Trekking Routes From Pokhara

For information on the city of Pokhara, click here.

Information on the Annapurna Conservation Area can be obtained here.

Popular Treks:

Name - Round Annapurna Circuit
Max Elevation - 5416 meters
Time Required ~ 12-21 days
Difficulty - Medium-Hard
Lodging - Good
Season - October-November & March-April
Description - A bit of all worlds, a great famous all around trek, around the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP). Very varied scenery and climate for any traveler to enjoy, from sub tropical forest, rice fields, alpine vegetation to the high desert. Featuring a high mountain pass, (the Thorung La). Depending on season snow may be encountered. This can be a great choice for any and all, especially those visiting Nepal specifically for trekking as it provides such an enveloping perspective on many cultures as they make their existence in various environments encountered along the way. Be aware though, that those wishing to do the whole length of the circuit will find themselves in an arduous journey that is challenging yet equally rewarding. This trek, includes the Jomsom - Muktinath trek, and can be combined with the Upper Mustang for an even longer adventure.

Name - Annapurna Sanctuary (ABC)
Max Elevation - 4200 meters
Time Required ~ 6-12 days
Difficulty - Medium
Lodging - Good
Season - October-November & March-April
Description - This trek offers spectacular mountain views bringing you ever closer to the giant mountains. If attempting this trek during the off (monsoon) season you will travel to see a plethora of blooming wild, mountain flowers along the way.

Name - Jomsom - Muktinath
Max Elevation - 3800 meters
Time Required ~ 3-12 days (3 days when flying to Jomsom)
Difficulty - Medium
Lodging - Good
Season - October-May
Description - On this trek, you will travel up the Kali Gandaki river valley along the western portion of the Annapurna Conservation Area, reaching Jomsom, you will find yourself in the vast, high desert as you continue your trek along the Kali Gandaki river to Muktinath a famous and important, remote pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The vast open, high altitude vistas are unlike anywhere else and the sheer size of the place will be captivating and enlightening as you watch life unfold. You will hear the dialects distinctly change from the common Nepali, to the Tibetan forms as you trek along, North of the Annapurnas.

Name - Ghorepani- Poonhill
Max Elevation - 3120 meters
Time Required ~ 3-7 days
Difficulty - Easy-Medium
Lodging - Good
Season - October-May
Description - This trek offers vistas of scenic Gurung villages and is generally a great introduction to the trekking experience. Along the route you can find one of the largest Rhododendron forests (Lali Gurans). During a portion of the trek you will find a series of stone steps built by the Nepali masons and most likely you will find people still working on the repair of the older parts. Poonhill is most known for its spectacular sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges. This spot is a photographers nirvana. If you travel to Ghorepani, you should not miss this Poonhill pre-sunrise trek.

Name - Siklis
Max Elevation - 1989 meters
Time Required ~ 5-7 days
Difficulty - Medium
Lodging - Camping
Season - October-May
Description - This is considered to be an eco-trek also offering a look into the cultures of the hilly region without attaining extreme heights. You will visit the Gurung's second largest village, without the usual crutches provided by standard lodging on other treks. (For more info about the Gurung community see our ethnic groups page.)

Name - Mardi Himal
Max Elevation - 4100 meters
Time Required ~ 6-8 days
Difficulty - Medium-Hard
Lodging - Camping
Season - October-May
Description - Reach the bottom of Nepal's virgin peak that has never been climbed because it is forbidden. Mount Machhapuchhre is more commonly called Fishtail because of its obvious shape. If trekking away from the crowds is your desire, this may be a good place for you. This trekking route is rich in nature and you will need to be self-sufficient in your travels because there may not be any water, but relying on yourself would make this trip more rewarding.

Name - Upper Mustang
Max Elevation - 3950 meters
Time Required ~ 12-14 days
Difficulty - Medium-Hard
Lodging - Acceptable
Season - May-October
Description - Once a kingdom, it is now a forbidden walled city located in the high dessert at the edge the Tibetan Plateau. Though all of Nepal is now open to trekking, the Upper Mustang area still requires a "special" entry permit costing near $700.00 US. Offering a truly unique experience of the Tibetan cultures from nomadic yak herders to cave dwellers living as they have for centuries, this one of a kind Nepal trekking adventure is special and one not to be forgotten. This trek is perfect for those who wish to travel "back in time" to a land that is preserved from the touch of tourism.

