The Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region is one of the most beloved trekking areas on earth, offering a range of spectacular Himalayan treks around the great Annapurna massif, from the classic multi-week Circuit to the shorter trek to Annapurna Base Camp and the gentle Poon Hill. The routes wind through an astonishing variety of landscapes and cultures, from subtropical rice terraces and rhododendron forests to high alpine desert and, on the Circuit, the dramatic Thorong La pass at over 5,400 metres.

What you actually see

• The Annapurna peaks - the towering snow-capped mountains.
• The Thorong La pass - the high point of the classic Circuit trek.
• Poon Hill - the famous sunrise viewpoint over the peaks.
• The villages and cultures - the diverse mountain communities.

When to go

Spring, March to May, for rhododendron blooms and clear views, and autumn, September to November, for the most stable weather and clearest skies, are the two main seasons; winter is cold with snow on the passes, and the monsoon brings cloud and leeches.

Honest expectations

It ranges from gentle, short treks to the demanding, high-altitude Circuit, so choose to match your fitness and time, and altitude sickness is a serious risk on the higher routes. A guide and porter are recommended, and some areas now require a guide. Roads have reached parts of the old Circuit, changing it. It remains one of the world's great, and relatively accessible, trekking experiences.

Nearby

Pokhara is the gateway; the Everest region offers alternative treks.