Annapurna region trekking guide: routes, seasons and planning
The Annapurna region is the most diverse trekking area in Nepal. In a single region you can walk through subtropical rice terraces, oak and rhododendron forest, high alpine valleys, Tibetan-style desert villages and snowfields beneath some of the highest mountains in the world. The Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I (8,091 m), the tenth-highest mountain on Earth, together with Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the sacred fish-tail summit of Machhapuchhre. Across the Kali Gandaki gorge rises Dhaulagiri (8,167 m).
This guide explains everything you need to plan Annapurna trekking: the main routes and how they compare, typical itineraries, the best time to go, permits, difficulty and altitude, teahouses and food, and practical tips. It is written by the Himalayan Hiking team in Kathmandu, who guide Annapurna treks every season.
Why trek in the Annapurna region?
Annapurna offers the widest choice of treks in Nepal, which makes it suitable for almost everyone. Families and beginners can enjoy a short trek to Poon Hill with sunrise views of the Himalaya after only a few days of walking. Experienced trekkers can cross the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m on the Annapurna Circuit, or walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by peaks.
The region is easy to reach. Treks begin near Pokhara, Nepal's second tourist city, which lies beside Phewa Lake with views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. Pokhara is a 25-minute flight or a six- to eight-hour drive from Kathmandu. Roads now reach many trailheads, so itineraries are flexible, and you can shorten or extend a trek or combine it with a few relaxing days by the lake, paragliding, boating or cycling.
The cultures of the region are as varied as the landscapes. The southern slopes are home to Gurung and Magar communities, famous for serving in the Gurkha regiments. North of the Himalaya, in Manang and Mustang, villages have a Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the Thakali people of the Kali Gandaki valley are known for their hospitality and for Nepal's best dal bhat.
The Annapurna Conservation Area
All treks in the region take place within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal, covering around 7,600 square kilometres. It was established in 1986 and is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation with a pioneering model that involves local communities in conservation and tourism. Entry fees from trekkers support schools, health posts, clean-energy projects, trail maintenance and waste management.
The conservation area runs from subtropical forest below 1,000 m to high-altitude desert above 5,000 m. Wildlife includes langur and macaque monkeys, barking deer, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, many species of pheasant including the Danphe, and in the remote north the snow leopard. Spring brings forests of blooming rhododendron, Nepal's national flower, to the hillsides around Ghorepani and the approach to the Sanctuary.
The best Annapurna treks
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the most popular short trek in Nepal. From the trailhead near Nayapul or Ulleri, it climbs a famous stone staircase through Magar villages and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860 m). Before dawn, you climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) to watch the sun rise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and a long line of peaks. The trek usually continues to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. It takes 4–5 days from Pokhara and is suitable for beginners, families and winter trekking.
Annapurna Base Camp trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek, also called the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, leads into a vast natural amphitheatre surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre. The route passes the Gurung village of Chhomrong, then follows the Modi Khola gorge through bamboo and rhododendron forest to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). It takes around 7–12 days from Pokhara, depending on whether you combine it with Poon Hill.
Annapurna Circuit trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the great long-distance treks of the world. It circles the Annapurna massif, climbing the Marsyangdi valley through Chame and Pisang to Manang (3,540 m), a Tibetan-influenced village and the main acclimatisation stop. From Manang the route climbs to Thorong Phedi and crosses the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, before descending to the pilgrimage temple of Muktinath (3,800 m) and the Kali Gandaki valley. Roads have reached parts of the circuit, and good itineraries use alternative footpaths to avoid them. The trek takes around 12–18 days.
Mardi Himal trek
The Mardi Himal trek is a newer and quieter route that climbs a ridge east of the Annapurna Base Camp trail. After forest walking it emerges above the tree line with close views of Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal, reaching High Camp at about 3,580 m and a viewpoint or base camp area at around 4,500 m. It takes 5–7 days from Pokhara and is an excellent choice for a short trek with big mountain views.
Khopra Danda and other routes
For quieter trails, the Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge) trek follows a community-lodge route with close views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South, and an optional side trip to the holy Khayer Lake. Other options include the Tilicho Lake side trip from Manang, where one of the highest lakes in the world lies at about 4,919 m, the restricted Nar Phu valley, and the remote kingdom of Upper Mustang.
Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert north of the Annapurna range, once an independent kingdom. Its walled capital, Lo Manthang (about 3,840 m), cave dwellings, red and ochre cliffs and ancient monasteries feel more like Tibet than Nepal. Because it lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, Mustang is one of the few places in Nepal suitable for trekking during the monsoon. It is a restricted area that requires a special permit and a licensed guide.
