Trekking in Annapurnas: A complete Guide [2022 Updated]

Annapurna has been a fantastic destination for many nature-loving bees from all over the globe ever since decades. Apart from the bewildering views of snow-clad mountain ranges, there are medleys of sceneries, each capable of defining every single character of nature and its beauty.

This region hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including the diverse cultures and traditions of the long-stayed indigenous inhabitants. With its iconic landmarks seen from every by and then of the trail, Annapurna shines ahead in terms of beauty more than any other region, probably in the world, as Sir Edmund Hillary (one of the greatest mountain explorers) designated this region as the best trekking routes in the world.

Different trails have been discovered, excluding the popular trekking routes, which are just incredible in their own way. Annapurna renders all kinds of trekking routes in terms of grades and styles, making it suitable for trekkers of all ages and fitness levels.

Also, the budget ranges from minimal to expensive luxurious ones. This is probably where you should be scratching your head on. Here are some of the popular trekking destinations around the foothills of Annapurna.

[Note: If you can compromise your stay in homestays, we can take you to the hidden villages far beyond the popular trekking routes. For that, feel free to reach us.]

1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Annapurna Sanctuary trek)

 Highlights:

• Hot Spring at Jhinu Danda.
• Traditional Gurung village.
• Sunrise view of snowy peaks turning golden from Poonhill.
• Rocky and desolate gorge down the Macchapuchre Base camp (MBC).
• Picturesque high bamboo bushes around Bamboo.
• Majestic views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Macchapuchre, and Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Lowlights:

• The avalanche threatens the stretch between Deurali and MBC.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek takes you to the snowfields, surrounded by brilliant snow-clad ranges. These sceneries accompany you throughout the trail that rises steeply at some points; however, the trekking is fantastic.

It is suitable for all age groups who are fit and self-motivated to climb to the Base Camp. Lush forests end at the narrow rocky ravines that intrude gushing rivers and streams.

As you soar higher, the vegetation gets sparse, and the hotels get less fancy. Despite a few landslides threatening the trail, when you make it to the Base camp, that feeling of being on top is beyond anything on the planet.

Sir Edmund Hillary, a mountain explorer, had admired this trek as one of the bests in the world.

2. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Highlights:

• Lofty Thorong-La Pass (5416 m asl).
• Shadowy gorge of Kaligandaki-World’s deepest gorge.
• Holiest Muktinath Temple underpinned with historical beliefs.
• The colorful monastery at Ranipauwa.
• Pristine Tilicho Lake (4919 m asl), which is situated above all else in the world.
• Natural Hot Spring at Tatopani.

Lowlights:

• Rutted roads after Kagbeni is dusty.
• The trails are very much exhausting. Also, it lasts for a long time; so, constant motivation is necessary.

Annapurna Circuit trek is a circular trek that takes you around the Annapurna foothills. This is an amazing package that renders an exceptional view of mountain ranges and lush valleys.

Quaint villages adorn the natural landscape, alongside maintaining a vibrant atmosphere. Mt. Annapurna stays at the constant gaze throughout the trail, providing you a 3600 outlook (east-north-west-south faces subsequently) of it at the end of the day.

This is somewhere, you can truly let your soul fly free and high.

3. Ghorepani-Poonhill trek

Highlights:

• Sunrise view from the Poon hill vantage point.
• Highland green pastures
• Hamlets of brave Gurungs and Magars, whose culture has left no visitor without wonder.
• Charming Rhododendron woodland (in the spring).

Lowlights:

• Too much exhausting trial.
• Often crowded with visitors and trekkers, especially during the peak seasons.

Ghorepani-poonhill trek is a short but rewarding trek for all those bees who want to witness the splendor of the Himalayas in a short period. The trail follows a series of switchbacks, mostly ascend, but the surrounding vistas throughout the trail just blow out your mind.

Poonhill is famous for seeing the sunrise over the snowy pinnacles of Annapurnas, but highland meadows are no less endearing. It is a paradise to witness such an amazing view. This place has been the ultimate destination for photographers from all over the globe.

4. Sikles Trek

Highlights:

• Lofty whitish glacier walls and mountain peaks.
• A glimpse of colorful houses terraced one above the other in the southern sloppy plain.
• Ethnic Gurung settlements.
• A natural bird-watching vantage point.

Lowlights:

• The trail is dusty and often crowded.
• There are few hotels or lodges as you soar higher and higher.

Sikles Trek is in itself an amazing expedition that blends the view of impressive mountains with the classical lifestyle of the locals.

You have a chance to experience the ancient lifestyle and the culture of the Gurungs, whose bravery is admired in every episode of history. The overall journey is relatively short, but the time spent around Sikles is worth everything.

