Trekking · Nepal
Annapurna Region Treks
From the classic Annapurna Circuit to short Poon Hill and quiet Mardi Himal, the region's best treks ranked.
The Annapurna region is Nepal's most popular trekking area, and for good reason: it packs subtropical valleys, rhododendron forests, high passes and a wall of 7,000- and 8,000-metre peaks into routes that range from a long weekend to a fortnight. Almost everything starts from Pokhara, the lakeside city that is the gateway to the hills.
The short answer
If you have a week, the Annapurna Base Camp trek delivers the most scenery for the time. If you have two weeks and want variety plus a high pass, choose the Annapurna Circuit. For a short, gentle introduction, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is unbeatable. For quieter ridgelines, look at Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda.
The region in brief
The whole area lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area, so every trek needs the ACAP permit (around USD 25). Most routes are well served by teahouses, so you walk with a daypack and sleep and eat in village lodges. Because trails climb high — the Circuit crosses Thorong La at about 5,416 metres and Tilicho Lake sits near 4,919 metres — understanding altitude sickness and pacing your ascent matters.
The treks ranked
- Annapurna Circuit — the classic 12–16 day loop from subtropical foothills to high desert, crossing Thorong La to Muktinath. Best for fit trekkers wanting variety.
- Annapurna Base Camp — about a week into a glacial sanctuary ringed by peaks. Best all-round scenery in limited time.
- Ghorepani Poon Hill — a 4–5 day sunrise classic through rhododendron forest. Best for beginners and families.
- Mardi Himal — a quieter 5–7 day ridge walk under Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Best for those wanting close peaks without crowds.
- Tilicho Lake — a demanding side trip on the Circuit to one of the world's highest lakes (4,919 m). Best as an add-on for strong trekkers.
- Khopra Danda — an off-the-beaten-path 7 day community-lodge trek to Khopra Ridge. Best for solitude near Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.
Who each trek suits
First-timers should start with Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. Experienced trekkers chasing a big objective will love the Circuit, ideally extended with Tilicho Lake. Anyone craving solitude should pick Mardi Himal or Khopra Danda. Before you go, read our Nepal trekking guide for kit, acclimatisation and teahouse etiquette, and build in a rest day in Pokhara at either end of your trip.
Our top picks
Frequently asked questions
What is the best trek in the Annapurna region?+
It depends on your time and fitness. The Annapurna Base Camp trek wins for scenery in about a week, the Annapurna Circuit for variety and the Thorong La pass, and Poon Hill for a short, beginner-friendly sunrise. For something quieter, Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda are excellent.
Do I need an ACAP permit for Annapurna treks?+
Yes. Every trek in the region sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, currently around USD 25 (NPR 3,000) for foreign trekkers. It is easy to buy in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start.
What is the difference between the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp?+
The Circuit is a long, two-week loop that crosses the high Thorong La pass and circles the whole massif through varied landscapes. Annapurna Base Camp is a shorter there-and-back walk into a glacial amphitheatre. The Circuit is harder and more varied; Base Camp is shorter and more scenic per day.
Which is the easiest Annapurna trek?+
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the easiest, at four to five days with comfortable teahouses and a top point of about 3,210 metres, so altitude is rarely a problem. It is the classic choice for first-time trekkers and families.
