Treks to Combine with Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic treks, known for its breathtaking mountain vistas, vibrant cultural experiences, and immersive journey through diverse landscapes.

This trek leads you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering peaks like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. With its moderate difficulty and well-established trail, it’s a popular choice for both novice and seasoned trekkers.

However, what makes the ABC trek even more exciting is its connectivity to other incredible trails in the Annapurna region.

Combining these treks with Annapurna Base Camp offers trekkers the opportunity to extend their adventure, experience varied landscapes, and improve acclimatization.

Here’s a look at three popular treks that beautifully complement the Annapurna Base Camp route, each adding unique elements to your journey.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Combining the Poon Hill Trek with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a fantastic option for trekkers looking to ease into high-altitude trekking with stunning views and gradual acclimatization.

Starting from Birethanti, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes you through charming Gurung and Magar villages and dense rhododendron forests as you ascend through Ulleri to Ghorepani.

The highlight is undoubtedly Poon Hill, a popular viewpoint situated at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), from where trekkers are rewarded with a panoramic sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

This high vantage point not only provides one of the most iconic views in Nepal but also helps trekkers acclimatize more effectively, making the transition to the higher altitudes of the ABC trek smoother.

After enjoying the views from Poon Hill, the trail descends to Tadapani and connects with the Annapurna Base Camp route at Chhomrong, allowing you to seamlessly continue to ABC.

This combination enriches your experience, giving you both the beauty of Poon Hill and the grandeur of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Mardi Himal Trek

For those who want to explore off-the-beaten-path beauty while combining it with the Annapurna Base Camp, the Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent choice.

Starting from Pokhara, this trek takes you through serene landscapes with fewer crowds, offering a quieter, more immersive mountain experience.

The route ascends through stops like Kande, Australian Camp, Forest Camp, and High Camp, reaching the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, which provides spectacular views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.

From Mardi Himal, trekkers have the option to descend via Landruk, a scenic village nestled within lush farmland, and from there connect to Chhomrong, where the standard ABC trek begins.

This combination not only offers diversity in landscapes—from subtropical forests to high ridges—but also gives trekkers the chance to experience less-trodden trails and intimate encounters with local culture.

By adding the Mardi Himal Trek to your ABC journey, you gain a quieter path to Annapurna while still experiencing its signature beauty and challenge.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

For those seeking an even more extensive journey through the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a perfect combination with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

This renowned circuit begins from Syange and takes you on a breathtaking journey through a variety of landscapes—from lush subtropical forests to arid high-altitude deserts.

Along the way, you’ll experience a rich diversity of cultural influences in villages like Manang, where Tibetan Buddhist culture thrives, and Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site.

The trek crosses the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters/17,769 feet), after which it descends into the Kali Gandaki Valley, eventually reaching Tatopani.

From here, trekkers continue to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, before heading towards Tadapani and Chhomrong, where the trail merges with the Annapurna Base Camp route.

This combination covers nearly all sides of the Annapurna region, offering an incredible spectrum of cultures, ecosystems, and landscapes.

By adding the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll not only complete a comprehensive exploration of the Annapurna region but also experience a journey that challenges and rewards every step of the way, making the trip to ABC feel like the perfect finale.

Khopra Danda Trek

The Khopra Danda Trek is an excellent alternative route to combine with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, offering a more secluded and scenic experience.

Starting from Ghandruk or Tadapani, this trek ascends through charming villages and lush rhododendron forests before reaching Khopra Ridge, an elevated viewpoint at around 3,660 meters (12,008 feet).

From here, trekkers are rewarded with spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna ranges, including Machhapuchhre.

A highlight of this route is the optional side trip to Khayer Lake, a sacred lake that offers serene landscapes and more stunning mountain vistas.

Combining Khopra Danda with Annapurna Base Camp is ideal for those looking for a quieter path with panoramic views.

After descending from Khopra Ridge, trekkers can reconnect with the ABC route at Chhomrong, allowing them to continue their journey to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

This route offers a mix of solitude, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect addition to the Annapurna Base Camp experience.

Conclusion

Combining these treks with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek allows trekkers to experience the Annapurna region in a richer and more varied way.

Each additional trek—whether it’s the scenic heights of Poon Hill, the peaceful trails of Mardi Himal, or the extensive journey of the Annapurna Circuit—adds layers of cultural and natural diversity to the ABC trek.

By linking these routes, trekkers can enjoy stunning mountain vistas, a broader understanding of the Annapurna region’s culture, and a rewarding experience that challenges and inspires.

If you’re planning an adventure to Annapurna Base Camp, consider pairing it with one of these treks for an unforgettable journey through Nepal’s remarkable landscapes.