Short Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is the fastest safe way to cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — the whole high heart of the Circuit in 10 days, with the low-altitude road sections replaced by a jeep in and a flight out.
The classic Circuit takes 14 to 16 days largely because of the long approach and exit at low elevation. We remove that, not the mountains. A jeep carries you from Kathmandu straight to Chame (2,710m) on day two, and after the pass a short mountain flight from Jomsom lifts you to Pokhara instead of days of descending road. What remains is the part everyone comes for: the Manang valley, the alpine climb to High Camp, the dawn crossing of Thorong La, and the sacred temple of Muktinath.
We compress the schedule, but not the safety margin. The one thing we never cut is the Manang acclimatisation day — it is the difference between a fast trip and a dangerous one. Your guide monitors blood-oxygen twice daily from Manang, and the ascent above it is deliberately gentle. Because you gain altitude quickly by driving to 2,710m, this trip suits fit trekkers and especially those who have been to altitude before and know how their body responds.
If you have the annual leave, the full Circuit is the richer journey. But if ten days is what you have, this is how to spend them: the same pass, the same achievement, none of the padding.
Upcoming departures.
Trek highlights.
Trek in pictures.
Interactive circuit map.
The full 10-day circuit on a topographic map. Click any marker for details. Switch between Topo, Satellite, and Standard views using the layer control.
10 Days. Every detail planned.
Transparent, all-in pricing.
Included in your price
Not included
Trek altitude at a glance.
How hard is this trek?
Best time for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Weather on the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Everything you need to know.
Open any card for in-depth notes on accommodation, food, altitude, permits, money and the small print that matters on the trail.
Your safety, planned in detail.
Altitude is the main risk on this trek. Here is exactly what we carry, who we call, and where the nearest help is at every stage of the route.
Travel insurance — required
- ✓Must cover trekking to at least 5,500m (Thorong La is 5,416m)
- ✓Must include helicopter evacuation (USD 5,000+ cover minimum)
- ✓Must include emergency medical treatment and repatriation
- ✓We recommend World Nomads, True Traveller (UK), or SafetyWing — all cover Nepal trekking at altitude
- ✓Bring a printed policy and 24/7 assistance number to the pre-trek briefing
Nearest medical facilities
- •Manang: Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) clinic — Western volunteer doctors in spring and autumn
- •Jomsom: district hospital with X-ray and basic surgery
- •Pokhara: Manipal Teaching Hospital — best regional emergency care
- •Kathmandu: CIWEC Travel Medicine Centre — specialist altitude and expedition medicine
Emergency protocols
Every guide carries a pulse oximeter and we check oxygen saturation twice daily from Manang onward. If saturation drops dangerously or symptoms of HACE/HAPE appear, descent is immediate. Helicopter evacuation is available along the whole route through our Kathmandu coordination centre (typical response 60–90 minutes, weather permitting). We pre-flag your insurance details at the briefing so there is zero delay in a real emergency.
Helicopter evacuation
Helicopter evacuation from anywhere on the Circuit is operationally feasible. Cost is roughly USD 3,500–6,000 to Pokhara or Kathmandu — fully reimbursable by qualifying travel insurance. We coordinate with Simrik Air, Manang Air and Heli Everest through a 24/7 line at our Kathmandu office.
Nepal visa on arrival
Tourist visa-on-arrival at Kathmandu airport: USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days. Bring 2 passport photos and USD cash. The process takes 15–30 minutes on arrival.
What to pack.
Plan Your Trek
Planning guides for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek
Written by our guides, these cover the permits, altitude, timing, and kit you need before you go.
Common questions.
GeneralHow short can the Annapurna Circuit be done safely?+
Our Short Annapurna Circuit is 10 days total (about 7 days of walking) and still crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416m). We compress the trip by driving deep to Chame at the start and flying out from Jomsom to Pokhara at the end — but we keep the full acclimatisation day at Manang, because that is what keeps a fast trip safe. Going faster than this materially raises altitude-sickness risk.
GeneralWhat do you cut out to make the trek shorter?+
We cut the walking, not the safety. You skip the low-altitude road sections at both ends: a jeep takes you from Kathmandu to Chame (2,710m) instead of walking the first days, and a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara replaces the long western descent through Tatopani and Ghorepani. The high heart of the Circuit — Manang, Thorong La and Muktinath — is walked in full.
GeneralIs the short version harder than the standard Circuit?+
The daily walking is similar, but the altitude gain is more concentrated because you drive to 2,710m on day two. That is why we hold the Manang acclimatisation day firmly and monitor oxygen levels. It suits fit trekkers, and anyone who has been to altitude before will find it very manageable.
GeneralWho is the Short Annapurna Circuit best for?+
Trekkers who want to cross Thorong La but only have around ten days — people on tight annual leave, or those combining Nepal with other travel. It is also popular with returning trekkers who already know how their body handles altitude.
GeneralHow much does the Short Annapurna Circuit cost?+
From USD 990 per person, which includes tea-house lodging and meals on the trail, a TAAN-certified guide, porter support, ACAP and TIMS permits, the Kathmandu–Chame jeep and the Jomsom–Pokhara flight.
Built different. On purpose.
Named guide before you book
Name, photo, licence number and WhatsApp. The same guide meets you at the airport and finishes the trek with you.
100% private, zero strangers
Your group, your pace, your schedule. We have never placed strangers together on a private trek. Not once.
Transparent all-in pricing
Permits, guide, porter, accommodation and all meals included. What you see is what you pay — no upsells on the trail.
60-day free cancellation
No deposit to hold your date. Full refund up to 60 days before departure, no questions asked.
