Nepals Annapurna Region

Many countries lay claim to the “best treks in the world”, but none are as spectacular, varied or transcendent as those in the Annapurnas. Each step reveals new views and different terrain, from lowland rice paddies to rhododendron woods, Alpine forests to arid, high plateaus. Culturally, the region is as varied as its scenery, too. Hindu farming villages give way to Buddhist temples, fluttering prayer flags and Tibetan architecture.

Trekking in the Annapurna region

Pulling on walking boots is the way to enjoy and understand the Annapurna region. If you’re tackling the full circuit you’ll be walking for 18 days solid, but even shorter routes demand five or so days on the trail. With the right boots and a good guide, this is totally achievable. Porters are on hand to carry luggage and the trails are well-established and used by fellow visitors and locals alike, often leading tinkling mule trains up towards the Mustang Valley. Of course, trekking can be strenuous, especially in areas of higher altitude. At 5,400m, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit, the air holds half the oxygen it does at sea level.

Roads now stretch up into the higher reaches of the range, and trips that combine a jeep journey with trekking will relieve tired legs and condense itineraries. Don’t rush through the Annapurna region, though. This is not somewhere to race through, bagging shots of the peaks before heading back down. Instead, relax into the walking and relish the journey. Nothing beats waking up each morning, knowing you don’t have to think about anything at all that day. All you have to do is walk and marvel at the majestic views of the Himalayas.

Shorter routes

Trekking part of the circuit, rather than the full route, still provides a rich taste of this region. Trekking up to Ghorepani to view the sunrise over the mountains at Poon Hill is an accessible route and family adventures often include two days’ hiking from Pokhara, with a night in a teahouse or tent to experience Himalayan life. Another popular route strikes off the main circuit towards Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by snow-capped peaks including Machhapuchhare, the famous fish-tail mountain. You can also trek half of the circuit, starting either in Pokhara or Besisahar and finishing in Jomsom, before flying back down.

Pokhara

Most trips to the Annapurna region start in Pokhara. This pretty town on the shores of Lake Phewa caters unashamedly for travelers, its streets buzzing with shops, cafes and guesthouses. There’s a unique atmosphere to the place, too, with both excitement and relief crackling through the air at all times. Visitors are either just about to leave, nervously anticipating weeks on the trails, or gratefully idling here having conquered the Annapurna Circuit, foot-sore but satisfied.

Although a jumping off point for hikers, Pokhara boasts enough highlights to make it a destination in its own right. Wander the streets of Old Pokhara, visit the Mountaineering Museum or Gurkha Museum or take a boat trip on the lake. If you have energy to spare, walk to the Japanese Peace Pagoda with great views of the mountains, or hire bikes to explore the surrounding countryside, cruising through villages with a stream of excited local children running along in your wake.