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The Annapurna Region:
The area runs North of Pokhara extending to the Tibetan border. It covers 2600 square kilometers and includes the Annapurna peaks, the famous Annapurna Sanctuary and significant section of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Many of the peaks are over 7000 meters in height. The conservation area is supported by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a nonprofit organization funded by donations and trusts. ACAP’s primary objectives are to improve local standards of living, to protect the environment and to develop more sensitive forms of tourism. This is the most popular trekking region in Nepal, especially for individual trekkers, and this influx of visitors has increased demands for heating and hot water and lead to increased deforestation, litter and sanitation problems. In response, ACAP has supported a number of projects, such as forestry nurseries, introducing wood-saving technologies (e.g. efficient stoves), banning fires altogether in certain areas, and building rubbish bins and latrines. Many problems still remain, and it is important that trekkers cooperate with these initiatives to protect the environment.
Treks around the Annapurna Himal are undoubtedly the best in the world, not only for the grandeur of the mountains and thick natural forests, but for the variety of fascinating ethnic groups in the area (Bhotiya, Tibetan, Tamang, Magar, Gurung, Thakali and others). Pack animals share the main trails with trekkers carrying in goods and packing out empty bottles and fruit and fruit products. The area is easily accessible from Pokhara. An air-strip at Jomsom allows trekkers to trek to Jomsom and fly out, or vice versa, or fly to Jomsom and trek north to Muktinath and Kagbeni bordering the high rain shadow area of Mustang and the Kali Gandaki River Valley. But, given the fickle weather, flights are often difficult to confirm from Jomsom (which is why we recommend flying in and trekking out). Many lodges are located near the Jomsom landing strip if you prefer to take a chance and fly out of Jomsom.
The ABC trek takes you deep into the Annapurna Himal. Machhapuchhare (6993m), which can be seen from Pokhara stands in the center. You will also be able to have a 360-degree panoramic view including Annapurna 1, South Face Machhapuchhare and North Face. Along the way, you will be visiting Gurung villages with houses of slate roofs. You are advised to be cautious of high altitude sickness if you are sensitive to altitude. The ABC trek climbs up to 4130 meters.
ANNANPURNA SPRING TREKS:
In March and April each year we recommend several treks to take advantage of the flowering rhododendrons (Nepal's national flower) against the backdrop of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. Mountain views are spectacular anytime of the year (October-May), but spring is particularly beautiful with rhododendrons in full bloom at the higher altitudes. This area offers the best in Nepal lodge trekking with excellent facilities for eating and sleeping in local lodges.
3. Annapurna Sanctuary
