7 Best Annapurna Trek Routes

The Annapurna region is a mountain range in northwest Nepal. It is considered one of the best trekking destinations worldwide. Around two-thirds of the mountain, trail treks happen within this region. The region will show you natural beauty like gorges and mountain passes. You will have a fantastic view of the Annapurna Massif’s principal peaks. Monasteries, temples, endearing local villages, and the friendly residents of the settlement are also visible.

The Annapurna region has a wide range of trekking routes, Itinerary,  It consists of more than 10  different trekking routes. The Tilicho trek, Mardi Himal trek, Jomsom trek, ABC trek, Annapurna circuit trek, and such all come under the Annapurna trekking region. They all are unique, and every trek gives you an immaculate experience.

The Annapurna region is quite diverse in terms of land forms. It houses the wettest to driest to windiest of trails. Most of the trails circle around the Annapurna massif. All these treks allow you to enjoy immaculate views of at least one of the Annapurna peaks. The region starts from the elevation of 790 meters and reaches as high as 8091meters. The region’s highest point is the Annapurna I, the 10th tallest peak in the world.

The Annapurna region is a protected area. It covers forests and the high Himalayas in the central region. It also houses trans- Himalayan desert plateaus on the Tibetan side. The lower elevation of the protected region has different settlements than the higher ones. You will see Gurungs, Magars, Thakali, and Brahmin in the lower parts. The higher elevation mostly consists of Sherpas. The most northern settlements are Tibetan settlements.

The Tibetan settlement area includes the routes of the Upper Mustang tour, Manag Mustang tour, etc. Some of the northern parts of the region with the Tibetan settlement are quite new. The settlements were isolated for the most part of history. They were opened to the outer world less than 30 years ago. They usually include places like Lo Manthang.

Places like Manang, Ghorepani, Ghandurk, etc., have Gurungs, Magars, Thakali Sherpas, and Brahmins settlements. You will find Hindus and Buddhists in these regions. These places house both significant Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries.

Here, we will see a few possible trekking routes of the Annapurna region, along with a summarized version of their itinerary.

 Annapurna Circuit Routes -17 Days

Trip Duration In Nepal – 17 Days
Trekking Days – 14 Days
Trek Start  –  Jagat
Trek Finished – Pokhara
Trekking Grade : Challenging
Maximum Elevation: 5416, Cross Thorong La
Cost :  $800 -1300
Permit: Annapurna Conservation fess and TIMS permit ( $40)

This 17 days trek to the Annapurna circuit commences from Kathmandu and ends at Pokhara. It starts with a drive from Kathmandu to reach Chame through Besisahar by a jeep. You will pass significant destinations like the Marsyangdi river and Kali Gandaki gorge along the way. This trek will follow an anticlockwise route from Chame

The walking part of the trek begins from Chame. You will find a Tibetan-based lifestyle throughout your trek. You will find several tea houses with lodges in the area. You will get glimpses of Annapurna II as you head towards Pisang-Manang-Yak Kharka through a subtropical forest. Then your trail ascends higher as you move past Yak Kharka. You will first reach the Thorung La High Camp. You will move downhill towards a safer trail from Thorung La high camp towards Thorung La Phedi.  You will trek towards the Thorung La Pass (5416 meters) from the Phedi. This will be the highest point of your trek.

Trekkers are very delighted by the overwhelming mountain scenery. This includes the Annapurna Massif, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak among many others.

The Annapurna region has a very diverse climate. The monsoon rains and snowfall usually cause problems in trekking the region. The Thorung La pass is quite notorious for its avalanches and snow blockages. You ought to be cautious here. To avoid such risks, you can do this trek during the seasonal time. This includes the spring season(March to May) and autumn season(Sept to Nov). It will avoid risks of road blockage or avalanches.

The trek will then lead you towards Muktinath after crossing Thorong La Pass. The way to Muktinath is quite dusty as it is a motorway. The buses and jeeps make the trekking quite uncomfortable. Hence, many people choose not to trek this part of the trip. A direct jeep to Muktinath will make for a more enjoyable trip.

After Muktinath, the itinerary takes you to Jomsom to the Ghorepani-Poonhill viewpoint. Then you descend towards Tikhedhunga and drive to Nayapul. From Nayappul, you will end your journey at Pokhara.

Annapurna Base Camp  Via Poon Hill Routes – 13 Days

Trip Duration In Nepal – 14 Days
Trekking Days – 10 Days
Trek Start  –  Pokhara
Trek Finished – Pokhara
Trekking Grade : Moderate
Maximum Elevation:  4131,
Cost :  $800 -1300
Permit: Annapurna Conservation fess and TIMS permit ( $40)

The 13 days Annapurna Base Camp trek is curated to allow trekkers to stay overnight at ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) and MBC( Machhapucchre Base Camp). It is a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp through poon hill. The trek starts from Kathmandu and ends back in Kathmandu. The first step of the trek is to drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu.

