Trekking In Annapurna Region, Nepal
Annapurna Region is the next popular trekking destination after Everest Region. Comparisons will do injustice to the highly satisfying trek with captivating scenery, adventurous trials, and settlement of diverse cultures surrounded by magnificent and glazing Himalayas.
Annapurna is an ancient Sanskrit name for the goddess of harvests. Annapurna is a massif in the Himalayas. The region consists of the iconic Himalayas of Nepal, like Annapurna I above 8,000 meters. You will also get to view elevated Dhaulagiri, located west of Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain, which is popularly known as Machapuchare. The other ranges in the Annapurna Region include 13 peaks over 7000 meters and 16 above 6,000 meters.
The rising sun here climbs over the mountains, the mountains sparkle during the moonlight, and on a plain sky day, they reflect on the calm waters of the lake.
Highlights Of Annapurna Region Trek
- Number of perennial rivers and suspension bridges
- The Ice Lake-a day hike from Manang
- Tilicho Lake at an altitude of 4949 meters
- The Ice Lake-a day hike from Manang
- The deepest gorge of the Kali-Gandaki River
- You will also get to view elevated Dhaulagiri, located west of Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain which is popularly known as Machhapuchhare.
- Delicious food prepared by Thakali people
- Crossing the Thorungla pass
- Overnight staying under the shadow of giant Annapurna
Trekking Around Annapurna Region
The sights alongside the way are stunning. During the Annapurna Region Trek, you will see terraced hillsides, lush forests and alpine grassland, cloud forests, and dark woodland.
The essence of Annapurna has been described by Frank Smith in his 1947 anthology “The Mountain Top”. He writes: “Escape from the shell that leads nowhere and everywhere. Then you will know beauty. Then you will know the essence of Annapurna.”
Annapurna Region Trekking Trips
Regulus Treks and Expedition has designed two classic treks Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary, with customized packages.
The Annapurna Circuit trekking will leave you with a lifetime memorable experience. Regarded as a natural habitat for many endangered species of animals and birds, Annapurna Region is one of the declared conservation areas.
You will get to watch endangered animals like Himalayan Thar and the snow leopard. The array of vegetation in the Annapurna Region also provides good habitat for numerous birds. Through all these splendid sights, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the place and people.
Colorful flags of Buddhists surrounding the monasteries add color to the Annapurna trekking region. The aromatic incense of juniper and the sound of Buddhist chants will give you spiritual vibes during the adventure.
Staying with the local ethnic groups, including Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali in the tea houses at night will let you experience the Himalayan Nepali culture.
Being a popular trekking region, the area is usually crowded. However, there are some beautiful areas like Khopra and Mardi Himal with less footfall.
The infrastructures is good, as this region is a popular choice of many avid trekkers around the globe. Access to Annapurna Trekking Region is also easy, as most trailheads are just an hour or two from Kathmandu.
Trekking In The Annapurna Region
Annapurna trekking region stretches to the Mustang region through a three-week Annapurna Circuit to a short three-day trek to Dhampus hill. This diverse and vast region offers trekking adventures for everyone. The popular Annapurna Circuit Trek,Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Panorama Trek,Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Dhaulagiri Round Trek,Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Tilicho Lake trek are the diverse routes of the region. The latter package will take you to the world’s highest lake, Tilicho Lake.
Trekking around the Annapurna region is comparatively drier than the southern slopes. The area up looks like a desert, different from the areas below, which have green pastures and fertile land. You can trek in the Annapurna region all year round.
Annapurna Trek Route
The Annapurna Trek begins from Pokhara, a commercial tourist destination. It is a lakeside city with popular Fewa and Begnas Lakes. Fewa Lake reflects the clear image of Mt Annapurna and Mt Machapuchare.
During your stay in Pokhara, you can visit beautiful and historical destinations such as David’s fall, Gupteshwar Temple, and International Mountaineering Museum. Pokhara city also offers adventurous activities like Bungee Jumping,Zip Flyer, and Paragliding, for recreation. You just need to take out some time to go for this exciting experience.
Muktinath Temple, Jomsom Visit During Annapurna Circuit Trek
Muktinath, a revered shrine of both Hindus and Buddhists, is a popular destination that is on the route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The attraction of the temple is that it has a spring and natural gas, which provides an eternal flame for Muktinath. Likewise, another beautiful place is Jomsom, which consists of diverse landscapes and cultures. Here, you will get to watch the way of life of various ethnic groups in that part of Nepal.
The area has the deepest George of Kali-Gandaki River. The George separates Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.
On the way, you will enjoy delicious Daal-Bhaat (the most preferred food in Nepal) prepared by the Thakali people. Both domestic and international consumers enjoy their cuisine.
