Annapurna Mountain Range (Annapurna Massif)
Narchyang, Nepal
The Annapurna Massif is a range of the Himalayas in western Nepal. Six major peaks sit within this area: Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna. Each is over 23,000 feet (7,200 meters. It’s one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, with both short and long-distance treks easily accessible from the major city of Pokhara.
The basics
Nepal is home to several mountains above 26,200 feet (8,000 meters), and one of them sits within the Annapurna Mountain Range: Annapurna I (26,545 feet/8,091 meters). The most famous trek in the Annapurna Range is the Annapurna Circuit, but there are many other well and lesser-known routes, including Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, and more.
Most travelers come to the Annapurna Himalaya for trekking. Although it’s not mandatory to trek with a guide in this area, many travelers do as this is the safest way. Travelers who don’t want to trek can experience the Annapurnas by staying in and around Pokhara, where clear views can often be seen.
Things to know before you go
- Anyone trekking in the Annapurna Himalayas requires a TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area permit, which can be got in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- If trekking at high altitudes, be aware of the signs of altitude sickness, and of what to do if you suffer from it.
- One of the benefits of trekking in the Annapurna Himalaya is that it’s not necessary to camp (unless you really want to!) An extensive network of ‘teahouses’, or basic guesthouses, offers reasonably comfortable accommodation along the most popular trekking routes.
How to get there
The Annapurnas are best accessed via Pokhara, Nepal’s second-biggest city. Pokhara itself is a 30-minute flight or a 6-9 hour bus ride from Kathmandu. From Pokhara, most travelers access the Annapurna by taking a bus or taxi an hour or two outside the city and then walking from a trailhead.
When to get there
Peak trekking seasons in Nepal are spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), as the weather is at its best and the mountain views are generally clear. These are also the busiest times, though, and most popular trekking trails and lodges will be quite busy. Winter isn’t a bad time to visit, if you’re prepared for the cold, as the skies are usually very clear, offering the best mountain views.
Visit Lower Mustang
On the “other side” of the Annapurna Range is Mustang, a dry, largely barren high-altitude plateau with a strongly Tibetan Buddhist culture. While Upper Mustang can only be visited with a guide and a pricey permit, Lower Mustang is much more accessible. Parts of the Annapurna Range, as well as the Dhaulagiri Range, can be seen from Mustang, and towns like Kagbeni, Marpha, and Muktinath offer cultural attractions.
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