It is no exaggeration to say that trekking is Nepal’s most popular thing, given its cauldron of mountains. Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas is a lifetime experience. Because it accumulates high-rushing adrenaline and gives an opportunity to approach nature’s treasures. Nepal has several heavenly trekking routes and among many - the Annapurna region is one of the best regions to trek.
Annapurna Treks are phenomenal for their wide range of vegetation, cultural experience, religious delights, etc. In addition, the region is blessed with a beautiful environment that keeps on surprising trekkers at every other point.
The diverse landscape of the Annapurna region makes for a perfect trekking experience. It is an extensive range of peaks that has something distinctive and awe-inspiring. Therefore, it is one of the best trekking regions in Nepal, and trekkers globally make sure to do at least one Annapurna trek.
Annapurna region offers varieties of hikes. Be it short and easy treks or long and arduous journeys, all types of outings are available in the Annapurna region. It is a sought-after destination for tourists who flock to the mountains to observe the snowy mountains and rivers flowing down slopes. Similarly, it is also one of the favorite trekking destinations for beginners and expert trekkers.
Best Treks in Annapurna Region
Trekking in the Annapurna region is a different yet beguiling experience. One must surely do at least once:
This is a compilation of 7 all-time best treks in the Annapurna Region.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Beginning from the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, Annapurna Base Camp is an all-time best trek in the Annapurna region. All the more, it is one journey that everybody probably should trek at least once. On this trail, each terrain and altitude represents an epitome of beauty and serenity. Not only that, but many major ethnic villages such as Ghorepani, Chomrong, Tadapani, Dovan, and many more enhance the beauty of this trekking trail. This is one of the irresistible Annapurna treks.
Additionally, the cultural vibrancy experience in the Annapurna Base Camp trek is extraordinary. Although it is a commercial trekking trail, the village has not lost touch with ancestral culture. Hence, here, trekkers can experience the authentic cultures of Nepal while doing the ABC trek. Likewise, the view of the subtropical forest is entwined with beguiling views of the Annapurna Himalayas. While traversing the ABC trail, trekkers will walk with the following peaks: Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, Annapurna I, II, III, and IV and their surrounding mountains.
Annapurna Base Camp is moderately tiring given its high elevation the place. However, surreal natural interaction and the mountain views throughout the journey will leave you amazed each day.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is another fantastic and all-time best trek of the Annapurna region. It is a small mountain beneath the majestic Machhapuchre peak for those unfamiliar with Mardi Himal. A journey to Mardi Himal promises spectacular scenery of Annapurna massif and a unique hiking experience. On that accord, Mardi Himal Trek is also suitable for trekkers looking for an off-beaten paths trekking experience in Nepal. From the peak of Mardi Himal, up-close view peaks over 8,000m (26,000 ft) are visible to witness with naked eyes. The sheer sensation of being so close to these peaks makes a magnificent journey.
Moreover, Mardi Himal Trek is a tea house trekking journey. It is also a short walk in a peaceful part of the Annapurna region. The trek entails passing through no road area, so entirely you will walk amidst dense jungles. Because of this, on this path, there are fewer hikers. The advantage of this tour is the remarkable scenery. Because the view of the mountains is impressive, we go through villages with terraced farming and woodlands and cross or walk by rivers, enjoying the most spectacular views of the mountains of Annapurna, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
Overall, trekking Mardi Himal Trek is not just a stunning location; you will find an extraordinary feeling that shall last forever. Besides, as the journey features the world’s finest mountain views, it simply is a fantastic off-beat Annapurna trek.
Khopra Ridge Trek
An off-beat and unique trek in the land of the highest mountains in the world is the Khopra Ridge trek. Not many are familiar with this particular trekking trail in the Annapurna region. But that does not mean it is not as beautiful as any other Annapurna trek. This is, in fact, one of the accessible treks, although it is remote and less touristic of the Annapurna region. Additionally, it is different from other treks in many factors. For instance, the trails keep changing scenery, which is not frequent in short trekking journeys. Similarly, the most absorbing aspect of walking on a ridge is the spectacular ‘on top of the world feeling.