Comparing Annapurna treks
| Trek | Typical length | Highest point | Grade | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | 4–5 days | 3,210 m | Easy to moderate | Beginners, families, winter |
| Mardi Himal | 5–7 days | About 4,500 m | Moderate | Short trek, big views |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 7–12 days | 4,130 m | Moderate | Mountain amphitheatre |
| Annapurna Circuit | 12–18 days | 5,416 m | Strenuous | High pass, cultural variety |
| Upper Mustang | 12–14 days | About 4,200 m | Moderate | Tibetan culture, monsoon trekking |
Annapurna Base Camp trek: a typical itinerary
A popular way to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is to start with Poon Hill and then join the Sanctuary trail. A typical itinerary from Pokhara looks like this; altitudes are approximate.
| Day | Route | Overnight altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive Pokhara to Nayapul or Ulleri, trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri | 1,500–2,000 m |
| 2 | Climb through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani | 2,860 m |
| 3 | Sunrise at Poon Hill, trek to Tadapani | 2,630 m |
| 4 | Tadapani to Chhomrong | 2,170 m |
| 5 | Chhomrong to Bamboo or Dovan | 2,310–2,500 m |
| 6 | Up the Modi Khola gorge to Deurali | 3,230 m |
| 7 | Via Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 m |
| 8 | Sunrise at ABC, descend to Bamboo | 2,310 m |
| 9 | Bamboo to Jhinu Danda, relax at the natural hot springs | 1,780 m |
| 10 | Trek out and drive back to Pokhara | — |
The route can be shortened by skipping Poon Hill or driving to trailheads closer to Chhomrong. See our trip pages for the exact itinerary and dates.
Best time to trek in the Annapurna region
Autumn: late September to November
Autumn is the peak season. Skies are clear after the monsoon, the terraces turn golden before harvest, and temperatures are comfortable. It is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit, as the Thorong La is usually open and free of heavy snow.
Spring: March to May
Spring is famous for rhododendron blossom, especially around Ghorepani, Tadapani and the lower Sanctuary trail in March and April. Days are warm, though views can be hazier than in autumn and afternoon clouds are common.
Winter: December to February
Winter is excellent for lower treks such as Poon Hill, Ghandruk and Mardi Himal's lower sections, with clear, crisp days and few other trekkers. Annapurna Base Camp can be trekked in winter, but there is a risk of snow and avalanches in the upper Modi Khola gorge after heavy snowfall. The Thorong La is often closed by snow.
Monsoon: June to early September
The southern Annapurna trails receive heavy rain, with leeches in the forests and cloud hiding the mountains. The upper Annapurna Circuit north of the Himalaya, around Manang, and Upper Mustang lie in a rain shadow and remain much drier, making them the best monsoon options.
Difficulty and altitude
Annapurna treks range from easy to strenuous. The main challenge on Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp is not altitude but the thousands of stone steps that climb and descend between villages; strong knees and trekking poles help. The Annapurna Base Camp trek reaches 4,130 m, where some trekkers feel mild altitude effects, so we build in a gradual ascent.
The Annapurna Circuit is the most demanding route because of the Thorong La crossing. Acclimatisation at Manang is essential, and the pass day involves an early start, often around 4 or 5 in the morning, a climb of about 1,000 m from Thorong Phedi and a long descent of around 1,600 m to Muktinath. It is a long day of eight to ten hours, but the sense of achievement is huge.
As on all high treks, walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any symptoms of altitude sickness. Our guides monitor every trekker and will adjust the itinerary if needed.
Permits for Annapurna treks
All treks in the region require an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is checked at several points along the trails. Upper Mustang and the Nar Phu valley are restricted areas and need an additional Restricted Area Permit, with a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide. Nepal's current rules also require most foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to trek with a licensed guide. We arrange every permit before your trek and confirm the latest regulations when you book.
Teahouses and food in the Annapurna region
The Annapurna region has a dense network of teahouses, so you are never far from a hot meal and a bed. Lodges in the lower villages often have private bathrooms and hot showers; in the Sanctuary and on the high part of the Circuit rooms are simpler, with shared facilities. The dining room is the heart of every lodge, where trekkers gather in the evening to eat, play cards and share stories.
The Thakali villages of the Kali Gandaki valley, such as Marpha, Tukuche and Kalopani, are famous for their food, particularly Thakali dal bhat and Marpha's apple products, from apple pie to apple brandy. In the Sanctuary, the conservation area regulates the menu and prohibits meat above a certain point to respect local beliefs about the sacred Machhapuchhre, so meals are vegetarian.
ATMs are available in Pokhara and in some larger villages such as Jomsom and Besisahar, but carry enough cash for your trek, as machines can run out or be out of service. Mobile coverage and Wi-Fi are available in most villages, though signals may be weak in the gorge below the Sanctuary.
Getting to the Annapurna region: Pokhara
Almost every Annapurna trek begins or ends in Pokhara. You can fly from Kathmandu in about 25 minutes or travel by tourist bus or private vehicle along the Prithvi Highway in six to eight hours, depending on traffic and road works. The drive follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers through farming country and hill towns.
Pokhara is a pleasant place to relax before and after your trek. Take a boat on Phewa Lake to the Tal Barahi temple, walk up to the World Peace Pagoda, watch the sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarangkot, visit the International Mountain Museum or go paragliding over the lake. Our Nepal tour packages can add these experiences to any trek.
From Pokhara, drives of one to three hours reach trailheads such as Nayapul, Ulleri, Ghandruk, Kande and Siding for Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal. The Annapurna Circuit starts with a drive to Besisahar and beyond, and the western side is reached by road or by flight to Jomsom.
What to pack for Annapurna treks
Your packing list depends on the route and season. For Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp, bring light layers for warm days in the valleys, a fleece and a warm jacket for evenings, and waterproofs. For the Annapurna Circuit, add a warm down jacket, thermal layers, warm gloves and a hat for the cold morning on the Thorong La, and a sleeping bag rated for well below freezing. In all seasons, pack:
- Broken-in trekking boots with good grip for wet stone steps.
- Trekking poles to protect your knees on long descents.
- A rain jacket and pack cover, as showers are possible even outside the monsoon.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat and lip balm.
- A refillable water bottle and purification tablets or filter.
- Insect repellent and leech socks if trekking in spring or the monsoon.
Annapurna Circuit trek: a typical itinerary
The Annapurna Circuit is usually walked anticlockwise, climbing the Marsyangdi valley and crossing the Thorong La from east to west. This direction allows a more gradual ascent and safer acclimatisation. A typical itinerary using quieter footpaths away from the road looks like this; altitudes are approximate.
| Day | Route | Overnight altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar and on to Chame or Dharapani | 1,860–2,670 m |
| 2 | Chame to Upper Pisang, with views of Annapurna II | 3,300 m |
| 3 | Upper Pisang to Manang via the high route through Ghyaru and Ngawal | 3,540 m |
| 4 | Acclimatisation day in Manang: Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake or Praken Gompa | 3,540 m |
| 5 | Manang to Yak Kharka | 4,050 m |
| 6 | Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or High Camp | 4,450–4,880 m |
| 7 | Cross the Thorong La (5,416 m), descend to Muktinath | 3,800 m |
| 8 | Muktinath to Kagbeni and Jomsom through the Kali Gandaki valley | 2,720 m |
| 9 | Fly Jomsom to Pokhara, or continue on foot or by road | — |
Many trekkers add days for side trips such as Tilicho Lake, or continue south from Jomsom through Marpha and Tatopani to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, making a complete circuit of 16–20 days. Extra time in Manang is always well spent.
Fitness and training for Annapurna treks
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy walking in the Annapurnas. For Poon Hill, regular walking and some hill or stair training for a month or two is enough. For Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal, aim to build up to walks of five to six hours with plenty of ascent and descent, ideally on consecutive days. For the Annapurna Circuit, train for at least two to three months with long hill walks carrying a daypack, cardiovascular exercise three or four times a week and leg-strength exercises such as squats, lunges and step-ups. Stone staircases are a feature of the region, so strong legs and good knees make a big difference; trekking poles help on the descents.
What does an Annapurna trek cost?
Annapurna treks are good value compared with other regions, because there are no expensive mountain flights unless you choose to fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara or out of Jomsom. The cost of a guided trek depends on the route, number of days, group size, level of hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and whether meals on the trek are included. Most packages include transport, the ACAP permit, teahouse accommodation, a licensed guide and porters.
On top of the package, budget for international flights, your Nepal visa, travel insurance, equipment, drinks and snacks on the trail, hot showers and charging, and tips for your guide and porters, which are customary at the end of a trek. Our trip pages show the exact price and inclusions for each Annapurna trek.
Safety and travel insurance
The Annapurna region has good trail infrastructure, but mountain weather can change quickly, and snow or avalanches can affect the upper Sanctuary and the Thorong La. Our guides check conditions daily and will change plans if necessary. Travel insurance covering trekking to your maximum altitude, which is 5,416 m for the Circuit, and emergency helicopter evacuation is essential. Leave spare time at the end of your trip in case of delays to flights from Jomsom or road closures.
Hot springs and rest stops
After days of stone steps, the natural hot springs of the Annapurna region are a welcome reward. At Jhinu Danda, a short walk below the village on the Annapurna Base Camp trail, natural hot pools sit beside the Modi Khola river. Save them for the way down. On the western side of the Circuit, the village of Tatopani, whose name means "hot water", has hot spring pools beside the Kali Gandaki. Both make ideal rest stops, and we build them into our itineraries where possible. Pokhara itself is the best place for a full rest day, with lakeside cafés, massage and yoga studios, and a relaxed atmosphere after the trek.
Responsible trekking in the Annapurna region
The Annapurna Conservation Area was one of the first in the world to put local communities at the centre of conservation. You can support its work by using refill stations instead of buying bottled water, carrying out your rubbish, staying on marked trails, respecting temples and monasteries, and supporting community lodges and local businesses. On the Circuit, choosing footpaths away from the road reduces your impact and makes for a much better trek.
Book your Annapurna trek with Himalayan Hiking
Himalayan Hiking is based in Kathmandu. We design our Annapurna itineraries to balance walking days, acclimatisation and time to enjoy the villages and views, and we arrange your ACAP permit, transport to and from Pokhara, lodges, licensed guide and porters. Join a small-group departure or book a private Annapurna trek on your own dates, and combine it with sightseeing in Pokhara, a jungle safari in Chitwan or a cultural tour of the Kathmandu Valley.
Browse our Annapurna treks above, or contact us with your dates and experience, and we will recommend the best route for you.