Eight routes through the Annapurna region: compared honestly.
This is a planning resource, not a tour catalogue. Each route below has a different character: duration, altitude, scenery, and the kind of trekker it suits. Use the comparison to narrow your choice, then read the full guide for the route that fits.
| Route | Duration | Max altitude | Difficulty | Scenery | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Base Camp | 7–12 days | 4,130 m | Moderate | High mountain amphitheatre, close-range Annapurna views | First-time Annapurna trekkers wanting iconic mountain scenery |
| Mardi Himal | 5–6 days | 4,500 m | Moderate | Ridge views, forest, close Machhapuchhre perspectives | Trekkers wanting shorter duration with strong mountain views |
| Ghorepani / Poon Hill | 3–5 days | 3,210 m | Accessible | Wide sunrise panoramas, rhododendron forest | Limited time, first Himalayan experience, or family-friendly trekking |
| Panchase | 2–3 days | 2,517 m | Accessible | Forest ridge, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri panoramas, Phewa Lake views | A first walk from Pokhara, or a gentle few days before a longer trek |
| Khopra Danda | 6–8 days | 3,660 m | Moderate | Close Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ridge views, forest | Trekkers who want stronger mountain views than Poon Hill without ABC altitude |
| Annapurna Circuit | 12–16 days | 5,416 m | Challenging | Desert plateau, deep gorges, high pass, varied landscapes | Experienced trekkers with more time seeking a complete Annapurna journey |
| Tilicho Lake | 3–4 days from Manang | 4,919 m | Challenging | High glacial lake, Annapurna and Gangapurna views | Acclimatized Circuit trekkers with extra days who want a high lake |
| Nar Phu Valley | 7–10 days | 5,320 m | Challenging | Remote valley, high pass, arid upper country | Experienced trekkers adding a remote valley and high pass to the Circuit |
Values marked pending verification will be updated with confirmed data.
Explore each trek in detail.
Annapurna Base Camp
7–12 daysThe classic sanctuary trek through rhododendron forest to the Annapurna amphitheatre.
Mardi Himal
5–6 daysA quieter ridge walk with intimate views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
Ghorepani / Poon Hill
3–5 daysA foothill circuit famous for sunrise panoramas over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Panchase
2–3 daysA short hill walk from Pokhara, with forest, village stays, and a wide sunrise view.
Khopra Danda
6–8 daysA quieter ridge above the Ghorepani foothills, with close views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Annapurna Circuit
12–16 daysThe full circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif: diverse terrain, culture, and altitude.
Tilicho Lake
3–4 days from ManangA high glacial lake above Manang, usually added as a side trip on the Annapurna Circuit.
Nar Phu Valley
7–10 daysA restricted valley of Nar and Phu villages, usually linked to the Annapurna Circuit over Kang La.
Which Annapurna trek is right for you?
The best trek depends on how much time you have, your fitness, whether altitude is a concern, and what kind of experience you want: close mountain views, cultural villages, or a full circuit of the massif.
Panchase is the short hill walk from Pokhara. Poon Hill suits trekkers with a few more days who want the famous sunrise circuit. Khopra Danda is the quieter ridge above those same foothills. Mardi Himal offers strong views with generally fewer crowds. Annapurna Base Camp is the classic sanctuary trek. The Circuit is the longest and most varied. Tilicho Lake is a high side trip from Manang, and Nar Phu Valley is the restricted valley and Kang La route for trekkers who want more remoteness.
Read the full comparison guide →Still deciding on a route?
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