Khopra Ridge Trek is, without any doubt, one of the loveliest multi-day walking journeys. The journey consists of walking on a ridge for two whole days hence you will walk with big mountains on either side. The trek leads through lush woods, alpine wildlife, beautiful rhododendron forests, and pristine villages in the Annapurna Mountain range. Unlike the popular and crowd-favorite ABC trek, this trek also presents you with a chance to see Khayar Lake.
Due to the reasonable number of ascents, the Khopra Ridge trek is a moderate-grade trekking journey. For everyone looking for an ideal hiking route in Nepal with spectacular views of mountains and attractive countryside, the Khopra Ridge Trek is perfect.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Stunning, short, and rewarding are a few words that describe Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. It is one of the finest hiking trails in the Annapurna region. This journey takes you to the small colorful village tucked away in the Himalayas of Nepal. It offers picturesque alpine landscapes with big mountains and small villages scattered on its foothills. Ghorepani Poon Hill is a perfect journey for those simply in love with the mountains. And serene nature surrounding them.
It is not an adventurous trek like other Annapurna treks. It does not involve covering great heights or walking rugged hiking trails. However, it is an intriguing hike that passes through numerous ethnic villages. These villages are vibrant, with colorful roofs perfectly syncing with the green and snow-white backdrop. The primary inhabitants of these villages are Gurung, Magar, Chettris, and many more. Therefore, anyone interested in culture will probably have a wonderful time exploring this trail.
Similarly, when talking about Ghorepani and Poon Hill, we cannot speak of sunrise and sunset views. Poon Hill is the best place in Nepal to watch the golden sunrise and sunset. The golden rays falling on the snowy white tops of the Annapurna range are great to watch and capture in camera, heart, and mind. People are deeply fascinated with its charming yet straightforward demeanor. Hence, it is unarguably the all-time best trek in the Annapurna region.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is famous for its beautiful landscape and different terrains that never disappoint. And due to this very reason, it is also the classic trek of Nepal and one of the ideal places for trekking adventures. The trails endow the postcard-type landscape and unique culture quite different from other trekking regions. The thrill of walking on a narrow sloppy path that directly looks down to swiftly flowing rivers is one of the underrated moments of this trek. Thus, it is not an easy hike. Moreover, it entails crossing the dramatic Thorang la pass (5416m), which many have confessed as the most complex part of the trek.
Besides the adventure flair that it promises, it is an equally intriguing trekking journey. Because of the change in terrain exposes cultural variation as well. And this is quite rare to experience in many trekking journeys in Nepal. On this trail, in the lower part, trekkers get to contemplate typical Nepali culture. But as the journey progresses, they come across distinct Tibetan cultural influences. And it is not in many treks that people get to taste such transitions.
The journey rounds the iconic Annapurna massif through the subtropical plains at the foothills of the Himalayas. Then, it continues passing trans-Himalayas, and the dry, barren Mustang shadow. Finally, Thorong La is the maximum altitude trekkers reach before the path continues along the Kali Gandaki River, crossing two gigantic summits via the largest valley on Earth. It is undoubtedly one of the iconic Annapurna treks and an all-time best trek in the Annapurna region.
Tilicho Lake Trek
Unveil the beauty of the Annapurna range with the elegant Tilicho Lake Trek. It is a pleasant journey that endows the trekkers with stunning views of the Annapurna peaks and Nilgiri, Tilicho, etc. The Lake alone steals the heart of travelers because of its quaint setting. Tilicho Lake Trek has become a famous destination for nature enthusiasts among the hiking trails in the vicinity of Annapurna. Tilicho Lake Trek offers spectacular and exciting views of the globe, the enormous range of culture and diversity, the most beautiful depth of the gorge, and high peaks adjacent to the Annapurna Himal.
