Overview of Trek
Most trekkers complete the Annapurna Circuit in 14 to 21 days. This 10-day itinerary shortens the time, while losing none of the main experience. You still cross the high mountain pass, walk through small traditional villages and catch sight of some impressive peaks. This short hike is best for those lacking three weeks. You bypass a few of the lower sections and take vehicle transport for segments of the route. But, the big, real experience doesn’t change.
You hike alongside rushing rivers, trek through forests, and get to high altitudes. The mountain views, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu, are stunning. You hike through Hindu and Buddhist villages. The culture changes with altitude. If you have a longer period of time, take the 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek route for a more in-depth experience of mountains and local culture.
The 10-day itinerary includes the best of what you need. You start at a lower altitude and ascend to Thorong La Pass. Then you go down to Muktinath and out of the circuit. It's faster but still challenging.
Highlights
- Short but rewarding trek: Full Annapurna Circuit Trekking in just 10 days
- Start & End: Kathmandu → Besisahar → Circuit → Pokhara → Kathmandu
- Distance & Altitude: Total distance of 120 km and altitudes up to 5,416 m at the Thorong La Pass
- Daily Trekking: 4 to 9 hours each day hike with variable difficulty levels based upon each trekker's fitness level; best for those with moderate fitness levels or above.
- Day-by-Day Itinerary: Experience local life in the mountain villages and hike along rivers and through forests, glaciers, and breathtaking mountain views.
- Cost Overview: All permits, accommodations, food, guides/porters, and transportation are included.
- Best Time to Trek: October, November, March, and April. But June through August are the monsoon months. (So your best choice will be to avoid these months.)
- Trekking Tips: Proper packing, acclimatization, water and food safety, weather preparation
- Optional Longer Trek: The Longer Option For Real Adventure To Complete The Annapurna Circuit (12 Days).
- Internal Resources: Links to maps, permit guides, packing lists, and trekking preparation
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
The following itinerary is a brief summary for each day. You begin in Kathmandu, and within 10 days, you reach the top of the circuit, then you return.
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar - 760m / 2,493ft, Distance: 180km (7 hours)
- Day 2: Drive from Besisahar to Chame - 2,710m / 8,891ft, Distance: 95km (8 hours)
- Day 3: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang - 3,300m / 10,826ft, Distance: 15km (6 hours)
- Day 4: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang - 3,540m / 11,614ft, Distance: 18km (6 hours)
- Day 5: Trek from Manang through Yak Kharka to Ledar - 4,250m / 13,944ft, Distance: 15km (4 hours)
- Day 6: Trek from Ledar to Thorong High Camp - 4,925m / 16,158ft, Distance: 7km (5 hours)
- Day 7: Trek from Thorong High Camp to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass - 3,760m / 12,336ft, Distance: 16km (9 hours)
- Day 8: Drive from Muktinath to Jomsom and Tatopani - 1,200m / 3,937ft, Distance: 80km (4 hours)
- Day 9: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara - 850m / 2,789ft, Distance: 110km (7 hours)
- Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu - 1,350m / 4,429ft, Distance: 200km (7 hours)
Trek Cost Breakdown
The price for completing the trek will vary according whether you hire a guide, a porter or go by yourself. Permits are mandatory for everyone. The more altitude you gain, the higher your food and lodging will cost, prices double past 4,000 meters.
| Item | Details | Approx. Cost (USD) |
| Permits |
TIMS Card & ACAP Entry Permit |
$40 – $50 |
| Accommodation |
Guesthouses / Tea Houses |
$10–20 per night ($100–180 total) |
| Food & Drinks | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks | $15–25 per day ($150–250 total) |
| Guide Fees | Licensed trekking guide | $25–35 per day ($250–350 total) |
| Porter Fees | Optional porter for luggage | $15–20 per day ($150–200 total) |
|
Transportation |
Bus/Jeep (Kathmandu-Besisahar-Chame, Muktinath-Tatopani-Pokhara-Kathmandu) | $100–150 |
Total Estimated Cost: $650–$1,180 per person (varies by services selected)
The Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost is dependent on your preferences. Solo trekkers avoid the cost of guides but sacrifice local expertise and assurance of safety. Plus, hiring a guide provides insight into culture, weather and conditions on the route. Porters will carry your main bag, so you'll save your energy for the high altitudes where every breath counts.
Why Trek with Ammonite Adventure?
Ammonite Adventure is a reliable local trekking agency with lots of experience. Here's why you should go with us:
- Local Experts Team: Your walk is led, managed and supported by passionate and experienced guides who've walked every step of the track.
- Custom Itineraries: Hikes that suit your fitness level and the time available.
- Safety First: Trained leaders and redundancy/back-up safety systems.
- Success Ratio is High: Most trekkers complete this trek successfully.
- Trusted Throughout The World: Many thousands of happy trekkers worldwide.
- Think Local, Act Global: Professional service with local knowledge.
- 24/7 Support: We support you round the clock.
- Professional Guides: Guides are professionals and trained guides.
- Transparent Pricing: No surprise fees or charges.









