This trek is an absolute classic. It's also absolutely packed with other trekkers throughout the peak October-November trekking season. If crowds and mountain trails just don't go together in your book, then this is definitely not the trek for you. However, this one, which generally takes about three weeks to complete, has so much to offer in the way of mountain scenery and both cultural and climatic diversity that it is quite simply the most rewarding trek in Nepal. The route, which circles the Annapurna massif, reaches its high point at the Thorong La, a 17,764-foot (5,414-meter) pass. Because of the very real danger of developing life-threatening altitude sickness crossing this pass, anticipation and anxiety run high among trekkers on the first half of this trek. Once over the pass, it's all downhill. Well, almost.

Annapurna Sanctuary

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Hardcore
When to go: Fall and dpring