The Annapurna Trekking Region in Nepal, named after none other than the 10th highest mountain in the world, whose name translates to “Anna,” meaning grain, and “Purna,” meaning state of being filled or complete, is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. Trekkers, climbers, and nature lovers alike are charmed by the stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, wide variety of flora and fauna, and authentic culture of the Himalayan locals.
When trekking to Annapurna, you will witness much more than just the snow-clad peaks; the unique culture, traditions, and customs of Gurungs, Magars, Thakalis, and other indigenous communities will forever have you engrossed in memories about that sojourn. Then again, reaching up high and spending days on days on an extensive trekking won't fit into every schedule, thus, if you are looking for an Annapurna scenic trek that will give you bigger mountains, immersion in one-of-a-kind culture, and memories to cherish forever, here are the top short treks in the Annapurna region for 2025 and 2026.
A must venture into, a great option for beginners, families, and budget travelers. The Annapurna Himalaya of Nepal is rich when it comes to short treks, and in less than two weeks, you can seize all that the mighty Mount Annapurna (8,091m) has to offer. Here we have discussed the best beginner treks in Annapurna, easy family treks in Annapurna, and also how these low-altitude treks in the Annapurna region are equally rewarding as other multi-day Annapurna treks such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek of 15 days, or the longer Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek of 17 days.
Having all that any adventurer can ever dream of, from quick escape and gentle introduction to Himalayan trekking and strenuous crossing of one of the high mountain passes in Nepal, Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the Annapurna Trekking region is a paradise for outdoor adventure, all while witnessing incredible panoramas.
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Why choose short treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal?
Before diving into the top Annapurna short treks, let's understand why it is a fantastic choice to add to your bucket list for 2025 and 2026. First of all, Annapurna short treks are for those with limited vacation days who still want to savor stunning mountain views, lush forests of rhododendron, and charming Himalayan villages. Usually, the short treks in and around Annapurna do not reach 5,000m above sea level, significantly reducing the chances of altitude sickness.
A place to see with your family, friends, and colleagues of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. You will spend fewer days on the trekking trail, and the numerous teahouses and local lodges mean it can be managed on a low budget as well. However, don’t be fooled by the short duration; the mountain views are second to none, especially those of the Annapurna peaks, Annapurna I, II, III, and South, followed by Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and others. In addition, you will also not have to compromise on cultural immersion.
Local guides from registered trekking companies like Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks mean cultural interaction is genuine and smoother, and here we present to you all the top Annapurna short treks for 2025 and 2026. Reserve your seat now and get special group and early booking discounts on these packages:
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - The classic Annapurna Viewpoint
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking, which takes you to one of the lofty hills dotted along the classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek route, is one of the most preferred and visited short treks in the Annapurna region. All year round, both international and national tourists take a hike to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210m for an epic sunrise view when the surrounding Himalayas come to their full glory as the first ray of light just kisses the summits. Beginning with a scenic drive from Pokhara, trekkers usually cover around 50 km following the trail that goes through the vibrant forests of rhododendron, especially in spring.
The charming Gurung and Magar villages in between are another visual delight, followed by their unique culture and traditions. With very little rise and fall in altitude, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, hence one of the best Annapurna short treks in Nepal, is also one of the best beginner treks in Annapurna, offering you a refined taste of Himalayan journeys. The trekking routes are well established, and for those seeking easy family treks in Annapurna, you would love Ghorepani Poon Hill Hiking, which is only a few days' walk from the city of lakes of Nepal, Pokhara, all with minimal altitude risks.
Trip Highlights
Duration: 10 days
Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate
Activities: A guided UNESCO World Heritage Site Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, staying in teahouses run by locals offering closer insight into Himalayan lifestyle, walking through Nepal’s largest conservation area, the Annapurna Conservation Area, an early morning hike to Poon Hill for gorgeous mountain views, especially that of Mount Annapurna I (8,091m), and more.
Places to see: The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal’s city of lakes, Pokhara, traditional villages of the Annapurna region such as Ghorepani, lofty hills called Poon Hill, and several mountain ranges like Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Machapuchare, and Mardi, including the Annapurna ranges, etc.
Max. Altitude: Approx. 3,210m at Poon Hill
Permits: Required
Accommodation: Well-established local teahouses, lodges, and guest houses.
Foods: Day-to-day Nepali-Tibetan cuisines to some popular western delicacies.
