Annapurna Region Trekking Guide
- 10 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Explore the classic teahouse trails of the Annapurna massif, from lush subtropical foothills to high alpine passes.
At a glance
Trip overview
The Annapurna region remains one of the premier trekking destinations in the Himalaya. Our team leads walks through this diverse mountain sanctuary, taking in terraced hillsides, dense bamboo forests, and arid high-altitude landscapes in the shadow of peaks such as Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre.
Treks in this region suit hikers who have some experience with multi-day alpine walking and are prepared for changing weather conditions. Teahouses along the routes provide basic accommodation and meals, allowing us to travel with lighter packs while supporting local communities.
We navigate routes ranging from the classic Annapurna Circuit to shorter itineraries like Ghorepani Poon Hill. Our lead guides, born and raised in these valleys, manage acclimatisation schedules carefully to ensure safe passage across high terrain.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Massif Views
Witness dawn light striking the snowy spires of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
Diverse Flora
Walk through subtropical bamboo clumps, cloud forests, and alpine glades.
Local Culture
Pass through traditional Gurung and Thakali villages along the trail.
Classic Routes
Traverse well-established teahouse paths forged by generations of mountain travelers.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in the city. We review your gear and complete trek briefings in the afternoon.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the Kathmandu valley early, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers west towards Pokhara. The drive takes us past terraced foothills and roadside settlements.
Day 3
Pokhara to Trek Starting Point
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Pokhara to Trek Starting Point
Meals: B / L / D
A morning vehicle transfer brings us to the trailhead where we meet our porters and begin walking on stone staircases through cultivated fields.
Day 4
Ascent through Forest and Villages
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Ascent through Forest and Villages
Meals: B / L / D
The trail climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forests, crossing suspension bridges over glacial streams as we gain elevation.
Day 5
Acclimatisation and Ridge Walking
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Acclimatisation and Ridge Walking
Meals: B / L / D
We undertake a shorter walking day to allow our bodies to adjust to the increasing altitude, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the valley.
Day 6
Approach to Alpine Terrain
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Approach to Alpine Terrain
Meals: B / L / D
Vegetation thins as we climb higher into sub-alpine zones, passing through stone-built settlements and winter pastures used by local herders.
Day 7
High Camp or Base Area
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
High Camp or Base Area
Meals: B / L / D
We reach the upper basin surrounded by towering rock walls and hanging glaciers, settling into a teahouse before a cold night at altitude.
Day 8
Descent via Lower Valleys
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Descent via Lower Valleys
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our steps down the valley, dropping rapidly through the tree line and enjoying warmer temperatures and thicker air.
Day 9
Return to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Return to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Our final stretch of walking brings us to the roadhead where a vehicle transports us back to the lakeside city of Pokhara for a well-earned rest.
Day 10
Travel Back to Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 10
Travel Back to Kathmandu
Meals: B
We drive or fly back to Kathmandu, concluding our trek with a final evening meal together in the capital.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- ACAP entry permit and TIMS card
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation on trek
- All meals during the trekking days
- Experienced lead guide and porter support
- Comprehensive medical kit and oximeter
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Routes in the Annapurna region often exceed 3,000 m and can reach over 5,400 m at passes like Thorong La. Our itineraries incorporate gradual ascent profiles and rest days to mitigate altitude sickness.
Best time to trek
Spring (March to May) brings blooming rhododendrons and stable daytime weather. Autumn (September to November) offers crisp air and clear skies following the monsoon rains.
Teahouse accommodation
Lodges along the trail offer twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. Dining rooms are heated by central stoves in the evenings, though bedrooms remain unheated.
Physical preparation
Treks involve daily walking of 5 to 7 hours with significant elevation gains and losses on stone steps. Cardiovascular training and hill walking with a daypack in the months prior are essential.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Well-broken-in boots with ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at higher camps.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable waterproof layer.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Four-season sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Comfort rated to -15°C for cold teahouse nights.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Essential for saving knees on steep stone staircases.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Useful for early morning starts and lodge corridors.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Aquatabs, chlorine dioxide, or a reliable microfilter.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Keep physical copies and digital backups.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitTracking card issued for safety and record-keeping on Nepal trails.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Yes, previous multi-day hiking experience is recommended due to the daily walking hours and sustained ascents on uneven stone steps.
How heavy is the pack I will carry?
You only carry a daypack with water, layers, and rain gear. Porters carry your main duffel bag, with a weight limit typically around 10 kg to 12 kg.
Are vegetarian meals available in teahouses?
Yes, dal bhat, noodle dishes, potato items, and vegetable soups are standard and easily prepared vegetarian options along the trails.
How do we handle drinking water on the trek?
Bottled water is available for purchase at lower elevations, but we recommend bringing purification tablets or a filter to treat local tap or stream water higher up.
What communications are available on the route?
Ncell and Nepal Telecom mobile networks cover many lower areas. Teahouses often sell wi-fi access vouchers, though connections can be unreliable.
What happens in case of a medical emergency?
Our guides carry oximeters and first aid kits. For serious injuries or altitude illness, we arrange emergency helicopter evacuation covered by your travel insurance.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 10 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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