Thinking of trekking to the Annapurna region? Good choice, adventurer! You have plenty of options at hand. You can start with the shortest 5 days of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Or, if you want to enjoy longer days on the trek, you can go for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek 9 Days, and Short Annapurna Circuit. There are options for other treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek Via Poonhill, Annapurna Circuit Trek Via Nar Phu Valley, and 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho if you want you’re looking to trek to multiple destinations.
Each destination offers a solid view of the Annapurna range. You don’t have to climb Mount Annapurna to complete either of these treks. However, trekkers will get to experience the Himalayas closely in each of the famous treks. The Annapurna region offers budget-friendly treks as well. Choosing a package to trek anywhere in the Annapurna region will feel comfortable with a reliable trekking partner. To know more about each of these packages, read until the end!
Exploring the Annapurna region
The Annapurna region is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. The high altitude location has been preferred for travel and treks by even the most expert trekkers worldwide. What more? It shares features with the world’s tallest mountain trekking trails leading to the Everest Base Camp trek. And the views of Annapurna are simply worth every trekker’s while! Trekking in the Annapurna region, you can experience Gurung culture, freshen up in the Himalayas away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and savor the stunning views of Annapurna.
When trekking through the diverse trekking pathways within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will see more than just the Annapurna Mountain. Regardless of where the trek starts, you can also get the perfect view of other famous peaks like Machchapuchre and Dhaulagiri.
Best Annapurna region trek packages
The following destinations in the Annapurna region offer the best panoramic views of the Annapurna Himal range:
7 days Mardi Himal trek
Lying amid Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Machapuchre, the 7-day Mardi Himal Trek will take you along the trekking circuit sought by trekkers worldwide. People in the Gurung villages, which are a little far from Pokhara, are incredibly hospitable. Since the trek is not very difficult, beginners who have not trekked many times before can quickly complete the trek. Unlike most trekking destinations along the Annapurna Massif, you won’t have to hike with a guide here.
Annapurna Sanctuary trek from $580
This one’s an 8 days long trek. You will start the trek from the more straightforward trekking trails of Dhampus, a scenic village. Then, you will be headed towards the Machchapuchre Base Camp, which passes several Magar and Gurung villages. From the MBC, you will finally reach the Annapurna Base Camp. The Annapurna sanctuary trek is also a short trek that a beginner trekker can complete. This trek offers the perfect view of the Machchapuchre, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges.
5 days Annapurna base camp trek
The Annapurna base camp, situated at an altitude of 4,130 meters, offers one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal. You can follow the classic Annapurna Circuit trek route to the base camp. Or, you can choose to go on the 5-day trek, which takes you through a shorter route along Jhinu Danda, Deurali, and Machchapuchre Base Camp. From the base camp, you can enjoy 360-degree stunning Annapurna range views. Trekkers can also immerse themselves in the authentic culture of Ghandruk village.
Other Trails of the Annapurna region
Besides the aforementioned routes in the Annapurna region, you can traverse through several other Annapurna region trails like:
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek 9 Days: The 9-day-long Annapurna base camp trek combines the beauty of the lower Annapurna region starting from Jhinu Danda. Unlike the 5-day trek, you can spend longer along a route similar to the Annapurna Base Camp.
- Short Annapurna Circuit: The short annapurna circuit trek is typically longer, but the short route trek will be completed in 8 days. This is considered one of the best treks that take you to the highest point of the trek at Thorong La Pass, which is at a height of 5,416 meters.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Via Poonhill: The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most versatile treks. You can take multiple treks when you round the region, including the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Trekkers will get a simpler kickstart to begin the trek and be able to complete it within 12 days.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Via Nar Phu Valley: This 13-day itinerary lets you trek the Annapurna region’s most rural and rugged trails. It takes a little longer to complete than other treks, but you will explore a maximum part of the Annapurna Circuit via Nar Phu Valley.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho: Going through the 9-day-long Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake will be an adventure! The long walking days will be worth it when you reach the beautiful blue Tilicho Lake. The breathtaking views of the Annapurna range from Thorong La Pass become the highlight of the trek.
Tips for a successful trek in the Annapurna
To complete your trek to Annapurna, you need to follow the tips below:
- Know where you’re going: You must learn about the routes you will take throughout the journey. Every popular trekking destination in Nepal, including the Annapurna region, is challenging. When you don’t know about the diverse trekking routes, the trek brings new experiences. But you’re going to have a hard time tackling the routes.
- Acclimatization and rest: You need rest days between the treks. And, if you don’t acclimate, you’ll likely face respiratory issues and altitude sickness. So, what is acclimatization? It means slowing down in your trails and finding a day to rest. When you acclimate, you don’t need to remain active in your trail, and you can choose to roam around your teahouse or stay in. Go slow and steady along the Annapurna circuit or when you trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
- Respect the locals: Be respectful to the locals and don’t mock anyone’s language, tradition, food, or lifestyle. Please learn a few words in Nepali, as interaction with the locals would be easier. You can enjoy their culture better as the Nepalese people are very hospitable.
- Follow eco-friendly trekking rules: Do not litter on the trekking path. You must make sure that you don’t pick flowers either. You will be charged at least Rs if you’re caught picking the blooming Rhododendrons. 5000. Trekkers may also be banned from trekking further in case they are too careless to conduct themselves on the trails.
