ANNAPURNA REGION · NEPAL
Annapurna Trekking
One region, two of the greatest treks on earth. Walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary to the foot of Annapurna I, or loop the entire massif over the Thorong La pass. Rhododendron forest, Gurung and Thakali villages, high desert and sacred temples, all guided by our local team in Nepal.
THE REGION
Why Annapurna is Nepal's most loved trekking region.
Named after the Hindu goddess of the harvest, the Annapurna region rises north of the lakeside city of Pokhara and shelters some of the most varied trekking on the planet. Within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected region, the trails climb from subtropical rice terraces through rhododendron and oak forest into stark, Tibetan-influenced high desert, all beneath a wall of peaks that includes Annapurna I, the world’s tenth-highest mountain, and the unmistakable fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre.
For most visitors the region comes down to two classic routes. The Annapurna Base Camp trek walks you into the heart of the range; the Annapurna Circuit walks you around it. Both start near Pokhara, both pass through living Gurung, Magar and Thakali villages, and both are achievable for trekkers with reasonable fitness and a good guide. Below, a clear comparison to help you choose.
CHOOSE YOUR TREK
Two ways to experience Annapurna.
Into the heart of the range, or all the way around it. Here’s how they compare.
MODERATE · 7–11 DAYS
Annapurna Base Camp
Max 4,130 m · Sanctuary trek
The shorter, gentler classic. Trek via Ghorepani and the Poon Hill sunrise into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by giants, and stand at the foot of Annapurna I. Ideal for first-time trekkers and families.
• Max altitude 4,130 m
• Poon Hill sunrise & hot springs
• Best for first-timers and families
• Starts and ends near Pokhara
CHALLENGING · 10–16 DAYS
Annapurna Circuit
Thorong La 5,416 m · Full loop
The epic. A loop around the whole massif from subtropical valleys through Manang’s high desert, over the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres, down to the sacred temple of Muktinath. The bigger, more varied adventure.
• Crosses Thorong La, 5,416 m
• Huge landscape & culture variety
• Best for fit, experienced trekkers
• Ends at Muktinath / Jomsom
AT A GLANCE
Base Camp vs Circuit, side by side.
Base CampCircuit
Duration7–11 days10–16 days
Max altitude4,130 m5,416 m
DifficultyModerateChallenging
Highest pointAnnapurna Base CampThorong La pass
Best forFirst-timers, familiesFit, experienced trekkers
ScenerySanctuary amphitheatreWhole massif, huge variety
HighlightPoon Hill sunriseThorong La & Muktinath
Still deciding? Read our full Annapurna Circuit vs Base Camp comparison.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to trek Annapurna.
Autumn (October–November) brings the clearest skies and most stable weather, and is the most popular season. Spring (March–May) is also excellent, with rhododendron forests in full bloom below the treeline. The monsoon (June–August) brings rain, cloud and leeches at lower elevations, while winter is cold and can close the Thorong La pass with snow. For a month-by-month breakdown, see our guide to the best time to visit Nepal.
PERMITS & PRACTICALITIES
What you need to know.
Both treks require the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, which we arrange for you. A licensed guide is required in the region, and we provide experienced English-speaking guides and porters. Most UK and international visitors enter Nepal on a visa on arrival; see our Nepal visa guide for UK travellers for details.
The mountains are calling.
Tell us your dates, fitness and which trek draws you, and we’ll send a custom Annapurna itinerary within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure.