10 Top-Rated Sites in Annapurna For a Wonderful Trip in Nepal (2024)

Nepal is most famous for being home to the highest mountain peak in the world, Mount Everest. But apart from Mount Everest, there are other mountain peaks and massifs located there that make Nepal even more enthralling and captivating. Annapurna is such a massif in Nepal that it has some of the world’s highest Himalayan peaks. Some of the Annapurna massif mountains are more than 25000 feet high, while the others are 2300 feet high. This region is known as the Annapurna region and is more than 55 km long.

Now, due to the massive altitudes of the said peaks, most tourists could not reach there. But they often visit the places included in the Annapurna Conservation Area. To see the sites that fall under this conservation, tourists have to trek some tricky terrains. From snowstorms to avalanches, there are many aspects of these treks that could go horribly wrong. You might be wondering why people put themselves through all of these dangers if the entire trip is so unpredictable? The simple answer is to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the Annapurna.

All of the sites included in the Annapurna region are so spectacular that tourists visit there over and over again. In this blog, we are going to discuss the best places in the Annapurna region. Do not worry! All these sites are not located at heights over 20,000 feet. Most of them can be reached by physically fit tourists without any prior experience of trekking. To visit this Nepal region, you will have to take a bus or a rented car from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Most tourists prefer to go there from Pokhara. So, without wasting any more time, let us get lost in the vast wilderness of the Annapurna region of Nepal.

10 Top-Rated Sites in Annapurna For a Wonderful Trip in Nepal

The places included in the following list will allow you to witness the Himalayas’ beauty like never before.

1. Annapurna Base Camp

For many tourists trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most challenging accomplishments of their lives. To reach the base camp, you will have to start your trekking expedition from Pokhara, one of the most beautiful Nepali cities. For most newbies, the entire trek would take them around seven to ten days. Now, without seeing the landscapes that this trek would offer, you might be thinking that hiking for so many days under challenging terrains is absurd. But if you check out the views that this terrain provides on the internet, you will change your mind.

The spectacular views of Mount Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and others will make you dumbfounded. Apart from the mountains’ extraordinary spectacle, you will be even more awed by the lush green and colorful rhododendron forest surrounding you. While trekking in this region, you will go through many paddy fields that will offer you more unique and breathtakingly beautiful views.

2. Annapurna Sanctuary

Located 40 km from Pokhara, the Annapurna Sanctuary is one of the best places to see in the Annapurna region. This oval-shaped plateau’s altitude is around 13,500 feet. It is the best site in Nepal, from where you can get mesmerizingly alluring views of major Himalayan peaks like Machapuchare and Hiunchuli. It was not until 1956 that people came to know about this destination. Earlier, the Gurung people protected this region. For them, this site was and still is quite sacred. But now, trekkers and adventure-enthusiasts throughout the world visit there to soak in the glory of the Himalayas.

For moderately experienced trekkers, five to seven days are enough to reach Annapurna sanctuary from Pokhara. But other inexperienced tourists will require more time to get there. The varying ecosystem of this region makes it quite different from the other trekking pathways in the world. By trekking to this sanctuary, you will get to see some of the most beautiful scenic views in the world.

3. Pokhara

Pokhara is the site where every exciting aspect of the Annapurna circuit trek starts. Apart from being the starting point of one of the most challenging and alluring walks globally, Pokhara is a great tourist destination. Located by the bank of Phewa Lake, this region is filled with tourists across the globe. The best part about this town is its natural allure. From any point of Pokhara, you will get to have the panoramic view of the peaks that make the Annapurna region so mind-blowing. If you are a new trekker, you can go on some relatively shorter hikes from Pokhara before venturing into the challenging trek to Annapurna base camp.

There are several sightseeing spots in this city that make it one of Nepal’s most tourist-friendly places. From paddling in the Phewa lake to marveling at the sunsets and sunrises from the Sarangkot viewpoint, there are so many things to do in Pokhara that staying there for a couple of days is not even enough.

4. Poon Hill Ghorepani

Located at approximately 10,500 feet, the Poon Hill Ghorepani region is one of the best places to visit in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Tourists love to see this enthralling destination. It allows them to get the majestic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri II, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and others up close without actually having to undergo a challenging trek. Apart from covering the Annapurna circuit, the hike to Poon Hill is the best way to get panoramic views of these impeccable mountain ranges.

Like the other treks in the Annapurna region, the tour to Poon hill also starts from Pokhara. Unlike the further hikes, the Poon Hill Ghorepani trek can be experienced by inexperienced trekkers as well. Although it requires around four days to reach the site, the terrain is not that difficult to walk. While hiking, tourists witness the breathtakingly beautiful views of the massive mountain ranges along with the lush greenery of the surrounding forests. If you are afraid of first-time trekking, start your adventure by visiting Poon hill in Nepal. You will undoubtedly gain a lot of confidence.

