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Mini Annapurna Trek

Trip Info

Duration

7 Days

Trek Region

Annapurna

Destination

Nepal

Max. Altitude

2000m

Group Size

2 - 12

Grade

Easy

Easy trekking involves gentle, well-marked trails with minimal climbs, perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed adventure in nature.

Activity Per Day

3 to 5 hours

Meals

BLD

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Best Season

Round the Year

Activity

Trekking in Nepal

Accomodation

Lodge

Nepal lodges, also known as teahouses, are basic yet cozy accommodations found along trekking routes.

Start/End Point

Pokhara/Pokhara

Trip Code

TWT098

Nature Of Trek

Guest House To Guest House

Transportation

Tourist Bus

Mini Annapurna Trek Overview

Mini Annapurna Trek is one of the most famous Himalaya trekking regions in Nepal. This 4 days lodge-trek is perhaps the best introductory trek for travelers looking for easy trekking in Nepal. While staying at each stop in comfortable family run lodges. This trek which will take you through terraced hillsides, charming slate-roofed villages inhabited by the friendly Gurungs, dense mess-laden rhododendron forests, all set against a picturesque backdrop of the snowcapped Annapurna’s one of the most well-known short trek in Nepal.

A charming walk through a beautiful Annapurna Mountain trails. You can enjoy this holiday with your family, children, especially those who have a short holiday time. The Mini Annapurna Trek offers a lifetime family holiday experience, visiting historic sightseeing places in Kathmandu City, and Pokhara Lake City, breathtaking mini Annapurna trek and visit Ghandruk Village biggest Gurung settlements provided a lifetime family holiday experience! Ghandruk village is known in the local language as Stone Village and is also known as Konda Village.

Getting to Mini Annapurna Trek

Mini Annapurna Trek begins and ends in Pokhara. We’ll drive by car or hiace van to Nayapul / Birethati for about 7 hours from Kathmandu. We follow the trail on the right side where Modi Khola (Modi-river) towards Ghandruk.

If you are planning to travel Nepal with your children and thinking to do easy hiking in the Himalayas, then this is an ideal trip for you.

Mini Annapurna Trek 4 Days Itinerary

Mini Annapurna Trek is an ideal family-friendly trekking adventure that is meant for those who want to experience Himalayan adventures while travelling with kids. This 7-day trip includes arrival and departure, plus a 4-day trekking itinerary to suit families or people with limited time. Moderate-level hiking trails display the beginner and child-suitable trek as they make the trek comfortable and enjoy it all. 

This well-planned route whisks you past beautiful villages, luscious forests, and incredible mountain views for a taste of Nepal’s wonderful culture and natural splendour. The Mini Annapurna Trek manages a leisurely pace, a limited daily walking time and a family-oriented approach, meaning that everyone in your group will remember this experience as one filled with both adventure and rest amidst the Annapurna region.

Famous Landmarks You Will Visit on Short Annapurna Trek

Ghandruk

Ghandruk is a pretty village in Nepal’s Kaski District, boasting the sights of colourful Gurung heritage and some amazing Himalayas views. This is a gateway for treks to Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill, with approx 2,012 meters in height. However, if you are visiting the Gurung Cultural Museum, the display area comprises the traditional artefacts and their ways of life. The village delivers attractive views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and ‘Fishtail’ Machapuchare.

Pokhara

The city of Pokhara is a central city of Nepal with much natural beauty and lots of excursions into adventure. Annapurna I, 7,534m; Annapurna Vi, 7265; Annapurna South, 7041; and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), within a scenic background of the Annapurna mountain range. It is a photographer’s delight if you can get the reflection of the city’s Lake Phewa Lake in the mountains in the morning. Many Annapurna region treks start from Pokhara, including treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Poon Hill Trek

Tolkha

Tolkha is a village situated in the Annapurna region of the country Nepal especially famous for the view of the Himalayas in general and Annapurna and Machapuchare in particular. It is situated especially along the usually used trekking paths, and it is quite a peaceful place for trekkers and other lovers of natural beauty. Stone structures, dwellings, and terraced farmlands are features in combination with the house that define the village as the representative of the Gurung tribe. Hospitality is felt at local homes and local food from Local Nepali food items. As a gateway, Tolkha allows people to go to other places for trekking and, thus, their own adventure and cultural experience. As you will realize, it has a really serene environment, which is almost breathtaking and makes it a point of call for any traveler intending to go through the Himalayas.

Annapurna Trek With Kids Trip With Himalaya Discovery and Sherpa Guides

Annapurna Trek With Kids is the best Trekking Holiday for families who want to experience adventure without an exhaustive itinerary. If you are trekking with kids and want a shorter journey and want to be comfortable during the whole trip, then this is the best short Annapurna itinerary. Because we want your family to be comfortable and enjoy, we offer very special care. 

Sherpas have walked these same trails all their life and know this trek very well, they will be taking care of you and your children, and all of us will have a safe and enjoyable trek. The stress-free trip is due to the flexibility to change the trip according to your family’s preference and according to your kid’s pace. If necessary, we can also give you supplemental guides to help you on your own. A trip with us is about creating unforgettable memories as we sweep you over the stunning Annapurna region in a safe, stress-free and family-friendly way.

Highlights of Mini Annapurna Trekking

  • Visit the historic heart of Kathmandu encompassing ancient temples, medieval palaces, narrow streets left untouched, and people who live real lives.
  • There are cafes and shops scattered in the lakeside area of Pokhara.
  • Have a great time on the serene lake where the surrounding mountains reflect.
  • The Gurung Cultural Museum Visit and wander through stone-paved streets in Ghandruk village.
  • In Tolkha, you experience the traditional life of the local inhabitants and the serene environment.

Mini Annapurna Trek: A Journey to Ghandruk Itinerary

Sit back and take part in a wonderful experience of 4 days of hiking through the Annapurna foothills and into the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk. That trek also provides an amazing, close and personal look into local culture and amazing Himalayan vistas as well as the natural beauty of the rhododendron forest. Below is the detailed Itinerary for the 7 days of Trekking.

Day 01- Arrive in Kathmandu.

You will arrive in Kathmandu where we will pick you up from the airport and drop you to your hotel. Meanwhile, you can take your time to stroll around to visit the temples and monuments.

There are plenty of places that you will find fascinating, if you wander around. There will also be a trip briefing today with gear check. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Distance : Free Day

Duration : Free Day

Altitude : 1400m

Meals : Breakfast

Accomodations : Hotel

Place : Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Thamel, Garden of Dreams

Day 02- Drive to Pokhara.

Your guide will pick you up at 6:30 am from the hotel and take you to the tourist bus station. The bus leaves to Pokhara at about 7:30 am. Also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the south, Pokhara is a lovely valley on the banks of the Fewa Lake. It’s lower than Kathmandu and much less hectic, making it the ideal starting point for your journey. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Distance : approx. 200 km

Duration : 6-7 hours

Altitude : 900m

Flight Hours : Approx. 25 minutes (if flying instead of driving)

Meals : Breakfast

Accomodations : Hotel Stay

Place : Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, World Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot, International Mountain Museum

Day 03- Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk.

Today, you will take an early morning drive to Pokhara. It is a long journey, but you will get amazing views of the Kathmandu Valley as you leave. And views of the stunning snow-capped mountains as you reach Pokhara.

Once in Pokhara, you will continue further to reach the starting point of the trek Nayapul. Once we arrived at Nayapul, we begin our trek! The trail is steep until Ghandruk Village and Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung village.

The trail first drops down to Birethanti, crossing the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi River. Birethanti is a beautiful village, Initially the trail winds along the Modi River and the trail is flat up till Syauli Bazaar. Leaving the river bank, we then hike on a winding path till Kimche. From Kimche, the trail further ascends towards Ghandruk crossing Chane.

Distance : (approx. 240 km Drive and Approx. 9 km Trek

Duration : 7 hours drive and 3 hrs

Altitude : 1940m

Meals : Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner

Accomodations : Guest House

Place : Gurung Museum, Annapurna Viewpoints, Traditional Gurung Village, Rhododendron Forest

Day 04- Trek from Ghandruk to Tolka.

After breakfast regular day hike will commence again- first you will be drop down to the Modi Khola River bank nearby Bee Hive Teahouse lodge and cross the bridge then the trail goes through hill terraced field climb up to Landruk village. At Landruk we will stop for the lunch and continue up to the final stop place for overnight stay.

Distance : Approx. 8 km

Duration : 3 - 4 hrs

Altitude : 1700m

Meals : Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner

Accomodations : Guest House

Place : Village Walks, Local Culture and Traditions, Himalayan Views

Day 05- Trek from Tolka to Kande and drive back Pokhara.

