Considered Nepal’s most beautiful and rewarding trekking region, the Annapurna Himalayas live up to their reputation. Yearly mountaineers and adventure seekers head to the Annapurna region of Nepal for an amazing trekking experience. Naturally, as a designated trekking region you’ll find more than enough trekking routes here. From easy-going short treks to longer and more challenging treks the Annapurna region has it all! Is it your first time visiting the Annapurna region? Don’t know which trek will better suit you? No worries, in this article Royal Himalayan Holidays will explain the best treks to do around Annapurna. As well as giving info about the best time to go on a trek, which are the most prominent mountains to see, what type of permits are required, about the food and accommodation, and what type of trekking gear you should bring for a trek around Annapurna.
Most popular treks
First up are the most popular treks of the Annapurna region. While not necessarily the best treks to do around Annapurna, these are the most popular treks that are booked every year!
- The Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- The Annapurna Circuit Trek
- The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
These 3 are the most popular treks that you can do around the Annapurna Himalayas. But how to know which one is better suited to your trekking style? We’ll give you a short description and an itinerary for each one. That way you’ll get a better picture of what to expect from each trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek of 14 days
Known as one of Nepal’s most popular and rewarding treks the Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Reaching a max elevation of 4,130m (13,550ft) at Base Camp this trek can be done by novice trekkers without holding any acclimatization days. The trek itself goes through well-maintained trekking paths and different environments offering a variety of sceneries of the mountain valleys and the Annapurna Himalayas. During the trek, an opportunity will present itself to check out the natural hot water springs of Jhinudanda, as well as visit local communities.
The itinerary for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival
Day 02: Trek briefing + Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03: Flight to Pokhara
Day 04: Drive to Ghandruk (1,940m/ 6,365ft)
Day 05: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m/ 7,119ft)
Day 06: Trek to Dobhan (2,520m/ 8,268ft)
Day 07: Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/ 12,139ft)
Day 08: Visit ABC (4,130m/ 13,549ft) + trek to Deurali (3,200m/ 10,499ft)
Day 09: Trek to Sinuwa (2,360m/ 7,743ft)
Day 10: Trek to Jhinudanda Hot Springs (1,780m/ 5,840ft)
Day 11: Trek to Motkyu (1,800m/ 5,906ft) + drive back to Pokhara
Day 12: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Day 13: Relax day
Day 14: Departure
This 14-day trekking package in Nepal includes; sightseeing in Kathmandu, national flights to and from Pokhara, all accommodations, and trekking expenses. To book the Annapurna Base Camp trek of 14 days with Royal Himalayan Holidays
click here to start the booking process.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek of 17 days
Considered Nepal’s most rewarding trek, it is said that during good conditions you’ll be able to see over 140 mountains & peaks during the Annapurna Circuit trek! This is considered to be one of the best treks around Annapurna, and it literally goes around the Annapurna Himalayas in a counter-clockwise direction. With recent developments done in the area, the trails and tea houses are properly maintained. The Annapurna Circuit trek is best done after doing stamina and fitness training and can get strenuous for beginner trekkers, but is certainly doable. Furthermore, the Annapurna Circuit trek is combinable with a great number of other treks such as the; Manaslu Circuit trek, or the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The highest point of the trek is at a whopping 5,416m (17,769ft) during the crossing of Nepal’s highest mountain pass the Thorung La!
The itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek:
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival
Day 02: Trek briefing + Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03: Drive to Jagat (1,300m/4,265ft)
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m/6,102ft)
Day 05: Trek to Danakyu (2,300m/7,746ft)
Day 06: Trek to Chame (2,670m/8,760ft)
Day 07: Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300m/10,827ft)
Day 08: Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,286ft)
Day 09: Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,018m/13,182ft)
Day 11: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,450m/14,600ft)
Day 12: Acclimatization day in Thorung Phedi
Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,336ft) via the Thorung La Pass (5,416m/ 17,769ft)
Day 14: Drive via jeep to Jomsom (2,720m/8,924ft)
Day 15: Fly to Pokhara
Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 17: Departure
This 17-day trekking package in Nepal includes; sightseeing in Kathmandu, national flights to and from Pokhara, all accommodations, and trekking expenses. To book the Annapurna Circuit trek of 17 days with Royal Himalayan Holidays
click here to start the booking process.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek of 13 days
Nepal’s most popular short trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes you to the popular viewpoint of Poon Hill to see an incredible sunrise view over the southern Annapurna Himalayas. The trek itself consists of just 6 full days of trekking and is the best way to get introduced to trekking in Nepal. Suitable for young and old, this trek has only one strenuous part, during the ascending part to Ghorepani. The views during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek are just breathtaking! Furthermore, during the trek stops will be made at local communities as well as the hot water springs at Jhinudanda. No acclimatization is needed during this trek and the highest point will be at Poon Hill (3,210m/10,532ft).
