The Annapurna region lies in central Nepal.

Named after the Hindu goddess

Annapurna (the bestower of food), who is regarded as a manifestation of goddess
Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The chief mountains in this region include the
Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu Himal.
The Annapurna Himal, which lies between the Kali Gandaki and Marsyangdi river
valley, forms a solid mountain bastion. It covers a distance of 40 miles and
encompasses within its range some twelve peaks that rise to an elevation of more
than 7000m and numerous other lesser peaks.
Climate, Flora & Fauna
The climate in the Annapurna region varies from subtropical to alpine. The
southern slopes of the area has the highest rainfall rate in the country- 3000mm
per year, whereas the northern slopes lying in the rain shadow has the lowest rate
– less than 300mm per year. The difference in the climatic conditions in this
region is responsible for its varied flora and fauna.
The Annapurna region possesses a variety of flora and fauna. It stretches from the
subtropical lowlands and the high temperate rhododendron forest in the south, to a
dry alpine steppe environment in the North. The Southern lowlands are lush with
subtropical forests consisting of chirpine and alder. In the Northern highlands
temperate forests of oaks, rhododendron, fir, and blue pine are found. The wet
regions yield a variety of bamboo species. The higher altitude further North give
rise to forests of birch, blue pine and juniper trees, which are replaced by
juniper and rhododendron in the far North. In the semi-desert rain shadow region,
behind the Himalayas, bushes of caragana and juniper species are evident. It has
several species of wildlife. There are around four hundred and seventy-four
species of birds, and around a hundred species of mammals. The Annapurna region
serves as an excellent habitat for rare and endangered mammals like the snow
leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, red panda and many of Nepal’s brilliantly plumaged
pheasants

Annapurna peaks
The Annapurna massif contains six major peaks over 7,200 m: Annapurna I(8091m),
Annapurna II(7937m), Annapurna III(7555m), Annapurna IV(7525m), Gangapurna(7455m)
and Annapurna South(7219m). Annapurna I, standing at a height of 8,091 m, is the
tenth highest summit in the world. It is located east of a great gorge cut through
the Himalaya by the Kali Gandaki River, which separates it from the Dhaulagiri
massif
Annapurna was the first 8000m peak scaled by a climber. Till 1948, Nepal was
closed to all foreigners. It was in the year 1949 that the kingdom opened its
doors to mountaineers .In that year two foreign teams received permission to enter
the country, one Swiss and another American. In 1950, a French mountaineering team
led by Maurice Herzog succeeded in climbing Annapurna, an 8000m peak. They had no
information about the peak they would climb. With little or no information, they
decided to take on the Annapurna. On 3rd June, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenel
reached the summit of Annapurna I, after climbing for eight hours. They had to
suffer from severe frostbite which cost Maurice Herzog his toes and fingers.
Herzog has written about the climb in his book The Conquest of Annapurna 1950.

In 1957 Wilfred Noyce and David Cox climbed Machapuchhre (6997m) to within 50m of
its summit. After this attempt, the government prohibited further climbing on the
mountain .So technically Machapuchre remains unclimbed.

Annapurna II, the eastern anchor of the range, was first climbed in 1960 by a
British/Indian/Nepalese team led by Jimmy Roberts, via the West Ridge, approached
from the north. Annapurna III was first climbed in 1961 by an Indian expedition
team led by Mohan Kohli. The summit party comprised Mohan Kohli, Sonam Gyatso, and
Sonam Girmi. They climbed from the Northeast Face.

Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak), shaped like a tent, at 5663m is an ideal peak for a
short expedition. Lying across the Annapurna glacier, the peak offers excellent
views of its neighbouring peaks from its summit. Pisang Peak (6091m) forms part of
the Manang Himal. Towering above the Marshyangdi valley, this peak was first
ascended by J.Wellenkamp, a German climber, in 1955.The start of the ascent to
this peak starts at a village which shares its name: Pisang.

