The super awesome Annapurna Region in Nepal is home to some of the most amazing mountain scenery ever. There are huge, tall mountains everywhere you look and cozy villages down in the valleys. Whether you want to go hiking up to see glaciers or relax by a waterfall, there’s something fun for everyone!
Get ready to explore “10 Major Attractions in the Annapurna Region,” like famous trails, calm villages, natural hot tubs, and more. You can take nice little walks or be super adventurous and do long mountain crossings.
It might even feel like a fun movie with bright blue skies, rocky cliffs, swinging bridges, and friendly locals guiding your way. There are lots of secrets there waiting to be discovered.
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1. Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp, shining in the heart of the Annapurna mountain range, offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Nepal. The base camp, at an altitude of 4,130 meters, is literally surrounded by towering peaks on all sides – including the iconic and deeply revered Annapurna I, towering at 8,091 meters above sea level.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is equally as breathtaking as the destination itself. Most trekkers begin in Nayapul and make their way along stone steps and rugged mountain paths.
The trail passes through quaint villages filled with traditional tea houses offering food and lodging to tired hikers. Lush Rhododendron forests full of birds and mountain wildlife line the trail, with icy waterfalls and river crossings adding adventure along the way.
Upon arriving at base camp after a week or more of hiking, trekkers are met with magnificent rewards of the mighty Annapurna range in all its glory.
Sunrises and sunsets here cast brilliant golden shades on the peaks and valleys below, cameras click endlessly to capture the memories, and a sense of blissful peace sets in that makes the demanding journey worthwhile.
2. Thorong La Pass
Rising at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) above sea level, Thorong La Pass is one of the challenging mountain passes offering splendid Himalayan panorama.
Forming part of the renowned Annapurna Circuit trekking route, traversing Thorong La Pass is an ambitious goal for experienced trekkers and thrill-seeking travelers alike.
The journey begins in the village of Manang, where the arduous climb up towards the pass slowly begins. Trekkers make their way through rugged, high-mountain terrain, often encountering freezing temperatures, thin air, and even snow or ice as Thorong La grows nearer.
Several teahouses along the trail offer the opportunity to rest and acclimate before continuing the journey.
Upon arriving at the summit, trekkers are greeted with views that make the struggle infinitely worthwhile. The iconic pyramid peak of Annapurna I dominates the skyline to the south, while the misty valley below leads towards Muktinath Temple to the north – an important pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
3. Mardi Himal (Talk about Mardi Himal View Point)
For those seeking a shorter yet equally rewarding Himalayan trek near Annapurna, the Mardi Himal View Point is the best choice. Located just south of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, this four or five-day Mardi Himal Trek offers mesmerizing views of the nearby peaks with less physical intensity than its more famous neighbor.
The journey kicks off in Phedi or Kande, where the ascent towards Mardi Himal View Point begins through quiet Rhododendron forests and occasional mountain villages along the way.
As the trail gains elevation, the trees give way to wide open spaces, revealing the first glimpses of Mardi Himal herself.
The highest point reached on the standard Mardi Himal trek is Upper View Point, situated scenically at roughly 4,500 meters elevation. From here, outstanding wide-angle panoramas showcase the mighty Macchapuchre (commonly called “Fishtail Mountain”) directly opposite Mardi Himal across the valley.
While shorter and less challenging than classic Himalayan treks in Nepal, Mardi Himal rewards adventure seekers with equally high-mountain scenery with just enough physical effort to feel well-earned.
4. Natural hot spring
After days of challenging hiking trails, there’s nothing quite like soaking in the healing geothermal waters of Nepal’s refreshing hot springs. The Annapurna region offers weary trekkers two prime locations to unwind and restore the body’s equilibrium.
Jhinu Danda
Situated along the Annapurna Circuit trail just past Chamje village, Jhinu Danda’s steamy hot springs provide the perfect nature-made soak for aching muscles and joints.
Small pools along the forested hillside offer stunning views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre while mineral-rich 102°F waters work their magic.
Tatopani
On the opposite end of the Circuit, nearing the trail’s completion, lies Tatopani – literally translating to “hot water” in Nepali, named for its plenty of thermal springs.
Unlike Jhinu Danda’s quiet intimacy, Tatopani is full of fellow trekkers socializing for hours in its hot spring pools as Annapurna giants loom large in the distance.
With plenty of lodging on site, many hikers use Tatopani’s healing waters to recover after the challenging Thorong La Pass crossing before journeying onward – making this remote mountain trail a can’t miss Annapurna highlight.
5. Pokhara Valley
Known as Nepal’s tourism capital and the gateway to the Annapurna region, the scenic Pokhara Valley lives up to its reputation as a top destination in its own right.
Adorned by the magical Phewa Lake on one side and the towering Annapurna range on the other, Pokhara enjoys spectacular mountain views in a relaxed valley setting.
Colorful boats drift slowly across Phewa Lake as day hikers make their way up to the World Peace Pagoda for sweeping views across the valley. Paragliders sail through the skies above, touching down gently on the lakeshore.