Though newly introduced, the Annapurna Trekking Trail, Mohare Danda Trek, or Mohare Ridge Trek is a less crowded alternative to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Hike, one of the Annapurna Best Short Trekking routes. The less-traveled route means a peaceful and serene ambience, a perfect escape to nature from dull and monotonous city life. Reaching the highest point at only 3,300m above sea level, still providing you marvelous sights of Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri, to the north of the famous Ghorepani Poon Hill, trekking to Mohare Danda is an exquisite experience.
From dense subtropical forests of oak and rhododendron and scenic terraced farms to alpine meadows, trekkers embarking on one of the best short treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal get ready to delve into the community-run lodges and teahouses trekking style. On the way, the dwellings of Magar and Gurung, though they are tiny, are beautiful and allow you an insider's insight into the way of living in the Himalayas that is simple yet fulfilling. Regarded as easy to moderate, the hike to Mohare Danda caters to a wide range of trekkers, including novices and those with families.
Feel free to contact us and reserve your seat with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. Spend a memorable holiday in the Himalayas for the years 2025 and 2026 with our special group and early bird booking discounts.
Trip Highlights
Duration: 8 days
Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate
Activities: Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Galeshwor, making way through and staying at several tiny yet beautiful villages like Deurali and Ghandruk, hiking to Mohare Danda (3,300m) for an incredible sunrise view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche, and visiting Galeshwor Temple and Naangi Barahi Temple, and more.
Places to see: Pokhara, Deurali and Ghandruk village, Mohare Danda, Galeshwor Temple, Naangi Barahi Temple, etc.
Max. Altitude: Approx. 3,300m at Mohare Danda.
Permits: Required
Accommodation: Well-maintained local tea houses and lodges
Foods: Nepali-Tibetan cuisines to some international menus.
For those keen to experience one top short treks around Annapurna that is quiet and full of dramatic ridges, the Mardi Himal Trek, offering you a close-up view of Mount Fishtail (Machhapuchhre ), is calling you even in 2025 and 2026. Trekkers reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at an elevation of 4,500m above sea level, where the Mardi Himal, one of the best beginner treks in Annapurna, culminates, making its way through pristine trails and ridges dotted with beautiful forests of rhododendron groves.
Gradually, it opens up above the treeline while Machapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli welcome you magnificently. Though a bit more challenging than others on this list of top Annapurna short treks, including for 2025 and 2026, Mardi Himal Hiking is a favorite among beginner climbers and trekkers. The touch of a higher-altitude trek experience and achievement means just the right Himalayan gateway.
Beneath snow-capped mountain peaks, embrace the remote trekking experience in a short time, still rewarding you with the diverse landscape of the Annapurna Trekking Region of Nepal. In short, the Mardi Himal Trek, further combined with a quick ascent to Poon Hill from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, is for a more serene and adventurous experience than all of the low-altitude treks in Annapurna.
Trip Highlights
Duration: 11 days
Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate
Activities: A scenically rich drive to and from Pokhara; embark on a classic Annapurna trekking trail for several days; immerse yourself in the Himalayan local culture at Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Landruk; experience camping at Forest Camp and High Camp; and relish expansive mountain views from the Mardi Himal Base Camp, such as Mount Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal, etc.
Places to see: Kathmandu, Pokhara, the villages of Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Landruk, the Forest Camp, High Camp, and Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Max. Altitude: Around 4,500m.
Permits: Required
Accommodation: Local teahouses, lodges, and camps.
Foods: Nepali-Tibetan dishes, to some popular western menus.
Transport: Local bus, jeep, and flight.
The beautiful scenery from High Camp during the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal!
Annapurna Panchase Trek - Panoramic bliss with spiritual dip
Similarly, one of the best-kept secrets among low-altitude treks in Annapurna is the Annapurna Panchase Trek, also one of the budget treks in the Annapurna region, offering you an opportunity to leave footprints at one of the pilgrimage sites in the Annapurna Trekking region, Panchase Danda (2,500 m). Pursuing an off-the-beaten trekking route from the outskirts of Pokhara, if you are looking for a travel experience that is both scenic and meaningful, trekking to Panchase Danda (hill or ridge) stands out as one of the best short Annapurna treks.
This trek is also one of the community-based Annapurna trekking routes that contributes to supporting the local livelihood and nature, minimizing the environmental impact that comes with tourism. The cultural and spiritual immersion is immense as you summit the Panchase hill, from where the mountain views are no less stunning. Whether you are seniors or young ladies and lads, you are provided 360-degree Himalayan views from Panchase Danda, stop and amidst the green valleys, resulting in a meditative atmosphere. To conclude, for families, beginners, and spiritual persons, the Annapurna Panchase Trek is an absolute delight.
