The Annapurna Range of the Himalayas Mountains is one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal. The area offers spectacular views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Annapurna I, II and II, Dhaulagiri and the fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhare. It is also a culturally rich region, with mountain villages of a diverse group of Hindu and Buddhist peoples. From a base in the picturesque town of Pokhara, trekking options range from moderate introductory treks to the long circuit around the Annapurnas and a route to the incomparable Annapurna Sanctuary.
From a base at Pokhara, the foothills of the Annapurna Range offer great introductory treks to the Himalayas. Trekking through forests and ascending hilltops south of the Annapurnas, the spectacular peaks of these great Himalayan mountains will reveal themselves including Annapurna 1 (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the fishtail mountain Machhapuchhare (6993m). The trails will pass through numerous colourful villages of the Gurung and other peoples, providing an itinery as rich culturally as it is naturally.
A trip to the Annapurna Sanctuary is one of the world's classic treks, offering perhaps the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring mountain vista on earth. From a base at Pokhara, you walk to the village of Ghorepani (2855m) where you catch the first glimpse of the peaks of the Annapurna Himal and Dhaulaghiri (8167m) to the west. The ascent of the nearby Poon Hill (3193m) at dawn offers spectacular views of the mountains at sunrise. From here, you head north-east along the Modi Khola Valley through forests, then above the treeline until you reach the gates of the sanctuary - passing between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare to reach Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m). The sanctuary is a natural amphitheatre where you are encircled by the soaring peaks of Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7273m), Annapurna Fang (7647m), Annapurna 1 (8091m) and 3 (7855m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchhare (6993m). Making your way to Annapurna base camp (4150m), the scenery is stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset. The sanctuary is exited by the same route as you make your way back to Pokhara.
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's classic trekking itineries, offering a full circumnavigation of the Annapurna Range. As well as offering spectacular views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri, the route offers a huge diversity of landscapes and scenery - ranging from alpine to sub-tropical to semi-desert, and the chance to meet many of Nepal's different peoples at the villages along the circuit. The route reaches its highest point at Thorong La Pass (5416m), offering great views of the peaks towards the Tibetan border to the north-east, the Annapurnas to the south and Dhaulagiri to the west. Heading south-west you pass through the Kali Gandaki Valley - the deepest gorge on earth between the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. On the way back towards Pokhara, you pass the village of Ghorepani where you can climb Poon Hill (3193m) for spectacular views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare.
Nepal
