhill path which takes about an hour to reach Lower Pisang. If we arrive early in Lower Pisang, we pay a visit to Upper Pisang from where you can enjoy amazing sunset views on Annapurna II and III.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Lower Pisang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 6
Trek to Manang (3,500 m)

Duration: 4 hours

There are two routes to reach Manang. The Southern route is shorter and easier along the motorable road all the way to Manang. The northern route follows the traditional trail path, involves climbing and usually takes a longer time.

We follow the southern route that goes through Humde Airport before arriving at Bragha. This is a Tibetan style village where you’ll see the old monasteries, surrounded with colorful prayer flags and prayer wheels. From here, we walk for half an hour to reach Manang village.

Optional route: The northern trail takes in some stunning scenery and mountain views as you hike towards the villages of Gyaru and Nwagal. En route, you can rejoice in the magnificent views of Annapurna range, Tilicho, Gangapurna and Pisang Peak. From here, hiking for 2 hours takes us to Braga village and then continuing half an hour on the trail leads to Manang.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Manang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 7
Acclimatization Day at Manang Village

A rest day in Manang for acclimatization. Manang is the trading hub of the Annapurna region where you’ll find shops, bakeries, lodges and hotels. Plus, you’ll get the wonderful views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna and many more peaks. Today, we go for an acclimatizing hike in Gangapurna Lake. Next, we pay a visit to a local monastery, and it’s a great opportunity to get an insight of the Tibetan Buddhism tradition. In the evening, you can take a rest or stroll around the streets enjoying the surrounding views.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Manang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 8
Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000 m)

Duration: 5 hours

Today’s trek is shorter but not easier as the trail rises gently uphill. The route from Manang to Ghunsang is full of incredible scenery. Along the route, you’ll see yaks grazing on green meadows, and caravans of mules carrying goods to the higher region. From Ghunsang, the trail levels out and is relatively easy all the way to Yak Kharka. You’ll cross suspension bridges and enjoy the stunning mountain views as you make your way back towards Yak kharka.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Yak Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 9
Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)

Duration: 5 hours

From Yak Kharka, we continue hiking on the trail for an hour to reach Ledar. Afterwards, you’ll notice the major changes in vegetation, mostly tundra like landscapes as you step up towards Thorong La Pass Base Camp. Continuing on the trail, we arrive at Thorong La for lunch. Spend your rest of the day enjoying the surrounding views.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Thorong Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 10
Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)

Duration: 8 hours

Get ready for some challenging hike today. We cross the highest point on our entire trek, Thorong La Mountain Pass at an altitude of 5,416 m. We get up early in the morning (3 AM) to start the trek and avoid any kind of harsh weather conditions on the day. We start with a steep ascent on the icy trail, and it’ll take another 3-4 hours to reach the top of the pass. The views of Annapurna range and Kali Gandaki Valley from the top is truly breathtaking. From there, you’ll have a steep descent to the Lower Mustang region. We’ll pay a visit to Muktinath Temple which is the most popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist. Rejoice in the surrounding views and enjoy your overnight stay in Muktinath.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 11
Trek to Jomsom (2,710 m)

Duration: 8 hours

A beautiful trekking day heading Jomsom from Muktinath. The landscape resembles the Tibetan Plateau, and you’ll notice arid rocky terrain in the Mustang region. There are two routes to get to Jomsom. The first one is the motorable road via Kagbeni, which is the gateway to the Upper Mustang region. The second option is the trail path via Lubra Pass. We follow the trail, climb up steeply followed by a steep descent to the village of Lubra. On the top, you’ll have an amazing view of the surroundings, from Thorung La to Upper Mustang, and Dhaulagiri range to Jomsom. Afterwards, we continue walking through a dry riverbed that connects with the road to reach Jomsom. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful village nestled in the Himalayas.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Jomsom
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 12
Fly to Pokhara

We take a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. It will take about 20 minutes to reach the airport, and onwards we get to the hotel room. Take some rest if you want. You’ve plenty of time today to stroll around Pokhara streets, lakesides and explore more. Pokhara lies on a beautiful setting with its tranquil lakes and stunning views of the Annapurna range. There are many lakeside cafes and bars where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines, and drinks with your teammates.

Accommodation: Hotel at Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 13
Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Duration: 7- 8 hours

Today, we drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We have a nice morning breakfast, and then hit the road enjoying the scenic views of the rivers and towns along the highway. You have the evening in Kathmandu for shopping, sightseeing or strolling around the streets. Celebrate your recent accomplishments with your teams and enjoy your last day in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel at Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and farewell dinner included

Day 14
Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure

The 14 days long Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek package ends today. You’ll be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport by our representative for your final departure. Namaste and have a safe journey.

Meals: Breakfast included

Trip Includes / Excludes

COST INCLUDES

  • Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
  • Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
  • One night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
  • Transfer Beshisahar by private vechicle and then chamje by loacal jeep
  • Airfare for Jomsom - Pokhara flight including departure tax
  • Full board meals with (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing lodge accommodation during the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, meals.
  • First Aid medical kit
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS, please bring 3 passport size photographs)
  • All government and local taxes

COST EXCLUDES

  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Nepal entry visa Fees: You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • All kind of cold drinks including water, coke, Fanta, juice etc.
  • WI-Fi internet during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for airport representative, tour guide, trekking staff, driver etc.( Mandotary But Expected)

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek