Can I extend my holiday like a day trip to Kathmandu or other Activities?
Yes, you can extend your stay and there are various other things to do in Nepal. If you have a couple of days with us either before or after the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, we recommend the following trips and add it on for an amazing experience:
From Kathmandu’s ancient temples to the best outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered on all things Nepal if you want to extend your stay and experience more in this country outside of the trekking trails. Whether it’s cultural immersion or adrenaline-pumping activities, these extensions have something for everyone.
Add on Optional (Thorong La Pass Trek in a Horse)
The trail of Thorong La Pass trek offers an excellent option to hire a horse when things go wrong or when the trail becomes really tough for trekkers. The horses are available from villages onwards Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and Thorong High Camp area. A horse is surefooted to safely cross the pass and come down to Muktinath.
It usually does not cost less than USD 200 and may vary depending on the distance. A handler comes along with a horse to guide you throughout, helping you ride safely across the pass. Your hired guide or lodge will manage this service for you if you are really interested in hiring it. Trekkers who cannot complete this adventurous trail might get support in order that they can reach their destination comfortably enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Free airport pickup and drop from the company
We always feel delighted to provide a very smooth airport transfer service for all our Annapurna Circuit Short Trek guests. Our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding a signboard with your name, and make sure that you have a comfortable transfer from the international terminal to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Our drivers are punctual, trustworthy and familiar with less traffic routes in the capital city so that you do not get confused by hectic Kathmandu streets before starting a 12 days teahouse trekking adventure. We assist you in moving your luggage, vehicles are air-conditioned, and we give a short introduction regarding the mystical Kathmandu Valley. After the completion of the trek, we also transfer you back to the airport on time for your flight back home or to your next destination if required, without any doubt.
Can I store my luggage/Suitcase in Kathmandu?
Yes, you can store your backpack or suitcase in Kathmandu. We provide the service to store our client's luggage at our office as well as at the hotel where they spend their night before and after trekking. This facility is mostly recommendable for trekkers who wouldn’t require a few things during the trek.
Avoiding such items will be helpful for you to travel lighter, explore Kathmandu or do the Annapurna Circuit trek without carrying unnecessary goods. You do not have to worry about the safety of the stored bag pack. We store the theme in a completely safe manner. For information, kindly take note. In fact, it is a good option to avoid a few kinds of stuff while packing. Meanwhile, this reduces the chance of misplacing.
Differences between solo trek, private trek, and group trek
Solo Trek
Solo Trek for Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is the perfect adventure for someone who likes to be on their own. With a private guide and/or porter, you trek at your own pace. You stop where you please. And you can pretty well change your itinerary as you like with no worries about group rules. Your travel experts handle all your safety concerns and itinerary details while offering incredible flexibility.
Private treks are very trendy and the best way to do an exclusive Annapurna circuit trek. It could be friends, family or any group. You will design your itinerary, can add some additional tours & sightseeing and make sure that this is your private group so that you have freedom and flexibility in your paces.
Group Trek
Group treks are when you join a group of 2-10 other trekkers who have all booked the same trek in Nepal. You get to meet people from all over the world. Everything is organised for you so you are given a specific itinerary and pace to walk at. It is a cheaper option and is good if you like meeting new people.
Family Trek
Family treks are designed for families who want to explore the Annapurna Circuit together with their children or oldies. We will design a safe trek for your child or oldies and an itinerary as per your request. This is a wonderful trip to make an unforgettable memory with your family.
Is Annapurna Circuit Short Trek safe for solo or female travelers?
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek and Hike is a popular, moderate trek that solo female travellers can safely do. Many women have already completed this trek on their own and have been well taken care of by the local people. However, the trail and altitude can be challenging, so it is suggested to take a guide with you from a safety perspective.
We at Happland Treks ensure all our solo female trekkers find it easy to do the trek without any inconvenience or concerns regarding their safety. Safety-wise, there are hardly any issues, but with an experienced guide, situations may be managed better if something uncertain crops up, and generally they know how to navigate easily through along the trail. A local agency & guide will give you good ideas about the trails and provide deep insight into local cultures, making your trip safer & more interesting if you are doing it alone.
Drinking water
The teahouses and guesthouses along the trail provide boiled or filtered drinking water to trekkers, which is the safest option, and we highly recommend that you drink safe water and avoid any illness during your trek. You can also refill your reusable bottle with tap water at the teahouses on your way to Thorong-La Pass and use water purification tablets or a SteriPEN to make it safe for drinking.
Water purification tablets can be bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara easily at pharmacies and marts. They are inexpensive and easy to use as well–you just have to drop one tablet into one litre of clear water, wait for around 30 minutes, swirl it around gently until the tablet dissolves completely, then wait another 25-30 minutes before using the purified water. Water purification tablets are also effective in killing many of the viruses that cause stomach problems.
