Annapurna Region Trekking

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is home to some of the most astounding peaks in the Himalayas with Annapurna 1 sitting at 8091m whilst his 13 brothers and sisters range from 7000m to 7937m, and the extended family adding another 16 peaks at above 6000m. ACA has been open to foreigners for a few decades now and has become one of the most renowned areas in the country for trekkers, nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike. This massive collection of peaks is 55 Kilometers long bordering the Kali Gorge to the west, arguably the deepest gorge in the world, the Marshyangdi River on the north and east, whose flowing rapids carry the crystalline waters of the mountains, and Pokhara valley to the south, which is the second largest valley in the hilly region of Nepal. Annapurna is the first and largest conservation area in Nepal and much work is done to retain its natural beauty - the scars upon the landscape from the many boots that have trodden here are few and we try to keep it that way.

Two thirds of all foreigners travelling to Nepal today will most likely be stepping within the boundaries of Annapurna, the region is truly the soul of the Nepal Himalayas and stands out in a league of its own. In Sanskrit, Annapurna means full of food but is more commonly translated as Goddess of the Harvests. She is thought of as the mother that feeds and brings life; without her there is starvation. There are many shrines dedicated to Annapurna, the most popular one being in Kashi on the Banks of the Ganga. This age old association of abundance and plenty has, in time, transformed her into Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Both names are heard from the lips of her people.

It is difficult to stay away from the allure of this Goddess, for the rarest of lifes creatures live amongst her, over 100 different mammals, more than 60 types of reptiles and amphibious creatures and over 450 species of birds. Her plant life thrives with the sweeping landscape vivacious in an endless array of colors and textures. The

The teahouses, hotels and local hosts in this regions sing with a heart of hospitality and receive guests with open arms and smiles. There are three main trekking routes in the Annapurna region - the Jomson Trek to Jomsom and Muktinath, the Sanctuary trek to Annapurna base camp and the Annapurna Circuit, which also contains the Jomsom route and loops the Annapurna Himal.

Trails leading into Annapurna climb steadily following several river valleys up the Kali Gandaki to Jomsom and Muktinath and up the Marsyangdi to Manang. The trails are usually joined by crossing the Thorung La pass and, when combined, form the classic Annapurna Circuit. The whole region is situated in rain shadow, making it significantly drier than other trekking regions of Nepal, and this increases the possibility of trekking during the monsoon season. The Mustang district, which is off limits to all foreigners except those who have obtained special permits, is on the border with Tibet and to this day is still ruled by a traditional monarchy, with many of the oldest traditions that have long since been done away with in other districts still very alive and active.

The town of Pokhara situated about 200 km west of the capital Kathmandu serves as a starting point for most treks into the Annapurna ranges. With its immaculate air, remarkable backdrop of snowy mountain peaks, tranquil lakes and surrounding greenery it is a tourists haven and the perfect place to spend some time and relax before or after a trek. If you are spending a few days in Pokhara, you can also embark on a few other short treks from one to four days, to such places as Ghorepani, Poon Hill or Ghandruk which all offer spectacular mountain scenery.