Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek is one of the best treks for trekkers looking for a short trek in the Annapurna Region. In this trek you can explore most of the
Trek Name: Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trek Duration: 12 Days
Trek Difficulty: Adventure
Trek Season: Sep -Dec & Mar-June
Trek Altitude: 5416m
Group Size: 1 - 16 people.
Trek Package: Hotels in Kathmandu/ Tea Houses during trek
Mode of Transfer: Flight or Private Vehicle
Start/End of Trek: Kathmandu
Permits: ANCAP (Annapurna Conservation Area entry Permit) and TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System)
Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek 12 Days is an ideal trek for all those travelers who would like to experience Nepal’s classic Annapurna circuit trek in a short time frame.
The trek winds through different type of topographical circumstances from sub-tropical through alpine to an arid or semi-desert alike to Tibetan topography.
Offering the astonishing view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, the trek gives the chance to cross heart-gripping Thorang La pass (5416m) making it Nepal’s classic and most celebrated trekking trails.
This is an exemplary case of teahouse trek giving us the time to spend in villages inhabited by people belonging to different ethnic group.
After making our way through Thorang La pass we will fly back to Jomsom and then to Pokhara. This is a short but fulfilling introduction of trekking in Himalayas of Nepal.
The trek starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek takes you several dramatic deep gorges, High mountain pass, Temples, Monasteries and beautiful villages of Annapurna Region. The highest altitude gained in this trek is 5416m i.e. Thorong La Pass.
Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek is one of the best treks for trekkers looking for a short trek in the Annapurna Region. In this trek you can explore most of the places of Annapurna Region. In this trek you can find both varieties of Nature and Culture of Annapurna Region.
The below given itinerary is of 12 Days. However, this is just a sample template of what we offer to our customers. If you want any changes in the given itinerary then you can directly contact us. We can customize the trek according to your request.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Drive to Dharapani (1960m)
Day 03: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours
Day 04: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours
Day 05: Pisang to Manang: 6 - 7 hours
Day 06: Manang: Acclimatization day
Day 07: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3 - 4 hours
Day 08: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 - 4 hours
Day 09: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La Pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 - 8 hours
Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom (2743m)
Day 11: Fly to Pokhara
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu
The best time to trek to Annapurna Region is during autumn (September- November) and Spring (March – May). Annapurna Region is beautiful throughout the year but during these seasons you get to see the most beautiful pictures of Annapurna Region. Some of the places of Annapurna Region like Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Kagbeni and Jomsom can be visited any time during the year.
Autumn season gives you the most favorable weather for trekking with warm and dry climate. Autumn seasons falls during the months of September, October and November. Autumn season is also the season of festivals. You can feel the festival vibes everywhere while trekking in Nepal during Autumn. On the other hand you can get the best pictures while trekking Annapurna Region during Autumn Season.
Spring in Nepal is regarded as one of the best season for trekking and mountain climbing. Spring season occurs in Nepal in the months of March, April and May. You can have a heavenly experience trekking in Annapurna Region during spring. You can see varieties of blooming wild floras and forests blanketed with rhododendron flowers during your trials. The mountains look absolutely stunning and the temperature is warm and moderate. You can expect lots of trekkers during the trial during spring season in Annapurna region.
Summer season is not very popular season for trekking in Annapurna Region. Summer season in Nepal takes place in between the months of June to August. The monsoon seasons combines with summer in Nepal. Thus, Nepal receives a wet summer with hot temperature. Although the temperature gets cooler as you gain altitude but the trials can be affected by heavy rainfall and mudslides. However, some of the regions which lie in the rain-shadow area like Upper Mustang, Jomsom, and Muktinath can be visited throughout the year. If you love challenges and thrill then this season can be the best for you to explore Annapurna Region. In spite of the challenges you can get the best views and true colors of nature while trekking to Annapurna Region during summer.
Winter Season takes place in Nepal in the months of December to February. Since it is freezing cold and some of the high passes are closed in the higher altitudes due to snow this season is not recommend for trekking in Annapurna Region. However, if you want to enjoy peaceful trekking trials with fewer trekkers then you can choose this season with proper gears and clothing equipment. Despite the challenges, the winter season in Annapurna Region gives you the best view of snowcapped mountains.
Our accommodation will be in 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trek you will be staying in tea houses or lodges. All accommodations are on twin share basis. Single supplement rooms can be provided on request with an additional charge. Although the rooms are easily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara it is very difficult to arrange single supplement rooms during the trek. In such case Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd will look for the best alternatives.