Machhapuchhare (fish tail) (3700m) Machhapuchre lies in the center of the

Annapurna Himal. Machhapuchhre possesses the rare beauty that makes it one of the
world's most photographed peaks. Poon Hill(3193m)is the westernmost crest of a
spur that juts into the Kali Gandaki. The hill is named after the Magars called
Poon, who live in that area. To watch the sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and
Annapurna Himal from this hill is an experience of a lifetime.
People & Places
The Gurungs form the largest group in the Annapurna region. They come from Tibeto
burman stock. Although essentially Buddhists some Gurungs have converted to
Hinduism. They inhabit the higher northern slopes of the Annapurna, Lamjung,Chuli
and hills around Ganesh Himal. A large number of Gurung men serve in the British
and Indian armies.
The immediate vicinity of Pokhara is largely populated by Chettris and Bahuns
(Brahmins).They also live around the historic site of the old Gorkha kingdom. The
Magars inhabit the lower trail between Baglung and Dana. They live high on the
steep ridges along the tributaries of the Kali Gandaki.

Another ethnic group of this region is the Thakalis. Known throughout the country
as accomplished hoteliers and skilled traders, they are noted for their aggressive
trading spirit. They make up one of the few richer groups of people in Nepal. The
Jomsom trek passes through Thak Khola, the Thakali homeland.

In the valley of the Muktinath live the Baragaun Bhotiya. Their lifestyle is
similar to that of the Tibetans. Another group of people who share a close
affinity to the Tibetans are the Lopa people of Mustang, north of Kagbeni. Some of
them practice the ancient pre-Buddhist religion of Bon which is infused with
animistic and shamanic belief and ritual. The people living in the upper
Marshyandi valley are generally known as Mananges. The Nyeshang area, under which
fall the villages of Manang, Braga and Ngawal. The people are of Tibetan origin.
But their language Nyeshang is not a Tibetan dialect. This area is popularly known
by the name of its largest village Manang.

Pokhara [827m]
Pokhara is the main town in central Nepal. It is the starting place of most of the
major treks in the Annapurna region. Situated at an altitude of 827m, it is warmer
and humid than Kathmandu. This town is known for its picturesque spots like the
Davis Fall, Mahendra cave and Phewa Tal(lake), on whose clear water you can see
the reflection of the Mt.Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Himal. Pokhara is one of
the major travel destinations in Nepal.

Muktinath [3,710m]
Muktinath, a sacred place both for Hindus as well as Buddhists, is located at an
altitude of 3,710 m at the foot of the Thorong La pass in Mustang district. The
Hindus call the place Mukti Kshetra, which means the "the place of salvation",
while the Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, Tibetan for 'Hundred Waters'. For
Tibetan Buddhists Chumig Gyatsa is a place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky
Dancers. Jwala Mai Temple, Vishnu Temple, Marme Lhakhang and Gompa Sarwa are some
of the religious shrines to visit. The springs from the Gandaki River spurts out
of the 108 waterspouts near the Vishnu temple, from where the Hindu pilgrims take
ritual bathe. One item that is unique to this place is the Saligrams (Ammonite
fossils). These are black stones that when broken open, reveal the fossilized
remains of prehistoric ammonites formed about 130 million years ago. The old
specks that appear on many saligram are pyrite (fool's gold). Hindus believe that
the saligrams represent the god Vishnu.

Jomsom [2713m]
Jomsom serves as the centre for Mustang valley. It lies on the banks of the Kali
Gandaki River. There is an airstrip here with scheduled service to Kathmandu. The
increase in the frequency of flights has brought more tourists to this area.
Jomsom has a bank, post office, telecom office, a hospital and numerous hotels and
lodges.

Manang [3520m]
The Manang area was only recently opened to trekkers .The dry and arid region of
Manang called Nyeshang lies at an altitude of 3520m. There is an abundance of
large chortens and mani walls .The people of Nyeshang were granted special trading
privileges by the King of Nepal hundred years ago. The businessmen from these
parts are reputed to be both keen and astute. The tall peaks of the Himalaya -
Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak
[7134m] are visible from this place. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association
[HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit.

Kagbeni[2810m]
Kagbeni is the northernmost village in this region that foreigners may visit on a
normal trekking permit. The police check post at the northern end of the village
fastidiously prevents tourists from proceeding towards Lo-Manthang, the walled
city of Mustang without the proper documentation A green oasis at the junction of
the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki river, Kagbeni looks like a town out of the
medieval past, with closely packed mud houses, dark tunnels and alleyways,
imposing chortens and a large, ochre-colored gompa perched above the town. Many
people in this place still dress in typical Tibetan clothing.

Chomrong[2100m]
This is the highest permanent settlement in the valley. Chomrong is divided into
New Chomrong and Old Chomrong. New Chomrong at 2040m is the upper part. It has
resort hotels, a school and a helicopter pad. Old Chomrong at 2060m is the main
part of the village with shops offices and lodges. There is a tremendous view of
Annapurna South, which seems to tower above the village. There are good views of
Machhapuchhare, the fish tail mountain across the valley. Beyond Chomrong, camping
is restricted to certain ACAP- designated camp sites and hotel construction is
strictly prohibited.

