The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to some of the best trekking destinations in the world. Annapurna Base Camp, Tilicho Lake, the sacred Muktinath Temple, Poon Hill, Ghandruk, and many more iconic landmarks await your exploration!

The region offers glimpses of some of the tallest and most breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, and Himlung Himal.

Moreover, you’ll be trekking through rich forests filled with sal, bamboo, oak, birch, and pine trees. In fact, the blooming rhododendrons, primulas, saxifrages, and other native flower species are guaranteed to melt your heart!

And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the rarest wildlife found in Nepal. These include the elusive snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, various species of deer, and high-altitude birds like the Himalayan monal, pheasants, eagles, and more.

Most treks in the Annapurna region pass through the stunning Kali Gandaki River and its deep gorges. And let’s not forget that you’ll encounter countless temples and, more notably, ancient Buddhist monasteries that are rich in heritage and spirituality.

You’ll also get to witness the best of Himalayan lifestyle, meeting and socializing with the local Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and other indigenous communities. We promise that choosing Altitude Himalaya as your trekking partner for any part of the Annapurna trek will shower you only with the best possible experiences.

Facts About Annapurna Conservation Area

Top Treks to Do in the Annapurna Region

When it comes to Annapurna, everybody’s first thought is Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). However, there are numerous treks that can be done within the conservation area. In fact, some even offer better views and more surreal experiences than the iconic ABC.

After careful analysis and suggestions from our previous guests, here we have listed the best treks in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Our individual packages offer every one of these adventures:

• Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m): A shorter and easily accessible high-altitude trek featuring lush rhododendron forests, natural hot springs, and the Annapurna Massif towering right in front of you.
• Tilicho Lake (4.919m): One of the highest lakes in the world, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks. It can be reached by passing through off-the-beaten trails in the Himalayas.
• Annapurna Circuit: Circle around the Annapurna Massif, covering highlights like Pisang, Manang, and Tilicho Lake, heading toward the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416m), then reaching the Muktinath Temple, and finally arriving at Jomsom.
• Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m): Another short trek that passes through Australian Base Camp, with the highlight being a mesmerizing sunrise experience over the Himalayas.
• Ghorepani-Poon Hill (3,210m): A beginner-friendly trek that offers breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. There’s also an option to extend this trek to Mohare Hill and Kokhe Danda.
• Upper Mustang: Known as the ‘Last Forbidden Kingdom’, this trek offers a deep dive into authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, with visits to stunning monasteries, chortens, and prayer walls.
• North ABC (4,190m): This is the original Maurice Herzog trail used by expeditioners to summit Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m). Also known as Annapurna First Base Camp, it has gained immense popularity in recent years. Highlights include Phutphute Waterfall, Sky Caves, and Panchakunda Lake.
• Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,748m): An off-the-beaten-path trekking adventure that’s less crowded and takes you through the French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,200m).
• Dhaulagiri Circuit: Circle around the seventh-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m). This trek is slightly longer than the base camp trek and ends at Jomsom as the final point.
• Other treks: Khopra Danda, Muldai Hill, Three Passes with Manaslu included, Specialized Yoga Treks in the Annapurna CA, and other customized trips based on your preferences!

Permits and Entry Costs

To enter the Annapurna region, there are two mandatory permits required for all international trekkers. The price per person, however, varies based on your nationality. Meaning, SAARC nationals enjoy a discounted rate!

You don’t have to stress about getting the trekking permits yourself if you connect with Altitude Himalaya. We promise to handle everything related to them and even assign you professional guide(s).

People and Culture of the Annapurna Region

The dominant ethnic groups in the Annapurna region are the Gurung and Magar communities. But besides them, the Thakali and Loba people also live in the region.

You’re mostly going to see Tibetan Buddhist culture here. But since this is Nepal, Hindu cultures and customs are also reflected in almost every place you visit. The Annapurna region essentially serves as a great example of how beautifully Buddhism and Hinduism coexist.

The major Himalayan festivals celebrated here include the Tiji Festival (in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang), Lhosar (New Year in the Tibetan community), and Buddha Jayanti (the birthday of Gautam Buddha). Other major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar are also widely celebrated.

Expect to see local village-style homes made of mud and wood and topped with sloped roofs. What’s even more interesting is that you’ll actually stay in these homes during your treks, commonly referred to as mountain lodges or teahouses.

The main livelihood of the locals here is agriculture. You’ll get to witness traditional farming methods used to grow millet, maize, rice, buckwheat, barley, potatoes, beans, and local peas. In fact, Nepalese food, like Dal Bhat with Tarkari and Achar that you enjoy during your treks, will be made from these local agricultural masterpieces.

Best Time to Do Treks in Annapurna Region

Treks in the Annapurna region are best during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to early December) seasons. These times offer the clearest views of the surrounding landscape, especially the majestic mountain panoramas.

However, it’s essential to understand that choosing the appropriate time, rather than just relying on the right season, is much more important when choosing the best time to visit Nepal. This holds especially true for the spring season, which can come with unpredictable weather.

Besides the mountain scenery, you’ll be treated to blooming flowers, especially vibrant rhododendrons during spring. However, do note that these are also the busiest seasons, so contacting us in advance will keep you well-informed and better prepared.

The least favorable seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region include monsoon (June to August) and winter (mid-December to February). During these times, the region becomes extremely cold, and heavy snowfall can affect the trails and accessibility to major landmarks.

Now that you’ve learned everything about the Annapurna region and why to choose Altitude Himalaya as your trekking partner, you can proceed to scroll through the different packages we offer. Carefully check the descriptions to find which trek suits your preferences. And even if you wish to customize your treks, know that we’re just a call or text away!