For SteriPEN users, you can’t find it here in Nepal, so it’s best to purchase one from your home country. Just stir the SteriPEN around in your water bottle for approximately 60-90 seconds.
What To Expect on Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 12 Days?
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek in 12 days is a shorter version of the Annapurna Circuit Trek that lets you enjoy the best parts of the actual trek. The hike includes diverse landscapes from subtropical to arid high-altitude regions. As you move along, you will also come across many beautiful villages and get stunning views of Annapurna, Machapuchare, and other peaks. You can witness an amazing cultural experience as you stay at tea houses run by locals.
A Typical Hiking Day of Annapurna Circuit Short Trip
Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and further to Chame, each taking about 6-7 hours. The hiking days on the Annapurna Circuit start the next morning; the schedule is well-managed but still flexible enough.
Breakfast in the teahouse dining hall is typically ready by 7:00 am as we have to start walking around 7:45 am after packing our gear and duffel bag. Expect to walk an average of about 5 to 7 hours per day as you make your way through varied landscapes daily on your trek around the Annapurna region.
Lunch is usually a welcome hour break in tea houses that are found along our trail where you can take some rest and enjoy some tea or snacks. After reaching the teahouse overnight stay destination for that night’s dinner at around 6:00 pm or so, there will be plenty of time afterwards for this evening meal session before going to bed either chatting with fellow trekkers or taking a chance as well in reflection.
Accommodation
For this trek, you will be staying in mountain tea houses or local lodges where you will have twin sharing rooms with clean bedsheets and warm blankets. In more crowded places, triple-sharing might be organised. Toilets and bathrooms are common to use, with hot shower facilities available at a nominal extra cost nearly everywhere.
The lodges are extremely basic but cosy and have a feel of home away from home. Charging electronic devices comes at an additional cost while power supply becomes scarce as we ascend higher up. WiFi facility is provided by some tea houses, which are usually quite expensive and slow in speed. In lower altitudes, the accommodations become much more comfortable and cleaner, and there is an option for private rooms sometimes if booked in advance, although this cannot be guaranteed.
Training Requirement
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek doesn’t require any intense training but the better you’re prepared, it will be easier to complete. Try preparing your body as much as possible for long walks on mountainous and rocky terrain. You can start doing some light cardio workouts like walking, jogging, running or cycling a few weeks before the trek.
Similarly, leg exercises would also help, especially when moving upwards in higher altitudes. If this is your first time trekking, practice hiking a few days prior to the trek so that your body gets accustomed to walking for hours every day for 7/8 days. Also, hiking with a backpack of at least moderate weight will give you some idea of what it feels like during the actual trek.
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 12 Days
Mountain sickness is a serious concern you need to worry about during the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, especially while crossing higher sections like Thorong Phedi. You may feel headache, tiredness, nausea or loss of appetite starting from an altitude above 3,000 meters. If ignored, it can get worse to conditions like HAPE and HACE needing immediate evacuation.
Prevention on the Trek
To minimiZe the chances of mountain sickness:
- walk with a slow and steady pace and take proper acclimatisation day.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Say “No” to alcohol & caffeine.
- Eat light but high-energy food as your body has to do extra work to digest the heavy food at higher altitudes.
- Keep preventive medicines like Diamox handy but only for emergencies ( after a doctor’s consultation).
- If you feel uneasy, just tell someone in the Group/Sherpa/Guide and take necessary management from Team Leaders.
- Rest properly and follow what your team leader says; maintain good communication always with him to avoid any problems/issues on the trek.
Food During the Trek
On the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, you can choose from traditional Nepali food to Western choices. Every teahouse offers a menu with basic items like fried rice, noodles, soups, and many options, Dal Bhat is Nepalese combo seat meal it comes with rice, lentil soup, pickle, veg curry. Being unlimited in serving, Dal Bhat consists of rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetable curry and pickles. It is nutritious and ideal for trekking.
You will find pancakes, eggs or porridge for breakfast. For lunch and dinner – you can select chow mein, spaghetti or momos (dumplings). Though the food is hygienic and fresh it might taste different as meals are prepared from locally grown organic ingredients.
At higher altitudes, garlic soup is supposed to be good to prevent mountain sickness. So, the locals strongly recommended this since garlic and herbs are considered natural remedies for acclimatization symptoms. Food supplies, despite being in remote areas, are fabulous, which makes this trek most comfortable and enjoyable.
