Gandaki Province is Nepal's adventure heartland, home to Pokhara—the gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas—and encompassing some of the world's most dramatic landscapes from subtropical valleys to high-altitude deserts. The province stretches from the Terai plains to the peaks of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, including the mystical kingdom of Mustang.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The most popular short trek in Nepal and one of the finest mountain viewpoints in the world. The route climbs through rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung and Magar villages to Ghorepani (2,860m), from where an early morning 45-minute ascent reaches Poon Hill (3,210m) for a panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and a dozen other peaks. Best in March-April when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
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2
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC)
One of the world's great Himalayan treks, leading through subtropical forests, Gurung villages, bamboo groves, and alpine meadows into the dramatic Annapurna Sanctuary - a glacial amphitheater ringed by ten peaks above 7,000m. The base camp at 4,130m offers a 360-degree panorama of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. The hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the return are a wonderful reward.
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3
Annapurna Circuit Trek
One of the world's classic long-distance treks, circumnavigating the Annapurna massif through extraordinary landscape diversity: tropical lowlands, deep river gorges, Tibetan plateau, high-altitude desert, and the Kali Gandaki valley (the world's deepest gorge). The dramatic crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the central challenge. The route passes through diverse ethnic communities including Gurung, Manangi, Thakali, and Mustangi villages.
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4
Manaslu Circuit Trek
A magnificent and less-crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, circumnavigating the world's eighth-highest peak (8,163m) through remote Gurung and Tibetan Buddhist communities in Gorkha District. The Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is a challenging high crossing with superb views of Manaslu and Himalchuli. The Tsum Valley sub-circuit adds an even more remote Tibetan Buddhist cultural experience. Far fewer trekkers than Annapurna.
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5
Mardi Himal Trek
One of Nepal's newest trekking routes (opened 2012) and one of its best-kept secrets, climbing through pristine rhododendron and oak forests on the eastern ridge of Machhapuchhre to viewpoints with extraordinary close-up panoramas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal (5,587m). Far less crowded than the neighboring ABC trail with equally stunning scenery.
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6
Khopra Ridge Trek
A quieter and less commercial alternative to the Poon Hill trek, the Khopra Ridge route follows trails through Gurung villages and dense rhododendron forests to the beautiful Khopra Danda ridge (3,660m) with panoramic Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre views. A side trip to the sacred Khayer Lake (4,500m) is the route's highlight. Far fewer trekkers than Poon Hill.
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7
Ghandruk Loop Trek
A short and accessible loop trek visiting one of the most beautiful traditional Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. Ghandruk (1,940m) sits on a terraced hillside above the Modi Khola with spectacular close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. The Gurung Cultural Museum and traditional stone-flagged lanes make it as culturally rewarding as it is scenically beautiful. Accessible for moderately fit travelers with no prior trekking experience.
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8
Dhampus-Australian Camp-Sarangkot
The most accessible overnight or day hike from Pokhara, offering outstanding Himalayan panoramas from Australian Camp (2,040m) and Dhampus village (1,650m) without requiring full trekking permits. The trail passes through Gurung villages and rhododendron forests with uninterrupted views of the Annapurna range. A perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking for first-timers or families with older children.
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9
Tilicho Lake Side Trek
One of the most rewarding detours in all of Himalayan trekking, the Tilicho Lake side trip from Manang leads to one of the world's highest lakes at 4,919m. The dramatic glacial lake sits in a rocky natural amphitheater with Tilicho Peak (7,134m) rising directly above. The trail crosses a challenging exposed traverse and requires a night at Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m). An exceptional high-altitude experience available to Annapurna Circuit trekkers.
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10
Upper Mustang Trek
A trek into one of the world's most extraordinary restricted areas, the former Kingdom of Lo (Upper Mustang). The dramatic landscape of eroded ochre-red canyons, ancient cave dwellings, walled fortresses, and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries is unlike anywhere else in Nepal or the world. Lo Manthang, the walled capital, remains one of Asia's most intact medieval towns. The route follows the ancient salt trade route used for centuries by Tibetan traders. The area is a rain-shadow desert, making it viable even during Nepal's monsoon season.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.