Early in the morning, spent some time at Tolka. Tolka is on a ridge and offers great views of Annapurna south and Hiuchuli, other mountains. The trek then begins to Kande. En-route, witness some good views of the Himalayas and lush green forests. Upon reaching Kande we drive to Pokhara or directly Kathmandu. If your time permits, you can stay overnight in Pokhara.

Distance : Approx. 6-8 km Trek and approx. 30 km Drive

Duration : 3 hrs Trek and 1 hrs Drive

Altitude : 1600m

Meals : Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner

Accomodations : Guest House

Place : Kande: Scenic Trails, Village Life; Pokhara: Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, World Peace Pagoda

Day 06- Drive to Kathmandu.

Today, we drive back to Kathmandu. It will take about 7 hours, overland journey by tourist coach. And the gentle light brings us on our way back to the bustle of Nepal’s capital. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner / lunch in a typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Distance : approx. 200

Duration : 6-7 hours drive

Altitude : 1400m

Flight Hours : Approx. 25 minutes (if flying instead of driving)

Meals : Breakfast

Accomodations : Hotel

Place : Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Thamel, Garden of Dreams

Day 07- Free Day / Fly home.

Today, you can either stay back and enjoy a free day in Kathmandu or leave for your respective countries.

Distance : Free Day

Duration : Free Day

Altitude : 1400m

Meals : Breakfast

Accomodations : Hotel

Place : Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Thamel

Not Satisfied with the Itinerary? We can customize a personalized itinerary to suit your preferences and requirements, ensuring your trip is exactly how you envision it.

Price Includes

  • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
  • 2-nights accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permits.
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit.
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist coach.
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
  • Transportations, accommodation, wage, food, insurance, equipment for the guide & porter.
  • Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 people)
  • Guesthouse accommodations during the trek.
  • All necessary paper works and entry permits.
  • English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
  • Himalaya Discovery duffel bag.
  • Hiking pole for the trek, if needed.
  • Trek map.
  • Farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant after the trip completion in Kathmandu.

Price Excludes

  • International airfares and Nepal visa.
  • Any personal medical or evacuation expenses incur.
  • International Travel insurance which included rescue.
  • Tips for the guide & porter.
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the ‘Price Includes’ section.

Extend Your Trip

No matter if you are going to trek on the Annapurna or if you have already done the Mini Trekking, maybe you might want to add some more activities or tours to your itinerary so that you can really experience what all Nepal has to offer, such as its beautiful landscape and its rich culture. These extra experiences perfectly fits it onto your itinerary so that you’re better able to make connections with the country’s natural beauty and heritage. 

Renting Sleeping Bag

Your 4-season sleeping bag can be rented for USD 30 for the trek.

Please note: You will be expected to refund the amount of USD 165 if the sleeping bag is lost or damaged.

Personal Porter Services for Your Trek

Make your trekking in the Himalayas easier and more enjoyable with the help of our Personal Porter Services. A dedicated personal porter for you at just $20 per trekking day, which will carry a maximum of 25 kg of your gear shared between two clients so that you can concentrate on the scenery and enjoy the thrill of trekking rather than struggling with a heavy backpack.

Benefits of Personal Porter

  • A personal porter will carry your heavy gear so you can enjoy the trek with your family and make sure the kids are as comfortable as possible.
  • Porters can help out children by carrying their essentials so that parents are able to concentrate on helping and guiding their children during the trek.
  • With all of your equipment taken care of, you can save your energy to make it up that tough trail and really enjoy the experience with your family. Experienced porters know the country well and can act as guides, making travel safer for families on rugged trails.

Scenic Flights: Kathmandu to Pokhara

You can choose a 35 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara instead of taking a ride on a tourist bus for 7 -9 hours. The flight option provides great views of the Himalayas. You can take flights easily to minimize time as it operates multiple times-a-day options. The one-way ticket price is around USD 125 per person. 

Convenient Return Option

If you choose a return flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, it will give you maximum trekking time, and you will not have to sit in a long driving bus during the journey. This option makes for hassle-free travel before your next leg and is geared for people going to catch another flight upon their back.

Essential Information For Mini Annapurna Trekking

Before the mini Annapurna trek to Ghandruk, it is necessary to be fully prepared. This is all the key information to help you plan your trip more effectively. If you would like more information as to what to pack, how hard the hike is or important safety tips, please click on the refer to the below guide that explains everything about the trek, including trek meals, accommodation, etc.

