Annapurna Circuit vs Rara Lake
Pick Annapurna Circuit for
a real challenge, road trips
Pick Rara Lake for
peace and quiet, fewer people, an easier walk, fewer days
| Annapurna Circuit | Rara Lake | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Nepal, Lamjung–Manang–Mustang, Gandaki | Nepal, Mugu, Karnali |
| Highest point | 5,416 m | 2,990 m |
| Difficulty | Difficult | Easy–moderate |
| Trek distance | about 160 km | about 35 km |
| Days on the ground | 12–14 | 6–7 |
| Best months | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Snow likely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Dec, Jan, Feb |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Quiet |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,500 | about ₹3,500 |
| Gateway | Pokhara / Kathmandu | Nepalgunj / Kathmandu |
| With kids | Not advised | Not advised |
| With seniors | Not advised | Not advised |
| Permits | ACAP + TIMS. Check current guide rules for your nationality. | Rara National Park permit + TIMS. |
Annapurna Circuit: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Rara Lake: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely