Best Treks in Annapurna

The Annapurna region has long been a trekking paradise for avid trekkers and mountain bikers. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic mountains, including Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.

From short, scenic trails to strenuous high-altitude circuits, the Annapurna region offers a wide range of trekking routes, catering to all travelers, from backpackers to luxury seekers. It is one of the most accessible trekking regions with well-established routes, top-notch infrastructure, and welcoming villages.

Unlike other trekking regions in Nepal, most trailheads around Annapurna are just a few hours’ drive from Pokhara. Moreover, the teahouses and lodges in this area are exceptionally good, with comfortable bedding and attached bathrooms, except for a few at higher altitudes.

In this article, we’ve handpicked 8 of the best treks in the Annapurna region, from popular classics to lesser-known gems. Each route offers something unique to suit trekkers of all experience levels and travel styles.

Best Treks in the Annapurna Region

Here is the list of standout Annapurna treks that showcase the best of the Annapurna region. Whether you’re looking for epic Himalayan wilderness or just a quiet trail along the colorful rhododendron forests, one of these routes is guaranteed to feed your wanderlust.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Only a handful of sights in the high Himalayas compare with the majestic view of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The 10-day adventure begins from the stunning lake city of Pokhara and takes you deep into the amphitheater-like plateau in the foothills of the Annapurna South.

Although short, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers a rare blend of natural and cultural encounters. It takes you through terraced rice fields, dense forests, traditional Gurung settlements, natural hot springs, and high mountain valleys.

As one of Nepal’s most popular treks, the trail to Annapurna Base Camp is well-established. High-standard teahouses line the entire route. Regardless of the season, the trails are often busy with trekkers navigating up and down the road.

Unlike any other trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you across two base camps — Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters) and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 meters). You’ll relish the breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna from the base camps.

Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Spend the night at the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters and relish the serene amphitheater of Annapurnas.
• Visit the Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 meters.
• Witness the glorious sunrise glistening over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill.
• Immerse yourself in the rich culture and tradition of Gurung, Thakali, and Magar communities.
• Conclude the trek by relaxing in the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit is undoubtedly one of the classic walks on earth. For many decades, this epic route was considered the sacred realm amongst the trekkers and mountain bikers.

This 18-day adventure circumambulates the Annapurna Massif counter-clockwise, following the Marshyangdi Valley, crossing a 5,416-meter mountain pass, and descending into the dramatic upper Kali Gandaki Valley.

In terms of natural and cultural diversity, no other trek in the world comes close to the Annapurna Circuit. It’ll take you across high valleys, deep gorges, glacial lakes, mountain passes, century-old monasteries, and Tibetan-style settlements.

The major highlight of the Annapurna Circuit is obviously crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. It also takes you to several sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including Braga Monastery and Muktinath Temple. Besides that, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers top-notch options for side trips and extensions for those looking to brave the challenge.

Most sections of the Annapurna Circuit offer comfortable teahouses and luxury hotels, except for a few in the upper reaches. Like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the trails of Annapurna Circuit get extremely busy during the peak season.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Cross one of the world’s highest mountain passes — Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
• Visit the 600-year-old Buddhist monastery at Braga.
• Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath and bathe at the 108 waterspouts for spiritual cleansing.
• Dive through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge.
• Explore the Gangapurna Lake and Gangapurna Hill on the acclimatization day.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is often considered as one of the best short treks in Nepal. It is well-known among avid trekkers for its extraordinary natural wonders, unique cultural experiences, and surreal mountain scenery. This 8-day adventure, including an easy 4-day walk, is a standout option for first-time visitors and those pressed for time.

Although short and moderate, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek allows you to get up close to some of the world’s highest mountains. The trail passes through terraced fields, rice paddies, rhododendron forests, steep-sided valleys, and traditional Gurung villages.

The trail of Ghorepani Poon Hill is well-established, with accommodation ranging from basic teahouses to luxury mountain lodges. At 3,210 meters, Poon Hill stands as the highlight of the trek. It offers a picture-perfect panorama of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhampus Peak, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri.

Highlights of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

• Relish the panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Dhampus Peak.
• Witness the most spectacular sunrise from Poon Hill View Point, glistening over the snow-capped range of the Himalayas.
• Walk through the lush rhododendron forest and witness its full bloom during spring.
• Visit the old Gurung Museum in Ghandruk to learn about the history, culture, and tradition of the Gurung community.

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal is a rewarding short trek with relatively fewer crowds than other treks in the Annapurna region. It is a perfect choice for trekkers willing to see the mountains up close but without committing to long days and extreme altitudes.

The journey to Mardi Himal begins in the lake city of Pokhara. The well-marked route ascends through lush rhododendron forests, steep valleys, and high-altitude ridges to ultimately reach the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint. At 4,200 meters, the viewpoint rewards trekkers with jaw-dropping views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South.

The Mardi Himal Trek concludes in the small, picturesque village of Lwang. Here, the trekkers have the opportunity to spend a night in a community-based homestay and experience the warm Gurung hospitality.

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek

• Experience the best of Annapurna in a relatively short time without reaching extreme altitudes.
• Reach Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint at 4,200 meters and relish the close-up view of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South.
• Spend a night at a traditional homestay at Lwang Village and experience the rustic lifestyle and people of the Himalayas.
• Appropriate for all age groups and experience levels.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley is often considered Annapurna’s best-kept secret. Tucked between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions, the valleys of Nar and Phu still behold a raw, rugged, and untouched beauty that feels timeless in the modern world.

