OVERVIEWS:

The Annapurna Himalayan region is one of the most spectacular mountain ranges

in the Himalaya. Located between Lamjung and Manaslu Himal,

extends towards Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri in the Midwest.

The Annapurna Himalayan region is one of the most fascinating adventure destinations. A unique place on earth with its incredible, dramatic

diversity, from climate, people, culture, and vegetation to its amazing landscapes.

The change of landscapes and temperatures one can feel and experience almost

on daily walks around the southern scenic hills.
The Annapurna Himalayas trek leads you from green forest to sheer mountain wilderness.

The Annapurna Himalayan region offers various trekking destinations.
The Annapurna Himalaya stretches from north to south, offering exotic places, where walks follow constant views of the Annapurna snow peaks. 

The Annapurna Himalayan region, with more than a dozen trekking destinations,
and in the harmony of impressive local cultures and traditional hospitality.

Trekkers can choose from short, moderate treks to adventurous or demanding trekking routes to enjoy the adventures. Around the Annapurna Himalayan regions, trekkers can cover all four directions from south, north, east, and west.

The most popular region for short, moderate treks is around the southern green hills of the Annapurna Himalayan range. The southern trekking routes are the best for beginners and all age groups, without the problem of high altitude sickness. Trekkers can enjoy the pleasant walks in the close shade of the Annapurna Himalayan range.

Annapurna Himalayan region, most adventures start and end at the famous,
and the renowned tourist city of Pokhara. Located 210 km / 131 miles west of Kathmandu city, trekkers can enjoy the exciting journey by overland.

Trekkers can also take a short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and spend a few days in beautiful Pokhara. The city is perched on a verdant valley enclosed by tiers of green hills with grand views of the Annapurna Himalayas.

Pokhara is a city full of charm and beauty, with its natural wonders of lakes, hills,
and snow-clad mountains.

THE SOUTHERN HILLS OF ANNAPURNA HIMALAYAN RANGES:

GHOREPANI & POON HILL TREKKING:

Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trekking is one of the most famous and popular for short and moderate walks. The charm and beauty of this trek is walking amidst serene rhododendrons and a pine forested trail. The highlight of the trek is an hour climb from the village of Ghorepani to Poon Hill. It is the highest point at
3,210 m/10,531 feet high. From Poon Hill exclusive views of stunning sunrise over a 360° wide panorama of the Annapurna Himalayan ranges. Includes views of the world’s three highest 8,000-meter peaks, Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167 m, Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m. Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), the world’s 10th highest peak, with an array of peaks.

Ghorepani & Poon Hill Trekking is a pleasant moderate treks involves steep uphill and downhill walks. The trek of 3 to 4 days with drives both ways from the scenic
Pokhara city. Trekkers can extend the trek for more weeks, with treks to Annapurna Base Camp.

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREKKING:
Annapurna Base Camp and the Sanctuary is the shortest 8,000-meter base camp trekking adventure. All trekkers and age groups can venture on this lovely scenic walk to Annapurna Base Camp. This is the only base camp around the Himalayan ranges without a problem of catching the AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

The elevation gains slowly at a gradual pace until you reach the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m/13,550 feet. By then, all trekkers will be physically fit to enjoy the dramatic panorama of the Annapurna range of peaks.

Annapurna Base Camp trek takes about a week, but one can extend the trek for more days. Combining Ghorepani & Poon Hill with Annapurna Base Camp or other fascinating destinations around the southern hills of Annapurna ranges.

MARDI HIMAL TREKKING:
Mardi Himal is one of the best trekking routes and less crowded than other mainstream routes around the Annapurna region. Mardi Himal stands below 6,000 meters, it is located close beneath the towering Machhapuchare Himal. 

It is popularly known as the Fish-Tail; the walk follows close to the bottom of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre Himal. The trek involves a short drive both ways
from Pokhara and then walking through lovely rhododendrons and dense pine forest. As the trek progresses slowly towards Mardi Himal, the vegetation and tree lines drop for sheer mountain wilderness.

