Trekking in Annapurna Region of Nepal

Annapurna is a series of peaks in the Himalaya, a 55-km-long Massif whose highest point, Annapurna I, stands at 8,091 m (26,538 ft.). It is the 10th highest mountain in the world. It is located east of a large gorge that is separated from Mount Dhaulagiri by the most famous river, Kali Gandaki (the world's deepest gorge), through the Himalayas. The Annapurna is surrounded by many Himalayan ranges including the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre-the famous fish-tail mountain overlooking the skyline above Pokhara.

The Annapurna Region is renowned for its trekking. There are three major trekking routes in this region, Jomsom Muktinath, Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. 

This region is also the home to copious wildlife like Pikas, Blue Sheep, Snow Leopards, Tigers and more. Various birds including multiple colored Impeyan, Koklas and Blood Pheasants, offer you their natural beauty. In this region you will encounter with the Gurungs and Thakali people whose unique culture and religion makes you surprise. You will experience how friendly and open hearted these people are, and you can get a taste of their lifestyle by staying in their house and knowing their way of living and their culture and tradition.

Trekking in the Himalaya offers a unique blend of physical challenge, mental relaxation, spiritual elation etc. Trekking through Himalayas will surely offer you an unforgettable experience.

Trekking in the Himalaya is not only an adventure or the propose of just trekking in certain destination, but it is the Himalaya Journey Itself.

The Annapurna region is reached via Pokhara, which is 200 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is five or six hours by road and 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu. 

Trekking options in the Annapurna Region

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

In 1956, Lt. Col. Jimmy Roberts flocked to the Himalaya, through rhododendron forest and Gurung villages to attempt steep Machhapuchhre, a scared summit. Unsuccessful but impressed by the scenic beauty, termed this trek ‘Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater surrounded by it peaks over 6400m There are a lot of alternative routes to trek into the heart of Annapurna’s. In this popular trek, you will follow beaten trails through deep rhododendron forest, traditional villages, attractive valleys, terraced fields and intermittent settlements set against the wonderful backdrop of lofty mountains. On your way, you will see the deep Kali Gandaki valley standing on a hilltop surrounded by high Himalayas such as Dhaulagiri (8177m), Dhampus, Nilgiri, Annapurna South (7219m) Fishtail, Annapurna I and many more. Maximum altitude 4130 meters.

Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Trekking around Annapurna is an ideal way to encounter remote culture, various ethnic groups, lofty mountains and ancient historical monuments. This trekking is renowned as one of the world’s preeminent trekking destination, it escorts you through rhododendron forests and over the foothills of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. Annapurna Circuit Trekking offers amazing views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri (the spectacular ice pyramid) and Machhapuchchhre (fish tail) and Annapurna South peaks. Maximum altitude 5416 meters.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek:

Jomsom Muktinath trek lies in Mustang district and takes you along the Kalagandaki river bed and climbs out of the valley to one of the most holy temples in Nepal. Doing Jomsom trekking you will also do Muktinath trekking, the famous trekking destination in Annapurna Region. Muktinath is the well-known Pilgrimage site for Hindu and Buddhist.

The marvelous views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Himchuli, Machhapuchchhre and Thorang peak makes your journey rewarding as well as awesome inspiring. On the way you will pass the world’s deepest gorge, Kaligandaki bordered between Annapurna and Dhaulagir mountains. The Jomsom trek offers you the experience of a lifetime, exploring the natural beauty of the Himalaya.  Maximum altitude 3800 meters.

Sikles Trek:

Built on an east-facing slope above the Modi Khola (river) at 1,981m, Sikles looks north onto Annapura IV and east to Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. In the remote hilly area, Sikles is a well-kept village inhabited by Nepal’s largest Gurung community overlooking stunning snow-peaked mountains such as Lamjung Himal (6,983 m / 22,910 ft), Annapurna III (7,555 m / 24,787 ft), IV ( 7,524 m / 24,685 ft) & Lamjung (6,983 m/ 22,910 ft).

Ghandruk Trekking:

Ghandruk, the admired name famous for trekking, is situated towards the northwest of Pokhara - the beautiful village nestled on the hillside above the river valley at an altitude of 2012 meters above sea level and is inhabited by Gurungs (who were heavily dependent upon employment in the British Army till the second half of the 20th century).

Ghandruk is a huge village where you will see the headquarters of Annapurna Conservation Project, proffer admirable views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchchhre and Himalchuli. Nayapul is the beginning point of this pleasing trek where you will discover the scenic and magnificent beauty of this rich natural paradise. The main highlight of this area is the Traditional Gurung Museum, which shows the Gurung people's traditional local clothing and equipment.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking:

Ghorepani, the short, colorful and relatively easy trek, takes its place in the western part of Kathmandu, one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Annapurna region which offers stunning natural scenery, stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchchhre and Himchuli. One can get the lifetime chance to see some of the most dramatic views of some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world including pristine forests, flora and fauna diversity, you will encounter the warm hearts of simple people whose rich and varied customs give you an insight into the typical life style of Gurung and Magar.

On the way of trekking you are sure to encounter the legendary Gorkha soldiers who had served in the Gorkha Army during the world war in many countries. Ghorepani Trekking's main attraction is Poon Hill, the most spectacular mountain spot on earth at an altitude of 3100 m.

Maps for Annapurna Region.

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