Top 10 Best Annapurna Treks Nepal 2026: Beginner to Expert

Best Annapurna Region Treks in Nepal

While choosing one favourite trek in annapurna region is still a debatable consideration, as it is all about a personal choice, and what you expect from the trip! Personally, if you ask me, I've done almost 12 adventures in Nepal, for the last 3 to 4 years, where 5 to 6 himalayan trail are within, that too, from short ones to even mind-blowing ones, that have truly tested my endurance level, mental state, and testaments. With many experiences and with the help of professional teams, including guides and hikers, here are some of the top 10 Annapurna trekking routes, for 2026 and 2027, that you should definitely consider, if you are thinking about commencing annapurna himalayan trail, now, or for the future:

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is marked as one of the best Annapurna trails to venture out, which takes you to the foothill of the world's tenth-highest peak, Mount Annapurna I (8091 m), with the panoramic vista of the Annapurna massif, and navigation along a variety of terrains. There are many reasons why this trip deserves a number 1 spot, and also, it comes after the EBC Trek, when you search for the best treks in Nepal. Firstly, the route is easily accessible, which can be attained either by private vehicle or by sharing a ride, to get to the starting point, Nayapul, Ghandruk, as your itinerary has been customised, with a short drive from Pokhara lasting for 2-3 hours. Secondly, the total duration of this trip lasts for 7 to 14 days, which depends on whether the route to Poon Hill viewpoint is included or not, as most of the itinerary does; if not, it can be finished within just a week, with a safe and moderate ascent.

The trailhead traverses through the forest area of blooming rhododendrons, pines, oaks, river streams, lush green hills, terraced farms, to remote Gurung and Magar settlements, like Deurali, Chhomrong, Tadapani, Dovan, reaching Macchapuchare Base Camp, and finally to the base camp of Annapurna. Throughout the journey, expect to witness the spellbinding views of the Himalayan peaks, Annapurna I, II, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, and many more. The highest altitude this trip reaches is 4130 meters at the ABC (Annapurna Sanctuary), with a daily hiking pace of 4-5 hours, and it falls under an easy-to-moderate trail in terms of difficulty, even for beginners.

Annapurna Circuit Trek (Thorang La)

For a more challenging wild trail, you can seek the classic Annapurna Circuit Trekking, which lets you navigate through different kinds of terrains, six climatic zones, and a wide cultural exploration of the Manange and Thakali communities, reaching the highest elevation at 5416 meters, at Thorong La Pass, also known as the highest mountain pass. Compared to ABC, the trailhead is more remote, isolated, and challenging, focused on an untamed route, and tea house exploration, which covers mostly the Tibetan plateau landscape and rugged surroundings, rather than just focusing on the forested area, unlike other Annapurna trails.

The starting point, on the other hand, is easily and shortly accessible via roadway drive to Chame, or Dharapani, whereas the walking terrain is more on the difficult side, with an increasing altitude and wide variation of terrain, including remote, rugged, isolated trails, with a smaller number of hikers, which might be challenging for beginners. Navigation through the Tibetan settlements of Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, with an acclimatisation hike to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake, from Manang, then attains the highest pass of Thorung La. Other than that, trailing along the Marshyangdi valley, it touches the Mustang region, via the Kali Gandaki gorge, visiting the sacred Muktinath Temple, and even Poon Hill View Point, taking a whole round of the Annapurna Massif, which is why it is also known as the Annapurna Round Trek, as well.

Mountain Views: Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Annapurna II, Gangapurna Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Macchapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, and many more.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Well! Just three words, Short, Easy, and Budget Friendly, if these are the major considerations that you are looking for, Poon Hill Sunrise Trek must be on your to-do or bucket list, which takes you to one of the best Annapurna view points, Poon Hill, that soars at an altitude of 3210 meters. It is one of the finest trekking trails, which only takes 3 to 5 days to complete, yet unravels the rich Himalayan flora, fauna, and the cultures of small villages, such as Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Ulleri, with the warm hospitality of the Gurung, Magar, and Rai communities.

From the blooming red rhododendrons to the river streams, cascading waterfalls, wooden bridges in between, insight into the traditional mountain tea houses, to the great Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, it is one of the best Annapurna treks to commence, that suits every kind of hiker, from beginners to family trekkers and even experienced hikers, with limited time, this trek tends to win everyone's heart - a perfect odyssey, for every kinds!