- Choose the best time to trek: The best season will enhance your trekking experience. Two of the most popular seasons are spring and fall because it is neither too hot nor too cold during these seasons. And, you get the trek offers stunning views of the landscapes you walk through and massive mountains, and the flora and fauna are also out. The trails are always more welcoming during peak seasons.
- Be physically and mentally prepared: The trek takes us through challenging routes now and then. Without physical or mental preparation, no trekker can fully enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna area.
- Train to go downhill: This is an underrated tip but very useful. Contrary to what many trekkers believe, trekking downhill is not easy. Sure, it takes less time, but the effort will be just as much. Prepare yourself well before you begin to descend.
- Drink enough water: Hydrate your body. Without it, you will feel nauseous and may even faint during your trek. Refill your bottle at every other stop. Add a drinking water purifier to your bottle before drinking to avoid being sick.
- Don’t panic: Panicking over headaches and physical aches is normal. But take our suggestion and don’t. Headaches with physical aches along the trekking routes are very regular. The more you panic, the more you’ll delay your time on the trails.
- Pack adequately: The long days of walking will require you to pack sufficiently. By this, we mean the basic hygiene and extra essentials, along with the ones you can trek without. Avoid underpacking, as you may not find what you need in the rural area. Also, do not pack more than necessary because carrying a heavy load will be tough. And hiring multiple porters may take you more money than you’d have to spend.
The following are everything you need to include in your packing checklist:
- Down Jacket
- Thermal sets
- Trekking pants
- Cotton innerwear
- Trekking shoes
- Trekking socks
- Sneakers
- Slippers
- Pyjamas
- Gloves
- Trekking poles
- Duffel bag
- Water purification tablets and water bottles
- Miscellaneous (Journals, camera, charger, batteries, etc)
- Headlamp
Trekking Annapurna region in different seasons
Annapurna region is renowned for year-long trekking journeys. However, it would be preferable to visit the area when it’s the best season to trek. There are two such seasons: autumn and spring. Both seasons have pleasant weather and perfect temperatures for long treks. Trekking in winter and summer or monsoon might not be as favorable due to the extreme weather conditions.
Following are the details on how each season is for trekking:
Autumn
You must go there during autumn to get the best experience of different trekking destinations in the Annapurna area. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold in autumn. This makes it perfect for hours of long walks. You can enjoy the slightly chilly weather in the mountains and view the most beautiful mountains, which will be seen as soon as you begin the journey. This region is home to native Gurung people who will warmly welcome you to their teahouses.
If you’re on time, you can explore the Gurung villages during Nepal’s biggest festival, Dashain and Tihar. The number of trekkers during this season is just as decent. And you won’t have difficulty finding accommodation because tea house operators keep it open since it’s peak season.
Spring
Another most popular season to traverse through the trekking routes in the Annapurna area is spring. This is when the blossom begins in nature. You will see trees of blooming Rhododendron covering the significant areas, which you witness only a few times in a lifetime. You can also get the perfect sight of Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna throughout the trek. Along with the central Annapurna peak, the views of Annapurna ii and Annapurna iii will also be cherished since the sky is clear, and you can see the peak better.
Like autumn, it is neither too hot nor too cold in spring. The temperature is perfect for carrying a lightweight duffel bag with you. You will also get the most chance to interact with other trekkers. One of the main goals while trekking through the Annapurna circuit is crossing the Thorong La pass. Seasonal favorability makes it easier for the trekkers to cross the pass than in any other season.
Summer
The rainfall and excessive heat may make it impossible to properly enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna Himal during summer and monsoon. After the rainfall stops, the view of the mountains may get fogged up. You will find the trails to be slippery due to rain. And, there is always a more significant risk of meeting with an accident during this time of the year. Excessive heat may cause heavyheadedness among the trekkers. You may want to trek during this season if you love quieter trails.
Winter
Winter treks are both preferable and not preferable, depending on your expertise. An adrenaline junkie would love to trek when it’s chilly and snowy all over, but someone with lesser experience may not do well in such conditions. The trails are slippery due to melted snow. You always have to be careful while walking. Extra layering up to keep away the cold may make it uncomfortable for you to walk freely through the high and low steep pathways of the Annapurna region.
FAQs for Annapurna region treks
How much is the Annapurna entry fee?
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee costs 3,000 NPR per person if you’re a non-SAARC national. For SAARC nationals, the fee cost is 1,000 NPR. If you’re a Nepali, the price will be as low as 100 NPR.
Which is the most challenging part of Annapurna?
The most challenging part of Annapurna is crossing the Thorong La Pass. This pass is at a higher altitude than the base camp and can be struck by those with sufficient expertise in mountaineering and trekking. If you’re a beginner, you might have difficulty crossing the pass.
Is the Annapurna region trek easier than Everest?
Yes, the Annapurna trek is considered easier than any trek around the Everest region. That’s why the treks around Annapurna are much more popular among locals and foreigners. The accessibility of the Annapurna treks makes them all the more popular.
What is the most leisurely trek in the Annapurna region?
The easiest trek in the Annapurna region takes only 5 days to complete. Though it is one of the shortest treks in Nepal, you will appreciate how it covers some of the best aspects of rural Nepal.
Can beginners do Annapurna Treks?
Yes, beginners can easily do Annapurna Trek. Many treks take lesser effort than others, including Annapurna Short Base Camp Trek, Poon Hill Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek.
