The Annapurna region is Nepal’s most popular trekking destination, and for good reason. It offers everything from short 4-day treks to month-long circuits, passes through diverse landscapes and cultures, and provides some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth. The region is well-served by teahouses, making it accessible to trekkers who prefer not to camp.
This guide covers the main Annapurna treks, what to expect, and how to choose the right route for your experience level and time.
The Main Annapurna Treks
Annapurna Circuit — The Classic
Duration: 12-21 days | Max altitude: 5,416m (Thorong La Pass) | Difficulty: Hard
The full Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s great long-distance treks. It circles the entire Annapurna massif, crossing the 5,416m Thorong La Pass and descending through the Kali Gandaki — the deepest gorge on Earth. You’ll pass through Hindu villages in the lowlands, Gurung and Magar settlements in the middle hills, and Tibetan-influenced communities in the rain shadow of Upper Manang.
Road construction has shortened the original circuit, but the core trekking sections remain spectacular. Consider adding the Tilicho Lake detour (5,020m) — the highest lake in the world.
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) — The Sanctuary Trek
Duration: 7-12 days | Max altitude: 4,130m | Difficulty: Moderate
The ABC trek takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna. The trail climbs through rice paddies, bamboo forest, and rhododendron woodland before emerging into the alpine bowl of the sanctuary. Shorter and lower than the circuit, but deeply impressive.
Ghorepani Poon Hill — The Short Trek
Duration: 4-5 days | Max altitude: 3,210m | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
The classic short trek in the Annapurna region. Climb to Poon Hill for one of Nepal’s most famous sunrise panoramas — Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, and Machhapuchhre all visible in a single sweep. Combine with the Jomsom Muktinath route for a longer adventure.
Mardi Himal — The Quiet Alternative
Duration: 5-7 days | Max altitude: 4,500m | Difficulty: Moderate
Mardi Himal has emerged as a popular alternative to ABC — it follows a quieter ridge trail with intimate views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. Fewer trekkers, more forest, and a wilder feel than the main trails.
Upper Mustang — Beyond Annapurna
Duration: 12-14 days | Max altitude: 3,810m | Difficulty: Moderate
Technically in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Upper Mustang is a restricted-area trek into a Tibetan-influenced kingdom that was closed to foreigners until 1992. Desert landscapes, ancient cave monasteries, the walled city of Lo Manthang, and the Tiji festival make this one of Nepal’s most unique treks.
When to Trek in the Annapurna Region
| Season | Weather | Best For |
| Oct-Nov | Clear, dry, cool | All treks. Peak season. Best views. |
| Mar-May | Warming, rhododendrons | ABC, Poon Hill, Circuit. Spring blooms. |
| Dec-Feb | Cold, clear | Lower treks (Poon Hill). Fewer crowds. |
| Jun-Sep | Monsoon rain | Upper Mustang (rain shadow). Avoid others. |
Permits Required
All Annapurna treks require:
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) — available in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card
- Upper Mustang: additional restricted area permit (currently USD 500 for 10 days)
Eco Holiday Asia arranges all permits as part of our trek packages.
Accommodation & Food
The Annapurna region has Nepal’s best teahouse infrastructure. Along major routes, teahouses offer private rooms, hot showers, charging stations, and menus ranging from dal bhat to pizza. Quality decreases with altitude and remoteness, but even basic lodges provide warm meals and shelter.
Food highlight: the Thakali cuisine of the Jomsom-Marpha area is widely considered the best trail food in Nepal.
Getting There
Most Annapurna treks start from Pokhara (6-7 hour drive or 25-minute flight from Kathmandu). From Pokhara, trailheads are 1-3 hours by road. The Annapurna Circuit traditionally starts from Besisahar (5-6 hours from Kathmandu or 3-4 hours from Pokhara).
Choose Your Annapurna Trek
Not sure which Annapurna trek is right for you? Here’s a quick guide:
- Short on time? Poon Hill (4-5 days) or Mardi Himal (5-7 days)
- First big trek? ABC (7-12 days) — well-marked trail, good teahouses, spectacular payoff
- Want the full experience? Annapurna Circuit (12-21 days) — the definitive Nepal trek
- Want something unique? Upper Mustang (12-14 days) — Tibetan culture, desert landscapes
Contact Eco Holiday Asia to plan your Annapurna trek with local guides who know these trails intimately.