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Newly introduced, not more than 10 years back, the Mardi Himal Trek is one of the thriving adventures in annapurna region, which is gaining a mass attention from the trekkers world wide, which is easy, short, and most importantly, is considered as an off beaten trail, with serene environment, and less number of hikers, making it one of the best trek of the annapurna region. Honestly, if you ask me personally, then it is one of the best adventures, which is short, cost-effective, passes through less crowded areas, and is more focused on the tea house and distinct landscapes.

As the route has been recently introduced, the pathway is not well-marked, with a limited number of hikers, and a distinct transition of the surrounding views, as you traverse through a forest area, with red rhododendrons, especially in Spring, while starting the trek, from Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp, then, the landscape opens up, as you ascend higher, to Low Camp, Badal Danda (cloud hills), with rugged brown scenery. Then, as you move higher to the High Camp above 3000+ meters, the massive upfront view of the Macchapuchare (Fish Tail) becomes your reward, and the panorama of the Mardi Himal, Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri massif, and many others above 8000 meters (26,500 feet) becomes more prominent. Whereas other gigantic peaks, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal, and Tukuche Peak, befell you in every stride.

The highest point that this trek takes you to stands to be Mardi Himal View Point or the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 meters), which can be easily attained by beginners. and the journey lasts for 4 to 6 days, depending on the route and starting point. If you have more time, almost 2 weeks, and seek a more challenging route, then you can combine the Mardi and ABC Trek in one adventure, as well.

Khopra Ridge Trek

Another off-beaten and less crowded Annapurna trek in Nepal, the Khopra Ridge Trekking shines as a less touristic, untamed trail, which is also called a spiritual trek, leading you to the wetland of the Khayer Lake, perched at an altitude of 4600 meters, with the reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. This adventure explores more forested and lush woodland areas, and the vantage points, including the Khopra Danda and Poon Hill vantage points; however, compared to ABC, it is quite challenging, as the trail, passes through steep climbing section, more dense forest trail, and the trail not being well marked, thus, an experienced trekking licensed guide, must be hired for this odyssey, no matter how experineced you are.

Even though it is easily accessible, from Pokhara, to Ghandruk, to Tadapani, and officially enters the Khopra Trail, from the Bayeli Kharka, and reaches the highest at the Khayer Lake, throughout the trailhead, the surrounding scenic views keep changing, and it has a very limited number of tea houses. It can be a great choice for hikers who crave a tranquil route and a not-so-popular trail, yet to be explored.

Passing through the thriving rhododendron forest, to remote hamlets, isolated villages, rugged and alpine territory, this Khopra Ridge Trek is a moderate adventure, yet a difficult adventure, that demands a week of navigation, a basic level of physical fitness, and prior experience as well, due to the isolated route. This trip delivers the uncrowded, tranquil trail, and 360 degrees panorama mountain views, such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna North, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Macchapuchare, and several others, from the Khopra viewpoint and the serene Khayar Lake. 

Tilicho Lake Trek

Feel the tranquil heavenly beauty of the wetland, which is the world's highest altitude lake, Tilicho, famous known as the best lake treks in Nepal, that unravels the panoramic mountain views of s Nilgiri, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Annapurna I, II, IV, Gorakha Himal, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Fishtail, throughout, and from the oases itself. This lake is basically considered a spiritual site; said that Kak Bhushundi used to meditate here. Located in the Annapurna region, and also a part of the Throng La pass route, the Tilicho Lake Trek promises to be a one-of-a-kind adventure, with distinct mountain views and a unique perspective of the landscapes, traversing through the less crowded trailhead, which takes you to the highest elevation at 4919 meters.

Besides, being a high altitude lake trek, it is also a cultural odyssey that lets you experience the cultures and traditions of the Manang and Thakali communities, and also explores the Manang village, with a side trip to another wetland of Gangapurna Lake. This trip basically takes between 7 and 10 days, which passes through remote tea houses, and half annapurna circuit trail, with the surrounding rocky landscapes, glaciers, and Himalayan giants. While this adventure is usually preferred to opt for a standard trail, if you want to test your endurance and have a time of 2 weeks, then you won't regret combining Thorang La and Tilicho Lake Trek, in one single adventure.