Furthermore, Tilicho Lake Trek is not only about the turquoise and tranquil Lake. As the Lake sits in the middle of a giant cauldron, trekkers enjoy the gorgeous up-close mountain scenery. Overall, it is also a modest hike, with a wonderfully spectacular experience, in exchange for all your efforts. Around the turn, you’ll be viscerally impressed by the green emerald sea and the rough rocks and glaciers. You have never seen such a spectacularly lovely item. Late in the day, behind Mount Victoria, the golden sun falls, serene and silent. As you go along the route beside the Lake, it looks like you have to absorb the complete view. You will never forget this feeling.
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Lesser known and least traveled in the Annapurna region is Nar Phu valley. The valley lies within the folds of the Annapurna mountains. Thus, it is a secretly hidden and painstakingly beautiful trekking region. Nar Phu valley trek features a dry and barren landscape than typical green forests. Therefore, with the rugged terrain, the region’s cultural benevolence is quite different. Categorized as challenging, the Nar Phu Valley trail is exciting and holds surprises up its sleeves on nearly every turn you take.
Witness the tree line disappearing into a grassland of wildflowers and disheveled shrubs. The uncanny Nar Phu valley chisels its curvy path and the equally contrasting deserted mountains. Nar Phu Valley Trek is a picture-perfect trek that is a must-do trek in the Annapurna region. With endless adventures in every direction, Nar Phu Valley is a great way to explore remote towns hidden in the Tans Himalayas of Nepal. Those looking to wake up with a breathtaking view will love the sheer remoteness of Nar Phu Valley.
Given that, these are some of the best treks in the Annapurna region. Of course, one must be intrigued when the best time for the Annapurna trek shall be. But don’t worry! Below here, you can read about the best season to hike in the Annapurna region. Or what particular time appeals most to you.
Summer/ Monsoon Season
Summers kick in around June and last till August. It is also monsoon season, so expect to get hot and wet in a small fraction of time. Annapurna region experiences warm weather and rain in some places. Despite that, most treks mentioned above are attainable. Especially Annapurna Circuit Trek and Nar Phu valley trek. These two trekking routes lie in the leeward part. Thus, it does not experience monsoon showers making it one of the ideal times for trekking. Besides the complication of monsoon rain and muddy trails, the mountain views, once the clouds are cleared up, are phenomenal experiences. However, if rain and leeches bother you, consider trekking during dry seasons.
Autumn Season
September to November, which is autumn, is one of the best times for the Annapurna treks. It is a dry season in Nepal after the monsoon season. However, the skies remain clear, offering epic mountain scenes. And to talk about the weather, it is simply the most favorable time for trekking. It is mildly warm during the day and slightly cold at night. It is the perfect season for trekking in the Annapurna Himalayas. Since it is the peak season, the trail would be crowded. Nevertheless, meeting adventure souls makes it even more enjoyable. This season is ideal for any treks on the list.
Winter Season
Next, the winter season is from December to February. This is the time to travel for snow! Extremely chill weather conditions make trekking quite challenging. However, it is one of the best times to capture glistening crystal mountain views under the clear blue skies if you bypass that factor. Similarly, if you ever visit the Annapurna region during winter, ensure you have the appropriate gear. This season is suitable for all treks on the list. However, special attention is needed for ABC Trek, ACT Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek.
Spring Season
Lastly, the spring season is from March to May. Temperatures will rise a little, and the weather will be pleasant for trekking. This is why it is the second-best season for Annapurna treks. With excellent weather, it is also time for flowering. The trails turn into different shades of pink and red because of the rhododendron flowers. Spring is, without any doubt, a stunning time for a good trekking experience, lovely mountain views, and colorful natural splendor.
Overall, the best time differs from person to person. While one might find a relaxing and beautiful time, others may not think the same. Hence, whichever weather appeals most to you, trek in that season and make the best memories. All treks are attainable during all seasons. Yet, some may need specific attention during certain seasons. Hence, make sure you are prepared well and are ready to make the best memories.
Have you trekked in the Annapurna Region already? or are you Planning? Comment below.