The itinerary of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival
Day 02: Trek briefing + Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03: Flight to Pokhara
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul + trek to Tikhedhungga (1,520m/ 4,987ft)
Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m/ 9,383ft)
Day 06: Poon Hill (3,210m/10,532ft) sunrise view + trek to Chuile (2,309m/ 7,575ft)
Day 07: Trek to Jhinudanda Hot Springs (1,780m/ 5,840ft)
Day 08: Trek to Landruk (1,565m/ 5,135ft)
Day 09: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/ 6,365ft) + museum visit
Day 10: Hike to Kimche (1,640m/ 5,381ft) + drive to Pokhara
Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 12: Relax day
Day 13: Departure
This 13-day trekking package in Nepal includes; sightseeing in Kathmandu, national flights to and from Pokhara, all accommodations, and trekking expenses. To book the Ghorepani Poon Hill for 13 days with Royal Himalayan Holidays
click here to start the booking process.
Less touristic treks
On a first note, less touristic treks do not mean fewer treks. Less touristic stands for, less crowded treks. This can be due to being less known, or due to being a newly opened route. The Annapurna region has multiple less touristic treks that can be suitable for you. These are usually shorter treks but with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and provide more sustainability to local rural communities along the trekking trails.
- The Mardi Himal trek
- The Mulde Peak trek
- The Panchase trek
While these 3 less touristic treks are not counted among the most popular treks, they are considered in the list of best treks to do around Annapurna. To get a better insight into each less touristic trek around Annapurna, Royal Himalayan Holidays provides you with a short description of each trek.
The Mardi Himal Trek of 14 days
First up is the Mardi Himal Trek of 14 days. While this trek heads for the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m (14,764ft), the biggest highlight of this trek is heading closer to the famous Fishtail Mountain, locally known as Mt Machhapuchhare (6,993m/22,943ft). The Mardi Himal trek promises you an adventure with views above the clouds. The route follows a straight line from south to north and heads over hill ridges, passed local villages, and to the foot of Mardi Himal (5,587m/18,330ft). This trek is less popular than others and so has less crowded trails and more availability in the local tea houses.
The itinerary of the Mardi Himal Trek:
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival
Day 02: Trek briefing + Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03: Flight to Pokhara
Day 04: Drive to Kande + trek to Pothana (1,890m/6,201ft)
Day 05: Trek to Forest Camp (2,600m/8,530ft)
Day 06: Trek to Badal Danda (3,210m/10,531ft)
Day 07: Trek to High Camp (3,900m/12,795ft)
Day 08: Visit Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,764ft) + trek to Low Camp (3,050m/10,007ft)
Day 09: Trek to Kalimati (2,360m/7,743ft)
Day 10: Trek to Lwang (1,800m/5,906ft)
Day 11: Drive back to Pokhara (2hrs)
Day 12: Flight back to Kathmandu
Day 13: Relax day
Day 14: Departure
This 14-day trekking package in Nepal includes; sightseeing in Kathmandu, national flights to and from Pokhara, all accommodations, and trekking expenses. To book the Mardi Himal trek of 14 days with Royal Himalayan Holidays
click here to start the booking process.
The Mulde Peak Trek of 12 days
One of the newest trekking routes in the Annapurna region, the Mulde Peak Trek of 12 days takes you to two viewpoints for two breathtaking sunrise views! With the highest elevation of this trek being at Mulde Peak (3,637m/ 11,932ft), it is said to give better views than the traditional Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. This newly opened trek is also named the Rhododendron Trek due to a large part of its trekking route heading through lush Rhododendron forests. The Mulde Peak Trek does not require any acclimatization days and has almost no strenuous parts. Every day you can expect amazing valley and mountain views of the southern Annapurna Himalayas. As well as visiting local villages. As one of the newly opened trekking routes the Mulde Peak Trek is quickly making its way to the most popular treks around Annapurna list but as of now is still considered a less touristic trek due to being less crowded.