Trip Highlights
Duration: 9 days
Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate
Activities: A guided sightseeing tour in and around the Kathmandu Valley, also called the city of temples; a joyous drive to and from Pokhara; exploring one of the less trodden Annapurna trekking routes; enjoying sunrise bliss from Panchase Danda; hearing folktales connected with Danda from locals; experiencing genuine hospitality of Himalayan locals; community-based teahouse trekking; capturing mesmerizing views of Ganesh Himal, Hiunchuli, and Manaslu; Trishuli River rafting; etc.
Places to see: Kathmandu, Pokhara, typical Nepalese villages of Bhumdi and Dhaudare, Panchase Bhanjyang, Trishuli River, and more.
Max. Altitude: Approx. 2,500m at Panchase Bhanjyang
Permits: Required
Accommodation: Teahouses and lodges that may get rustic with increased altitude.
Foods: Traditional Nepalese and Tibetan meals, along with some Western dishes.
Khopra Danda Trek - Alpine lake and majestic views
The Khopra Dada (Ridge ) Trek is yet another hidden gem of the Annapurna trekking region. Far from the crowds, situated at an elevation of 3,660m above sea level, Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks offers a combined short Himalayan trip that takes a side trip to nearby Khayer Lake and takes you to the infamous Poon Hill as well. Carrying a cultural and religious significance at Khayer Lake is the highest altitude you will reach during the hike to Khopra Lake, reaching 4,600m above sea level.
Both of these less-traversed destinations offer you stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and the iconic Fishtail (Machhapuchhre). However, Khayer Lake, an alpine lake, is more famous for its spirituality, as bathing here on the occasion of Janai Purnima is believed to have the power of cure, rejuvenation, and salvation. Meanwhile, Khopra Dada (ridge) is considered for its magical sunrise view, one of the most dramatic in the Annapurna region, making it a place in the list of Top Short Treks in Annapurna.
In addition, as you get to stay in community-run eco-lodges, sharing meals and culture, it’s also one of the few budget treks in the Annapurna region. Rustic lodges often lead to moments to cherish for life and culture preserved for centuries; Khopra Danda Hiking proves it to you. Slightly more adventurous, yet accessible, for a rich cultural trekking experience in the Annapurna Himalayas in a short period, book this journey now!
Trip Highlights
Duration: 12 days
Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate
Activities: An adrenaline-rushing drive to and from Pokhara, also called the gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas, explore one of the newly opened trekking routes, discover the cultural and spiritual gem called Khayer Lake, stay in traditional mountain villages such as Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani, hike up to Khopra Danda and Poon Hill for epic sunrise mountain views, and many more.
Places to see: Kathmandu, Pokhara, villages of Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani, Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake, and Poon Hill etc.
Max. Altitude: Approx.4,600m
Permits: Required
Accommodation: Local teahouses, lodges, and guest houses.
Foods: Typical Nepali-Tibetan meals, to some international dishes.
Whether you are looking for Annapurna scenic hikes, budget trekking in the Annapurna region, easy family treks in Annapurna, or low-altitude treks in Annapurna, these are Annapurna’s best short trekking routes to plan for in the years 2025 and 2026 as well. Do not let the dream of a trekking adventure in Nepal fade away just because you are short on time.
Go through this blog highlighting the top Annapurna short treks in Nepal, which offer big views in short trek times compared to other popular trekking trails in the country, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Kanchenjunga Base Camp Treks, or multi-day treks like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake Trek within the Annapurna Trekking Region.
Choose the one that fits your liking, preferences, and requirements. Further, you may customize for a more personalized experience at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. Our more than two decades of experience give us an edge to promise you an amazing and inspirational Himalayan journey like never before.
Rana Bahadur Khadka
In the world of outdoor adventure and exploration, only passionate individuals immersed in the wilderness can be travel guides in Nepal! My name is Rana Bahadur Khadka, and I am from Taplejing, Nepal. Born in 1971, I have collected 30 years of extensive knowledge in travel and tourism as a mountain guide and trip organizer. I have always been fond of exploring and navigating various gorgeous corners of the world and the challenges offered by nature.
I hope that my over two decades of honed skills in mastering the art of leading treks safely, ensuring the participant's memorable and transformative travel experience, and my vivid insight into the world of adventure, nature, and self-discovery help you bridge the gap between the pristine Himalayan grace and the human spirit as an ambassador of the wilderness.
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