I would suggest the Annapurna trekking region has more trekking options than any other region in Nepal. It hosts two renowned world-class treks: the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp treks. The former is in excess of 10 days.

All of the shorter treks are in the southern area and can be anywhere between 2-3 days upwards, depending on your wishes. See some options further down.

This is no minnow of an area. It hosts 1 x 8091m peak (Annapurna 1, the 10th highest in the world), 13 x 7000m peaks, and 16 x 6000m peaks as well as the world’s deepest river gorge (Kali Gandaki), so any notion you’ll miss out on some spectacular mountain scenery should immediately be dismissed!

Click image to enlarge

Many people think all Nepal treks are extreme, high altitude, too severe, and beyond them. It is not true. The Annapurna trekking region, particularly the lower region, suits a whole range of abilities. The trekking needs to be done of course but it’s certainly not extreme.

If you want a direct comparison, try our Everest Base Camp vs Annapurna Base Camp article. As an overall trekking experience (and one of Nepal in general), I would favour Annapurna over Everest and I know both areas pretty well.

Am I fit Enough? – My simple rule of thumb is this … If you go for a long walk (say 6 hrs in total including natural rest stops) in one of the UK’s National Parks (eg, Peak or Lake Districts), over undulating terrain carrying a daysack weighing around 6kg and you can get up next day and do it all over again, I would suggest you are more than capable of completing treks in the Annapurna area. Sometimes it is more about perception than capability.

Below are some trekking route options, based on time alone. Routes are adjustable and therefore so is the time spent on trek.

This great area can host a varied set of treks ranging 3 – 6, or even 7 days. A loop is preferable for most, and that will include Poon Hill (3210m), which is a fantastic photographic hotspot for sunrises. Trekking-wise, Poon Hill is as high as it gets around this area. An excellent area for first-time trekkers, families, and short treks but even for more experienced trekkers, don’t underestimate its beauty and welcoming mountain hamlets.

Annapurna Sunrise webpage

This trek is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. The shortest and simplest itinerary takes just 6 days with 5 of those days trekking up and back down the gully that leads to/from the Annapurna Base Camp. That up-and-down route can’t be avoided or changed but you can adjust the route beyond that (from Chhomrong).

The trek up to the Annapurna Base Camp can be physically demanding in places but like any ascent, taken at your own pace, it’s manageable. The base camp itself is a glorious amphitheater of towering snow-capped peaks. At 4130m, it’s possible the altitude may cause some discomfort but any serious cases are easily remedied by descending to a slightly lower altitude.

Annapurna Base Camp webpage.

It’s fair to say that there have been significant changes along the trekking routes over the past decade. Dirt tracks (capable of carrying 4×4’s and small buses) have been built to aid development and supply to local villages, at the expense of the original trekking trails. But new trails, away from the dirt tracks have also been developed to reinstate the status quo.

The original Annapurna Circuit has been the main victim, with just a few days of the original route (over the Thorong La Pass) left.

Tracks have also creeped into the lower region. Ghandruk is reachable, so too beyond Landruk, and Ghorepani is not far behind.

All that said, there are more than enough routes to satisfy the purists that like to trek along remote, mountain trails without a sniff of a vehicle.

What can I say about the Annapurna Circuit. A historical classic. In its original form, some 15 – 20 years ago, it was a fantastic 3-week experience. Inexperienced trekkers could immerse themselves into the Circuit, sleeping in tea houses along the way, carrying very little. It was a carefree, unhurried and beautiful way to spend time. Perhaps surprisingly, nearly all of the route is under 3500m in altitude. Only the 3-day hop, skip and jump over the Thorung La Pass is higher but given that Pass is at 5416m, it was some ‘skip’! It is an element of the Circuit that is grossly underestimated by many, as the 2014 freak storm sadly demonstrated. At least 21 people died due to that storm.

The most common starting point is now Jagat, but you can progress as far as you like on the 4×4 dirt track toward Manang. The only word of warning is acclimatisation. It is wise to approach Manang for a number of days on foot to allow acclimatisation to take place.

Annapurna Circuit webpage

Other examples of how you can tailor-make your trek to suit your time, challenge, and enjoyment:

• Fly into Jomson, explore Muktinath and Kagbeni, and then trek south along the Kali Gandaki
• Shorten the ABC trek by 3-4 days, by exiting through Ghandruk (missing Poon Hill)
• Do the Annapurna Mini Circuit, 4×4 jeep from Jomson – Tatopani, and then trek up to Ghorepani, see Poon Hill. Creates a longer trek
• Create a clockwise circuit from Ghandruk – Poon Hill, back through Chomrung, out through Landruk
• Trek for 4-5 days in the lower region, go back to Pokhara for 2-3 nights, fly to Jomson, spend 2 – 3 days exploring that area, fly back to Pokhara.

Let us help you create your own bespoke itinerary, call Terry: 07725 943108, or email us directly.