5. Royal Trek

Highlights:

• View of glittering water in Begnas lake.
• Eloquently built hillside terraces.
• Less crowded.
• Splendid views of Annapurna massifs, including Macchapuchre and Langtang mo

Lowlights:

• To say, this trek has no lowlights except that this wonderful expedition is very short, and you will want to extend it for sure.

The royal trek is one of the shortest treks in the foothills of Annapurna that captures awe-inspiring surprises after every inch of the trail. Its name comes from the Prince Charles of Wales, who ventured on this journey along with his 90 entourages during the 1980s.

This trail takes you to the quaint Gurung settlements along with the Rhododendron and Oak forests, which are usually colorful during spring. This trek is a good way to start for beginners because it is less demanding and is within relatively low altitudes.

6. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Highlights:

• Newly opened trekking trail (officially in 2012).
• Diverse flora and fauna with a beautiful forest walk.
• Colorful Rhododendron woodland.
• Views of amazing Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mardi Himal, and Hiuchuli.

Lowlights:

• Narrow daunting trail, which is difficult to make through.
• Little teahouses, so don’t expect fancy accommodation.

Mardi Himal Trek is a recently opened trek, which can be an ideal choice for those trekkers who have already ventured to other regions of Nepal. The overall trek is very much exhausting, with frequent ups and downs.

The trail is mostly along the ridges, which are extremely narrow and rocky, increasing the risk of falling. So, it is recommended for experienced trekkers who want to try something new and different. So to speak, this trek takes you to the hidden treasure of the Himalayas.

7. Khopra Danda Trek via Mohare Danda

Highlights:

• The greenish blue water of Khayer lake.
• Sunrise view from the hilltop of Mohare Danda.
• Peaceful forest walks along the gushing river of Trishuli and Kaligandaki river.
• Less crowded by trekkers.

Lowlights:

• Relatively few teahouses and hotels.

Khopra Danda Trek via Mohare Danda is one of the least explored regions in the Annapurnas with rewarding views of splendid mountains and highland meadows. The best part of this trek is that very few know about this trek; so, you may expect virtually no traffic.

The trails are not very much demanding; so, they may be suitable for families who are seeking space and tranquility. Also, if you are with your partner, then this must be the perfect destination to spend quality time under the shade of the brilliant Himalayas.

8. Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Highlights:

• Kaligandaki Gorge-Deepest gorge in the world.
• Holiest Muktinath Temple underpinned with historical beliefs.
• The colorful monastery at Ranipauwa.
• Insight into a lifestyle of indigenous Hyolmo people.

Lowlights:

• Dusty trail, because of pacing winds.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek has been one of the top choices of the trekkers, especially from India, who like to enjoy the vivid scenery alongside being blessed by the holiest Muktinath Temple, whose enigmatic existence adds another dimension to its beauty.

Along the trail, snowy giants peek at you. This region is mostly inhabited by Tamangs, while Jomsom is saturated by the Hyolmo people, who are said to have Tibetan origin. This trek is one of the best places to witness the Tibetan Buddhism culture.

9. Dhampus village Trek

Highlights:

• The traditional village of Dhampus, mostly populated by Gurungs.
• Sunrise and Sunset glimpse over the lush valleys.
• Amazing views of snow-clad pinnacles including Annapurna massif.

Lowlights:

• Mostly crowded by trekkers.

Dhampus village trek, although short, is an amazing expedition you have ever been to in your life. This trek takes you to the traditional villages perched under the cool clouds parallel to the snow-clad ranges.

This region is famous for its sunrise and sunset views. Even though this place is an eye for tourists, the sublime culture and hospitality in this region are still unspoiled. People have still adhered to the traditional beliefs and lifestyles that their ancestors have handed them to continue for ages. This is one of the MUST GO sites.

10. Nar-Phu Valley Trek

Highlights:

• Isolated valleys of Nar and Phu.
• Brilliant waterfalls around the lush jungles.
• Trails carved into rocky walls, which is only possible to pass by foot.
• Ancient forts and fortresses.
• Blue sheep and herds of Yaks.

Lowlights:

• Difficult to reach.
• Less exposed to modern amenities like the internet.

Nar-Phu valley is also nick-named as the hidden valleys, which remained unexplored for ages until 2002 when it was opened for outsiders to visit and relish in the ancient culture.

It is two valleys-Nar and Phu-both of which are scarcely populated but epitomize the beauty of the medieval period. Women stitch their blankets on their own from the wools of Yak and enjoy their culture very much. They are happy to be where they are. This is somewhere you would want to be at least once in your lifetime.