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Trip Overview
Located right in the middle of the Nepalese Himalayas, the Annapurna region boasts some of Nepal’s most popular trekking routes. The Annapurna Conservation Area is the country’s largest protected natural territory, offering shorter treks suitable for families and inexperienced hikers, as well as challenging and rewarding routes for the seasoned explorer.
When choosing lower-lying trekking routes, you can spend a few days traversing through quaint villages inhabited by hill peoples such as Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Thakalis and Chepangs. On a clear day you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including the rocky Annapurna II (7937m), the snowy Annapurna III (7555m) and Machapuchare (6993m), AKA Fishtail.
Meanwhile, if you opt for a longer trip, you can spend weeks meandering from agricultural areas at lower altitudes, all the way up to alpine pastures, rocky plateaus and snowy peaks. In the mornings you can watch the sunrise light up towering mountain peaks, and enjoy your morning tea with the sound of yak bells tinkling in the distance.
The Annapurna region may not be home to the highest mountains in this part of the world, but it is more easily accessible than the Everest region. Nepal’s second most populous city, Pokhara (and arguably the one with the most natural beauty) is known as the Gateway to the Annapurnas. Many trekkers spend some time here before or after a trek.
