Annapurna Region

The Annapurna Experience

The Annapurna region is one of Nepal's most popular trekking destinations, offering a spectacular variety of landscapes, from subtropical forests and terraced rice fields to high alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. The region is named after Annapurna I (8,091m), the 10th highest mountain in the world.

Mountain Peaks

The Annapurna range includes one mountain over 8,000m (Annapurna I), thirteen peaks over 7,000m, and sixteen over 6,000m. Notable peaks include:

Annapurna I (8,091m): 10th highest mountain in the world
Machhapuchhre (6,993m): Sacred "Fishtail" mountain, climbing is prohibited
Annapurna II (7,937m): Eastern neighbor of Annapurna I
Annapurna III (7,555m): Between Annapurna I and Gangapurna
Annapurna IV (7,525m): Westernmost of the Annapurna massif
Dhaulagiri (8,167m): 7th highest mountain, visible across the Kali Gandaki gorge

Popular Treks

The Annapurna region offers treks for all fitness levels, from gentle hikes to challenging expeditions:

Annapurna Circuit

Classic 15-20 day trek crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m), circling the entire Annapurna massif.

Challenging 15-20 Days

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

7-12 day trek to the base of Annapurna I, passing through diverse landscapes and ethnic villages.

Moderate 7-12 Days

Poon Hill Trek

4-5 day gentle trek famous for sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Easy 4-5 Days

Mardi Himal Trek

5-7 day trek to the base of Mardi Himal with close-up views of Machhapuchhre.

Moderate 5-7 Days

Natural Attractions

Beyond the mountains, the Annapurna region is rich in natural beauty:

Kali Gandaki Gorge: World's deepest river gorge (5,571m deep) between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
Tilicho Lake (4,919m): One of the highest lakes in the world, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
Ghorepani-Poon Hill: Famous viewpoint for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
Natural Hot Springs: At Tatopani and Jhinu Danda, perfect for relaxing after trekking
Rhododendron Forests: Bloom spectacularly in spring (March-April), especially around Ghorepani

Culture & People

The Annapurna region is home to diverse ethnic groups, each with distinct cultures:

Gurungs

Indigenous people of the mid-hills, famous as Gurkha soldiers. Known for their hospitality and traditional music.

Magars

Another major ethnic group with rich cultural traditions, including unique dance forms and festivals.

Thakalis

People of the Kali Gandaki valley, known for their entrepreneurship and distinctive cuisine.

Most people in the region practice a mix of Hinduism and Buddhism, with many villages having both temples and monasteries.

Best Time to Visit

The best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region are:

Spring (March-May)

Best for rhododendron blooms, clear skies, and moderate temperatures. Most popular season.

Autumn (September-November)

Clear mountain views, stable weather, and post-monsoon freshness. Also very popular.

Winter (December-February)

Colder with possible snow at higher elevations, but fewer crowds and crystal clear views.

Monsoon (June-August)

Heavy rainfall, leeches, and clouded mountain views. Not recommended for trekking.

Getting There

The gateway to the Annapurna region is Pokhara, which is accessible from Kathmandu:

By Air: 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (frequent flights daily)
By Road: 6-7 hour drive by tourist bus or private vehicle (scenic route along rivers)
From Pokhara: Most treks start with a 1-2 hour drive to the trailhead (Nayapul, Besisahar, etc.)
Permits Required: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card