10-12 days trek on Annapurna

The map shows the altitudes of each village, you can do the math on the hoof. Up to Khopra Ridge there should always be somewhere to stay that accommodates the altitude gain guidelines.

Don't start at Tatopani, the daily ascents aren't favourable and as a newbie you may find this minor trail ascent difficult to follow. Starting at the other end will give experience of a main trail and how the painted trail marks pan out before you leave the main trail at Tadapani to follow a blue trail to Isharu/Bayeli etc

Maybe even start a little further out of Pokhara at Kande and go through the Australian Camp (still a red, main trail on the Ghandruk loop), a day shorter? Remember to leave the Ghandruk loop at Tadapani.

You could get a pair of hiking poles very cheaply in Pokhara, probably Chinese knock-offs but ok for a short trip. Test before buying, put some weight on a stretched out pole to test the locking mechanism.

Get early starts. Ask questions. Take directions from children with a pinch of salt.

Thx. I dont mind ascending steeply as I am well trained. My only concern is not too high altitude ascent/day.
I would very much like to avoid the crowds and be in nature with sceninc views.
Do you still recommend the trail you mentioned?
Thx a lot.

Ghandruk loop is a main trail, it is popular. The blue trails (Tadapani- Khopra are quieter, the yellow trails (Khopra- Tatopani) even quieter.

Maybe start at Nayapul for blue trail Mohare Danda/Khopra, then drop out at Tatopani?

As i already adviced, the best way is to go through the Banskharka/Nangi/Mohare Danda trail to Khopra. After Mohare Danda, you have 2 choices, the more direct way through Swanta or by the ridge top Poon Hill Ghorepani Dobato Bayeli.

Generally speaking, W is right. If that short section of lesser, yellow path from Banskharka at the beginning is easy to follow, then it soon becomes a blue trail and will still be less popular. Poon Hill (is there a burger van up there yet?) and Ghorepani may be disapointing if you don't like crowds.

I think that the views of Dhaulagiri are better from Khopra Ridge.

I don't mind walking bits of the main (red) trail around Ghandruk, just to see the views of Machhepuchhre etc from there.

From Khopra Ridge you can even see the tourist observation tower on Poon Hill, below you in the distance.

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