Just a short drive from Pokhara lie smaller Himalayan foothill towns like Begnas and Rupa Lake – peaceful alternatives. For many visitors, a few days spent enjoying Pokhara’s combination of breathtaking scenery and laidback charm makes the perfect start or finish to Annapurna adventures further afield.
6. Poon Hill
For those with limited time seeking a condensed Himalayan trekking experience, look no further than Poon Hill – one of the Annapurna region’s most accessible yet rewarding viewpoints.
At just 3,210 meters elevation and typically involving only a three-day round trip hike from Pokhara or nearby villages, Poon Hill delivers stunning mountain panoramas without the lengthy commitment of lengthier treks.
As the rising sun slowly brightens the Himalayan horizon, travellers are treated to unobstructed views of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri peaks. The fishtail profile of Machhapuchhre (Annapurna South) particularly impresses photographers angling for iconic shots.
7. Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake is located at 4,949 meters high in the Annapurna range – one of the world’s highest alpine lakes. Reaching this majestic turquoise lake requires a challenging multi-day hike bypassing the Annapurna Circuit, but offers adventurous trekkers stunning Himalayan scenery as their reward.
The turn-off point for Tilicho Lake lies a few hours beyond the village of Manang along the Circuit. From here, hikers gradually ascend towards remote Tilicho Base Camp with Annapurna peaks slowly revealing at each twist and turn. The following day’s hike is the most strenuous, climbing over 500 meters to Tilicho Lake’s glacial shores.
Upon arrival, the bright blue waters backed by Annapurna’s ice-capped peaks create picture-perfect reflections for hikers to admire.
The payoff for reaching Tilicho Lake’s lofty heights allows adventurous trekkers to experience a side of the Annapurnas only accessible off the beaten path.
8. Jomsom and Muktinath
The remote mountain towns of Jomsom and Muktinath represent the end of the route for Annapurna Circuit trekkers completing their high-altitude traverse.
Marking the transition point between Hindu lowlands and Tibetan Buddhist highlands, these culturally fascinating villages offer the perfect place to rest weary legs after Thorong La while soaking up local gems not to miss.
The windswept outpost of Jomsom serves as a popular endpoint or launching point for Upper Mustang treks further north. Beyond stocking up on supplies or booking flights back to Pokhara, Jomsom also provides visitors a taste of traditional Mustangi culture through its picturesque whitewashed architecture interspersed with ancient monasteries and stupas.
In the meantime, the mystical village of Muktinath, reached by jeep or gentle uphill hike from Jomsom, stands as one of Nepal’s most important temple sites with special significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Whether recovering after Thorong La, making preparations for Upper Mustang, or simply absorbing the captivating history and culture, Jomsom and Muktinath give Annapurna Circuit trekkers the perfect excuse to stay at their adventure’s closing act.
These remote destinations offer the final secret gems rounding out an unforgettable journey through Nepal’s breathtaking mountain kingdom.
9. Nar-Phu Valley
The remote and untouched Nar-Phu Valley is located north of Annapurna, along the Tibetan border. The valley offers adventurous trekkers a glimpse into a more traditional Tibetan culture relatively untouched by modernity.
The stunning high-altitude valleys of Nar and Phu serve up breathtaking Himalayan scenery. To those willing to venture off the beaten path, Nar and Phu valleys provide an amazing journey.
The turnoff for Nar-Phu lies just past the village of Koto along the Annapurna Circuit, marking the start of the road less traveled. As hikers gradually gain elevation towards Nar, one can spot small villages and their unique architecture through the winding valley.
Several days are required to properly explore the rich culture and majestic high-mountain landscapes of Nar and Phu before looping southward back towards the Annapurna Circuit.
10. Khopra Danda
For trekkers seeking a peaceful, less-traveled route through the Annapurna region, the relatively unknown Khopra Danda trek promises all the scenic rewards without the crowds.
Offering stunning views of Annapurna South and the Fishtail Mountains, this remote area feels worlds apart from busier trails just miles away.
The journey to Khopra Danda begins from Pokhara, before passing through dense oak and rhododendron forests abundant with birds and wildlife.
The trail leads gently upwards through traditional villages intricately carved into the hillslopes, allowing glimpses into rural Nepali culture.
The hike reaches its peak at Khopra Danda, a 3,640 meter hilltop overlook just off the main Annapurna Sanctuary trail. From this lofty yet accessible vantage point, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre dominate the sky.
With simpler teahouse lodging and trails less crowded but no less stunning than its popular neighbors, Khopra Danda offers the perfect alternative for hikers.
In The End
Wasn’t going through 10 major attractions in the Annapurna Region incredible?! There were epic mountain trails, funky villages, and crazy blue lakes.
We hope reading about these adventures gets you excited to visit Annapurna one day. Just imagine finally seeing those gigantic mountains and glaciers with your own eyes.
No matter which trail or village you explore, it’s guaranteed to be epic! The hardest choice will be trying to pick your favorite because they’re all amazing.
When you do visit, make sure to be respectful of local traditions, pack lightly, bring a journal to record memories, and have an open sense of wonder. Immerse all your senses fully into your trek!