5. Manang

If you have always wondered how people living in rugged terrains survive harsh climatic conditions, then vising Manang will give you your answers. With an altitude of 11,545 feet, Manang is one of Nepal’s highest villages, with around 6500 people. As this site is located by the magnificent Marshyangdi river bank, tourists get enthralled by its natural beauty. The lifestyle of the locals of Manang will offer you a new perspective on life.

From any point of this hamlet located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, you will see the majestic views of the mountain ranges. Apart from the picturesque views, you will get a peek into the lives of the region’s local Nepalese people if you want to taste some of the dishes of their cuisine and participate in their culture while visiting there.

6. Thorong La

If you love trekking and have been doing it for many years, hiking to Thorong La pass is the best thing you can do while visiting Nepal. Located at the end of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Thorong La pass is the area’s highest pass. Its height is around 17,500 feet, and getting the bird’s eye view of the entire surroundings from there will be one of the most exhilarating and unparalleled moments of your life. To get there, you will have to trek for ten days straight.

While hiking, you will come across the significant mountain peaks’ breathtakingly beautiful scenery, including Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and others. As the entire route of this trek is through the lush greenery of the dense forests, you will get to have a challenging yet organic experience in your life. By trekking through the route to Thorong La pass, you will come across different Nepali and Tibetan villages to get any information regarding the locality.

7. Muktinath

Among all the sites located in Nepal’s Annapurna region, Muktinath is the most sacred one among the Hindu devotees. Hindus are commonly known as ‘the place of liberation,’ Muktinath’s significance lies in its water. Located at the height of approximately 12,500 feet, this waterbody receives the water from 108 springs. Many pilgrims and tourists bathe in the water of this sacred site to rinse off their sins. A temple is located in this region that is tremendously important to the Hindu community.

From this temple, you will get a crystal-clear view of Mount Dhaulagiri. The encaptivating view of the mountain and the turquoise blue water of the lake make this region one of the most desirable areas of Nepal.

8. Lo-Manthang

Commonly known as the ‘Walled City,’ Lo-Manthang is a district located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This region is a part of the Mustang district of Nepal and is highly influenced by Tibetan culture. The proximity of this area to Tibet is the main reason behind the cultural diversity over there. With an altitude of 12,500 feet, Lo-Manthang is often recognized as the ‘hidden city,’ of Nepal. Once, this site was the capital of the Lo Kings. Up to the 18th century, Lo-Manthang was pretty crucial to the economy and culture of Nepal.

Later the region fell into the Mustang district in the late 1990s. There are many sightseeing spots in this area, including the Royal palace of Lo Manthang, Choeter, Jhampa Lhakang, and others. You will find some eateries, accommodations, and shops in Lo-Manthang that will help you rest while exploring the Annapurna region.

9. Tilicho Lake

Known for its outstanding beauty and mesmerizingly beautiful surrounding views, Tilicho Lake, is the best site located in Nepal’s Annapurna region. Standing over an altitude of approximately 16,100 feet, visiting this lake will allow you to experience one of the best moments of your life. Right at the instant when you will view the lake amid the allure of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, you will fall in love with it. The surrounding mountains are some of the highest Himalayan peaks globally, including Mount Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and others.

The crystal-clear water of the lake acts as a mirror for the overlooking mountain ranges. You will genuinely be baffled by seeing the reflection of these milky-white snowy mountains over the turquoise blue water of the lake. The trek to Tilicho Lake is not easy, but the view that tourists get to see after reaching the spot makes every trouble worth it.

10. Siklish

Siklish is one of the most popular treks that one can partake in a while exploring the Annapurna conservatory in Nepal. As this is an alternative trekking route, the crowd in this route is relatively more less. The entire trekking path is located in the Annapurna II and IV regions. If you have never trekked before, the Siklish trek will be perfect for you. By participating in this hike, you will see many well-known sites located in the Annapurna region, namely Beganas Tal, Gurung, village, Madi Khola, and others.

Commonly the Siklish route is known as the Royal trek. It is believed that Prince Charles once participated in this trek with his troupes in the 1980s. You can quickly start your hiking adventure from Pokhara.

The Annapurna circuit of Nepal is one of the most mysterious and overwhelming areas of the country. All these sites mentioned in the blog can be reached only by hiking. As there are no other ways to get there, these places are not for you if you cannot walk for long distances at day’s end. Otherwise, if you love adventures and have always dreamt of coming face to face with the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, then these sites are perfect for you. The most appropriate time to visit the Annapurna conservatory in Nepal is from October to November. Do not forget to bring the necessary trekking accessories before staying there. By reading this guide, we hope you got a lot of crucial information regarding the Annapurna trip in Nepal.Apart from reading this guide, do not forget to do a through research before planning the perfect itinerary of your trip.