Annapurna treks

The Annapurna region is a network of over 30 peaks, each over 6,000 metres above sea-level.

Undisturbed Nepalese villages, lush grasslands and towering, snow-capped peaks layered against deep-blue skies characterise the Annapurna region.

The starting point to the treks in the Annapurna region is a mere two hours from the laid-back, cultural melting pot of Pokhara.

Although we recommend that you travel outside of Monsoon seasons (March to April and September to November), the inland rainshadow across the Annapurna region makes it more hikeable in the wetter months than most other Nepalese regions.

Choose between the understandably well-trodden circular Annapurna circuit, or the more under-the-radar Ghorepani and Lower Mustang routes.

Craft your own expedition through the Annapurna region with our handcrafted itineraries through the best local guides.

The Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most highly praised treks in Nepal and is typically completed between 16 to 20 days.

Starting in the forests on the banks of the Marshyandi Riverbank, the first few days will take you through the hidden valleys of the Manang district, up to your accommodation at 3,504 metres. After acclimatising, you’ll push onto the literal and metaphorical high point of the trek, the Thorong-La Pass (5416m), the highest navigable pass in the world.

From here, you’ll slowly descend past the Nepalese villages on the Kaligandaki river bank before gladly arriving at the hot springs in the forests of Tatopani.

The Annapurna circuit is the perfect introduction to the Himalayas. As long as you are reasonably fit and robust, this world-famous hike is well within grasp.

Annapurna Basecamp

Not many treks take you through such a varied landscape whilst getting you to the base of 8,000-metre mountains in such a short space of time.

The hike itself can take anywhere between 7 and 12 days, and will take you through bamboo forests and passed typical, terraced rice paddies.

From the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m, you’ll have views across the Annapurna range in all its glory, including Annapurna 1 (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), the Machapuchhre or ‘Fishtail’ (6,993m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m).

This is a great first basecamp to reach for those with their sights set on taller Himalayan conquests.

Poon Hill-Ghorepani

The sunrise view of the Annapurna mountain range from Poon Hill (3,201m) is an essential Himalayan moment. This shorter hike is considered an ‘easier’ Himalayan hike, steep ascents and high altitudes will still require decent fitness and thorough preparation.

The first part of the trek will pass through the village of Banthanti and up to the Magar village of Ghorepani, where you’ll stay before your jaw-dropping, early morning Poon Hill sunrise hike. Be mindful that during peak season, you almost certainly won’t be on Poon Hill alone.

The descent will take you through the forests of Jhindu Danda, where you’ll have an unfettered view of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Machapuchhre (6,993m), and finally to the natural hot springs of Tatopani. This is an ideal introduction hike for those looking to dip a toe into stunning, sprawling world of the Himalayas.

The Lower Mustang

The Lower Mustang region is ethnically and culturally Tibetan, and sits in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. As a result, it conveniently skips the monsoon, meaning you can travel at any time of the year. The landscape is very different to the green, fertile valleys in the rest of Nepal. Expect dry, rugged land littered with religious monuments, like the famous Holy Muktinath Temple at 3,710m.

Situated on the classic Annapurna Circuit trek, the Lower Mustang deserves more attention in its own right. When exploring the Lower Mustang, you can expect to find fragments of Jurassic-era sea creature fossils as you hike at 3,000m above sea-level.

If you’re looking to travel in the off-season and avoid the busier tourist highways, hiking through the accessible yet remote Lower Mustang should be high on your hit-list.

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