Starting at 760 meters in the small town of Besisahar, the route ascends to 5,320 meters at Kang La Pass. With such altitudinal variations, this trek offers a stark mix of landscapes — from subtropical valleys to bare alpine terrains. Besides, the trek rewards you with breathtaking sights of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

The villages of Nar and Phu are home to the ancient Buddhism and Bonpo religion. On this trek, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the unique cultural experiences, centuries-old rituals, and rustic lifestyle of the indigenous people.

Unlike any other trek, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a night inside the premises of Nar Phedi Monastery and explore its sacred grounds. You can immerse yourself in the spiritual practices and interact with the nuns to learn about Buddhism.

Highlights of Nar Phu Valley Trek

• Walk into the remote, rugged, and rarely-visited settlements of Nar and Phu Valleys.
• Cross the Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters.
• Spend a night at the sacred Nar Phedi Monastery.
• Hike to Himlung Base Camp for acclimatization.
• Enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung, and Manaslu.

Tilicho Lake Trek

Located at 4,919 meters, Tilicho Lake is one of the world’s highest glacial lakes. A few decades ago, most trekkers visited this high-altitude lake as a side trip to the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, with a growing travel culture among the locals, Tilicho Lake has become a popular destination, attracting thousands of domestic tourists every year.

The journey to Tilicho Lake starts at 760 meters in Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi River Valley through the villages of Chame, Pisang, and Manang. The landscape transforms starkly from lush subtropical forest to barren alpine terrain as the route climbs over 4,900 meters at Tilicho Lake.

Despite the challenging terrain and high altitude, the serene beauty and stunning Himalayan views surrounding the lake make the effort worthwhile. If you have a few extra days, you can extend this trek by combining it with the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Tilicho Lake Trek with Annapurna Circuit is a perfect choice for those who prefer the raw and remote wilderness of the Annapurna region while still enjoying its comforts and infrastructure.

Highlights of Tilicho Lake Trek

• Stand at the shore of one of the world’s highest lakes — Tilicho Lake at 4,919 meters.
• Marvel at the glorious mountain peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Thorong Peak, and Tukuche Peak.
• Explore the high valleys and remote towns of Manang District.
• Visit the 600-year-old monastery in Braga Village.
• Trudge through the magnificent lakes, deep gorges, and waterfalls along the route.

Mohare Danda and Khayar Lake Trek

Mohare Danda and Khayer Lake Trek, often regarded as the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri Community Eco Lodge Trek, is a newly opened trekking route in a hidden corner of the Annapurna region. Tucked away from the commercial routes of Annapurna, this trek combines natural beauty, mountain scenery, cultural immersion, remote wilderness, and authentic village lifestyles.

Danda and Khayar Lake Trek is a short, community-based trek suitable for beginners and families. The trail meanders through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung/Magar villages to a scenic ridge of Mohare Danda, where you can witness a glorious sunrise over the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri.

Moreover, it also takes you to the sacred Khayer Lake at 4,830 meters, located beneath Annapurna South. The shore of this icy alpine lake offers a breathtaking panorama of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, Dhampus Peak, and Nilgiri. You can also visit the ancient Hindu temple of Khair Barah on the bank of the Khayer Lake to immerse yourself in the region’s spiritual essence.

As a relatively new, short, and easy trek, Mohare Danda and Khayar Lake Trek is a perfect alternative to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek for trekkers who prefer fewer crowds and Himalayan tranquility.

Highlights of Mohare Danda and Khayar Lake Trek

• Short and easy trek suitable for beginners and families.
• Witness the glorious sunrise from Mohare Danda with the grand view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
• Stand at the shore of Khayer Lake at 4.830 meters and visit the ancient Khair Barah Temple.
• Stay in the community lodges and immerse yourself in the rustic mountain lifestyle of Magars and Gurungs.
• A relatively new route with fewer crowds and more mountain solitude.

Annapurna Panorama View Trek

Annapurna Panorama View Trek is a classic introductory trek to Nepal’s mountain lifestyle and heritage. Its shorter days and comfortable walks make it ideal for first-timers, families, and those looking for a gentle adventure in the Himalayas.

This 10-day package combines the best of Annapurna with its startling natural beauty, mountain scenery, and cultural aspects. Starting at 820 meters in Pokhara, the trail winds through terraced fields, hillside settlements, lush rhododendron forests, and cultural landmarks.

Poon Hill marks the highest point of Annapurna Panorama View Trek at 3,210 meters. The summit of this popular viewpoint offers a 360-degree panorama of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhare.

Besides that, the Annapurna Panorama View Trek takes you to the traditional villages of Ghandruk and Landruk. Here, you’ll experience the warm Gurung hospitality, unique cultures, centuries-old rituals, and rustic atmosphere.

With moderate altitude and comfortable teahouses along the route, the Annapurna Panorama View Trek is suitable for all age groups and experience levels — from first-timers to seasoned trekkers.

Highlights of Annapurna Panorama View Trek

• Relish the 360-degree panorama of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Nilgiri, and Gangapurna.
• Glorious sunrise view from Poon Hill and Australian Camp.
• Explore the rustic villages of Ghandruk and Landruk.
• Walk through lush rhododendron forests that bloom in vibrant colors during spring.
• Short and comfortable trek ideal for all age groups and experience levels.

Quick Comparision Table

Conclusion

Whether you’re after the grand mountain panoramas, centuries-old cultures, serene alpine lakes, or traditional settlements, the Annapurna region delivers on all fronts! It has a trekking route for all age groups, fitness levels, and schedules — each with charm and challenges.

Compared to other trekking destinations, the Annapurna region ensures a comfortable experience with cozy teahouses and reliable infrastructure. So, choose the route that best suits your experience, travel style, budget, schedule, and appetite for adventure.