Experience the spectacular landscapes of Nepal’s Annapurna region, where towering Himalayan peaks, terraced valleys, and turquoise rivers create a dramatic backdrop for unforgettable treks. Highlights include the classic Annapurna Circuit, the sanctuary of Annapurna South, and lesser-known routes through the Machhapuchhre region, Lamjung foothills, northeast Pokhara, and the restricted areas of Mustang, Damodar, and Nar-Phu. Discover traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and a wealth of cultural and natural treasures along trails that traverse altitudes from 1,000m to over 5,400m.

This comprehensive guidebook presents 14 treks graded from easy-moderate to moderate-strenuous, including four major Annapurna routes and ten additional walks suitable for experienced trekkers. Routes range from 4 to 23 days and offer opportunities to explore high Himalayan passes, lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and remote settlements far from the well-trodden tourist paths.

• Four classic treks including the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary, offering iconic Himalayan scenery and high-altitude challenges for experienced trekkers.
• Ten additional treks covering the Machhapuchhre region, Lamjung foothills, Parbat Myagdi, northeast Pokhara, and the restricted regions of Mustang, Damodar, and Nar-Phu.
• Step-by-step route descriptions accompanied by clear sketch mapping, elevation profiles, and distance statistics to support planning and navigation.
• Guidance on organised and independent trekking, including accommodation options such as lodges, homestays, and campsites throughout Nepal's Annapurna region.
• Practical advice on preparation, kit, health, and safety, including acclimatisation, altitude awareness, and seasonal considerations for trekking in the Himalayas.
• Insight into Nepalese culture, history, plants, and wildlife, with context for monasteries, local festivals, and regional customs along the routes, plus seasonal guidance, highlighting optimal trekking windows for snow-free high passes, rhododendron bloom, and clear mountain views.

Plan your Annapurna trekking adventure with confidence using this definitive guidebook, and explore the dramatic peaks, remote valleys, and vibrant cultural landscapes of one of the world’s most celebrated Himalayan regions.

Trekking Annapurna - Quick Facts

Trail name: Annapurna Region Treks
Location: Nepal, Himalayas
Designation: High-altitude trekking routes
Distance: 4–23 days per trek; major treks 100–230 km approx
Typical duration: 4–23 days depending on route
Start/End points: Various; Annapurna Circuit (Besisahar–Nayapul), Annapurna Sanctuary (Pokhara–Muktinath), Mustang and Nar-Phu access via Jomsom or Lo Manthang
Route format: Linear long-distance treks with optional high passes and loops
Stages: Day-by-day stages included for all 14 treks
Navigation: Clear route descriptions with sketch maps, elevation profiles, and GPX files
Terrain: Mountain trails, high passes, glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and remote village paths
Difficulty: Easy-moderate to moderate-strenuous; high-altitude trekking requires acclimatisation and fitness
Best season: Spring (Mar–May) for wildflowers, autumn (Sep–Nov) for clear views and stable weather
Accommodation: Lodges, homestays, and campsites along all main trekking routes

Author Highlight

“Any journey in and around these mountains is a joy, with experiences to treasure for a lifetime. Routes lead around tranquil lakes, through rich farming country, forests of bamboo and rhododendron, cool rainforest, silent alpine glades and rugged, high mountain desert. In the villages, excitable children rush to practise their English. Elsewhere a Hindu god may catch your gaze, or you may hear the chanting of monks in a monastery clinging to a strangely eroded cliff. The Annapurnas may dominate the landscape, but the people and the culture will surprise and delight in equal measure.”

- Siân Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons, authors of Trekking Annapurna

Seasons

Autumn (October-November-December) best season for clear views and dry weather Spring (March-April-May) for flowers and variable clear spells Summer monsoon (June-July-August) OK for Mustang in the Himalayan rain shadow Winter (January-February) cold but often clear, maybe snowing

Centres

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Besi Sahar, Chame, Nar & Phu, Manang, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, Tetang, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Birethanti, Nayapul

Difficulty

Every grade of trek is available in the Annapurna region, from the most challenging that cross high passes in excess of 5000m, to undulating ridge walks around Phewa Tal lake. Trails vary from narrow and exposed to wide and easy; temperatures from -20 to +35 deg C.

Must See

Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Sanctuary, Thorong La, Tilicho Lake, Nar Phu, Mustang, Lo Manthang, Kali Gandaki gorge, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail mountain), Jomsom, Pokhara, Phewa Tal, Kathmandu, Durbar Squares, trekking, homestay

June 2022

2022 reprint route updates

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