Overview of Annapurna Region Treks

Annapurna Region has some of the Nepal's most iconic mountains, including fish-tailed Machhapuchhare and massive Annapurna itself. This region lies in western Nepal around the Annapurna Range (Annapurna Himal), the Dhaulagiri Range and the Kaligandaki River valley. Peaks in the Annapurnas include 8,091m Annapurna I, Nilgiri (7,061 m) and Machhapuchchhre (6,993 m). Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) is just to the west of the Annapurnas, Most of these peaks are visible throughout the region on clear days.

The Annapurna Conservation Area begins at 790 m and reaches a high of 8,091 m, the summit of Mount Annapurna I, the world’s 10th tallest peak. The area encompasses forested Middle Mountain, high Himalaya and trans-Himalayan desert plateau similar to the landscape in Tibet as you move north. Regarded as one of the best trekking trails in the world, Annapurna region spreads around Kaski, Mustang, Manang and Lamjung districts of Central Nepal.

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek etc are the popular trekking trails in this region. Ghandruk and Ghorepani provide panoramic view of the Annapurna ranges with eye catching blossom of rhododendron in the hills. Jomsom is the turning point of Annapurna Circuit. One can also visit Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) which is located at the southeast of Jomsom and the famous Hindu religious sites Muktinath Temple. There are some excellent off the beaten treks up the Khopra and Mardi Himal ridges. Rarely is mountain trekking this easy and this spectacular.

The region's charming Gurung, Manang and Thakali villages add a cultural highlight. The higher elevations regions of the trek which include Manang and Mustang are primarily Tibetan cultures while Lamjung and Myagdi which compromise the lower elevations of the trek are typically Hindu.