Ghandruk [1940m]
Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village is a cluster of slate-roofed houses. It is
the second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal after Siklis. Its actual Gurung name
is Kond. Surrounded by neatly terraced fields, the village has electricity and an
extensive water supply. There are many hotels and lodges to cater to the many
trekkers and tourists that pass that way. The headquarters of he Annapurna
Conservation Area Poject are here. Over here one gets to witness the unique
culture, tradition and custom of the Gurung community. Ghandruk offers excellent
views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project(ACAP)
ACAP was established in 1986 under the guidance of the King Mahendra Trust for
Nature Conservation. The project encompasses more than 7600 sq km. of the
Annapurna range. As an innovative approach towards environmental protection, this
area was declared a "conservation area" instead of a national park. . In an effort
to avoid any conflicts of interest, ACAP has sought the involvement of local
people and has emphasized environmental education. ACAP projects include the
training of lodge owners, with an emphasis on sanitation, deforestation and
cultural pride. They have trained trekking lodge operators and encouraged
hoteliers to charge a fair price for food and accommodation. ACAP encourages the
use of kerosene for cooking and made its use compulsory above Chhomrong in the
Annapurna Sanctuary and on the route between Ghandruk and Ghorapani. ACAP is
supported by a "conservation fee" of Rs 650 that is collected from all trekkers
who obtain trekking permits for the Annapurna region

The Major Treks

Royal Trek: This is a magnificent trek stretching across two different river
valleys. It encircles the Annapurna massif and goes through the Thorong La [5416
m.] the highest pass on this trek. The trek begins at Besisahar in the Marsyangdi
river valley and finally concludes at Kali Gandaki river valley. This is a
moderate to challenging trek which sometime requires a walk up the steep mountain
path. This trek can be done anytime of the year except during monsoon and winter.

Ghorepani Trek: This trek is well suited for beginners or for those who have
limited time. The trek starts from Phedi. The trail passes through rhododendron
forest and traditional Gurung villages. A comparatively easy trek, it takes you up
to an elevation of 2775 m at Ghorepani. The trip can be done anytime of the year
except during monsoon.

Pokhara -Jomsom –Muktinath: Beginning from Nayapul, the trail passes over the
Ghorepani pass and descends down to Kali Gandaki valley. Watching the dawn
breaking over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks from Ghorepani is one spectacular
scene that you get to witness on this trek. Once you reach Jomsom you can either
continue trekking to Muktinath or explore the villages around Jomsom. This is an
easy trek that can be done any time of the year except during monsoon.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The route to the original Annapurna Base Camp was
discovered by Maurice Herzog and his team in 1950. The Annapurna Base Camp trek
leads to a natural amphitheater that is used as the base camp from which climbers
start on their way to conquer the Annapurna peak. The peak reaches 8091 meters
above sea level, and the base camp's altitude is 4130 meters above sea level. The
trek into the area below the massive south face of Annapurna, known as the
Annapurna Sanctuary, is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The trek begins in
Pokhara and leads up through the breathtaking Modi Khola gorge into the vast
mountain ringed amphitheatre of the Sanctuary. The trail passes through bamboo and
rhododendron forests with superb views of the Annapurna range. The high glacial
basin is the site of the Annapurna south face base camp. This is a classic trek,
which allows access to the high mountains of the Himalaya within a reasonable time
frame. This trip can be done anytime of the year except during monsoon.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: It is a picturesque valley, first discovered in 1957 by

Jimmy Roberts. Ten peaks of 600-800m rises from it. Machhapuchhare looks
breathtaking from this viewpoint as also the south face of Annapurna. The
Sanctuary falls within the area managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area
Project.
The Annapurna Circuit is the popular name for a 300 km trek in the Annapurna
mountain range. The trek reaches an altitude of 5,300m on the Thorung Lapass,
touching the edge of the fabled Tibetan plateau. The magnificent mountain scenery,
seen at close quarters includes Annapurna, Dhauligiri, and Machhupuchhare. This is
a moderate to challenging trek which sometime requires ascending and descending
the steep mountain path. This trek can be done anytime of the year except during
monsoon and winter when the Thorong pass gets blocked by snow.