The itinerary of the Mulde Peak Trek:
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival
Day 02: Trek briefing + Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03: Flight to Pokhara
Day 04: Drive to Ghandruk (1,940m/ 6,365ft)
Day 05: Trek to Tadapani (2,630m/ 8,629ft)
Day 06: Trek to Dobato (3,400m/ 11,155ft)
Day 07: Muldai Peak (3,637m/ 11,932ft) sunrise view + trek to Ghorepani (2,860m/ 9,383ft)
Day 08: Poon Hill (3,210m/ 10,532ft) sunrise view + trek to Ulleri (2,020m/ 6,627ft)
Day 09: Trek to Hille (1,460m/ 4,790ft) + drive back to Pokhara
Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 11: Relax day
Day 12: Departure
This 12-day trekking package in Nepal includes; sightseeing in Kathmandu, national flights to and from Pokhara, all accommodations, and trekking expenses. To book the Mulde Peak Trek of 12 days with Royal Himalayan Holidays
click here to start the booking process.
The Panchase Trek of 11 days
Probably the least touristic trek one can do around Annapurna, the Panchase Trek of 11 days takes place near the vicinity of Pokhara city. While also considered a hike the Panchase trek’s main highlight is heading up to Panchase Peak (2,517m/8,258ft). The route starts with a hike up to the World Peace Pagoda after crossing Phewa Lake by boat and continues through jungle terrain passing by local villages and the Australian Camp. As the Panchase trek takes place near Pokhara we will have ample time to enjoy activities here, such as paragliding or bungee jumping! Doable by young and old this is one of the most family-friendly short treks in Nepal with less crowded trails. While there are only 4 actual trekking days, this entire 11-day package is filled with activities.
The itinerary of the Panchase trek:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing + trek preparation
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and visit the World Peace Stupa
Day 04: Drive to Bhumdi (1,400m/4,593ft) + trek to Panchase Bhanjyang (2,060m/6,759ft)
Day 05: Trek to Bhadaure (1,670m/4,986ft) via Panchase Peak (2,517m/8,258ft)
Day 06: Trek to Australian Camp (2,055m/6,742ft)
Day 07: Trek to Astam (1,250m/4,101ft)
Day 08: Drive back to Pokhara
Day 09: Activities in Pokhara
Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 11: Departure
This 11-day trekking package in Nepal includes; sightseeing in Kathmandu, national flights to and from Pokhara, all accommodations, and trekking expenses. To book the Panchase trek of 11 days with Royal Himalayan Holidays
click here to start the booking process.
The best time to go on a trek
Having mentioned the various options for the best treks to do around Annapurna, it is time to discuss the t the best time to go on a trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. As with most treks in Nepal, the highest recommended seasons to go on a trek are either in spring (March to the end of May) or during the fall/autumn (September to the end of November). These are also called the high seasons of tourism in Nepal as during these seasons most book a trek or trip to enjoy the Himalayas. Booking a trek in the Annapurna region around either spring or fall/autumn is guaranteed to give you good trekking days, with clear blue skies. Although most treks expect the Annapurna Circuit trek can be done the whole year-round. Nepal’s monsoon season during the summer (June to the end of August) and the cold season during the winter (December to the end of February) can make your trek a bad experience. As so Royal Himalayan Holidays strongly recommends booking a trek either during the spring or fall/autumn seasons.
Mountains to see
As you aim to go for a trek in the Nepalese Himalayas, you are obviously looking to see some of the highest mountains in the world. While every trek gives different views of the Himalayas it will all depend on which trek you choose. According to us, we consider the Annapurna Circuit trek, as the best trek to see multiple Himalayan mountains in a single trek. Here is a list of all the various mountains you can expect to see during a trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal with Royal Himalayan Holidays.
