ANNAPURNA REGION is an area in Western Nepal, North of the Pokhara valley, occupying most of the popular treks extending up to the Nepal-Tibet border. This region generally includes the areas around the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range and the Kali Gandaki River Valley. The most frequently traveled Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) lies in this region. The legendary Annapurna region has the most diversely popular trekking destinations in Nepal. The most popular treks in the region are Annapurna circuit trek, Annapurna Sanctuary trek or Annapurna base camp trek, Poon Hill trek, Mardi Himal trek and Khopra Danda trek whereas the least popular treks are Mohare Danda trek, Nar Phu Valley trek, Panchase trek, Siklis trek, Pokhara Deurali trek and The Royal trek.
The region's name is derived from the central attraction of this region, the Annapurna I 8,091m, the first of the 8,000m peaks ever to be climbed in climbing history. Annapurna simply means “full of food” in Sanskrit. For Hindus, Annapurna is ‘The Goddess of Harvest’ or ‘The Goddess of Food and Nourishment.’ Nepalese people believe that the goddess resides in the mountain and thus named it Annapurna. According to the myths, Annapurna is another name for the Hindu Goddess Parvati (the mountain daughter).
Annapurna I 8,091m/26,545ft is the highest peak and the most prominent of the Annapurna massif, which includes 5 other major peaks; Annapurna II (7,937m/26,040ft; the 16th highest mountain in the world), Annapurna III 7,555m, Annapurna IV 7,525m, Gangapurna 7,455m and Annapurna South 7,219m. The other peaks in the Annapurna region which are less prominent include: Annapurna I Central 8,051m (26,414 ft), Annapurna I East 8,010m (26,280 ft), Annapurna Fang 7,647m (25,089 ft), Khangsar Kang 7,485m (24,557 ft), Tarke Kang 7,202m (23,629 ft), Lachenal Peak 7,140m (23,425 ft), Tilicho Peak 7,135m (23,409 ft), Nilgiri Himal North 7,061m (23,166 ft), Central 6,940m (22,769 ft) and South 6,839m (22,438 ft), Machapuchare 6,993m (22,943 ft), Hiunchuli 6,441m (21,132 ft), Gandharba Chuli 6,248m (20,499 ft). Other than Annapurna, the most famous peaks in this region are Machapuchare or Fishtail Peak and Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), located just to the west of the Annapurnas. Many of these peaks are visible throughout the region on clear days. Between the two massive Himalayas, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, lie the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki River gorge.
A former kingdom, Mustang, close to the Tibet border, lies in Annapurna, but trekking to the Upper Mustang is subjected to special restrictions. One of the longest treks in the Annapurna region, known as the Annapurna circuit or Annapurna round, covers both famous valleys Mustang and Manang, which covers a length between 160–230 km (100-145 mi) depending on where the vehicle transportation is used and where the trek is ended. The trail reaches the highest point at Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769 ft), which also touches the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Muktinath in Mustang is the holiest shrine for Hindus and Buddhists and is a popular pilgrimage site. Some villages in Mustang, such as Thini and Lupra, still practice the BonPo religion, one of the last places in the world to preserve and continue this practice.
Annapurna region offers many trekking packages, as mentioned earlier, which could last from a mere couple of days to months. Almost people of any age can enjoy trekking in this mind-blowing part of Nepal. This region has become a trending area, and walking in Annapurna is the dream for many travelers. Some destinations cater to all seasons as well. Let’s take the example of Mustang and Manang valleys lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, which can be traveled even in the monsoon season, leaving aside the other seasons. Breathtaking views of the Himalayan giants, lush green valleys, hills, forests and farmlands, awe-inspiring views of the change in the landscapes from the thickly covered land to the barren terrains and the most exciting encounters to the mixture of various ethnic communities which come with their own unique cultures and traditions, norms and values and their different livelihoods. So rich in diverse biodiversity, including endangered and rare species of floras and faunas, makes it further more interesting. Therefore, trekking in the Annapurna region can be the most satisfying journey in Nepal, with a diverse range of experiences.
Please find all of the journeys of the most frequented Annapurna region right down below:
Annapurna base camp trekking is the most frequently done trekking in Nepal which hits the top of the list even before Everest trekking. We travel to the heart of the Annapurna Himalayan ranges in this awesome journey to arrive at the base
Annapurna Circuit Trekking is usually popular as the most classic trek which will let you experience the unique and well preserved trails and see the biodiversity of Nepal. Annapurna circuit trek offers an astonishing panorama
Khopra Danda trekking is a very trending Himalayan outdoor activity in Nepal which is an alternative route to the most famous Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking. To see the great views of Annapurna Himalayan ranges, Khopra Danda is the best
Mardi Himal trekking is the best alternative to Poon Hill trekking. An unspoiled, off-beaten trail which hasn’t been long since it’s opened for the trekking enthusiasts, Mardi Himal is located just east to the most famous Annapurna trekking trail.
