Best Annapurna Maps, Guides & Compasses

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A comprehensive trekking guidebook to the Annapurna region – the most popular trekking area in Nepal. Fourteen diverse treks are described including the classic Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Sanctuary as well as treks in the lesser known Machhapuchhre area, the foothills of Lamjung Himal and restricted areas – Mustang, Damodar and Nar-Phu.

Cicerone says:

This guidebook describes 14 multi-day treks in Nepal’s captivating Annapurna region, among the foothills of the mighty Himalaya. Routes range between 24km and 200km (15-124 miles) and between 4 and 23 days, with maximum altitudes from 1750m to 5416m. With accommodation options including a mixture of homestay, camping and lodges, trekkers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in their surroundings and experience the warmth and richness of Nepalese hospitality and culture.

As well as detailed route description and sketch mapping, the guide presents a wealth of information to help make the most of a trip, including practical advice on transport, visas and permits, when to go, what to take and health and safety. There are notes on different styles of trekking, tips on cultural etiquette and fascinating background information on the region’s history, plants and wildlife, culture and religion. Areas covered include Machhapuchhre, Pokhara and Lamjung Himal. The varied treks showcase this inspiring landscape, offering stunning vistas of snow-clad peaks and verdant valleys. From the classic Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary to lesser-known routes, this is the definitive guide to exploring Nepal’s most popular trekking region.

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Seasons: Autumn (October-November-December) best season for clear views and dry weather Spring (March-April-May) for flowers and variable clear spells Summer monsoon (June-July-August) OK for Mustang in the Himalayan rain shadow Winter (January-February) cold but often clear, maybe snowing
• Centres: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Besi Sahar, Chame, Nar & Phu, Manang, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, Tetang, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Birethanti, Nayapul
• Difficulty: Every grade of trek is available in the Annapurna region, from the most challenging that cross high passes in excess of 5000m, to undulating ridge walks around Phewa Tal lake. Trails vary from narrow and exposed to wide and easy; temperatures from -20 to +35 deg C
• Must See: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Sanctuary, Thorong La, Tilicho Lake, Nar Phu, Mustang, Lo Manthang, Kali Gandaki gorge, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail mountain), Jomsom, Pokhara, Phewa Tal, Kathmandu, Durbar Squares, trekking, homestay

Specifications

• Edition: Second
• Number of pages: 328
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.8cm
• Weighs 370g