All meals will be provided during our Annapurna Base Camp Trek including welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu. The meals during our stay in Kathmandu will be provided in high class typical Nepali restaurants which serve you with delicious Nepali cuisines whereas we will have our breakfast and dinner in the tea houses/ lodges on trek. We will spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. We suggest you to try out the most popular local foods like Thakali food while you are trekking in Annapurna Region. The local foods are healthier and give a lot of energy during your trekking trials.
The Annapurna Region trek is relatively easier than any other treks in Nepal like Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek 12 days. Anyone with sound physical fitness and who can walk up to 6-7 hours a day can easily complete the trek. Annapurna region trekking does not require any prior trekking experience however if you have it can add up a plus point for you. Some of the trekking destinations of Annapurna Region like Ghorepani Poonhill, Jomsom, Muktinath, and e.t.c can be the best destination for first time trekkers.
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
As your aircraft lands in Tribhuwan International Airport our representative will receive you and help you to transfer into the hotel of your choice.
Day 02: Drive to Dharapani (1943m)
Early morning we will have our breakfast at Kathmandu and then drive to Dharapani. The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours in a private vehicle. The drive goes through highway and then on a bumpy terrains where you can see countryside villages, valleys, forests, rivers and mountains. Overnight at Dharapani.
Day 03: Trek to Chame (2713m)
From Dharapani we will continue the climb to village of Bagarchap (2164m). Continuing the trek through the forest we will reach Dhanagyu and climb to Temang where we will rest for a while to have lunch. Temang offers the magnificent views of Manaslu along with many other snow capped Himalayan massif. From here the trail goes downhill through fir and pine forest to Koto and then to Chame, which is also the administrative capital of Manang district.
Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3,185m)
Initially the trail follows the river closely through deep canyon, making of our way through number of waterfalls we will arrive to Brathang (2919m). From here the trail goes through steep narrow valley winding through deep forest witnessing the magnificent view of Annapurna II. Crossing the river where the extraordinary curved rock face of Paungda Danda rises abruptly nearly 1500m from the riverbank, the trail climb to the village of Pisang.
Day 05: Trek to Manang village (3351m)
Today you have 2choices, either you can take a high route to Manang via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal or opt for shorter main trail to Manang which goes through a low pass into the valley below Pisang peak. Both the options offers the magnificent Mountain View, introduces us to diverse Himalayan lifestyle and set up a strong foundation about the concealed geographical variation of the country. The longer walk will take 8-9hours whereas the shorter takes 5-6hours.
Day 06: Acclimatization in Manang
Today we will take a rest in Manang village and get adapted with the risen altitude and explore the surreal beauty of surrounding. Most of the visitors ascend to a hill situated behind Manang which offers the astonishing view of Annapurna massif and the huge icefall that run into and rumbles down from Gangapurna. Diagonally to the valley the huge mass of Gangapurna and Annapurna tower just above us. The view of sunrise and sunset seen from here is one of the most beautiful sights seen in the whole country.
Day 07: Trek to Yak Kharka
From Manang we will make our way towards the base of Thorong La pass. Climbing out of Marshyangdi valley, we turn northwest to the valley of Jarsang Khola. Winding above the forest we pass through arid, alpine land, with scrub juniper and patches of birch to Yak Kharka. We will reach Yak Kharka by afternoon and in the remaining time we can explore the vicinity. Here we can get a occasional glimpse of Blue Sheep which are the local inhabitant of this chilly and breezy area.
Day 08: Trek to thorong phedi (4450 m)
We start after the breakfast trek to thorong phedi about claiming 5000mtr. The path is easy but we have to careful it is above Attitude more than 4000 mtr on the way some time we can see blue sheep also.
Day 09: Trek to Muktinath (3802m)
We will start early in the morning to climb the pass. The initial stage of the ascent is very steep, but as we approach the peak it becomes much sloppier, but the altitude still makes the walk a challenging one. After making our way through few false summits, we finally make it to top of the pass (5416m). The top offers the unexplainable 360 degree panorama of snow capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet. Upon looking back we can view several peaks of Annapurna and in front of us is the unfathomable gorge of Kali Gandaki. After the pass the trail descends gradually but becomes steeper, finally making to a grassy slope, just before easing off to a gradual downhill walk to Muktinath.
Day 10: Trek to Jomsom
After visiting the holy temple of Muktinath, we make our way through arid landscape with the snow clad Himalayas in the backdrop. The trail goes down the valley offering an array of beautiful colors to Kali Gandaki valley at Ekalabatti. An easy walk from here finally brings us to Jomsom.
Day 11: Fly back to Pokhara
From Jomsom we will take an early morning scenic flight to Pokhara watching the magnificent views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel, freshen up and have lunch. The rest of the day is free to explore this lake city. You can hire a bicycle and make the trip even more memorable.
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu
We will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu through the Himalayas. In Kathmandu the rest of the day is free. If you have your international flight today then our representatives will drop you to the airport prior to your flight time.
