Annapurna Region Travel Guide 2026: The Ultimate Trekking Experience with Robinson Crusoe Holidays

A Complete Guide to Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal & Beyond

The Annapurna Region is one of Nepal’s most celebrated trekking destinations—home to legendary trails, warm Himalayan villages, sacred mountains, deep valleys, and breathtaking sunrise viewpoints. Whether you’re planning the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, the iconic Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, the peaceful Mardi Himal Trek, or short adventures around Pokhara and Poon Hill, this region offers something for every traveller.

At Robinson Crusoe Holidays, we bring decades of trekking expertise to help you explore the Annapurnas safely, comfortably, and with authentic local experiences. This ultimate 2026 guide covers everything you need—from the best time to visit, trekking difficulty, must-see highlights, packing lists, budget tips, cultural insight, and more.

Why Visit the Annapurna Region?

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) stretches across lush subtropical forests, alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and desert-like landscapes near Mustang. This diversity makes Annapurna one of the world’s most scenic and versatile trekking zones.

Highlights of the Annapurna Region

  • The world-famous Annapurna Circuit

  • Magical sunrise at Poon Hill

  • Iconic Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)

  • Hidden ridgelines of Mardi Himal

  • Crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

  • Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi cultural encounters

  • Numerous viewpoints, waterfalls, hot springs, and tea villages

1. Annapurna Circuit Trek: The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

Why It’s Still Worth It in 2026

Despite new roads reaching parts of the trail, the Annapurna Circuit remains one of the best long-distance treks in the world. Robinson Crusoe Holidays follows redesigned routes that avoid roads and take you through traditional villages, high trails, and peaceful forest paths.

What You’ll Experience

  • Cultural villages like Pisang, Manang, and Marpha

  • A gradual acclimatization route ideal for high-altitude trekking

  • The thrilling climb to Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

  • Breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, and Tilicho Peak

  • Apple orchards, yak herds, and Buddhist monasteries

Difficulty: Challenging

Duration: 12–18 days

Best For: Adventure lovers, experienced trekkers

2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek: What to Expect in 2026

The ABC trek is ideal for trekkers seeking a shorter, more diverse route that avoids crossing extremely high passes.

Why It’s Popular

  • Close-up views of Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli

  • Beautiful Gurung and Magar villages

  • Dense forested trails full of rhododendrons (in spring)

  • The iconic amphitheatre-style base camp

Duration: 7–12 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Best For: Beginners to intermediate trekkers, nature lovers

3. Mardi Himal: The Hidden Gem of Annapurna

This newly popular trek offers quieter trails and panoramic ridge views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.

What Makes It Special

  • Less crowded compared to ABC or Poon Hill

  • Incredible sunrise and sunset views

  • Perfect for short trips from Pokhara

Duration: 4–6 days

Difficulty: Moderate

4. Pokhara to Poon Hill: The Perfect Short Trek

If you’re short on time but want a classic Himalayan sunrise, Poon Hill is unmatched.

Why Trek to Poon Hill?

  • The best sunrise viewpoint in the region

  • Views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre

  • Ideal for families and first-time trekkers

Duration: 3–5 days

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

5. Best Time for Trekking in the Annapurna Region

Autumn (Sept–Nov) – Best season

Crystal-clear skies, stable weather, perfect for all treks.

Spring (Mar–May) – Best for rhododendrons

Entire forests bloom with red, pink, and white rhododendrons.

Winter (Dec–Feb) – Cold but peaceful

Annapurna Circuit is possible except during heavy snow. ABC often remains open.

Monsoon (Jun–Aug) – Rainy but green

Best for Mustang-like rain shadow areas. Trails can be slippery.

6. Budget Breakdown: Cost of Trekking the Annapurna Circuit

Prices vary depending on duration and comfort level. On average:

Typical Costs

  • Permits (ACAP + TIMS): $50–60

  • Food & accommodation: $25–40/day

  • Guide: $25–35/day

  • Porter: $18–25/day

  • Transport: $10–40 (Pokhara–Besisahar/Jomsom)

Robinson Crusoe Holidays provides all-inclusive packages that remove hidden costs and guarantee quality lodges.

7. Thorong La Pass: Tips for First Timers

  • Begin before sunrise (4–5 am) for safer conditions

  • Drink enough water and walk slowly

  • Acclimatize in Manang for two nights

  • Wear windproof layers and warm gloves

8. Food on the Annapurna Circuit

Expect hearty, energy-rich meals:

Popular Dishes

  • Dal Bhat (the trekking superfood)

  • Thakali set

  • Sherpa stew

  • Momo, pasta, soups, fry rice

  • Apple pies (especially in Manang and Marpha!)

Most teahouses provide both vegetarian and vegan options.

9. Life in the Villages Along the Annapurna Trails

Trekking here is also a cultural journey. Experience:

  • Traditional Gurung and Thakali hospitality

  • Buddhist prayer wheels, monasteries, and chortens

  • Snow-capped peaks towering above stone villages

  • Apple orchards and yak pastures

  • Homestay experiences

Robinson Crusoe Holidays collaborates with local communities to support sustainable tourism.

10. Best Photography Spots in the Annapurna Region

  • Poon Hill sunrise

  • Mardi Himal viewpoint

  • Thorong La Pass signboard

  • Manang village and Gangapurna Lake

  • Annapurna Base Camp amphitheatre

  • Marpha whitewashed village

These locations are ideal for sunrise and sunset shots.

11. Trek Permits for Annapurna Region

You need:

  • ACAP Permit

  • TIMS Card

Robinson Crusoe Holidays handles all permit arrangements for guests.

12. Safety Tips: Avoiding Altitude Sickness

  • Acclimatize for 1–2 days in Manang

  • Avoid alcohol at high elevations

  • Stay hydrated

  • Ascend slowly

  • Recognize symptoms early (headache, nausea, dizziness)

13. Sustainable Trekking with Robinson Crusoe Holidays

We promote:

  • Zero-plastic practices

  • Support to local guides and porters

  • Eco-friendly lodges

  • Responsible waste management

  • Respect for local culture and wildlife

14. Packing List for Annapurna Trekkers (2026 Update)

Must-Have Items

  • Layered clothing

  • Down jacket & sleeping bag

  • Waterproof boots

  • Trekking poles

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses

  • Water purification tablets

  • Headlamp

  • Portable power bank

We also offer equipment rental services in Pokhara.

15. Is the Annapurna Circuit Still Worth It in 2026?

Absolutely YES.
With redesigned trails, better teahouses, sustainable tourism efforts, and improved safety, the Annapurna Circuit remains one of the greatest trekking routes on Earth.

Why Trek Annapurna with Robinson Crusoe Holidays?

  • Expert local guides and porters

  • Customised itineraries for all fitness levels

  • High-quality accommodations

  • Ethical and responsible trekking philosophy

  • 24/7 safety monitoring and support

  • Authentic cultural immersion

We ensure every trekker experiences the true spirit of the Himalayas.

Plan Your Annapurna Adventure for 2026

Whether you dream of crossing Thorong La, reaching Annapurna Base Camp, exploring Mardi Himal’s ridgelines, or catching sunrise from Poon Hill, Robinson Crusoe Holidays is here to make it unforgettable.

📩 Contact us today to customise your Annapurna trek for 2026.
Your Himalayan journey begins here.