The following day, you will head to Nayapul. You will then hike through a Hindu farming community up to Tibetan-Berman groups for two days to Ghorepani. You will then hike towards the poon hill from Ghorepani. The view from this region is immensely beautiful. An early-morning hike to the grassy ridge of Poon Hill will reward you with a 70-kilometer sunrise view. It includes the peaks of Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu.

After poon hill, the trek continues with varied uphill and downhill trails. You will then reach your destination of Tadapani, passing through cool forests. Then your trek includes going downhill to Kimrong valley. You will ascend towards Chomrong valley from there. This will be the last settlement area before the Annapurna Base Camp. You will then head towards Dovan, passing from Sinuwa Danda and Bamboo.

You will now head towards the cooler, high elevation region. Your next destination will be Macchapuchre base camp. You will pass through the Deurali forest trail to reach there. The next day you will head higher towards the ABC. Then you will retrace your steps back to Bamboo. The next day you will again retrace your steps towards the Chomrong village. You will then descend towards Jhinu danda from Chomrong ridge. The place will have hot springs on Modi River just downhill.

The next day will be a final trek towards Mateque. It will take an hour, and you will head back to Pokhara. You will then leave Pokhara for Kathmandu the next day.

 Direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek Routes – 6 Days from Pokhara

Trekking Days – 6 Days
Trek Start  –  Pokhara
Trek Finished – Pokhara
Trekking Grade : Moderate
Maximum Elevation:  4131,
Cost :  $400 -800
Permit: Annapurna Conservation fess and TIMS permit ( $40)

The  6 day Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a renowned trek that hikers highly esteem worldwide. Thanks to the amazing trek, you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the Annapurna region’s unending beauty.

The ABC Trek 6 Days is a condensed version of this well-known ABC trek. It begins in Pokhara and ends in Pokhara. For trekkers with a busy schedule, this shorter route is perfect. This Annapurna Base Camp trek is well-liked due to how quickly you can complete it.

The trek will commence from a jeep ride from Pokhara to Mateque. From Mateque you will trek towards the serene village of Chomrong. The Chomrong village route will pass through the Jhinu danda. The following day, you will climb steeply through a forest of bamboo and rhododendrons. Following the trail high above the river, you will reach the Himalaya Hotel. This will mark the day’s end.

The trail ahead of Himalaya hotel will be your main destination at Annapurna Base Camp. Snow, rocks, and boulders will likely be the only structures you notice this day. The settlement and vegetation area will be passed.

The path widens as you approach the Annapurna Sanctuary. You ought to continue uphill after following a stream. With unhindered views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli, and other peaks, your ascent promises a rewarding finish.

You will now destine towards Jhinu Danda from Bamboo. You must pass through the Chomrong village to reach your Jhinu Danda. You will then descend towards Jhinu danda from Chomrong ridge. The place will have hot springs on Modi River just downhill. This will mark the end of fifth day of the trek.

The day after will be the last day of the trek. You will trek towards Nyappul from Jhinu Danda. From Nyappul, you will head back to Pokhara through a Jeep. This will mark the end of your short Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Tilicho Lake Trekking Routes

The Tilicho Lake Trekking is a 12 days trek to the majestic glacial lake of Tilicho. The mysterious lake is housed in the Manang District. It is located at the base of the magnificent Tilicho peak. The Tilicho lake is located at a staggering elevation of 4919 meters. Such a rare natural structure will astound you with its breathtaking beauty.

Along with being breathtakingly beautiful, Tilicho also has significant religious significance. Every year, the lake draws hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

This incredible trek’s route winds through the Annapurna region’s scenic landscapes. You will see the breathtaking views of the area’s high mountain valleys. You will also pass through barren hills and dry roads throughout the trek. The Annapurna range is visible in 360-degree panoramic views as well.

Your trip will begin with a beautiful drive through Besisahar and Chame from Kathmandu. On a beautiful trail, you will begin your trek from Chame in the direction of Pisang. You’ll be awestruck by the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains like Manaslu and Himal Chuli in the distance.

From Chame, you will trek to the Manag village. You can also see Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and other mountains through the road. The road towards Manag will show many Stupas and ancient Gumbas.

After moving further up, the climate will shift from subtropical to Trans-Himalayan. You will travel through several towns. Moving forward, you will reach Manang to acclimatize for the next day. The day after that, you will carry on hiking to Siri Kharka. You will then finally reach Tilicho Base Camp.

The next day you will hike uphill from Base Camp to Tilicho Lake. This will be our highest elevation destination of the trip. Tilicho, at the altitude of 4919 meters, will be quite mystical. The region will be ethereal and be a sight for a lifetime. After a bit of sightseeing, you will depart from the Tilicho area. Now the altitude will steadily drop as you return back to Siri Kharka.

Following that, you will descend further towards Manang. You will again trace your steps back to Besisahar. Our trek ends as we make our way back to Besisahar from Manang. Finally, we return to Kathmandu, where our journey ends.