Ghandruk Trek

Sweet, short, cultural, family, and time-limited adventure, the Ghandruk Poon Hill Trek entails a visit to the enchanting Poon Hill vantage point, and also explores the heart of the Himalayas, Ghandruk village, discovering the authentic Gurung culture, local foods, museum, cultural dances and authentic traditional Gurung dress. The journey only lasts for 5 days, yet showcases the Himalayan beauty of the Annapurna, which trails along the rhododendron forests, terraced agricultural farms, remote Tibetan slatted roof hamlets, suspension bridges over the Modi Khola, attaining two main destinations, one at Ghandruk (1840 m), and Poon Hill View Point (3210 m).

You get to visit the world's best-preserved traditional Gurung museum village, traditional lifestyle, cultures, and the enchanting mountain views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Macchapuchare, Hiunchuli, and many others. The trail is easily reachable, where you reach the Ghandruk village by a direct road drive, and then, wanders forest trail, and settlements of Ghorepani, Tadapani, experiencing other distinct cultural communities, of Rai, Magar, and Tamang as well.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Unlock your inner testament and wander through thrill, on the Nar Phu Trek, which is marked as one of the top Annapurna adventures in Nepal, that unveils the remote, isolated, and diverse terrains, which is also known as the remotest trailhead, demanding a special restricted area permit. This trek explores the twin valley of Nar and Phu, passing alongside the Tibetan barren landscape, and the hidden Tibetan valleys between Manaslu and Annapurna, which is dedicated to more cultural experiences, and traverses via the very limited lodges, and woodland forested area that seem like, you are somewhere out of the world, with the medieval stone vollages surroundings and rugged terrains. In each glance you take a look, you will only find the remote and rugged patterned scenery, blending with the snowcapped himalayan peaks, such as Kang Guru, Annapurna I, II, South, Manaslu, and crossing one of the challenging passes of Kang La at 5320 meters.

Considered as the challenging and strenuous wild odyssey, this trail begins at Koto, after crossing the initial Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani, navigating narrow gorges, steep rocky sections, suspension bridges, and barren high desert terrain to Meta and then, Phu, exploring the monasteries, including the Tibetan-influenced route at the same time. Lasting for 12 to 14 days, during an acclimatisation day, it also visits the Himlung Base Camp, giving you a sense of accomplishment and cultural exploration of Bon religion, at the same time, perfect for those who are experienced and can also commit for long duration himalayan odyssey.

Upper Mustang Trek

Step into Nepal's Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang (3840 meters), one of the restricted trailheads in the Himalayas, with the Upper Mustang Trek, through the rain shadow Tibetan desert arid landscape, where the Loba and Tibetan mountain people thrive in following their traditional roots, festivals, cultures, and shocking distinct practices. Lasting for 10-14 days, it falls under a challenging adventure that begins at Jomsom and Kagbeni, attaining the highest settlement at Lo, unraveling the unique side of the himalayas, ancient whitewashed monasteries, sky caves, sky burial practices, snake-like landscapes, colorful rocky cliffs, wind-carved hills, with an insight into the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif, Tiebtan plateau panoramas, along the world's deepest Kali Gandaki gorge.

Combine the Epic Mountain Passes: Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit

Combine epic mountain passes Larkya La (5,106m) and Thorong La (5,416m) on the ultimate 25-28 day odyssey of Annapurna Manaslu Trek, fusing Manaslu Circuit's raw Tibetan wilderness with Annapurna Circuit's classic diversity. Start with Manaslu's Larkya Pass crossing from Samdo to Bhimtang, then connect via Annapurna trails through Pisang, Manang, and summit Thorong La to Muktinath.

Annapurna Treks Comparison Table

Conclusion

The Annapurna region has something oddly captivating that draws all sorts of adventurers to it! Whether you are doing a classic base camp trek or finding the way into enchanting forests, hidden valleys, and forbidden zones, mountains make their mark on your memory. Whether it is punishing highs and lows or sunrise viewpoints just right for family outings, these Annapurna treks are difficult to resist, considering awe-inspiring mountain views, culture, and hospitality. 

For more seamless experiences, here comes Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition, able to support you. You may email us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com or call/WhatsApp message us at +977 9851016814 with any queries. Contact us!