The Mardi Himal is a weeklong trek that takes you above 4,500 m/14,850 feet to Mardi Himal Viewpoint. The trek leads you on top of scenic ridges surrounded by the fabulous scenery of rolling green hills. It includes the Annapurna range of snow-capped peaks in the north, with the gigantic Machhapuchare and Mardi Himal. 

Mardi Himal Trekking is a fantastic adventure with a week’s time frame.
Interested trekkers can continue the walks towards various exotic destinations, to Annapurna base camp or Ghorepani & Poon Hill. 

ENJOY MORE SCENIC DESTINATIONS AROUND ANNAPURNA HIMALAYAS:

Ghorepani and Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal are the most trekked areas. Besides the mainstream and popular areas of southern Annapurna Hills, trekkers can enjoy exploring the hidden pockets around the Annapurna region. 

The Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake is an exclusive adventure that takes you above 3,870 m to 4,247 m high. The trek takes you to the western end of the Annapurna Himalayan range in less-visited areas by the main flow of trekkers.

The other hidden short treks are to Mohare Danda, a scenic hill located south and close from Poon Hill. One of the least trekked areas around the Annapurna Himalaya is a trek of a week’s duration. It leads you to the top of Mohare Danda at 3,300 m / 10,827 feet. From the top of Mohare Danda, enjoy the spectacular sunrise views over an array of snow-clad peaks. The views cover the Annapurna Himalayas with Dhaulagiri and Manaslu mountain ranges towards the north-west and north-east. A perfect country walk for those trekkers interested in walking on the quiet and elusive trekking trail.

The other short and scenic treks around the southern hills of the Annapurna Himalayas are Panchase Hill and the Siklis trek.
Panchase Hill is located beyond Pokhara Valley, where trekkers will enjoy these country walks within pristine surroundings.
The Panchase Hill top at 2,500 m / 8,202 feet high offers the best panorama of
Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Manaslu. Includes Mt. Annapurna with towering
majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish Tail, and with a stunning sunrise.
Panchase Hill is a less-visited area, a short trek of 2-3 days.
One can extend the trek towards other scenic destinations around the southern Annapurna Himalayas.

THE NORTHERN REGION OF ANNAPURNA HIMALAYAN RANGES:

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING:

The most famous and popular trek around the Annapurna region, as well as in all the Himalayas, is the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Annapurna Circuit is listed in the world’s top adventure destinations by renowned international travel magazines and guidebooks. A wonderful adventure from the low sub-tropical farm towns and villages leads to cooler mountain air. Then trek towards an arctic zone of ice and glaciers around scenic Manang Valley, adorned with colorful Buddhist culture. The walk continues through nice villages and beautiful forests with ever-present views of the Annapurna Himalayas. The altitude gains gradually as the walk progresses, and a rest day for acclimatization at Manang Village.

The adventure leads to the end of Manang Valley to cross the 5,416 meters high Thorang-La Pass. To reach the Mustang areas with the wild and beautiful landscapes. The trek ends by enjoying a flight from Jomsom Town or a long and exciting drive to scenic Pokhara.

Annapurna Circuit trek takes a week or more, 12-14 days, depending on the itinerary. The trek grade is moderate to adventurous, and the most exciting adventure to experience, the lovely local cultures and views amidst the stunning views of Annapurna and Chulu’s peaks.

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT & TILICHO LAKE TREKKING:
Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek is another exciting and spectacular adventure. Trek leads to the world’s highest glacial lakes, located in the Manang district and beyond the main trail. The trek is similar to Annapurna Circuit, with a few more days visiting the serene turquoise colored Tilicho Lake.
On reaching Manang village by overland to Dharapani or Chame, the headquarters town of the Manang area.

Spending an extra day at Manang Village, around its wide scenic valley enclosed by towering peaks of the Annapurna. Including peaks of Chulu’s ranges in the north, Manang at 3,540 m/11,614 feet, is a perfect height for acclimatization.

