At a glance
| Recommended days | 10 - 14 days |
|---|---|
| Daily cost | €15-25 / €35-60 |
| Best season | Oct-Nov · Mar-Apr |
| Region | South Asia |
The highlights
These picks come out of our full Nepal: Annapurna Trek guide - each one earns its place on a first visit.
1. Annapurna Base Camp trek
A 7-10 day teahouse trek into a 360-degree amphitheatre of 7,000-metre peaks - moderate difficulty, big reward.
2. Poon Hill sunrise
The 3,210 m viewpoint above Ghorepani where Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas catch first light - a short trek option for tight schedules.
3. Pokhara & Phewa Lake
Lakeside cafes, the World Peace Pagoda hike and paragliding beneath the Annapurna wall.
4. Kathmandu Durbar squares
Patan and Bhaktapur's carved brick palaces and living temple courtyards - the valley's Newari craft at its peak.
5. Muktinath & the Kali Gandaki
The pilgrim temple and deepest gorge on the Annapurna Circuit's dry side, Apple-pie-lodge country.
Practical tips
Start sightseeing early - the first hours at any famous site are quieter, cooler and better lit. Keep water and a offline map handy, and check opening days: opening days and access rules vary by site. For timing the whole trip around weather and crowds, see when to visit Nepal: Annapurna Trek.
- Annapurna and Everest treks both need permit paperwork in Kathmandu — arrange it the day you arrive, not at the trailhead.
- The Annapurna Circuit's new road sections have shortened the classic route; detours via Upper Pisang keep the walking pure.
- Pokhara is the decompression base: lakeside evenings, paragliding mornings, and the mountain-flight alternative.
- Acclimatize by itinerary, not hope: gain no more than 300-500 sleeping meters per day above 3,000 m.
Related guides
Where to stay in Nepal: Annapurna Trek · Nepal: Annapurna Trek: 10-14 day itinerary · Nepal: Annapurna Trek travel budget · Full Nepal: Annapurna Trek guide
FAQ
What are the must-see sights in Nepal: Annapurna Trek?
The highlights above cover it: annapurna base camp trek, poon hill sunrise and pokhara & phewa lake are the three we would not skip.
How many days do I need for Nepal: Annapurna Trek?
Our recommended pace is 10-14 days - enough for the 5 highlights listed here without rushing. See the itinerary page for a day-by-day plan.
Do I need to book Nepal: Annapurna Trek attractions in advance?
Peak-season timed entries and popular tours sell out first; everything else can be arranged on the ground. When in doubt, book the first hours of the day.
Do I need a guide for trekking in Nepal?
Solo-trekking rules have tightened in recent years and change periodically; budget for a guide either way — the trail knowledge and permit handling pay for themselves.
Altitude planning
Plan gradual ascent and do not continue upwards with symptoms. For prevention and treatment decisions, use CDC altitude guidance with advice specific to your route and health.