Short Annapurna Circuit Trek - 8 Days

Trip Overview

The 8 days short Annapurna Circuit Trek is a journey starting in Kathmandu and ending in Pokhara with six trekking days through the world famous Annapurna cuicuit. The trip is a high altitude journey through the central Himalayas encirclying the mighty Mt Annapurna! The short and classical 8-day trip is filled with thriling trekking adventure around Annapurna Himalayas. 

An easy road drive takes you from Kathmandu to Chame at the start, and a comfortable road journey brings you from Muktinath to Pokhara at the end. This keeps the main trekking portion to 5 walking days, plus an acclimatization day at Manang, 3,540 m. The trail follows the classic Annapurna Circuit route through Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi or High Camp, and Muktinath, with close views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna along the way.

The trek reaches 5,416 m at Thorong La Pass and includes 3 days at elevations above 4,000 m. A good level of fitness and some prior hiking experience are recommended. The acclimatization day in Manang gives your body important time to adjust before the climb toward the pass. This itinerary suits trekkers with limited time who still want to experience the core high altitude section of the Annapurna Circuit and complete the full crossing of Thorong La Pass into the sacred town of Muktinath.

Trip Detail

Itinerary Overview

This 8 day, 7 night trek follows the core section of the Annapurna Circuit from Chame through the Marsyangdi valley and over Thorong La Pass into the Kali Gandaki valley. You drive from Kathmandu directly to Chame and trek through Upper Pisang before reaching Manang, where you spend an acclimatization day. From Manang, the trail climbs through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi or an optional High Camp before crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m and descending to the temple town of Muktinath. From Muktinath, you drive in a single day to Pokhara, where the trip concludes with an overnight stay.

Here is a quick look at how your 8 day trek unfolds.

• Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame at 2,670 m

• Day 2: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang at 3,300 m

• Day 3: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang at 3,540 m

• Day 4: Acclimatization day at Manang at 3,540 m

• Day 5: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka at 4,050 m

• Day 6: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi at 4,525 m or High Camp at 4,800 m

• Day 7: Trek from Thorong Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath at 3,760 m via Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m

• Day 8: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara at 822 m

Why You Will Love This Trip 

• The drive from Kathmandu to Chame takes you from busy towns into green hills, terraced fields, pine forests, and deep mountain valleys, giving you your first close feeling of the Himalayan landscape.

• The trail from Chame to Upper Pisang brings changing mountain scenery, with pine forests, dramatic cliffs, and views of the surrounding Annapurna peaks.

• The villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal offer beautiful views of the Annapurna range before you reach Manang at 3,540 m, where the landscape becomes wider and more rugged.

• Braga Monastery near Manang offers a peaceful cultural experience, with ancient Tibetan Buddhist murals, artwork, prayer wheels, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

• Manang’s acclimatization day gives you time to explore the village, enjoy the Himalayan scenery, and take an optional hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) for spectacular mountain views.

• The area around Yak Kharka at 4,050 m brings a clear change in the landscape, with open mountain slopes, dry valleys, and fewer trees as you move deeper into the high Himalaya.

• Thorong Phedi or High Camp provides a close mountain setting beneath Thorong La, where you can rest and prepare for the challenging pass crossing the following morning.

• The Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m marks one of the highest points of the journey, followed by a descent to sacred Muktinath and a scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki valley toward Pokhara.

Major Attractions During Annapurna Circuit Trek

Chame

Chame is the headquarter of Manang District and the first major mountain stop of the trek at 2,670 m. It is known for its natural hot spring beside the Marsyangdi River. The hot spring is a popular spot for trekkers to relax after the long drive from Kathmandu. Pine and fir forests around the village give Chame a peaceful mountain setting.

Upper Pisang

Upper Pisang is at 3,300 m and is reached by the scenic upper trail. The route offers beautiful views of Annapurna II and the large Paungda Danda rock face. The traditional village and surrounding mountains make Upper Pisang a beautiful stop on the trek.

Manang

Manang is an important village on the Annapurna Circuit and a key place for acclimatization at 3,540 m. Annapurna III and Gangapurna can be seen from the village. During the acclimatization day, you can explore Manang or take a short walk to Gangapurna Lake and nearby Braga Monastery reveals some of the closest and most dramatic mountain views on the entire trek.

Muktinath

Muktinath is at 3,760 m on the Mustang side of Thorong La Pass. It is an important religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The area is known for its temple, 108 water spouts, and natural flame. The mountain scenery around Muktinath makes it a special stop after crossing Thorong La.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a beautiful lakeside city at 822 m and the final stop of the trip. It sits beside Phewa Lake and offers a peaceful break after eight days in the mountains. On clear days, you can enjoy views of the Annapurna range and relax by the lake before continuing your onward journey.

Altitude and Activities

The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu directly to Chame at 2,670 m and climbs through Upper Pisang to reach Manang at 3,540 m, with an acclimatization day before the trail continues toward the pass. From Manang, the route climbs through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, or an optional High Camp, to cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the highest point of the trek, before descending to Muktinath. The journey then returns to lower altitude with a drive to Pokhara.

Accommodation and Meals

You will stay in mountain lodges or teahouses during the trekking portion of the journey, and in a comfortable 3 star hotel in Pokhara on the final night. Full board meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout the trek. In Pokhara, breakfast is included.