Why is this trek titled as Annapurna Semi-Circuit?

Normally this trek is called Annapurna Circuit or Around Annapurna, the full circuit takes more than two weeks of walks. That is from starting point of trekking and ending at lower southern hills of Annapurna near the road to Pokhara. Instead of completing the whole treks, Annapurna Semi-Circuit walks ends near the halfway at Jomsom town. Avoiding more than 3-4 days walks to complete the whole circuit of Annapurna round.

What kind of culture and custom to expect on treks?

The main culture and custom is dominated by Buddhist religion, the Manang and Mustang people are interwoven to Buddhism. Trekkers can witness walking around the prayer walls and monuments, as well visiting monasteries en route trekking. The culture and custom of Manang and Mustang people are similar to their Tibetan predecessors.

Is altitude a big problem on this treks and why?

Not at all, as the walk heeds slowly and the altitude gains at gradual pace. Having few stops and rest along the walks and climb will make the trek enjoyable along with lovely views. The only big climb and rise in altitude is uphill to Thorang-La Pass, by then trekkers will be acclimatized. As well getting used to rough terrains and steep climb and having rest days in Manang at 3,550 m high. Besides climb up to Thorang-La pass, rest of the trek is moderate and pleasant until the end of walks at Jomsom.

How the motorable road has reached on this trek?

The motorable road connecting with Kathmandu and Pokhara has reached to main Manang village on the northern side of Annapurna Himalayas. As well the motorable road on the other side of Manang after Thorang-La pass at Mustang areas has reached to Muktinath and at Jomsom. Although the motorable road has been built, but the drive is quite bumpy and tiring on rough narrow dirt tracks.

How are the lodge and food other facilities on treks?

The lodge accommodation are nice and cozy throughout the trek from Syange to Jomsom. The only simple and basic lodge is at High Camp before crossing Thorang-La Pass. All lodges have electricity either run by Hydro or Solar Power, where trekkers can charge their electronic items. As well facilities of hot showers but needs to pay extra for hot showers and charging the gadgets. The food is surprisingly the best serving comprehensive food menu from Continental, Chinese, and Indian to Nepali and Tibetan foods with delightful snacks and refreshing drinks. All meals are served in a nice large warm dining room, some lodge restaurants also serves fresh bakery items from cakes, pastries to pies.

Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking | Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

‘A short and scenic, cultural adventure around massif Annapurna Himalayas’

Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking, a short adventure of less than two weeks duration, allows trekkers to experience glorious scenic landscapes.

Walking around the massif Annapurna Himalayas range of peaks that extends from east to Lamjung Himal. As well towards the north of scenic Manang Valley and ends close to Mustang areas and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. A perfect journey covering most of the beautiful areas north and south of the Annapurna Himalayas.

The charm and beauty of the adventure is starting from low sub-tropical paddy fields to cooler alpine hills. Then heading towards an arctic zone of ice and glaciers at the end of Manang Valley and high Thorang-La Pass.

Annapurna Semi Circuit trekking takes you amidst a lovely forest of pines, oaks, firs, and rhododendron trees. Then the lush green vegetation and tree lines disappear, reaching mountainous terrains within a sheer wilderness. Along with incredible mountain scenery, the local cultures of Manang villages are equally impressive.

As the walk leads through lovely settlements adorned with age-old traditions and cultures of Buddhism heritage. The towering peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas and Chulu’s remain constant on entering the beautiful Manang Valley.

A great wonderful adventure trekking around the scenic valley of Manang and then ending at the picturesque country of Mustang. After a climb on top of Thorang-La Pass, the highest point of the journey; which forms the boundary between Manang and Mustang districts. An enjoyable and exciting trek starts with an interesting drive to the foothills of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal at Syange.

The trek leads towards the cooler region at Manang, leaving the low warm farmland. As the walk proceeds through lovely villages lined with prayer walls, and then reaches the northern side of the massif Annapurna Himalayas.

Amazing features of Annapurna Semi Circuit are following the Masrsyangdi River right up to its glacial source at Manang Valley. Spending extra days in Manang for acclimatization and enjoying a short hike on a rest day to its scenic viewpoints.

The walk finally leads towards the valley's western rim at Thorang Phedi, the bottom of the pass. A steep winding climb takes you to the top of Thorang-La Pass the highest place of the adventure. Encircled by a giant mountain range of Annapurna, Damodar, and Chulu Himal with views of Dhaulagiri, as far as Manaslu Himalayas. From the highest spot of the trek, a long descent to reach Mustang areas at the holy site of Muktinath. Revered as the holiest place around the Himalayas for pilgrimage by Hindu followers. Having time to visit the holy temple of Muktinath and get blessed after a successful trek crossing the high Thorang-La Pass.

Slowly the trek comes to an end, on reaching Jomsom, the major town and headquarters of Mustang areas. The next morning a short panoramic flight reaches the lovely and scenic city of Pokhara. A perfect and beautiful place to conclude our wonderful adventure Annapurna Semi-Circuit Trekking.

Clothing and footwear

trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)

sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.

flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}

Bandana or neckerchief , Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .

Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.

Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)

Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.

Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.

Trekking trousers , Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.

Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses , Trekking pole , Water bottle.

Equipment

*Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

*Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

*Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

*A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

*Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

*Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

*A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.