Region
The Annapurna region is a central Nepal trekking area around the 8,091 m Annapurna I massif, protected by the 7,629 km2 Annapurna Conservation Area and reached from the lake city of Pokhara. Treks here run from 4 to 16 days, cross altitudes from 1,070 m to the 5,416 m Thorong La, and require two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (NPR 3,000) and a TIMS card (NPR 2,000). Routes leave from road heads a short drive from Pokhara, which sits 200 km west of Kathmandu and a 25-minute flight or 6-hour drive away.
Our Annapurna guides have led a combined 90+ departures across these trails. The pages below cover the five routes we operate, from the 4-day Poon Hill loop to the full Annapurna Circuit, plus the ACAP and TIMS paperwork every one of them needs.
Routes
Moderate 7-11 days
4,130 m
From
USD 750 pp
Strenuous 12-16 days
5,416 m
From
USD 1,100 pp
Strenuous 15-17 days
5,416 m
From
USD 1,350 pp
Moderate 5-7 days
4,200 m
From
USD 550 pp
Easy 4-5 days
3,210 m
From
USD 350 pp
The Poon Hill trek takes 4 to 5 days, tops out at 3,210 m, and suits families and first-time trekkers who want Himalayan sunrises without altitude risk. Annapurna Base Camp climbs to a 4,130 m glacial amphitheatre over 7 to 11 days at moderate difficulty. Mardi Himal follows a quieter ridge to a 4,200 m viewpoint over 5 to 7 days. The Annapurna Circuit is the long one: 12 to 16 days, the 5,416 m Thorong La pass, and a full traverse from Manang to Mustang districts.
Every Annapurna route uses the same two-permit system and starts from a Pokhara road head, so the choice comes down to days available and comfort with altitude. Permit mechanics for all of them sit in the Nepal trekking permits master guide, and altitude planning for the Thorong La is in the altitude sickness prevention guide.
Planning
