Annapurna has around 79 mapped trails, according to AllTrails data, ranging from short day hikes to multi-week treks. But most trekkers pick from about 8 to 10 major named routes, like the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, and Ghorepani–Poon Hill treks. The total number changes depending on whether you count every trail segment or just the well-known routes.
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Why the Number of Routes Varies
There’s no single fixed number because trekking routes in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) aren’t one clean list. They overlap, branch off, and connect in different ways.
The ACA includes short day hikes near Pokhara, classic multi-day treks like the Circuit and Base Camp routes, and dozens of side trips and variations. A trekker can add a detour to Tilicho Lake, extend the Base Camp trek with Khopra Ridge, or link two routes into one longer trip. Each of these counts as a separate trail on sites like AllTrails, even though most trekkers think of them as add-ons rather than standalone treks.
Restricted areas add more variation. Routes like Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang sit inside the same conservation area but need separate permits and a licensed guide, which is why some guides list them apart from the “main” Annapurna routes.
The Annapurna Conservation Area itself is Nepal’s largest protected area, spread across Gandaki Province in north-central Nepal, within a few hours of Pokhara. Its size and mix of terrain, from subtropical valleys to high mountain passes, is a big reason it supports so many different trekking options.
The Main Trekking Routes in Annapurna
Here are the routes most trekkers actually choose from. Each one has its own distance, difficulty, and highlight, so you can match a route to your time and fitness level.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
This is the longest and most complete route in the region. It circles the entire Annapurna massif and crosses Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world at 5,416 meters. The full trek runs about 160 to 230 km and takes 12 to 20 days, depending on your start and end points. It’s rated moderate to challenging, mainly because of the altitude and length rather than technical difficulty.
Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary) Trek
This route heads straight into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater surrounded by peaks over 7,000 meters. It’s about 56 km round trip and takes 7 to 12 days, with a maximum altitude of around 4,130 meters. It’s a good pick for trekkers who want big mountain views without crossing a high pass.
Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek
This is the most popular short trek in Annapurna. It takes 3 to 5 days and covers roughly 30 to 45 km, with a top point of about 3,210 meters at Poon Hill. Trekkers come here mainly for the sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, and for the rhododendron forests along the trail.
Mardi Himal Trek
A quieter alternative to Poon Hill and Base Camp, this trek follows a narrow ridge with close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range. It takes 4 to 6 days, reaches about 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp, and sees far fewer trekkers than the more famous routes.
Khopra Ridge Trek
This route stays off the main trekking trail and is often added on to the Base Camp trek. It takes 6 to 8 days, reaches around 4,660 meters at Khopra Danda, and offers wide views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South without the crowds.
Nar Phu Valley Trek (Restricted Area)
Nar Phu sits in a remote valley with strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. It’s a restricted area, so it needs a special permit and a licensed guide. The trek takes 10 to 16 days, often combined with part of the Annapurna Circuit, and reaches altitudes above 5,000 meters at its highest points.
Upper Mustang / Jomsom–Muktinath Trek
This route explores the dry, high-desert landscape of Mustang, along with the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Upper Mustang is also restricted and needs a separate permit. The full Upper Mustang trek takes 10 to 14 days, while the shorter Jomsom–Muktinath route can be done in 4 to 6 days for trekkers with less time.
Panchase Trek (Short and Easy Option)
This is one of the easiest treks in the region, close to Pokhara. It takes 2 to 4 days, stays under 2,500 meters, and suits trekkers who want mountain views and village life without high-altitude strain.
Comparison Table – Annapurna Routes at a Glance
| Route | Duration | Distance | Difficulty | Max Altitude | Approx. Cost |
| Annapurna Circuit | 12–20 days | 160–230 km | Moderate–Challenging | 5,416 m (Thorong La) | $800–$1,500 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 7–12 days | ~56 km | Moderate | 4,130 m | $600–$1,200 |
| Ghorepani–Poon Hill | 3–5 days | 30–45 km | Easy–Moderate | 3,210 m | $250–$500 |
| Mardi Himal | 4–6 days | ~40 km | Moderate | 4,500 m | $350–$600 |
| Khopra Ridge | 6–8 days | ~55 km | Moderate | 4,660 m | $500–$800 |
| Nar Phu Valley | 10–16 days | 90–120 km | Challenging | 5,000+ m | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Upper Mustang | 10–14 days | 90–130 km | Moderate–Challenging | 3,840 m | $1,000–$1,800 |
| Panchase | 2–4 days | 20–30 km | Easy | 2,500 m | $150–$300 |
Costs vary by group size, season, and whether you hire a guide or porter. These figures are a general range, not a fixed price.
How to Choose the Right Annapurna Route
The best route depends on your time, fitness, and what you want to see.
- Limited time (under a week): Ghorepani–Poon Hill or Panchase give you mountain views without a long commitment.
- First-time trekker: Ghorepani–Poon Hill or Mardi Himal are well-marked and don’t require high-altitude experience.
- Experienced trekker seeking altitude: The Annapurna Circuit or Nar Phu Valley offer high passes and longer days.
- Cultural interest: Upper Mustang and Nar Phu Valley pass through Tibetan Buddhist villages and monasteries.
- Budget traveler: Shorter routes like Panchase or Ghorepani–Poon Hill cost less in permits, guides, and days on the trail.
Weather and season also affect which route works best for you. For a full breakdown of monthly conditions, see our guide to the best time to trek in Annapurna.
Permits Needed for Annapurna Treks
Almost every route in this list requires two documents: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIM (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. Together, these typically cost around $40 to $45 for independent trekkers, though prices can change.
Restricted routes cost more and work differently. Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang both require a special Restricted Area Permit, which must be arranged through a licensed trekking agency, and you must trek with a registered guide. These permits are priced per week and cost significantly more than the standard ACAP and TIMS combination.
For exact current fees and where to apply, see our full guide to Annapurna trekking permits and costs.
Best Time to Trek in Annapurna
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two peak seasons for trekking in Annapurna. Both offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable daytime temperatures. Spring also brings blooming rhododendron forests along lower routes like Ghorepani and Mardi Himal.
Summer months bring monsoon rain, which makes trails slippery and can block mountain views. Winter is possible on lower routes, but high passes like Thorong La can close due to snow. For a full month-by-month breakdown, check our complete guide to the best time to trek in Annapurna.
FAQs
Which Annapurna trek is best for beginners?
The Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek is the best choice for beginners. It’s short, well-marked, and doesn’t reach high altitudes that require special acclimatization.
What is the longest trekking route in Annapurna?
The Annapurna Circuit is the longest major route, covering up to 230 km and taking as long as 20 days, depending on the starting point and any side trips added.
What is the shortest Annapurna trek?
The Panchase Trek is one of the shortest, often completed in 2 to 4 days from Pokhara.
Do all Annapurna treks need a guide?
No. Standard routes like the Circuit, Base Camp, and Poon Hill can be trekked independently with the right permits, though a guide is recommended for safety. Restricted areas like Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang legally require a licensed guide.
Can you combine multiple Annapurna routes?
Yes. Many trekkers combine routes, such as adding Khopra Ridge to the Base Camp trek or linking Nar Phu Valley with part of the Annapurna Circuit. This is one reason the total trail count in the region is higher than the list of “main” routes.