Short Annapurna circuit Trekking

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is regarded as a moderate to challenging trek. Trekkers need to walk through diverse landscapes, from terraced farmlands and pine forests to arid high-altitude deserts. The highlight and most difficult section of the trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, where the thin air and steep climb demand strong physical endurance and mental determination. Daily trekking hours range from 5 to 7, so previous hiking experience or good physical conditioning is highly recommended. With preparation and proper acclimatization, most trekkers with average fitness levels can complete this trek successfully.
Tip: Train for your trip by hiking up hills or stair-climbing while carrying a light backpack to build stamina and leg strength.

Accommodation along the Annapurna Circuit is mostly in tea houses and lodges, which are simple but comfortable. Rooms usually have twin beds with basic bedding, but it is advisable to carry a sleeping bag for extra warmth at higher altitudes. Some villages like Manang and Jomsom also offer more modern guesthouses with better facilities. Food is diverse, with the staple dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables) being the most popular option, as it provides good nutrition and energy. Other options include noodles, soups, pancakes, Pizza, pasta, fried rice, and even bakery items in bigger villages. Meals become more expensive as you climb higher due to transportation difficulties, but they are always filling and freshly prepared.
Tip: Order meals early in the evening as kitchens in tea houses often close earlier than in cities.

Two main permits are required for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card. These permits can be obtained easily in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek. They are mandatory for entry into the conservation area and help ensure safety and proper trekking records. Both are checked at different points along the trail, so make sure to carry them at all times.
Tip: Keep digital copies of your permits on your phone in case the originals get misplaced.

The Annapurna region is not only about mountains but also about the rich culture and traditions of the local communities. The trek passes through Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali villages, each with its own unique lifestyle and customs. You will encounter Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens decorated with colorful prayer flags, especially in Manang and Mustang. These monasteries are centuries old and reflect Tibetan Buddhist influence, offering spiritual peace to locals and travelers alike. Experiencing the warm hospitality of these ethnic groups and learning about their traditions adds cultural depth to the trekking adventure.
Tip: Always walk clockwise around prayer wheels and chortens to respect local traditions.

Since the trek goes above 5,000 meters, altitude sickness is a genuine concern. The itinerary includes a vital rest day in Manang to help trekkers adapt to higher elevations. Proper acclimatization involves strolling, staying hydrated, eating light meals, and avoiding alcohol. Early symptoms such as headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, or nausea should not be ignored. The best way to prevent severe altitude sickness is to descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Having an extra day for flexibility in your itinerary can make your trek safer and more enjoyable.
Tip: Drink garlic soup or ginger tea available in tea houses, as locals believe they aid acclimatization.

For the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek, a well-organized packing strategy is essential to ensure comfort and safety at varying altitudes. Recommended items include:

1. Strong trekking boots and layered clothing (base layer, fleece jacket, down jacket, rain jacket)
2. Warm gloves, hats, and thermal socks
3. Sleeping bag (rated -10°C or lower for high passes)
4. Trekking poles for stability on steep and rocky terrain
5. Reusable water bottle, purification tablets, or filter bottle
   Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and toiletries
6. First-aid kit with personal medicines and altitude pills (consult doctor)
   Headlamp with extra batteries
7. Portable charger or solar power bank
8. Lightweight quick-dry towel
9. Extra pairs of trekking socks and innerwear
10. Gaiters for snow or muddy trails
11. Flip-flops or light sandals for use in tea houses
12. Lightweight snacks such as energy bars, nuts, or chocolates for long trekking days
13. Map, notebook, or trekking journal to record your journey
14. Lightweight rain cover or waterproof backpack cover
    Carrying these items ensures you are prepared for changing weather conditions, rough terrain, and limited facilities at high altitudes. Packing light but smartly is the key to enjoying the trek without unnecessary burden.

Tip: Pack essentials in waterproof dry bags to protect them from rain or snow.

Travel insurance is a must for anyone trekking in the Annapurna region. The policy should cover high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, accidents, and helicopter evacuation. Since Thorong-La Pass is over 5,000 m, the risks of altitude sickness or sudden weather changes are real. Having insurance ensures that in case of emergencies, evacuation and medical costs are covered without hassle. Always check your policy details before starting the trek, and make sure it includes coverage for trekking above 5,000 m, as some standard policies exclude such adventures.
Tip: Carry both a digital and a printed copy of your insurance policy, along with emergency contact numbers.

The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Jagat via Besisahar, which takes around 7–8 hours depending on road conditions. From the end of the trek, most trekkers either fly from Jomsom to Pokhara or take a long drive. The drive offers scenic views of terraced hills, rivers, and mountains, while the short flight is thrilling with aerial Himalayan views. In some sections, roads can be bumpy and dusty, so carrying a face mask and motion sickness tablets can make the journey more comfortable. Travelers can choose between comfort and budget options depending on time and preference.
Tip: If your schedule allows, spend a night in Pokhara after the trek to relax before returning to Kathmandu.