Name - Manang Area
Max Elevation - 3540 meters
Time Required ~ 2-5 days
Difficulty - Easy-Hard
Lodging - Good
Season - October-May
Description - Visit the high dessert, north of the Annapurnas, this area has a variety of different possible routes to choose from. It is possible to combine a visit to the Manang Area with Muktinath, Jomsom or even extend your trip up to the Upper Mustang Area.

Name - Nar-Phu
Max Elevation - 5320 meters
Time Required ~ 8-14 days
Difficulty - Medium-Hard
Lodging - Camping
Season - October-November & March-April
Description - This is a newly open route for trekking featuring Tibetan culture and scenery. Just as with the Upper Mustang trek, a "special" permit is required.

Name - Manaslu Circuit
Max Elevation - 5100 meters
Time Required ~ 16-20 days
Difficulty - Medium-Hard
Lodging - Camping
Season - October-May
Description - This is a fairly long trek away from the regular trekking crowds offering great views of Mount Manaslu's north face. It also requires a "special" permit.

Name - Dhaulagiri Circuit
Max Elevation - 5710 meters
Time Required ~ 14-21 days
Difficulty - Very Hard
Lodging - Camping
Season - October-November & March-April
Description - This route is not for the inexperienced. It requires the skill of a trained traveler and the negotiation of a glacier with crampons and ice axe. It does, however, offer stunning views of the Dhaulagiri Range and is almost an expedition caliber trek.

Name - Dolpa
Max Elevation - 5115 meters
Time Required ~ 18-24 days
Difficulty - Medium-Hard
Lodging - Camping
Season - May-October
Description - Attempted by a few travel devotees, along this trek the distances are vast and few villages are encountered meaning that food and supplies will have to be carried in and out. It offers great views of the Dhaulagiri Range and a "special" permit through an agency will be required.

Name - Dhorpatan
Max Elevation - 3940 meters
Time Required ~ 7-desired stay
Difficulty - Medium
Lodging - Camping
Season - Year round
Description - This trek takes you to the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and is a trekking destination for trophy hunters. There are designated species that you are allowed to hunt, the most prized trophy being the blue sheep.

Short Treks:

Name - Panchase
Max Elevation - 1517 meters
Time Required ~2-4 days
Dining - Tea houses
Lodging - Acceptable
Description - This short trek takes the traveler to Panchase offering great views of the Pokhara valley, as well as mountain views of the Dhaulagiri and Manaslu ranges. You will enjoy a tropical forest with numerous plants, birds, butterflies and wild flowers.

Name - Royal Trek + Dipang Lake
Max Elevation - 1720 meters
Time Required ~4-6 days
Dining - Good
Lodging - Acceptable
Description - Named after Prince Charles of England who first trekked this route in 1980 it is suitable for all ages. You will see, Dipang lake, wild rice, enjoy birdwatching and the numerous wild orchids of the region

Name - Rigeline Trek
Max Elevation - 1114 meters
Time Required - 2 days
Dining - Tea houses
Lodging - Camping
Description - This trek is a vista destination for a traveler wanting to see the Himalayan mountains as well as Pokhara valley. You will see the rivers, lakes and rice terraces if the valley.

Name - Millennium Trek
Max Elevation - 1279 meters
Time Required ~5-6 days
Dining - Good
Lodging - Acceptable
Description - Named for it's introduction as a trekking route in the year 2000, it is a culturally and ethnically diverse route. The food available along the trail is traditonal and of local origin, so this is a good trek for those who want to travel and experience the true Nepali culture versus the other trekking destinations that cater more to the visiting tourist.

Name - Korchon
Max Elevation - 3682 meters
Time Required ~Drive +4 days
Dining - None
Lodging - Camping
Description - A camping trek to a rhododendron forest with a hot spring, - what more could you want? This is an ideal getaway trek for any traveler and it also has opportunities for butterfly, bird watching and fishing.