Poon Hill Trek Routes -4 Days

The Poon Hill trek is a well-known short and simple trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is an 8-day, 7-night-long tour of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking area. It is a fun-filled trekking destination. You will walk through roads showing the magnificent mid hills of the Annapurna Himalayan range. The trek will be filled with never-ending mountain range views and mesmerizing sceneries. Poon Hill is a rather lower trekking destination around the Annapurna range.

Poon Hill is a hill station that is 3210 meters above sea level. It offers views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri at sunrise. They are popular as the world’s eighth- and ninth-highest peaks. From this viewpoint, one of the best places in Nepal to see the Himalayan ranges up close.

You can experience mid-hills with constant mountain views in this short, moderate walk. You will also see traditional villages. This can teach you the lifestyle of Buddhist and ancient Bon culture.

The trip will commence from Kathmandu and end back in Kathmandu. It will also include your arrival and departure from Kathmandu. Firstly, you will leave Kathmandu upon arrival. This will be a road journey.

After arriving in Pokhara from Kathmandu via an interesting overland drive, the Poon Hill Trek begins. The trek also will end back in Pokhara. Here the Annapurna Himalaya is reflected in the city’s crystal-clear lakes.

You will leave Pokhara to reach Nyappul. Then you will visit the lovely villages of Bhirethati, Hille-Tirkhedhunga, and Ulleri. The walk continues on the historic Nepal/Tibetan Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Ghorepani.

To reach the village of Ghorepani, you must continue trekking uphill. The road will pass through a charming, lovely forest of rhododendron trees. You will notice Ghorepani is located beneath Poon hill.

You will take an hour hike to Poon Hill the following morning. It shows breathtaking views of the rising sun over a number of Himalayan peaks. They include Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and the magnificent Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail” peak.

After that, you will visit the traditional Gurung villages of Gandruk and Landruk. Then you will eventually return back to Pokhara.

Mardi Himal Trek Routes – 5 Day

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the more recent trekking routes in the Annapurna region. The major destination of the trek will be the Mardi Himal Base Camp. The region has a unique geography and mesmerizing mountain ranges. It makes the trekking experience to the base of Mardi Himal more exciting. The Mardi Himal Trek is typically the best choice for trekkers who want to get close to and embrace nature.

The trails also consist of local Gurung settlements. They will get a chance to experience the Gurung culture and hospitality.The Mardi Himal Trek journey starts in Pokhara and ends back in Pokhara. It takes 9 days and 8 nights to complete this trip.

The trek is formally started from Phedi to Deurali. The trail ascends steep hills from small, winding paths that are initially easy to reach Forest Camp. The trekkers enter magical rhododendron-blooming alpine forests along the road.

The scenery at Forest Camp has a rough, high mountain landscape with breathtaking views. You will see Mt. Machhapuchhre in front of you and Mt. Annapurna to the south. Around three to four hours of ascending to the right will lead to Mardi Himal Base Camp. It provides a breathtaking close-up view of the entire mountain range. It includes the Hiunchuli mountain range, the Manaslu range, Mount Machhapuchhre, Mount Dhaulagiri, and the Mardi Himal itself.

After experiencing Mardi Himal’s Base Camp,you will return to High Camp. From the base camp, you will head for Badal Danda. Then the road forward will be to Siding. The trek moves in the direction of Lwang after leaving Siding. Lwang offers homestays primarily hindered by the Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, etc. The trekkers will eventually make their way to Pokhara from Lwang. This will conclude the Mardi Himal trek.

Upon arrival at Pokhara, you will depart to Kathmandu.

The Khopra Ridge Trek Routes  – 9 Days

The Khopra ridge trek is one of Nepal’s very recent, attractive trekking routes. It consists of the trek to Khopra Danda and Khopra Lake(also known as Khayar Tal). The route is newly opened for treks and is slowly gaining popularity. The trek allows the best views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. This way it compliments the Poon Hill and Ghorepani trek. The Trek will undoubtedly compete favorably with other well-known treks.

The route has been designed with a shorter trek in mind. Although it may begin similarly to the Annapurna Circuit, it takes a different path after a few days. Following that, the Kopra Ridge (3660 m) will be your final destination. The majestic Himalayas, including Nilgiri (7061 m) and Bara Shikhar (7647 m), can be seen from the ridge. The new trail is a lot less crowded than the Annapurna Circuit. This makes the route a lot more convenient.

The trek will begin and end in Pokhara. It involves trekking to Ghandruk after arriving at Nyappul from Pokhara. You wil reach the Khopra ridge by trekking for a few days. The journey will include passing from Tadapani-Bayeli Kharka-Dobato.

You will enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas from Khopra ridge. Then you will trek towards Ghorepani, again experiencing mesmerizing vistas of the Himalayas. Then you will leave for Nyappul through Tirkhedhunga. From Nyappul you will drive back to Pokhara, concluding the trek.