Annapurna Region is among most sought trekking destination in the world that is eminently accessible. The Annapurna range Himalayas although not the tallest form the central core of the great Himalayan arc, and the trails around it and in its southern foothills are among the world’s most popular trekking routes. Trekking in the Annapurna region takes you to the very heart of the Himalayas, to where the mountain is at is grandest. Snowy peaks of Annapurna range shimmer in the azure sky above spectacularly terraced fields, forests of giant rhododendrons, and centuries old monasteries and villages.

Before you start, prepare for the visual feast that you will be offered on the coming days in the area conserved by Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).  Imagination gets defied at Pokhara, of course; the Annapurna panorama from beside the lake there, rising amidst a seemingly tropical landscape, is simply too stunning to believe. The snow capped summit become even more spectacular, of course, as you close in on them in the trek, but it is not just the soaring peaks that are striking. The lower slopes, green in the south, rugged and brown in the rain-shadow Manang and Mustang regions, are amazing in their diverse beauty.

Around villages, the terraced fields, multilayered mosaics of green and yellow patches cut in often steep hillsides, charm every visitor. Away from villages, the slopes are often forested, dark and deep, as trails thread through spacious gorges. Waterfalls cascade down the hillsides, the roaring river snakes far below. The higher mountains’ pine and fir replace tropical vegetation but bamboo thickets continue to sprout. Lichens and mosses plaster trunks or hang in wispy straggles from branches. Soon rhododendron trees appear; in spring and summer their flowers set the forest ablaze. Higher up, above 3500m birches and juniper take over, before finally giving way to alpine scrub. In the rain-shadow belt, the mountains are bare and brown, and craggy cliffs with jagged edges and wrinkled sides are revealed.  Akin to the vegetation variety with the altitude the lower village settlement is replaced by the Tibetan style stone-build flat–roofed village houses blend with harsh terrain. It is a landsape that is entirely Tibetan, and so indeed is the culture here. Woman dress in the fashion of Tibet, lamas pray in gompas, yaks graze in high pastures. In the lower hills the settlement is occupied by the Bhramin, Chhettris, Gurungs, Magars, Thakali  and there are no yaks; donkeys serve as pack animals, and on trails you often have to stand aside for the caravans as they rush past driven by whistling muleteers.

Trekking Annapurna Region is indeed an amazing amalgam of Himalayan sights, varied landscape, rhododendron and apple orchids, ancient pilgrimage sites and variety of culture of variety of ethnic groups. Experience this extraordinary Himalayan beauty on a delightful lodge based trek under the gaze of mighty Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. As you hike from one village to another in the company of our experienced guides, you enjoy exploring one of the most culturally rich and scenic regions of the Himalayas. Best season for trekking in Annapurna is as in most Himalayan regions, spring (March to May) and autumn (October to December). However, we can also organize the trek in winter, summer and monsoon months too if you do not have other time available.

First time trekkers are confused for the choices for Trekking in Annapurna Region: there are so many route options and variations. Essentially, the different trail is grouped under three basic heads: the Annapurna Circuit, the Annapurna Sanctuary, and the Annapurna short treks. Annapurna Circuit Trek is a long route talking you from an altitude of 800m to the altitude of 5416 m (Thorung La pass) giving you full high altitude trekking experience. Trekking in the partial circuit of Annnapurna is also possible; the trail is popular as Mini Annauprna Trek. Annapurna Sanctuary starts starting from beautiful city of Pokhara takes you to a natural amphitheatre where you will be surrounded by eight peaks over 7000m and many other sister peaks at Annapurna Base camp (4130 m). Short treks are easy treks suitable for those who panic to trek in high altitude or have no time for longer treks in Annapurna. We run socially and environmentally responsible treks in Annapurna region with professionally designed programs (please see the links) to appeal all levels of walking experience to ensure a memorable holiday for you.

Nepal Trekking - Annapurna