Overview
The Annapurna region in Nepal is a premier trekking destination renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and diverse trekking routes. Home to the 10th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8091 meters), and a range of other majestic peaks, this region offers treks of varying lengths and difficulties, catering to both novice and experienced trekkers. The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is among the most popular, providing breathtaking views and a chance to experience the heart of the Himalayas.
Annapurna Region Overview
Established: 1992
Area: 7,629 square kilometers
Country: Nepal
Province: Gandaki
Districts: Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Lamjung, Myagdi

Best Time to Visit: March, April, May, September, October, November
Mountain Information
Mountains | High Passes | Borders |
---|---|---|
|
|
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Mountains:
- Annapurna I-IV
- Annapurna South
- Gangapurna
- Machhapuchhre
- Nimjung
- Tilicho Peak
High Passes:
- Thorong La Pass
- Nar Pass
- Phu Pass
Borders:
- Marsyangdi Valley in the East
- Kali Gandaki River to the West
- Dry Alpine Desert of Mustang and Tibet
- Pokhara in the South
Notable Features:
- Mountains: The region is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna I-IV, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nimjung, and Tilicho Peak.
- High Passes: Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), Nar Pass, and Phu Pass offer dramatic high-altitude trekking experiences.
- Rivers: The Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki rivers, both originating from the Himalayas, traverse the region.
- Conservation: The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), established in 1985, is the largest protected area in Nepal, dedicated to conserving wildlife and nature.
Trekking Trails:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek: This classic trek, famous for crossing Thorong La Pass, offers a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences.
- Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek: A popular trek leading to the base camp of Annapurna I, providing breathtaking views and rich cultural immersion.
- Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek: Known for its stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek: A newer trail leading to the base of Mardi Himal with spectacular views and fewer crowds.
Important Notice
As of April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking for foreigners. All trekkers must be accompanied by a registered guide or part of an organized group.
Geographic and Cultural Highlights
- Mountains: Includes Annapurna (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), and Manaslu (8163m).
- Rivers: Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki, with the latter being the deepest river gorge in the world.
- Protected Areas: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), established in 1985, is the largest protected area in Nepal, covering 7629 km².
- Unique Spots: Thorung La Pass (5416m) is the highest pass in the Himalayas, and Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the Himalayas.
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
- Cost: NPR 3000
- Purpose: Conservation of wildlife and nature.
- Obtained: Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Contact: info@ntnc.org.np , +977-1-5253571, 5253573
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit
- Cost: NPR 1000 for SAARC countries, NPR 2000 for others.
- Purpose: Safety and tracking of trekkers.
- Obtained: Kathmandu or Pokhara through a registered trekking agency.
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Required for: Upper Mustang (restricted area).
- Purpose: Special permit for trekking in restricted areas.
- Obtained: Through a registered trekking agency, with a registered guide mandatory.
Trekking Trails
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek Itinerary
Duration: 5-9 days
Day 1: Arrival in Pokhara and Trek to Jhinu Danda
- Travel: Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (30 minutes by flight or 6-7 hours by bus).
- Transfer: Pokhara to Nayapul by taxi or local bus.
- Trek: Nayapul to Jhinu Danda (4-5 hours).
- Accommodation: Jhinu Danda Guesthouse or Hot Springs Lodge.
Day 2: Jhinu Danda to Dovan
- Trek: Jhinu Danda to Sinuwa, then to Dovan (7-9 hours total).
- Accommodation: Dovan Lodge or Himalayan Guest House.
Read also :Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary | 16-Day Adventure in the Himalayas – Post of Day
Day 3: Dovan to Annapurna Base Camp
- Trek: Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (5-6 hours), then to Annapurna Base Camp (2-3 hours).
- Accommodation: Hotel Peaceful or Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge.
Day 4: Explore Annapurna Base Camp
- Activities: Full day exploring ABC, enjoying panoramic views.
Day 5: Return to Bamboo
- Trek: ABC to Bamboo via MBC and Deurali (7-8 hours).
- Accommodation: Bamboo Lodge or Bamboo Guest House.
Day 6: Trek to Jhinu Danda
- Trek: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (6-7 hours).
Day 7: Trek to Nayapul and Return to Pokhara
- Trek: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul (4-5 hours).
- Travel: Nayapul to Pokhara.
Costs
- Transportation:
- Kathmandu to Pokhara: NPR 5,000 – 10,000.
- Nayapul to Jhinu Danda: NPR 1,500 (taxi).
- Permits: NPR 5,000 (ACAP and TIMS).
- Accommodation: NPR 500 – 2,500 per night.
- Meals: NPR 1,000 – 2,000 per day.
- Guide/Porter (optional): NPR 3,000 – 5,000.
- Tips for Guides/Porters: NPR 1,000 – 2,000.
Packing List
Clothing:
- Thermal base layers
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof windbreaker
- Hiking pants and shorts
- Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
- Comfortable trekking boots
- Lightweight slippers
Essentials:
- Water bottle (insulated preferred)
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts)
- First-aid kit (including altitude sickness medication)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Portable charger and power bank
- Camera and extra batteries
Tips for Trekkers
- Acclimatization: Allow time for altitude adjustment to prevent sickness.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water.
- Dress in Layers: Prepare for varying weather conditions.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local cultures and traditions.
- Travel in Groups: Enhances safety and enjoyment.
Important Things to Remember:
- 1. Book a hotel early. Otherwise room pauna garho hunxa during peak times. Simply ask the hotels for booking at the next venue. They have better communication.
- 2. Khaja khana lai preinform before 1 2 hrs to lower the waiting time.
- 3. Carry NTC sim. Ncell is unaccessible from Sinuwa. No CELLULAR DATA.
- 4. After MBC no cellular connection. Remember to inform ur loved ones at MBC that phone msgs kei lagdaina at ABC.
- 5. Unless important things Put ur mobile on airplane mode or switch it off Coz of battery drain for cellular searching and Low temperature and also for emergency.
- 6. Dining room ma matra charge garna pauxa. So charge ur devices once u reach to hotels. I recommend jatti vayeni charge garnu. Due to temperature battery might drain rapidly anytime. Carry power bank. Or other some tuktukey backup phone
- 7. Word link internet is available in every Hotels but it can break anytime.
- 8. Hydrate urself the Most. Insulated water bottles ma lukewarm pani piunu most.
- 9. Say almost No to alcohol. 1glass samma hanera body lai heat banauna sakinxa. Lower ur Smoking if u are a smoker.
- 10. Alik Veggie bannu Paryo in this trek. (Meat availability is low and most expensive) Be sure to smell the food specially Chutney haru before eating.
- 11. Tala bato ma herera hidnu hola. Khutta tala thokiera khutta farkina pani sakxa and some areas are too Risky.
- 12. Always walk in a group or walk in a team.
- 13. Pasina haru dherai aauxa.. Wet clothes haru change garihalnu.
- 14. Ask permission to photograph people.
- 15. Carry out/Deposit/Dispose rubbish property at proper sites.
- 16. Donot touch /damage/hurt or remove any plants. Some plants can be harmful. CHUNA LAI HAINA HERNA CHAI PAINXA.
Additional Information
For more details:
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a remarkable adventure that combines the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas with cultural immersion. Prepare well, stay safe, and enjoy this unforgettable journey through one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking regions.
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