The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) at 7,629 sq km is Nepal's largest protected area and most visited trekking destination, drawing more than 60 percent of the country's total trekkers. The reasons are compelling: routes start directly from Pokhara with no domestic flight required, the teahouse infrastructure is among the best in Nepal, and the geographic and cultural variety exceeds any comparable Himalayan region. The area contains genuine superlatives: the world's largest rhododendron forest in Ghorepani, Tilicho Lake (4,919m) - the world's highest altitude freshwater lake - in the Manang valley, and the Kali Gandaki River Gorge - at 6,000m from river to ridge, the deepest gorge on earth.
The Annapurna massif contains Annapurna I (8,091m) - the world's tenth highest peak and the first 8,000m summit ever climbed (French expedition, 1950). The surrounding region is home to over 100,000 residents from diverse ethnic groups: Gurung and Magar in the southern foothills, Thakali traders in the Kali Gandaki valley, and Manange and Loba communities of Tibetan heritage in the high northern reaches. The Annapurna Conservation Area protects 1,226 plant species, 102 mammals, 474 bird species, 39 reptiles and 22 amphibians across its extraordinary altitudinal range from 790m to 8,091m.
Trek lengths range from 4 days (Royal Trek) to 5-7 days (Poon Hill) to 14 days (Annapurna Base Camp) to 20+ days (full Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake). All treks can be combined with a stay in Pokhara, a Chitwan wildlife safari, or Kathmandu Valley heritage sightseeing as part of a complete Nepal itinerary. See our Nepal tour ideas page for combinations. For the Manaslu region - the Annapurna's less-visited western neighbor - see our Manaslu region trekking guide.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (5-7 days, max 3,210m) is ideal for first-timers. Daily walking of 4-6 hours on well-maintained trails with excellent teahouse accommodation throughout. The Pokhara Royal Trek (4-5 days) is even gentler. Both offer outstanding Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views.
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, NPR 3,000) and TIMS Card (NPR 2,000). Upper Mustang requires a restricted area permit (USD 500 for 10 days). We arrange all permits included in our trek packages.
The ABC Trek (14 days) takes you to the glacial sanctuary at 4,130m, surrounded by peaks on all sides. The Annapurna Circuit (16+ days) circumnavigates the entire massif over Thorong La Pass (5,416m) - a greater journey through diverse landscapes and cultures. Both are outstanding; ABC for the sanctuary drama, Circuit for the complete Himalayan journey.
October to November (peak, clearest skies). March to May (rhododendron blooms, especially spectacular on the Poon Hill trail and Mardi Himal route). December to February (cold but clear). Monsoon (June to September) not recommended except for Upper Mustang which is in the rain shadow and stays dry year-round.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
TripAdvisor