What is the Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 12 Days
This annapurna circuit trek people do all the months when they have holiday time, Many people willing Annapurna Circuit Short Trek can be done in two seasons per year – off-season and on-season. The on-season is from March to May and September to 2nd weeks of December, where you will find many trekkers doing the trek, while the off-season has fewer trekkers. Weather and climate change on a regular basis might change drastically, too, when you are on your trek.
Spring (March-May): Expect moderate temperatures, making mornings sunny but cloudy afternoons with blooming Rhododendrons along the trail, adding more beauty with colourful colour to your walk. It gets chilly at night.
Monsoon (June to August): Monsoon season is not a good time to go on this trek as the rainfall is incessant. The trails become slippery, and views are obscured. There is also a risk of landslides, making it dangerous.
Autumn (September to November): This is the best time for the trek, as the skies are clear, views are stunning, and temperatures are moderate. The trail will be crowded, but it will definitely add an edge to your trekking experience in these wonderful conditions.
Winter (December to February): Winter in the Annapurna region is at its extreme, being extremely cold; harsh climate particularly can be expected at higher elevations. Snow can block trails and passes, which might not be favourable for trekking.
Equipment and Trekking Kit Necessary for Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 12 Days
For the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, you will need to pack smart for your comfort. We recommend a medium-sized backpack (40-50 ltrs) for your gear and a cold-weather sleeping bag. Layering is key while trekking, so get a few moisture-wicking base layers, warm fleece or down jackets and a windproof jacket. Ensure you have good hiking boots and lightweight shoes to wear in lodges, trekking poles, basic first aid kit, UV protection sunglasses/ sun hat and gloves. For more details, refer to the packing list blog.
Toilet and Shower in the Mountain Lodge for Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 12 Days
During the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek, lodges along the trail generally have western and squat toilets. Western toilets are more common at higher altitudes and in more crowded places, but you should always carry toilet paper yourself because they don’t provide it. In most lodges, you can also have a hot shower for an additional fee (usually around $3 to $5 per person), which is mostly provided with hot bucket water or by a gas geyser. Since there might not be toiletries available at all of the lodges, make sure to take your items, such as soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. The showers and toilets can be very basic in some places, so be prepared for that! All in all, they are functional, but bringing your items will ensure a bit more comfort while on trek.
Mobile, Camera Battery Charge, and WIFI on the Trek
Charging:
You can only charge your electronics in the dining area of teahouses during the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. The cost to charge ranges from 3-5 dollars per charge. To be on the safe side and not run out of battery in the mountains, bring a power bank or extra batteries for your mobile and camera.
WIFI:
You can find WIFI in most of the tea houses, but its slow and not reliable, so the charge for it is around 3–5 dollars. So, since you won't have a good connection, we suggest you get a local sim with an internet connection; it will be helpful in case you want to be in touch with your family or you have urgent work.
What is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 12 Days?
Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,842ft) or High Camp (4,800m/15,748ft) is the highest you will sleep on this trek. The grand highlight is Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft), which marks the circuit's highest elevated location. You can stay overnight at either Thorong Phedi or High Camp according to your acclimatization requirement.
Money exchange in Kathmandu
Currency exchange is easy in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara have banks, currency exchange counters, and ATMs where you can exchange your money for Nepalese rupees. Most hotels in these areas also facilitate money exchange at slightly varied rates. Tourist offices provide more information about genuine money exchangers. Along the trail, you will find no currency exchange facilities or ATMs; hence, carry enough cash as per your requirements during the trek, especially smaller changes , to pay at tea houses and shops. Credit cards might work at some ATMs in Pokhara and kathmandu but will not be valid up in the mountains. Instead of taking chances up there it’s better if you can sort this out before starting so that you will not have to worry about anything later.
Difficulty Level
The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is moderately challenging in terms of both altitudes and distances. There are few steep climbs, especially when you cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft), which is the highest point of the trek. Walking for a long time each day can take its toll on your legs; good fitness and some previous trekking experience give you an advantage.
The most difficult days are walking to Thorong Phedi or High Camp and crossing the Thorong La Pass. You need to acclimate yourself to avoid altitude sickness and walk gradually so that you don’t get tired too quickly. Though this version of Annapurna Circuit Trek is quite short, it still requires a lot of energy both mentally and physically; as such, it’s always good to put in some physical exercise during the weeks prior with low/high-intensity exercise routines based upon personal capacity along with intake lots of water/fluids for better acclimatization process.
Weather in the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 12 Days
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek weather varies greatly according to the season and your elevation during the trek. It covers a range of elevations, so it is important to take this into account when planning. The best times to go trekking overall are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) because of the stable weather and clear skies. However, each month has its different challenges and will have some advantages.
January: January is cold, especially at higher elevations where temperatures can vary between -12°C to 8°C. There will be snowfall mainly at high altitudes – So even though days are generally clear –conditions may be harsh due icy trail Everest base camp short trek in winter. It can get really cold, especially early morning/night.
February: Temperature ranges from -10°C to 10°C. The trails are still blanketed with snow and icy, especially higher up. Snow can make some passes inaccessible, but the inspirational views of mountains in the clear sky compensate for it all. Warm clothing is a must.
March: Spring season, weather ranges from -2°C to 15°C. However, in March, snow starts melting down and makes paths more easily accessible than in other months. You get to see picturesque views of blooming rhododendrons along the trail and in villages, too.
April: One of the best months for trekking, April has temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C. The weather is nice, and the trails are usually dry. Rhododendrons and other flowers are in bloom. Days are comfortable, and the nights get slightly cold.
May: Temperature fluctuates from 8°C- 22°C. The beginning of May is the best time to trek as the weather is generally awesome; however, towards the end of May, humidity starts to set in, and clouds come down, reducing views.
June: Monsoon season begins with temperatures around 12°C – 20°C. Rainfall is at its peak, making the trail slippery and difficult.
July: Monsoon is at its peak with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. There is heavy rainfall in the region during this time, which makes trekking difficult as the trails become muddy and slippery. The cloud cover can also obstruct visibility, and there is an increased risk of landslides in the area. Hence, it’s not a good time for this trek.
August: The temperature ranges between 15°C and 20°C.The rains continue through August, but by the end of the month, they start reducing.
September: Monsoon rains have ended. The temperatures are between 10°C at night and 18°C during the day. The skies are clear, and the trails start to dry up. It’s all lush green forests with awesome mountain views. Favourable month for trekkers; it just gets better towards the end.
October: This is one of the best months for a trek. Temperature ranges from 8°C at night to 15 °C during the daytime (best temperate/cool weather). No more monsoon worries, as by this month, we will see dry conditions on the trail across all regions of our interest (Skies are beautiful blue). This is the time leading to peak season – increased crowd indicative.
November: Temperature ranges from 5°C-12°C, the days are crisp and clear, perfect blue skies, the best month for trekking, and the trail gets a little busy towards the end of the month.
December: The temperature can get as low as 0 degrees Celsius lowest on a really cold night at high altitude & can reach to max of 10 degrees Celsius during the day, chance of snow in higher altitudes.
Travel and Trekking Insurance In the High-altitude
In the high altitude, it is highly advised that you have travel insurance for this Short Annapurna Circuit trek with a great Company that covers helicopter evacuations, medical expenses and all activities during the trip. It should also cover injuries, altitude sickness, and other accidents or delays, etc otherwise you could find yourself hit with huge bills and expenses. You should advise your insurer that trekking above 5000 meters as some policies do not cover the above. In general, we recommend to all our clients to have comprehensive coverage before leaving for any adventure travel in Nepal.
How are the Trails of Annapurna Circuit Short Trek - 12 Days?
The trails of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek are not difficult but also not easy. You will start walking through lush green valleys, terraced farmlands, and rhododendron forests while gradually moving onto dry, arid, arctic-like alpine landscapes as you gain elevation each day. The trail is quite well-maintained, with stone-paved paths in some sections and suspension bridges along the way for crossing the gushing rivers. Anyone with a moderate level of fitness can do this trek; nevertheless, you might find some sections harder than expected or imagined because of the steep climb-incline on rare sections while ascending to higher elevations. Each day, tea houses are available for rest, snacks or lunch during the trekking journey. And we believe that with every footstep travel ahead, panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions are becoming more interesting- adding challenges yet more rewarding at the same time. Proper acclimatization is crucial for doing this 12-days adventure in the Himalayas.
Nepal Visa Information
When you arrive in Nepal, make sure your passport is valid for at least another 6 months and that you have a blank page on it. Bring a passport picture with you and enough USD cash to pay for the visa on arrival, which depends on how long you’ll be staying in the country: 15, 30 or 90 days. (If doing longer treks like Annapurna, double-check this.
Tipping Tips to the guide and porter
At the end of your trek, please kindly tip the guide and porter. There is no hard rule about how much to tip. Tips should be something that you are comfortable with, as a way of saying thank you for their guiding skill or their help while you are on a trip. It is also a respectful way of recognizing their works. Tipping is highly appreciated and expected.
Trekking Feedback
After your trek is complete, we will hold a farewell dinner in Kathmandu where you can tell us about your trek and give us feedback. This is also a good time to make any suggestions for future treks. You can also write detailed reviews on our website, TripAdvisor, or Google Reviews that will help other travellers. We really appreciate your feedback – it helps us grow and improve. Whether you leave a review online or share your thoughts at the farewell dinner, we would love to hear from you.