A shortlist of the most prominent mountains and peaks of the Annapurna region according to RHH;
- Mt Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft), ranked the 10th highest mountain in the world
- Mt Annapurna II (7,937m/26,040ft)
- Mt Annapurna III (7,555m/24,786ft)
- Mt Annapurna South (7,219m/23,684ft)
- Mt Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft) ranked the 8th highest mountain in the world
- Mt Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft) ranked the 7th highest mountain in the world
- Mt Cho Oyu (8,188m/26,864ft) ranked the 6th highest mountain in the world
- Mt Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) (6,999m/22,963ft)
- Mt Hiunchuli (6,441m/21,132ft)
- Mt Gangapurna (7,455m/24,459ft)
- Gandharva Peak (6,248m/20,499ft)
- Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak) (5,663m/18,580ft)
- Mardi Himal Peak (5,587m/18,330ft)
- Ganesh Himal (7,422m/24,350ft)
You can see, that at least 4 of the 10 highest mountains in the world are located in or near the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal! This makes trekking around Annapurna one of the most popular destinations in the world. If you wish to see these mountains during your next trip, look at the Royal Himalayan Holidays’ available
trekking packages to book one of the best treks around Annapurna.
Permits required
For most treks in Nepal, proper documentation is required in order to be allowed to use the trails and gain entry into the remote regions of the Himalayas. These documents or permits required help with safety and rescue in case of emergency, provide valuable statistics for research purposes, and provide financial support to further develop and maintain the trekking routes and areas. The Annapurna region is no exception and requires 2 documents;
1. An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
2. A Trekkers’ Information Management Systems Card (TIMS Card)
Having both of these documents you’ll be able to access the Annapurna region and enjoy any type of trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area's borders, or Nepal's Annapurna region—the cost for an ACAP cost approx. 35USD per person and a TIMS Card costs approx. 25 USD per person. If you book any type of trek with Royal Himalayan Holidays these documents are included in the package price so you don’t need to worry about standing in line at a foreign office to acquire them. We’ll take care of everything prior to your arrival!
Food and accommodation
Since you’ll be trekking in a foreign country you might want to take a look at what to expect in terms of food and accommodation during a trek around Annapurna! As you’ll be trekking into remote areas far from development and proper facilities it’s important to know what to expect. The good news? The entire Annapurna area has been recently maintained and developed allowing better access to entry and exit points, safer and easier-going trekking trails, and improved tea houses. During your trek with Royal Himalayan Holidays, 3 meals a day are included in your package price. But what does it mean to have a meal in the Himalayas? You might be surprised by the options you have. Tea houses serve a wide variety of Nepalese, local, and even international dishes. We do recommend refraining from ordering nonveg items at the higher elevations, as it is common to get stomach troubles that can ruin your trek. To be safe ask your trekking guide if it’s ok to or not. This is all due to being in a remote area with limited facilities. Of course, fresh items won’t give you any type of trouble. Local or Nepali dishes consist of rice, lentil soup, a spicy pickle sauce, and seasonable veg as well as dumplings called “momo”. International dishes vary between pasta, sandwiches, and even pizzas! As for accommodations during a trek in the Annapurna region, you’ll be happy to find out that most have comfortable two or three-person rooms, flowing water, WIFI connection, charging outlets, and heaters. Basically your typical Himalayan chalet.
Recommended trekking gear
With a trek comes a lot of preparation and having the proper trekking gear can break or make your trek into an unforgettable experience. Depending on your trek different gear can be required but for most treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal, there is a list of things you’ll want to make sure to bring with you. Now in Thamel, Kathmandu, you can almost find everything related to trekking and mountaineering, either for rent or for sale. So if you miss out on anything you’re sure to find it there! Have a look at the Royal Himalayan Holidays list for recommended trekking gear during a trek in the Annapurna area of Nepal.
- A few pairs of thermal underclothes
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- A wind and waterproof jacket
- Mitten or woolen gloves
- Standard trekking poles
- Water purification item(s)
- Cotton trousers for hiking
- A sleeping bag
- Water canteen
- Toiletries
- A headlight
- Laundry bag
- A rain poncho
- Personal medication
- Down jacket
- Cap or scarf to protect from the sun
- Washing towel
- A small lock for your backpack
- Trekking boots with spare laces
- Comfortable and warm hiking socks
- 2 pairs of trekking pants
Having checked these items you’re sure to be set for any type of trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. If you have any questions related to travel in Nepal feel free to
contact us and we at Royal Himalayan Holidays will get back to you as soon as possible. The best treks around Annapurna are waiting for you, make your choice or combine to create a unique trek just for you!
