Annapurna Region Trek – Trek with the Best Trekking Company in Nepal

Annapurna Region

Nepal is a diverse country situated in the heart of the Himalayas. These Himalayas have some of the most rewarding trekking routes. These routes (Annapurna Region) offer stunning views of mountains and pass through beautiful villages.

The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. It is located in the north-central part of the country. The Annapurna Region attracts thousands of travelers from around the world. The key attractions include;

• The Annapurna Range includes several peaks over 8,000 meters. The range offers breathtaking views of the high Himalayas.
• Annapurna Base Camp is a popular trekking destination that takes you to the base of Annapurna I.
• Thorong La Pass is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, standing at an elevation of 5,416 meters.
• The Annapurna Region is home to several natural hot springs. These hot springs are a popular spot for trekkers to relax.
• The Annapurna Region is home to several traditional villages. Some of the popular traditional villages include Ghandruk and Ghorepani.
• The region is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard and Himalayan thar.

Best Trekking Packages in the Annapurna Region – 2023/2024

The Annapurna Region offers a wide variety of trekking options. Here are the top 3 popular treks in the Annapurna region:

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a premium trek of Nepal and one of the first routes established. This trek offers gorgeous views of the Annapurna Massif and a trek through lush forests.

This trek passes through the ancestral lands of the Gurung and Magar people and will give you an insight into their culture and lifestyle as you spend many days.

This trek offers a wide variation in the selection of routes. Any trail you take passes through lush forests filled with nature to the snowy bases of Annapurna and Macchapuchhre. It will take you up and down the valleys and hills of this area.

Most itineraries wrap up this trek in 14, starting and ending in Kathmandu. As you will be walking upwards of 6 hours on average every day, you will need moderate fitness. Due to these reasons, this trek is graded as a moderate trek.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Annapurna Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular treks due to its short duration. It is a variation of the Annapurna trek and features many of the same routes and places.

The trek takes you to one of the most famous viewpoints of the country, Poon Hill, Poon hill provides a beautiful sunrise view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South.

The area is charming during spring when the rhododendron blooms color whole hills red.

You begin the trek by driving to Tikhedhunga. From there, you walk on a trail that winds from the village of Ghorepani to Tadapani. From here, the endgame of Poon Hill is in sight. It is usually visited in the morning to watch the amber sun rays of the dawn color the pristine white of the Annapurna Massif.

The trek is usually planned to be completed in ten days from the arrival to Kathmandu to the departure. The trail also features gentle climbs up the hills you need to climb and an average walk of 3-4 hours a day. As such, this trek is considered easy to moderate.

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the more underrated treks of Nepal. As such, its off-beaten track allows you to stroll through Nepal’s actual countryside.

These trails pass through the homes of the Gurung and Magar people. All the while, the spectacular views of the Annapurna Massif will delight you.

You begin your trek after a drive to Phedi, and keeping on gradually inclining trails with some steep sections through the beautiful forest, you pass through Forest Camp and High Camp. The trails will get tougher from here until you arrive at your final destination of Mardi Himal Base Camp.

This pleasant journey will give you glimpses of the mighty Annapurna range and close-up views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and others.

Most itineraries of this trek typically divide the trek into ten days, including arrival and departure. You will be expected to walk an average of 4-6 hours daily. Due to all these factors, it has been graded as a moderate trek.

Upper Mustang Trek is a great choice if you want to explore the extended Annapurna region of Nepal.

Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang trek is an extended trip into the past. Upper Mustang was forbidden to be entered by tourists before 1992. As you trek through the rugged landscape, you will visit some of the ancient Buddhist monasteries.

The Upper Mustang trek begins from the famous town of Jomsom, from which you start walking along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River until you reach Kagbeni. From here, you will visit the walled city of Lo-Manthang, once the mighty capital of this region.

The trek usually takes about 16 days, including your arrival and departure. Although the trails are not steep, they are very remote. You are expected to walk around 6-7 hours a day. It is designated a strenuous trek.

Food and accommodation in the Annapurna Region 

Food: Most tea houses in the Annapurna Region offer a wide variety of food options. Dal bhat, a lentil soup served with rice and vegetables, is a popular food. Most of the tea houses offer continental and Indian dishes.

It is recommended to avoid drinking tap water. It is best to use water purification tablets to treat water from natural sources.

Accommodation: These are small lodges that offer basic amenities, including a bed, blankets, and a shared bathroom. The quality of tea houses can vary greatly. You can get private rooms in as few places as possible in the main cities.

Phone and Internet in Annapurna Region 

The Annapurna region has reasonably good access to phones and the internet. Also, many tea houses offer Wi-Fi for a fee. However, the quality may vary depending on the location conditions. So, having a local SIM card and a power bank to keep your phone charged is always a good idea.

Best Season to do the Annapurna Region Trek 

The Annapurna region in Nepal has a diverse climate due to its varying altitudes. Generally, the best time to visit the Annapurna region is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

During the spring, the temperatures rise, and the snow melts, making the region lush green. The skies are clear with bright sunshine.

During autumn, the temperatures are mild, and the skies are generally clear. The weather conditions are perfect for trekking.

Winter (December to February) can be cold and challenging, with heavy snowfall in higher elevations. So, trekking in winter can be difficult.

The summer monsoon season (June to August) can be hot, humid, and wet, with frequent rainfall, making trekking challenging and risky.

So, how to choose the best trekking company in Nepal for Annapurna region trekking?

Choosing the right trekking company is crucial for an enjoyable trekking experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best trekking company in Nepal:

• Check the trekking company’s reputation by reading reviews. You can also ask for recommendations from friends.
• Ensure that the government of Nepal licenses the trekking company and has obtained the necessary permits for the trekking activities.
• Choose a trekking company with experienced guides who know the Annapurna region.
• Check if the trekking company follows safety protocols.
• Compare the prices and packages of different trekking companies and choose one that offers a reasonable price.

Conclusion

Annapurna region in Nepal is a trekking paradise for adventure enthusiasts. This region caters to all groups of people. Each trek is unique, from the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek to the relatively new Mardi Himal Trek. If you plan to trek in the Annapurna region, plan your trip and be well-prepared. It’s always advisable to trek with the best trekking company in Nepal.