At Manang, explore its scenic viewpoints and the impressive cultures of the natives of Manang Villages. From Manang village, the adventure leads to Tilicho Lake. The route diverts from the main trails for some days, as the walks lead towards isolated settlements of Khangsar. 

The trail follows with constant views of Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks to Tilicho Base Camp. After an overnight at Base Camp, hike around the beautiful Tilicho Lake, considered a sacred and holy lake. Especially for the Hindu followers with mythological tales of the Tilicho Lake, at 4,919 m/16,138 feet. 

From Tilicho Lake, after spending pleasant and exciting moments surrounded by the staggering peaks of Gangapurna and Nilgiri.

The walk follows the same route to join the main trail towards Thorang-La Phedi/bottom or High Camp. Spending an overnight at the High Camp 4,900 m.
The next early morning, the climb leads you to the top of Thorang-La Pass.
The highest point of the adventure is at 5,416 m, which is also the boundary of the Manang and Mustang districts.

From the top of Thorang-La Pass, encircled by sweeping panoramic scenery of towering peaks of the Annapurna, Chulu’s, and Dhaulagiri. The views stretch as far as Manaslu in the east, with Damodar Himal towards the north-west.

Enjoy the spectacular views, then a slow and long downhill brings you to the Muktinath area for an overnight halt. Muktinath is regarded as the holiest of all holy sites for Hindus. Thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit for prayers and worship at Muktinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

After an overnight stay at the Muktinath area, take a short drive or trek for
a few hours to Jomsom. It is also the headquarters town of Mustang, where all the best hotels are located, with a small airport. The next morning, fly to the scenic city of Pokhara or enjoy an exciting drive towards Pokhara. A beautiful city where most adventures around the Annapurna Himalayas conclude. 

NAR PHU & ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT:

The Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit trek is another exciting adventure to enjoy. Located around the upper Manang area. It is a well-hidden high country with two main villages, Nar and Phu. This region was closed to the outside world until it was opened from 2003 onwards. It remains a restricted area for foreign trekkers, where a special permit is required to enter the Nar-Phu areas. 

The Nar Phu area remains the hidden Shangri-La of the Nepal Himalayas.
The trek follows the same Annapurna Circuit route until Kodo Village near the headquarters town of Manang at Chame. From Kodo, the adventure heads north, entering a river gorge, outlined by rocky cliffs covered in pine and rhododendron trees.  As the walk progresses, heading higher through smaller settlements of Dharmasala, Kyang then reaches a wide open country. Phu and Nar, two major villages, are located at a height of 4,080 m.

At Phu, enjoy the traditional heritages and cultures, similar to thier Tibetan predecessors across the border. Explore the wild and windblown village, tour Tashilkhang and Samdo Choling Monasteries, with a grand view of Kyuchi waterfalls. From Phu, dramatic views of the high snow-capped peaks of the Himlung and Annapurna Himalayas. Then walk towards its sister village at Nar,
an interesting villages like Phu, but small in size.

After exploring Nar and Phu Villages and the immense and interesting cultures, the adventure leads west to cross Kang-La Pass. The walks lead from Na towards remote pockets of Manang and Nar-Phu areas. A scenic walk to the base of
Kang La pass for an overnight camp at 4,530 m high. The next morning, climb the steep-sided ridge to the top of Kang-la pass at 5,322 m. From the top, enjoy the views of Pisang Peak and Chulu Peaks with the massive Annapurna Himalayan range. From Kang-La Pass, the route heads downhill towards Manang valley at Ngawal village. After an overnight stay at Ngawal Village, with various options
to choose from, either continue towards Manang Village to cross over the Thorang-La Pass. 

The other option is to walk back to Chame Town to drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Interested trekkers can extend the trek to Tilicho Lake and continue towards Jomsom Town via Thorang-La Pass.

Please Note:

A few years ago, another lake was discovered named Kajin Sara, at
5,200 m/17,060 m. Kajin Sara is the world’s highest glacial lake, located near Chame at Manang. 

For the Annapurna Himalayan Regions, please contact Brown Bear Trail for more details and information regarding the itineraries for each destination.