Trekking in Annapurna region of Nepal is always a delight. Nepal certainly does not lack in trekking destinations. All of the destinations in Nepal are quite idiosyncratic with their own features. The trekking destinations of Nepal are ornamented with amazing hallmarks that pertain to both natural and cultural beauties. Moreover, the Himalayan beauty of the country is also unprecedented. As a matter of fact, Nepal is the largest sovereign Himalayan state in the south-east of Asia. There are many destinations and places that offer amazing trekking experiences for travelers all over the world. People visit Nepal from far and wide to undergo trekking and tours. Among the famous trekking destinations that Nepal possesses, trekking in Annapurna region is most certainly right on top. Unlike the Everest region, or other regions like Mustang or the Langtang, Annapurna is relatively easier when compared. The region’s close proximity to Kathmandu and it’s fairly even trails make trekking in Annapurna region a preferred destination for many. It is estimated that about two-thirds of trekkers who visit Nepal tend to choose trekking in Annapurna region. Furthermore, the region is riddled with plenty of guesthouses and lodges for visitors, has a beautiful cultural richness and an amazing Himalayan backdrop. With famous places like Pokhara, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Poon Hill and many others, the region is a wonderful cornucopia of natural beauty and Himalayan sceneries. There are many trekking routes and journeys that can be done in the Annapurna region. They vary in length and have different highlights and include various features and differ in trip gradings. Trekking in Annapurna region certainly presents a wide range of choices to its travelers. The best time for trekking in Annapurna region would be the spring months of March to May or the autumn months of September to December. Moreover, shorter trekking journeys can also be done during the winter months of early January as well. Here are some of the best trekking journeys in the Annapurna region of Nepal-
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The Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is perhaps one of the most sought-after trekking journeys in the region. Trekking in Annapurna region is always a matter of amazing Himalayan beauties and prominent Mountain peaks. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek combines all of the best features of the region and presents to you a journey that surely sticks out in the mind for years afterwards. It starts with a transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then hiking through ethnic Magar and Gurung village like Tikhe Dhunga, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Dovan and Deurali among others. In terms of trip-grading, it can be a bit of a challenge as the terrain is rocky and mountainous and has many uphill-and-downhill hiking, but with a bit of preparation for the trip beforehand, it can be done without any problems. The Himalayan views of the Annapurna massif along with Mount Dhaulagiri, the Machhapuchhre and many others also line the backdrop of the river valleys and rolling green hills. It is also often considered the most beautiful trekking journey in Nepal. Furthermore, the trekking route also includes the Jhinu Danda Hot Spring as well, where you can have a bit of a respite after a long hour of hike.
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The Annapurna Panorama Trek
Trekking in Annapurna region isn’t always about reaching higher elevations; sometimes, even moderate elevation can prove to be the best destination for short treks and hikes. The Annapurna Panorama Trek is just that! It can be done during the winter months as well and as the name itself suggests, the panoramic views of the Annapurna massif graces the journey at all times. It includes ethnic villages like Tikhe Dhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk along with the lake-side city of Pokhara and an amazing Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour. Moreover, the vantage point of Poon Hill is also a major highlight of the trip. Consequently, Poon Hill is famous for its panoramic view of the entire Mount Annapurna massif. It is a 10-days trip that includes favored highlights of the region in a much nuanced manner.
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The Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a famed trekking journey that is done by travelers from all over the world. It includes circumbulating through the region and includes prominent mountain passes like the Thorung Phedi (the Thorung La Mountain Pass) and the revered holy temple of Muktinath. With amazing villages and destinations like Chame, Manang and Pisang among many other villages that lie under the foothills of the mountains and at tucked crevasses, it is a journey that is rich in cultural aspects of the region. Sight of winding terrace-farms and Mani stone walls are quite common while doing the trek and the chortens and small gumbas decorated with colorful prayer flags also line the circuit’s trail at regular intervals. It is a challenging trek that is best done during the spring and autumn months as the mountain passes can get blocked by heavy snow during the winters.
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The Khopra Ridge Trek
Trekking in Annapurna region is filled with many culturally rich villages and vantage points from where the views are undeniably breath-taking. Among those is the Khopra Ridge Trek. With highlights like the beautiful sapphire Himalayan lake of the Kaire and the Kali-Gandaki Gorge- the world’s deepest gorge, the Khopra Ridge Trek is mostly suited for people who want an off-the-beaten-paths trekking journey. It follows the standard regular route of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek until Tadapani, from where it veers off towards the village of Beyarka Kharka and goes through far-flung villages like Upper Chistibung and the Swanta Village. Views of the Fang Mountain, the Nilgiri Peak and the Annapurna massif along with Machhapuchhre and the Dhaulagiri along the journey to Khopra Ridge are truly spectacular! It is a moderate level trek that is suitable to be done by people of all experiences and demographics.
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The Mardi Himal Trek
As mentioned, trekking in Annapurna region is filled with far-off ethnic villages that lie hidden within the natural landscapes of emerald hills and snowy giant Himalayas. The Mardi Himal Trek is another amazing off-the-beaten-paths trekking journey that really accentuates the hidden treasures of the Annapurna. With trails that go through the villages like Pothana, the Forest Camp, Lumre and the Siding village, the Mardi Himal Trek is a journey that highlights the celestial terrain of Annapurna’s backlit surrounding. A moderate trip, the Mardi Himal lets you explore the beautiful unsullied environments of the region and presents to you amazing sights of the cerulean Himalayas. Aside from the above-listed treks, there are many more trekking journeys that can be done in the Annapurna region. Treks like Short Annapurna Trek can also be done for travelers who have a short amount of time to spend here.