Annapurna Trek Weather, Climate, and Best Time

At different altitudes, the Annapurna region has varying climatic conditions. Although it is possible to do the trek throughout the year, we would suggest avoiding the monsoon season (June – August) since there is heavy rainfall and slippery trails. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September through November) are the best trekking seasons.
Rhododendrons bloom along the trail and in temperate temperatures, which alter the character of spring quite differently. In the mountainous autumn, trekking days of clear skies and beautiful great mountains appear. Comfortable weather, too.

The area of the Ghandruk is still accessible, and the trek is also suitable in winter months (December to February), which turns cool. Before going travelling, you should normally check the forecast and what the weather will be like during the trip you are about to make.

Accommodations

The guest houses on this mini Annapurna trek are small, basic, and authentic at the same time. These are usually run by local families’ houses where you could chat with locals around. Rooms are fairly clean and comfortable with basic only twin beds with clean linens and shared bathrooms. The guest houses themselves are probably few and far between, but more likely, you’ll find guest houses with communal dining areas in which trekkers can sit and eat together. And hot showers are probably available for an extra charge.

This trek will take you through and out of the Annapurna range; you will be camping for staying in the standard hotel accommodation for 2 nights in Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside city with a stunning view of the Annapurna range, before and after. Accommodation here is mostly will include private bathrooms, WiFi, and breakfast included usually.

Meals Facility (All Meals During the Annapurna Mini Trek)

All meals are provided for trekkers on the Mini Annapurna Trek, keeping us nicely fed and energized for our trek. Porridge, eggs, toast and other local delicacies are what come up for breakfast, which sets you through for the day. The trail teahouses offer a taste of dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, vegetable curries or other common choices that are usually served during lunch. The guesthouses feature some international options but mostly traditional Nepali foods. Meals pokhara except for breakfast are not included so you are free to eat in local restaurants and try different cuisines. When the trek is completed there is a fantastic farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu to celebrate this achievement and another chance to think back on your journey with friends.

Transportation Facility Included

The Mini Annapurna Trek experience is enhanced by smooth transportation of Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trekking route, from Kathmandu to Pokhara scenic drive of 6 to 8 hours. This is an overland journey in a comfortable tourist coach, ensuring you have good views of the stunning landscapes of Nepal, including terraced fields, rivers and villages.

The transportation return from Pokhara to Kathmandu, as well as from where we started the trek on, is also included after the completion of the trek. Also, there are all the airport arrival and departure transfers organized so that you will be picked up and dropped off at the airport without any fuss. A comprehensive transportation facility means you needn’t worry about logistics and can focus on the adventure. The coaches are comfortable with amenities to make this journey comfortable.

All Questions Answered On Short Trekking to Annapurna

You have to be prepared before starting your mini Annapurna Trek to Ghandruk. Here’s what you’ll need to know to help you plan this journey effectively, as we have answered all your common questions.

FAQS For Mini Trek to Annapurna

Join our Fixed Departure Group Trips

Our fixed group tours are thoughtfully scheduled and offer specific departure dates, providing a fantastic opportunity for both solo traveler and groups to come together. Join other guests on a memorable journey and share in the adventure of a lifetime!

Have a big group? We’re here to assist! Contact us to discuss availability and group pricing options.

Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.

Annapurna Trek Packing List (Suitable for Trekking with Kids)

It is important to pack in the right way – especially when trekking with children. Here’s a recommended list:

Clothing:

  • Moisture-wicking base layers
  • Mid layers (up to fleece, down jacket)
  • Outer layers such as waterproof and windproof
  • Comfortable trekking pants
  • Warm hats and gloves
  • Sun hats and sunglasses
  • Broken in sturdy hiking boots
  • More extra pairs of socks and undergarments

Gear:

  • Child-sized backpack meant to disperse the weight properly
  • Plus, added stability trekking poles
  • Seasonal sleeping bags
  • Rigid, hard plastic water bottles and water purification tablets
  • Extra batteries for the headlamps

Miscellaneous:

  • High-energy snacks
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Books & games for kids (entertainment)

Make sure that no child’s backpack is too heavy and that it fits properly so that it is comfortable for them. Refer the blog “Nepal Trekking Packing List” for full packing list.

Altitude Chart For Short Annapurna Trek

Altitude in:

Mini Trekking To Annapurna Altitude Profile

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travel designer

chhiring sherpa

Your Dream Itinerary, Crafted With You

I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby the Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now.

Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature.

I started Himalaya Discovery because I was ready to see a new kind of travel brand, one built on the simple idea of feeling good and doing good.

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