Spread out over 7,600 sq. km. , the Annapurna Conservation Area region is the largest protected area in Nepal and is the South Asian country’s most popular trekking destination. More than one-third of all trekkers visiting Nepal travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and onwards to the Annapurna area, which features more than a half-dozen routes and boasts stunning views of some of the country’s most iconic peaks, including the eponymous Annapurna.
Check out five top trekking destinations in the Annapurna Conservation Area below and begin planning your next expedition today!
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as the ABC Trek or also as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, is the most popular trekking route in the conservation area. Trekkers will spend one to two weeks threading their way through the foothills of the Annapurna range as they make their way to its base camp at 4,130 meters starting from Nayapul at 1,430 meters.
While no technical mountaineering knowledge is necessary to accomplish the trek, travelers must be in decent physical condition to walk for 4 to 6 hours on average each day and gain roughly 2,600 meters (8,500 ft) overall.
Quick info:
- Starting point: Nayapul
- Length: 110 km (70 miles)
- Max altitude: 4,130 m (13,550 ft)
- Duration: 10 to 14 days
- Best period: September to May
- Average price: $1,200/person
Annapurna Circuit Trek
While the Annapurna Base Camp trek – also known as the Annapurna Round Trek – may be the region’s most popular trail, the lengthier and more rugged Annapurna Circuit Trek is certainly not far behind.
The beautiful circuit circumnavigates the Annapurna mountain in north-central Nepal by ascending over two distinct river basins. Its highest point is at Thorung-La Pass (5,416 metres), and it skirts the edge of the Tibetan plateau.
You will pass through temperate and subtropical rainforests as well as rice fields on your walk. Trekkers will also see various waterfalls and picturesque cliffs amidst panoramic views of some of the world’s highest mountains.
While no technical mountaineering abilities are required on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, a high level of physical fitness is required. Adventurers should expect to hike anywhere from 4 to 8 hours each day with significant elevation gains.
Quick info:
- Starting point: Besisahar
- Length: 160 to 230 km (100 to 145 mi)
- Max altitude: 5,416 m (17,769 ft)
- Duration: 8 to 25 days
- Best period: March to May, September to December
- Average price: $1,400/person
Mardi Himal Trek
Lying proud on the southeastern flank of the Annapurna mountain range, Mardi Himal is a rugged and dramatic peak that stands about 5,587 meters (18,330 feet). For outdoor lovers and adventurers seeking to experience some of Nepal’s most stunning views, the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is an enticing option.
Despite how short it is compared to other popular treks in the region, the Mardi Himal Trek is surprisingly remote; a world tucked in a small corner of the vast Himalayas. Unlike some of the aforementioned expeditions, the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is less physically demanding. However, trekkers should expect to walk for 4 to 6 hours per day with moderate elevation gains as they progress.
Quick info:
- Starting point: Phedi, Deurali or Deurali
- Length: 40 to 50 km (25 to 30 miles)
- Max altitude: 4,500 m (14,800 ft)
- Duration: 9 days
- Best period: April, October to November
- Average price: $770/person
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Also renowned as the Annapurna Panorama Trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking trail is the perfect option for trekking novices to head out on their first big adventure while enjoying the scenic views of the Annapurna Conservation Area as you trudge along small villages, homesteads, rivers, and streams.
Situated slightly southwest of the Annapurna massif, Poon Hill is a modest hill that offers stunning views of 11 incredible peaks on and around the massif and Dhaulagiri. The highlight of the trip is getting up before dawn on ‘summit day’ to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna massif.
Due to the ease of access and the low level of trekking difficulty, and the short time required to complete the trek, it is very popular with visitors who are short on time to spend on an adventure.
Quick info:
- Starting point: Birethanti, Nayapul, Phedi
- Length: 40 to 50 km (25 to 30 miles)
- Max altitude: 3,210 m (10,530 ft)
- Duration: 4 to 10 days
- Best period: March, September to November
- Average price: $700/person
Tilicho Base Camp Trek
One of the highest lakes of its sort in the world, Tilicho Lake is located in the shadow of Tilicho Peak in north-central Nepal. The lake and adjoining base camp have swiftly grown to be well-liked trekking sites since they are fed by the glacial run-off from the Annapurna range itself.
The Tilicho Base Camp Trekking trail follows a route similar to the Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail, taking a short detour after Manang to hike southwest to the lake and visit the base camp.
Along with the magnificent views, trekkers will also enjoy the unique Tibetan culture found in this part of Nepal while visiting traditional villager, homesteads, settlements and local Buddhist temples.
However, the Tilicho Base Camp Trek also boasts the same physical challenges as the Annapurna Circuit Trek, with long days of steady walking and plenty of steep elevation gain.
Quick info:
- Starting point: Besisahar or Chamje
- Length: 160 to 230 km (100 to 145 mi)
- Max altitude: 5,416 m (17,769 ft)
- Duration: 18 days
- Best period: March to May, September to December
- Average price: $1,600/person
