Besi Sahar
Besi Sahar is a town in the Lamjung district of Nepal, 760 meters high. The town has a guest house, small shops, ATMs, and transportation services. It is a good place to grab snacks, gear, and essentials. It is home to mixed communities like Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, and Chhetri.
Highlights
Besi Sahar is a starting point of the Annapurna Circuit for many trekkers. This small town is a central hub for permits, last-minute supplies, and transportation arrangements before heading towards the mountains. If you forget to pack your essentials, you can grab them in this town and even withdraw cash from ATMs because only cash will be used on the trek.
Tal Village
Tal is one of the most beautiful villages along the Annapurna Circuit. It has a peaceful environment and a stunning view. At 1700 meters, it marks the entry to the Manang district.
Attractions
At 1700 meters, Tal's scenic riverside village beauty is to die for. The Marsyangi River flows alongside the village, giving the village a natural sound of healing and peacefulness. Unique waterfalls and lush greenery can be spotted along the way. Tal has a strong Tibetan Buddhist presence, seen in local architecture, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and atone houses.
Manang Valley
Manang Valley, sitting at an altitude of 3519 meters, is one of the most captivating places in the Annapurna Circuit. Snow-capped peaks and barren landscapes surround it.
Landmarks
Manang is where most trekkers take an extra day to adjust to the altitude and move on to Thorangla Pass. This is not just a place to rest but a bundle of history, culture, and beautiful scenic views.
It feels like you are standing in the heart of the Himalayas, surrounded by stunning Mt. Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks. After a short walk from Manang, you can reach Bra Ga Monastery, the oldest monastery in the region and of significant value.
Ice Lake
Ice Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful high-altitude lake at 4,949 meters, also locally known as Kicho Tal. This pristine lake is among the best side hikes for those acclimatizing in the Manang district. You can stroll around to see the beauty of Manang. This crystal-clear lake flows from the Mountains and accumulates as Ice Lake.
Key Sights
Ice Lake is one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world, situated at a height of 4,919m in the Himalayas. Hiking to this lake is challenging but rewarding, and the view from the main Annapurna Circuit route is crystal clear. This pristine lake has crystal clear turquoise water reflecting the Himalayas.
Annapurna Sanctuary
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a breathtaking basin at a high altitude surrounded by the tallest mountains in the world, which are above 7,000 meters in height. This place receives only 7 hours of sunlight since it is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges, which are above 7,000 meters tall.
Significant Elements
Annapurna Sanctuary is like a huge bowl surrounded by the mighty peaks of the Annapurna Massif. This place possesses a deep sense of wonder, nature, and spirituality that will make your moments here unforgettable.
Standing in the middle, you will feel like you are in a natural amphitheater, entirely closed by beautiful snow-capped mountains offering peace, humility, and surrealism all at once.
The area falls in the Annapurna Conservation Area, where varieties of plants and animals are conserved. As you progress in the trek, you can see beautiful rhododendrons, bamboo, and alpine flowers blooming along the trails. If you are lucky, you can even get a chance to spot Himalayan animals like blue sheep, langurs, and even exclusive snow leopards.
For Hindu and Buddhist locals, this sanctuary holds spiritual significance. People believe that gods live in these mountains, and sacred Fishtail Mountain, Machapuchrey, has never been climbed out of respect. As they arrive at this place, there is a calm spiritual energy in the air that many trekkers feel.
Ghorepani Poon Hill
Ghorepani Poon Hill is perfect for those who want to see stunning Himalayan views without going too far in the high altitude. It is often called the best short trek in Nepal, and for good reason.
Main Features
Ghorepani poon hill stands out as one of the most rewarding short treks offering breathtaking mountain views. It is also one of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints for sunrise over the Annapurna Range, where the first light of day spills across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Watching the white snow-capped mountains turning golden is a rare moment that will stay with you.
This place offers stunning panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare. This place is ideal for those seeking a short trek alternative to the Annapurna circuit. If you are short of time and still want to explore Nepal and its beautiful Himalayas without having to climb high altitudes, then Ghorepani Poon Hill is the best and can be completed in just 4-5 days.
Thorong La Pass
Thorangla Pass is one of those unforgettable spots in the Annapurna Circuit that leaves a mark on anyone who crosses it. At an altitude of 5416 meters, it is one of the highest trekking passes in the world. However, the climb is not easy. The air gets thinner, the legs heavier, and the view gets better.
Top Picks
Thorangla Pass, standing at a height of 5,416 meters, is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit. Most trekkers try to cross this highest pass in early in the morning in order to avoid the fast wind at day time. As you move forward the pass, you can see the beautiful, crystal-clear lake with colorful flags, fluttering around in the wind, making the view even more mesmerizing.
Even though the climb can be challenging and will test your patience, physical stamina, and mental strength, the moment you reach your destination, all discomforts fade away in thin air. You will find yourself lost in the magnificent beauty of nature, with snow-capped Himalayas spreading out in all directions, giving you a perfect panoramic view.
