Annapurna (mountain range) Mountains
Himalayan massif with trekking routes and high peaks
The Annapurna massif in Nepal contains multiple peaks and well-known trekking routes, including the Annapurna Circuit; visitors come for multi-day treks, mountain villages and Himalayan panoramas.
Annapurna (mountain range) at a Glance#
About Annapurna (mountain range)#
The Annapurna massif is a range in central Nepal that forms part of the Himalaya and includes multiple peaks over 7,000 and 8,000 metres. Its highest summit, Annapurna I, reaches 8,091 metres and is one of the planet’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres.
The area is famous for trekking routes of varying length and difficulty, most notably the Annapurna Circuit and the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp lies at roughly 4,130 metres and is a common multi-day trek endpoint offering close views of the massif.
Annapurna I was first successfully climbed in 1950 by a French expedition, an event notable in mountaineering history. Since then the massif has been the site of many climbing and trekking routes and associated infrastructure for guiding and permitting.
Geographically the Annapurna range sits in Gandaki Pradesh of west-central Nepal, north of the city of Pokhara. Trailheads and access routes from Pokhara are the main gateway for treks into the Annapurna region.
- Historic first ascent: Annapurna I was the first 8,000-metre peak to be climbed, reached in 1950 by a French expedition.
What to See#
- Annapurna I (8,091 m): Annapurna I, the highest peak of the massif, reaching 8,091 metres and notable as one of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders.
- Annapurna Base Camp (approx. 4,130 m): Annapurna Base Camp, a high-elevation trekking destination at roughly 4,130 metres that is the endpoint for the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek.
- Annapurna Circuit: The Annapurna Circuit, a long-distance trekking route that circumnavigates the massif and crosses high passes, used by trek operators and independent hikers.
How to Get to Annapurna (mountain range)#
Most trips begin in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport) with a domestic flight or a paved-road bus to Pokhara (6-8 hours by road, 25 minutes by air). From Pokhara the approach to various Annapurna routes is by jeep, bus or short flights to small airstrips, followed by multi‑day trekking.
Tips for Visiting Annapurna (mountain range)#
- Treks into the Annapurna area require permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card); secure these in Pokhara or Kathmandu before heading out.
- Acclimatization days are not optional; many routes cross high passes (e.g., Thorong La at 5,416 m) and proper altitude protocols save lives.
- Hire local, accredited guides and use registered lodges - the region's micro-economy depends on regulated trekking.
Best Time to Visit Annapurna (mountain range)#
Spring and autumn are the primary trekking seasons for best weather and visibility.
Weather & Climate near Annapurna (mountain range)#
Annapurna (mountain range)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -30°C to -6°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of -18°C and lows of -30°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -18°C and lows of -30°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -27°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm, mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (153 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -25°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -27°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
