Annapurna Circuit Short Trek 10 Days

Overview And Highlights

The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek (10 Days) is a perfectly crafted itinerary for trekkers who want to experience the legendary Annapurna Circuit within limited time—without missing its most iconic sections. This route smartly combines jeep drives and classic trekking trails to take you through dramatic climatic zones, ancient villages, and across the mighty Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)—one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

Starting from Kathmandu, the journey heads west to Besisahar and then follows the Marsyangdi Valley by jeep to Chame, saving several walking days. From here, the real trekking adventure begins through pine forests, apple orchards, and traditional Gurung and Manangi villages like Upper Pisang and Manang. The trail offers jaw-dropping views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

Acclimatization is handled naturally as you gradually gain altitude from Manang to Yak Kharka, Ledar, and Thorong High Camp. The early-morning crossing of Thorong La Pass is the ultimate highlight—physically demanding yet incredibly rewarding. From the top, the landscape dramatically shifts from alpine terrain to the arid trans-Himalayan region of Mustang as you descend to Muktinath, one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists.

After the pass, the trek transitions into a scenic jeep drive via Jomsom to Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs—perfect for soothing tired muscles. The journey then concludes with a drive to Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital, and finally back to Kathmandu.

This Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 days itinerary is ideal for fit trekkers seeking a high-altitude Himalayan adventure in a shorter timeframe. It balances comfort, safety, and authentic mountain culture, making it one of the most popular short trekking options in Nepal for 2025 and 2026.

Trip Highlights

Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
Explore Manang Valley & Mustang region
Visit sacred Muktinath Temple
Diverse landscapes: green valleys to high alpine desert
Natural hot springs at Tatopani
Best short version of the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek (Table)

Season	Months	Weather & Trail Conditions	Recommendation
Spring	Mar–May	Stable weather, blooming rhododendrons	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best
Autumn	Sep–Nov	Clear skies, dry trails, best views	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best
Summer/Monsoon	Jun–Aug	Rainy, landslides, cloudy views	⭐⭐
Winter	Dec–Feb	Cold, snow at Thorong La	⭐⭐⭐ (Experienced trekkers)