2021 Best Hikes In Annapurna Nepal

The north-west part of Nepal, Annapurna Region is one of the most visited regions and is considered Heaven by many ongoing travellers & nature lovers. Ranging from sodden bamboo forests to windswept desert, this mostly isolated landscape is home to some of the oldest Buddhist communities & dramatic high mountains(including the 10th highest mountain).

The Famous city Pokhara is the gateway to Annapurna Region. Either take 6 to 7 hours bus ride or a 30 min flight for Kathmandu, Pokhara welcomes you with its beautiful lakes and towering mountains.

Hikes in the Annapurna region all start and end in Pokhara.

Talking about the climate, being a high altitude region Annapurna Region is very cold in winter with snowfall and low in temperature. Nothing much changes in summer, the days are cooler (warmer) in comparison to winter but night can get cold and chilly.

As mentioned earlier the Annapurna region is home to several world-class hikes & one of the most desired hiking destinations in the world. Let's start with two of the most popular and most visited hiking destinations of this region, Annapurna Circuit & Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna-Home To Some Of The  World-Class Hiking routes

Annapurna Circuit Hike

The Annapurna Circuit is considered among the world's best hikes. The hike around the Annapurna massif is all about the lifestyle of Nepalese village, extremely challenging but fascinatingly beautiful landscape and, above all, the pristine Himalayas. Annapurna hike takes you to four separate areas, Lamjung and Myagdi, from the lower elevations, while Manang and Mustang are from the higher elevations.

This trek of 100 miles passes from the deepest gorge in the world between two 8,000-plus meter peaks to the highland Thorung La Pass, 5416 meters high.

Popular Side Hikes In Annapurna

Tilicho Lake Hike

One of the most popular side hiking destinations of the Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres (16,138 ft) in Manang district. It is claimed to be one of the world's highest lakes, and it takes an additional 2-3 day hike from Manang.
 

Nar Phu Valley Hike

Opened to foreigners in 2002, Nar-Phu Valley has a total Tibetan character. Phugaon and Naar the two main villages of Naar-Phu are both located at over 4000-meter altitude. Listed as a restricted area hiking permit and travel guide are compulsory which are most likely to be arranged by your trekking/hiking agency. A short hike to Nar-Phu requires a total of 9 days, with two nights stay at Phugaon and Naar.

Jomsom-Muktinath Hike

Jomsom Muktinath Hike-Going north from Pokhara, Muktinath shows the magnificent diversity of Nepal at its peak. Jomsom, The stunning windy valley nestles in the rain shadows of Mt. Dhaulagiri, while Muktinath is a holy place in the Muktinath Valley for both Hindus and Buddhists at the foot of the Thorong La Mountain Pass.

Jomsom Muktinath Hike will take you to the foothills of the majestic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, catering to numerous natural and cultural highlights from fascinating scenery, breathtaking views of the Himalayas and unique culture.

Mustang Hike

Not to forget Mustang "former Kingdom of Lo" bordering Tibet is also geographically a part of Annapurna Region.

The Mustang remained a mystery for centuries until it was opened for tourists in 1992. If you are craving for something wilderness and exploration the long lost kingdom will surely fascinate you. Mustang is a unique experience taking you beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, travelling across the desert-like landscape, barren ridges, deep canyon, cliffs and valleys.

Ghorepani Poonhill Hike

Annapurna Region is not just limited to long and tiring hiking trails. Another wonderful addition to the Annapurna region is Ghorepani Poonhill Hike, this hike allows you to experience stunning mountain sceneries (Virgin Fishtail, magnificent Annapurna, grand Dhaulagiri and lesser-known beauty Nilgiri and Dhampus Peaks), Opportunities to experience ethnic Gurung people's hospitality, encourage you to be part of their celebrations and appreciate how beautiful life can be, regardless of a hard life.

Easily accessible, plentiful of the guest house, unspoiled beauty & its vast bio-diversity with both high mountains and lowland villages; hiking in the region offers unique exposure and experience.