Electricity is available in almost all tea houses, though charging electronic devices often comes with a small fee, especially at higher altitudes. Solar power is commonly used in remote villages. Mobile networks like NTC and Ncell work well in lower areas, but coverage becomes weaker as you ascend. Wi-Fi is available in some villages, such as Manang and Jomsom, though the connection can be slow. Carrying a power bank or solar charger is highly recommended for reliability. Some trekkers also rent local SIM cards before starting the trek to ensure affordable communication with family and friends.
Tip: Switch your phone to airplane mode when not in use to save battery during long trekking days.

Safe drinking water is essential for the trek. Bottled water is available, but it becomes more expensive the higher you go, and it contributes to plastic waste. A better alternative is to refill bottles with boiled water from tea houses or use purification tablets and water filters. Carrying a reusable bottle not only helps reduce costs but also supports eco-friendly trekking. Staying well-hydrated is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of altitude sickness, so aim to drink 3–4 liters of water daily while trekking.
Tip: Add electrolyte powders or hydration salts to your water to replace minerals lost while sweating.

Hiring a licensed trekking guide is highly recommended for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek. Guides provide valuable insights into the culture, ensure safety on challenging routes, and assist in emergencies. Porters are also available to carry heavy bags, allowing trekkers to walk more comfortably and focus on enjoying the scenery. By hiring guides and porters, trekkers also contribute to the local economy, supporting the livelihood of mountain communities.  Trekking companies also ensure fair wages and proper gear for porters, making it a responsible way to travel.
Tip: Pack your bag smartly, separating essentials into a daypack so the porter carries only what’s needed for the day.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), and cash is the most reliable method of payment along the Annapurna Circuit. ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and some lower villages, but they are scarce in higher altitudes. Credit cards are rarely accepted in tea houses, so it is best to carry sufficient cash to cover meals, lodging, and personal expenses during the trek. Small denominations are especially useful, as locals often cannot provide change for extensive notes. A budget of $25–50 per day is usually enough for meals, accommodation, and small personal expenses during the trek.
Tip: Store your cash in two separate places, such as a money belt and a backpack, for safety.

Carrying a basic first-aid kit is highly recommended for trekkers. This should include medicines for altitude sickness, headaches, stomach upsets, and minor injuries. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent are also essential for changing weather conditions. Although there are health posts in some villages like Manang, serious medical emergencies require evacuation to Pokhara or Kathmandu. Maintaining hygiene, eating freshly cooked meals, and drinking purified water can significantly reduce the risk of illness during the trek.
Tip: Carry hand sanitizer and wet wipes, as washing facilities may be limited in remote areas.

Dear Guests and Travelers to Nepal and other Himalayan destinations, please make sure you have understood our Terms and Conditions after carefully reading the mutual contract and legal process, as this will undoubtedly help maintain our long-term relationship.

After selecting the trip of your choice from our varied programs and itineraries, the first step in the booking procedure is to fill out our booking form and, upon completion, send it with a 25% deposit for Nepal Trips and a 40% non-refundable deposit for Tibet & Bhutan Trips.

Along with the completed form, you are required to email your passport copy and flight Ticket with all details to us in the Kathmandu office at Team Himalaya ([email protected]).

Upon receiving your passport copy and details, along with your completed booking form and non-refundable deposit, we will send you a final confirmation receipt and acknowledgment.

All deposits are required for selected trips, per person. We will email you with the direct deposit procedure and details.

As per the booking and Trip money transfer, service charges of the respective banks may apply and should be paid at the time of deposit.

We will email you the details for making payments with your credit card once you have filled out the Booking form.

We accept Visa or MasterCard only, with a 4% processing fee applied to credit cards, and wire transfers are charged by the Banks as a service.

The Condition for clearing the remaining balance as per the trip booked is as follows:

The remaining due balance for all Nepal Trips should be paid and cleared upon arrival.

The remaining balance for other Himalayan countries, such as Bhutan and Tibet, as well as for all multi-country tours, must be cleared within 35 days of your trip departure date.

Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd reserves the right to cancel your trip if the full amount is not paid on time.

In certain circumstances, we will accept your last-minute booking at least a week before the tour departure date for all trips; in this case, full payment is required.

How to pay your selected trip deposit:

Credit Card (Visa & Mastercard):

Please call us at 00977-9841824281 to pay over the phone.

Payment:

Please deposit by wire Transfer to Team Himalaya (P) Ltd and post it to the address below:

Company Address: Team Himalaya (P) Ltd

Beneficiary residential address: Shorrakhutte 16, Kathmandu, Nepal (province no 3 )

Bank Address: Nepal Investment Mega Bank Nepal Limited.

Bank address: Thamel, Kathmandu

Account No: 13201050052719.

Account  Type: local currency (Nepali)

Bank SWIFT code: NIBLNPKT

Or

Company Address: Team Himalaya (P) Ltd

Bank Transfer:

Bank Address: Himalayan Bank Limited.

