Exploring Nepal's Majestic Annapurna Region: Popular Trekking Routes and Trails 

Trekking to the Annapurna region is always fascinating to trekkers around the world. Annapurna region is located in the western region of Nepal. Several peaks have formed the Annapurna Himalayan range which includes Annapurna I, the tenth-highest peak in the world. One of the busiest trekking destinations of Nepal, the Annapurna region attracts trekkers, climbers through its magnificent peaks, pristine landscapes, and enriching cultural heritage.

There are several peaks and trekking destinations in the Annapurna region, among them, we are covering the Annapurna Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek through this blog article.

Annapurna region has multiple options for trekking which are from 2 days to 14 days. It depends on your physical fitness, weather condition, and trekking trails. Relatively easy trek like Ghandruk village trekking, Ghorepani Poonhill trekking, and Mardi Himal trekking is designed to experience typical village life, diverse culture, and ethnicity, and breathtaking mountain views. The most popular trekking in the Annapurna region is Round Annapurna Trekking and Annapurna Base Camp trekking. Let's trek these world-famous trekking trails virtually. 

One of the longest trekking in the Annapurna region is the Annapurna Circuit Trek which rounds the entire Annapurna massif, taking you from Lamjung Besishahar following Manang and crossing Thorong pass(5416m) to reach Mustang, Muktinath, a sacred place of Hindu and Buddhist. While trekking on this route, you will witness beautiful valleys, deep gorges, varied terrains, diverse landscapes, wonderful ethnic cultures, and warm hospitality in traditional villages. During the 90s, this classic trek typically lasts around 20 days but at present, with the construction of roadways, the trekking duration is around 12-14 days. The major highlights of this trek are getting an opportunity to view the magnificent mountain peaks including Annapurna I(8091m), Dhaulagiri(8167m), Manaslu(8156m), and many other peaks. Thorong Pass is the highest point of the trekking trail, crossing this pass means accomplishments of challenging trekking which takes you to another destination Mustang district. While trekking, you will pass through diverse ethnic communities such as Gurungs, Thakalis, and Managgis and you will experience their typical culture, food, and warm hospitality. 

The world’s most popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region is the Annapurna Base camp trek. This trek takes you to the base camp of Annapurna I mountain which is a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks also known as Annapurna Sanctuary. Comparatively, the ABC trek is shorter than the Round Annapurna trek. It takes seven to ten days to complete trekking. While trekking to ABC, the mesmerizing close-up views of Annapurna I(8091m), along with other magnificent peaks like Machhapuchhare and Gangapurna can be seen. For the first few days, you will trek through remote villages, thick rhododendron forests, and terraced farmlands. During your trekking, you will experience diverse landscapes, different ethnic communities, and their cultural practice. The wonderful taste of local cuisine attracts outsiders which is a really new experience for tourists. The settlement of Gurungs, Thakalis, Magars, Chhetri, and Brahmins in the lower level of the Region. 

Besides trekking and climbing activities, the conservation of nature and wildlife is preserved in an excellent way in the Annapurna region. With the establishment of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), an exemplary job has been accomplished to conserve flora and fauna in this region. Endangered species like leopards and red pandas are the main attractions of this conservation area.

Along the trekking trails, the local lodges, homestays, and tea houses are easily available on both trekking routes. ABC Trek has easy accommodation up to base camp at the same time, Round Annapurna has also easy accommodation due to the construction of the road up to Manang district. 

Obviously, the best seasons are Spring and Autumn. In Both seasons, different varieties of flowers bloom in the trekking trials. During spring, Rhododendron Forest is amazing to view since more than 10 colors of Rhododendron flowers bloom. Even the weather is unpredictable in the mountain so need to prepare for any challenges during the trek.

Kathmandu --> Pokhara --> Phedi --> Tolkha (1790m) --> Chhomrong (2040m)--> Dovan (2540m)--> Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m)--> Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) -->Dovan -->Jhinu hot spring (1760m) --> Nayapool --> Pokhara--> Kathmandu

Kathmandu --> Chame (2,610m)--> Pisang (3300m)--> Braga monastery(3450m) --> Manang’s ice lake--> Manang Headquarters--> Yak Kharka (4,050m)--> Thorong Phedi (4,525m)--> Thorong Phedi (4,525m) --> Muktinath Temple (3,760m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m)--> Jomsom -->Fly Pokhara--> Kathmandu 

An adventure tour in the Annapurna region is a lifelong experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty, cultural immersion, and personal satisfaction. Whether you trek the Annapurna circuit trek or the ABC trek, these trails take you to the beautiful valleys, viewing snow-capped mountains, beautiful rural villages, and smiling locals with warm hospitality.