Muktinath Temple
Muktinath Temple is a sacred place in the high mountains of Mustang, at 3800 meters, and holds significant value in the Hindu religion. It is considered one of the most prominent temples of Lord Shiva. For Hindus, Muktinath is believed to be the place of Mokshya, which means you can get rid of the cycle of rebirth and rest in peace in the coming lives.
Scenic Points
Muktinath is deeply sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. It is one of the biggest Temples of Lord Shiva, and Hindus and Buddhists believe that their guru meditated there. That is why pilgrims worldwide draw attention to this place for hope, peace, and liberation.
One of the most fascinating things about this place is the eternal flame, which has been burning slowly and steadily for centuries and never goes out. It is believed that this flame symbolizes divine power.
Just behind the temple, you can see 108 water spouts shaped like bullheads. The water is ice cold, melting directly from the nearby glacier. People bathe in all those 108 water spouts, believing that their sins will be washed away.
People laugh, run, and encourage each other to complete the bath. It will touch you even if you are not a religious person. Muktinath Temple is not just a temple, but also an experience you can feel.
Jomsom
Jomsom is a charming mountain town located in the lower region of Mustang. It is a beautiful blend of high-altitude desert and Himalayan magic surrounded by dry hills, rocky cliffs, and snowcapped mountains. Locals here are very welcoming and friendly as they are used to seeing the smiling faces of tourists often.
Spectacular Views
Jomsom is like a Himalayan desert surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The wind here is crazy, fast, dry, and dramatic. While I was in Jomsom with my friends eight years ago, the fast wind flew my red scarf away. We never found the scarf; the wind’s speed was that high.
The cozy earth vibe in Jomsom is famous for its apple orchards. The apple of Jomsom is very famous, and if you are lucky, you will get to eat fresh apple pie and also taste local Marpha Brandy, which is popular in the region. Jomsom also has a small airport from which you can take a flight to Pokhara and chill there.
The Annapurna Himalayan Peaks
The Annapurna range is one of the most amazing places to treat your eyes with giant sky-touching mountains. You can get close-up views of the Himalayas. One moment, you are going through a dense, lush forest, and another, you see the magnificent snow-capped mountains.
Notable Aspects
You get to see close-up views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt Dhaulagiri, and Mt Machapuchar, which is also known as Fish Tail Mountain because of its unique twin peak. Mt Machapuchre is believed to be the home of the great Lord Shiva, and nobody has climbed the mountain until today out of respect and belief.
The mountains look magical, especially at sunrise and sunset. They are a beautiful pink and golden color in white. It is truly magical once you see it yourself.
Conclusion
Every place in Annapurna Circuit has its unique significance, right from Besi Sahar, Tal Village, Manang Valley, Ice Lake, Annapurna Sanctuary, Ghorepani poon hill, Thorangla Pass to Muktinath Temple, and Jomsom Bazar.
This trek is worth it because you get to see, experience, and feel so many things. Each place along the way is beautiful, unique, and culturally rich. It feels like you are watching a beautiful movie with many different scenes as you walk along the trail.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your journey with Nature Excursion today, plan your Short Annapurna Trek Circuit, and experience the magic yourself, which you read about comfortably with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Prepare For High-Altitude Trekking In Nepal?
We suggest that you focus on acclimatization as it adjusts your body temperature, bring a water bottle, stay hydrated, and start stamina-building exercises at least 2 weeks before the trek in order to make your trek run smoothly.
How Much Does A Short Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost?
The cost of a short Annapurna Circuit trek depends on your trekking period, accommodation, and whether you hire a guide or a porter. According to Nature Excursion, the cost is US$ 1,116 for solo travelers and US$ 966 for two people. If you are traveling in a group of 3-5, the cost is US$896. For groups of 6-10 pax, the cost is US$ 846, and for groups of 11-16 pax, the cost is US$81.
When Is The Best Time To Do The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The best time to do the short Annapurna Circuit trek is in the spring and autumn seasons because the weather is mild, it has pleasant views, and no natural hindrance is expected at this time of year.
However, monsoon and winter seasons are challenging to trek because of frequent rainfall and unclear views due to fog and heavy winter snow, making the trail challenging, slippery, and dangerous.
How Difficult Is The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek?
There are no such difficulties that cannot be taken care of. There will undoubtedly be elevation gains for which you must be fit and have the stamina to complete the trek. Consider doing cardiovascular exercises and increasing your physical stamina. If you are a first-time trekker, give yourself time to acclimatize, enjoy the slow pace of nature, and stay hydrated.
What Are The Packing Lists for the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek?
We recommend you pack lightweight yet warm clothes and other items, as you might have to carry your bag yourself if you don't hire a porter. Pack clothes that keep you warm, along with thermals, Wind and waterproof jackets, trekking boots, water purification, sunglasses, hats, and trekking equipment to support you along the trails.
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