Bank address: Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu

Account No:01908416120019.

Account Type: Foreign Currency (USD)

Bank SWIFT code: HIMANPKA.

Refund & Cancellation:

The company will not issue a refund for the 20% deposit amount in the event of cancellation of your trip for any reason.

After paying the full amount for any selected trip, you are entitled to a refund if you cancel your trip by notifying us as soon as possible, provided the charge is reasonable under the company's rules and regulations.

Still, the cancellation charge is invoiced to you. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip. Nevertheless, you have imposed a cancellation charge as advised below:-

60 days or more deposit retained
45 – 50 days before departure 50%
30 – 40 days before departure, 75%
20 days before departure, 100%

Extra Supplement Charge:

Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd tour/trek packages, rooms, or tents are provided on a twin-sharing basis. Thus, a single-room supplement will be charged for clients who do not have another tour participant to share a room/tent with. It also applies to clients who need a single supplement in hotel or lodge tents/rooms.

Early return from any Tours or Treks:

No refunds will be issued to clients who return early from our trips for personal, domestic/medical, or other personal reasons, regardless of any portions of the itinerary that remain unused.

Amendment in Trip Cost:

Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd. reserves the right to revise or change the trip costing rate posted on our website, under any circumstances, or on the pressure of various external factors beyond our control, for instance, changes in exchange rate, government action, etc. inflation, however assuring that we will put our effort as much possible to keep the present cost rate as it is.

Unforeseen Circumstances:

If the company has to cancel the trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political conflict, unfavorable weather, or road closures, we will refer you to an alternative trip of a similar type and standard.

Even if this doesn’t suit your preferences and interests, all trip prices you pay to our company will be refunded, with an administration and trip arrangement charge of 15-20%, depending on the trip chosen.

Please note that any other expenses incurred by you as a result of this booking are entirely your responsibility.

Travel / Medical Insurance:

We strongly recommend that all booking Clients acquire Travel and Medical Insurance as a condition of all our tours, trekking, and climbing trips. It should include adequate protection for tour/trekking/climbing/rafting or any other adventure sports, covering personal injury, death, medical expenses, and repatriation/emergency evacuation expenses by any means of transportation, such as helicopter rescue or air ambulance, as well as adequate baggage cover.

Children and Elderly people:

An authorized guardian by the parents must accompany all travelers under the age of sixteen.

A person of more than 70 years of age, although in good health, still needs a partner, family member, or friend to accompany he/she.

If you have any queries regarding age and suitability, please get in touch with us for further information.

Nepal / Tibet Visas & Passport Conditions:

All clients must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the return date of travel.

Nepal visas can be obtained from the Nepal Consulate or Embassy in your country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. The costs of Nepalese visas are the sole responsibility of clients. All clients must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the return date. As you are unable to obtain visas to Tibet, you need to send your passport details to Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions for visa applications to travel in Tibet. We require this information at least three weeks before departure.

Risk and Liabilities:

Team Himalaya's primary concern is your safety and satisfaction, including our staff's welfare; therefore, we carry out all our assignments sincerely & honestly to ensure your holiday is hassle-free and free of problems.

Nevertheless, unless otherwise stated, the trip may be changed due to unforeseen or inherent circumstances, such as landslides, roadblocks, floods, heavy snow, political unrest, flight cancellations, delayed arrivals, sickness, or accidents. Any extra cost incurred there is your responsibility and should be borne on the spot.

Flight Delay/Cancellation:

Possibility of domestic flight delay or postponement due to bad weather in the Himalayan regions, which sometimes happens, in particular around the Everest region, Lukla, Phaplu, Annapurna / Mustang / Manang region, Humde, Jomsom, and on the Far West Dolpa, Simikot, and Jumla region, and on the Far East sector, Tumlingtar, and Taplejung area.

Trekking in remote areas, or as described above, especially during the off-season, you are strongly advised to reserve extra days to account for delays and avoid frustrating consequences.

In case of flight cancellation, pre-tour/post-tour, you need to bear the accommodation and food costs yourself.

Our Responsible Adventure Policy:

Our entire tour/trekking guide representing Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions deserves all authority during tours, trekking/rafting, and climbs.

Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions will make every effort to ensure every trip is comfortable and satisfactory. Still, one must understand that countries in the Himalayas or in the Third World and Developing Countries like Nepal cannot afford many Western and highly developed facilities; however, we will do our best to make your trip enjoyable and memorable while with us.

Weather is another factor that directly affects some trips; hence, patience, enthusiasm, and proper preparation before heading out are a must.

Your personal belongings:

On any account, we’re not responsible for any loss or damage to your baggage/luggage or property, even when it is shouldered by our porters, ponies, or vehicles. Our trip escorts and guides will provide necessary safety precautions so that this does not arise while with us.

Papers & Documents:

All necessary papers and documents should be presented in sequence, for example, to issue visas, required permits, etc. We’re not accountable if any trip formalities aren't completed in time before the trip departs due to the absence of essential papers and documents.