Trekking in Annapurna region of Nepal is one of the many things that you can do. It is a beautiful trekking region that has many highlights and sites that are worth visiting. Among the many trekking destinations in Nepal, trekking in Annapurna region is also the most famous. It has a varied form of natural scenery and biodiversity. The region is also home to the Mount Annapurna massif. Moreover, statistics show that a large majority of trekkers visiting Nepal tend to visit the Annapurna Region. It is easily accessible from Kathmandu and because of the many guesthouses and good facilities; the Annapurna region has become popular among Nepal’s visitors. The blend of modern comforts with the beauty of the Himalayas and the ethnic culture of the people makes trekking in Annapurna region a grand affair. Furthermore, the Annapurna region has garnered sustainable tourism largely because of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project- ACAP. It is the largest protected area of Nepal. The natural and cultural features of the Annapurna region have made it the most popular trekking destination in the country. Trekking in Annapurna region presents both famous trekking trails and off-the-beaten-paths journeys as well.
Landscape- What to Expect while Trekking in Annapurna Region
The Annapurna region is located in west-central Nepal. The topography of the Annapurna region varies from lush woodlands to dry alpine acreages and snow-covered mountains. Trekking in Annapurna region garners features like the massif of Mount Annapurna, the Nilgiri Himal, the Tilicho Peak, the Hiunchuli Himal, Mount Machhapuchhre, the Gangapurna Peak, the Lamjung Himal and the Tukuche Peak among many others. In addition, trekking in Annapurna region also allows you to explore the Kali Gandaki and the Marshyangdi River Valleys. The flora and fauna of the region also presents unique scenery of coniferous alpine jungles in the lower region giving way to vast landscapes of lush hamlets of rhododendrons. The higher up the altitude you go, the sparser the vegetation becomes.
Wildlife Encounters while Trekking in Annapurna Region
The Annapurna region is notably famous for its biodiversity and conservation projects. The woods of the region are home to may endangered species of animals. There are a recorded 1,226 species of flowering plants, 102 species of mammals, 474 species of birds, 39 species of reptiles and 22 species of amphibians found in the Annapurna Conservation Area alone. Owning to the region’s diverse forest coverage, animals like the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Thars, the Barking Deer, Ghorals, the Blue Sheep, the Musk Deer, Red Pandas and Snow Leopards can be found. Trekking in Annapurna region is also a matter of enjoying the many spring and autumn migrating birds.
Cultural Elements of Trekking in Annapurna Region
Trekking in Annapurna region lets you experience the Gurung and Magar ethnicities. People of the Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Manang and Loba ethnicities occupy the Annapurna region. The distribution of the ethnicities and cultures in the region are uneven and spread out. Each of the ethnic groups have their own language and speak in their own unique dialect. Similarly, they have their own tradition and practices as well. Additionally, there is also a large prevalence of Hindu and Buddhist people as well. While trekking in Annapurna region, you can experience the daily life of the local people in the villages and settlements. Most of the people of the region practice traditional agriculture. Many are involved in farming as well. As a matter of fact, tourism and animal husbandry are other occupations that the people of Annapurna region dwell in. Trekking in Annapurna region is very beautiful. You can see herds of buffalos and cattle at various Himalayan pastures. Yak herds are also commonly seen, along with goats. While trekking along the many vibrant villages, you can also see many people involved in pottery and handicrafts.
Highlights of Trekking in Annapurna Region
Together with the biodiversity and culture, the Annapurna region also has many highlights. Trekking in Annapurna region is always a delightful adventure. From the hub cities to isolated villages beneath the shadows of the Himalayas, trekking in Annapurna region is never dull or lacking. Here are our best picks for the best highlights of trekking in Annapurna region-
#1 Pokhara
The city of Pokhara is one of the most famous cities of Nepal. It is also called “the lake-side” city because it is situated right beside the beautiful Phewa Lake. It is also referred to as “the adventure capital” of Nepal. For the majority of time, Pokhara is the starting point of trekking in Annapurna region. One of the major highlights of the Pokhara city is perhaps its close proximity to the Annapurna Himalayas. It is a great place to enjoy leisurely boat-rides in the Phewa Lake. The reflection of the Machhapuchhre Himal on the surface of the Phewa Lake is also quite mesmerizing.
#2 Annapurna Base Camp
One of the major features of trekking in Annapurna region is visiting the Base Camp of Mount Annapurna. The journey to the base camp encapsulates all the best features of the region. It is also among the easy trekking journeys in Nepal. You can enjoy many majestic mountain peaks of the region while trekking as well. Along with the Himalayas, you also get to enjoy the culture of the people.
#3 Poon Hill
Poon Hill is one of the best hallmarks of trekking in Annapurna region. It is a vantage point that is situated above the village of Ghorepani. During the Poon Hill Trek - Poon Hill provides the best panoramic views of the entire Mount Annapurna massif. Trekkers visit Poon Hill early in the morning to watch the sunrise amidst the Annapurna mountain peaks.
#4 Ghandruk Village
Trekking in Annapurna region includes many ethnic villages. However, among all of the many villages of the region- the Ghandruk village has earned the top spot for being the most beautiful. Being that, it has earned the namesake of “the Switzerland of Nepal”.
#5 The Annapurna Sanctuary
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a huge glacial basin that is situated 40 kilometers north of Pokhara. It is an oval-shaped plateau that is located at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Trekking in Annapurna region often includes visiting the Sanctuary. The sanctuary itself is surrounded by the Annapurna, Hiunchuli and the Machhapuchhre Peaks. It preserves a wide variety of natural ecosystems of the region. Rhododendron woods and thick bamboo forests are some staple natural beauties of the sanctuary.
#6 Tilicho Lake
The Tilicho Lake is the highest-located lake in the world. It is also the largest lake in Nepal. The Tilicho Lake is surrounded by the Khangsar Himal, the Muktinath Peak and the Tilicho Himal. Trekking in Annapurna region presents many more highlights. If you haven’t yet visited Nepal, then you are missing out on some of the most unique and exotic attributes! Therefore, come join us for adventures in the Annapurna!