Nepal Visa Information
Visa in Nepal can be acquired on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu and also at the border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki border of Nepal - India and Kodari on Nepal-China border. Visa can also acquire at the nearest Nepal Embassy. For visa renewal purpose you can contact at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan at Kathmandu. A valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background is required. Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency
Gratis (Free) Visa
For first visit in one visa year (January to December), gratis visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the visa can be extended from the department of immigration with respective fares.
Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
Nepal Visa for Chinese Nationals
As per official circular of the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China, Chinese nationals applying for tourist visa to Nepal are being provided “gratis tourist visa” from Jan. 5, 2016, from following Nepali missions in the People’s Republic of China:
More Information
Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan will need to obtain visa from Nepal Embassies or Diplomatic Missions in their respective countries, as they do not get visa on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal.
Drinking water
Water is an essential part of your trek. You need to drink plenty of water during your. Most of the diseases during your trek are caused by drinking impure water. However it is not that the water in the mountain region is impure. It is natural and clean the people there consume it direct from the tap. But, since you are not used to you may get directly affected and consuming water direct from the tap might ruin your trek. Here are the tips for consuming water during Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek 12 days.
1. Mineral Water/ Bottled water.Leader & Staffs Arrangements with Porter Care
During this Classic Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek 12 days you will fly to Lukla from Kathmandu only with your guide. Other team members like assistant guide and porters will join you from Lukla. We focus on giving employment opportunities to the local people as far as possible. We choose experienced field staff having good knowledge in their related field. We do have highly experienced team of porters and guides. Our field staff leaders are highly experienced and have undergone the trainings like. Intensive Wilderness First Aid, Trekking Guide Training, Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet, English Language, Conservation and Biodiversity, Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (for expedition leaders).
Why do we use Porters?
Porters are the most helpful assistant for your Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek 12 days. They carry your luggage all the way through your trek. We use the local porters during Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek 12 days. It is a small effort from our side to provide them employment opportunity and help them maintain their living standard and look after their families. We provide one porter for each two members of a group and also provide personal porter on request with additional costs.
Why don’t we use Yak as Porters?
During your Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek 12 days you can also see several Yaks and Mules on your way used as porter. Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd doesn’t use yaks and mules as porters during the trek because we respect animal rights and emphasis on giving employment opportunities to the local people.
Guide and Porter info
It is in the hand of guide and porter to actually make or break your trip. A good guide can give you a memorable trek of your life time whereas a bad can ruin your trek and make it the worst. Actual Adventure Pvt. Ltd has a team of highly experienced a passionate trekking guides, expedition leader, porters and tour guides. With their years of experience and dedication in their fields they have been providing our customers with remarkable service and excellent results. You can have the detailed information of our guides in the company’s Trip Management Team (Field Staff).
I had the best travel experience with Actual Adventure. The price was very reasonable and the staffs and management team were very friendly. Thus, I highly recommend this company.
We met Kedar, the managing director of Actual Adventure, in the Alpine Hotel that he also operates.
We ended up booking several day-trips around Kathmandu, a car and driver for a week around central Nepal, hotels and tours in Chitwan National Park, a 4-day trek in the Annapurna region, a 3-day rafting trip on the Kali Gandhaki River, a sightseeing flight, and more.
We were happy with most everything. I should have taken more care with the hotel recommended in Chitwan and the rafting company in Pokhara. Both were OK, but I think I could have done better.
Anyway, Actual Adventure helped us put together a great 3-week trip very quickly. We compared rates and services to a few other travel agencies in Thamel and ended up choosing Kedar’s company.
I would definitely use Actual Adventure again.
Visited September 2014
Keith Bailey
Largo, Florida
I booked my trip at Actual Adventure. Two of my friends from Switzerland were climbing in Nepal last year and recommended me this agency. I was very happy with my trekking and experienced a unique time with in Nepal with my Sherpa (Phurba) and the porter. The whole trip was perfectly organized and I was completely satisfied with everything. I can highly recommend Kedar and his whole crew who are doing a great job, thank you again my friends!
Visited October 2016
We were the Trek with Kedar, Actual Adventure and with his guide and porter were very good when we had problem on the way; they solved it to our best satisfaction. We highly recommended this agency to everyone who would like to do trip in Nepal
BEST SATISFACTION
Avraham Kochva And Malka Kochva,
Isreal Halfa
13 March 2013
Actual Adventure Pvt Ltd, GPO Box 8335, Keshar Mahal Marga,Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Registered No: 69478/066/067, Tourism License: 1121/066
Phone: +977-14417579 / Mobile:- +977 9851012358
E-mail: info@actual-adventure.com
Website: www.actual-adventure.com