Mohare Danda Trekking is a short and sweet trekking in Annapurna region which takes you to the off-beaten path in the Annapurna foothills. This is a newly discovered trekking trail which is started to promote the sustainable eco-tourism in Nepal
Poon Hill trekking is the heartbeat of all the travelers in Nepal. Everyone who visited Nepal has been to the Ghorepani Poon Hill at least once. Also famous as Annapurna Poon Hill Sunrise Panorama trekking, trekking to Poonhill is the must
Explored and started by England’s Royal PRINCE CHARLES, the royal trek is one of the shortest treks in whole Nepal. The trail follows along the foothills of Annapurna, north of the Pokhara valley. The royal trek journey begins from the
Nar Phu Valley Trek is a real treat for those travelers who wish to experience the genuine Himalayan wilderness journey. Nar Phu valley is a wonderful valley hidden between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions which is equally breathtaking as are other popular
'Land of mountains' a common title was given to Nepal. Speaking about this title, how can you forget Gurja Himal (7,193 m) which plays a significant role in maintaining this title. Amazing offerings
Jomsom Muktinath Trekking is undoubtedly the most popular short trek in the Annapurna region. Even though the vehicle runs recently all the way through the trail, the beauty of the trail still remains
Khudi Ghale Gaun Pokhara Trek is one of the best short treks in the Himalayan nation Nepal. Ghale Gaun is a beautiful village located in Lamjung district of Nepal, just 205 km North West
Dhampus Australian Camp trek is one of the most famous and the shortest trekking journeys in the Annapurna region of the Himalayan nation, Nepal. Three days walking in the Dhampus
Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trekking is one of the most remarkable trekking journeys in the world which is done in the most famous Annapurna region of Nepal. The trail follows the footsteps of
Annapurna Millennium trek is also known as Mid-Hill ridgeline trek which lies on the south-east of Pokhara and north-east of Syangja Waling Bazaar. Millennium trek is one of the newly explored
Mardi Himal is located just east to one of the most popular trekking destinations of Nepal, Annapurna Region. Mardi Himal trek itself is adventurous and wonderful through which trekkers will
Tilicho Lake Mesokanta La pass trekking is another adventurous effort by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours to give you most profound experience in Annapurna region. In Mesokanta la pass trek
Trekking in the Himalayas means a real adventure and to explore pure nature. We are tired of cities, aren’t we? But these days even in the Himalayan trekking trails, there has been a huge tourist
Muktinath Pilgrimage tour is a holy tour which takes you to the sacred place of salvation, Muktinath temple. Muktinath is one of the gateways to one of the most famous religious places for the Hindu
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is yet another remarkable journey in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas of Nepal. One of the most popular trekking journeys in the history of Nepal is
Mohare Danda and Khopra Ridge Community trek is a highly trending trekking journey in the Annapurna region of Nepal also known as ‘Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community based Eco
In Annapurna circuit with Upper Mustang trek, you will enter the restricted parts of Upper Mustang. You can explore the historical Kagbeni, the silent but roaring giant Kali Gandaki River, some green
Nar and Phu are the villages isolated but with wonderful landscapes and high rising Himalayas surrounding the villages. Surrounded by the giants in the lap of the Himalayas exist a wonderful
Annapurna Circuit Trekking is usually popular as the most classic trek which will let you experience the unique and well preserved trails and see the biodiversity of Nepal. Annapurna circuit trek offers
North Annapurna Base Camp trek is such type of trek which let you experience the whole new level of wilderness and the beauty of nature. It is an off beaten trail and totally not crowded than
Annapurna Hidden lake trekking is a less explored or nearly unexplored trekking trail in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary. Few trekkers has made till Hidden Lake (4320m). This trekking trail
As shorter and as flexible as it is, Short Annapurna circuit trekking leads you through the cascading waterfalls, mighty rivers, lush various vegetation, stunning traditional villages and most of all the
No wonder that the views we get from this journey is marvelous. One will not regret from making this choice since taking weeks to get to the Annapurna is not much different than this short
Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek, also known as Dhaulagiri South Base camp trek, is one of the shortest and newly opened trekking route of Nepal. This trekking gives a perfect introduction of Himalayan culture
Poon Hill Tatopani Trek is the highly praised and spectacular trekking route and is ideal if you have limited amount of time in Nepal. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has organized this trek considering
If you are up for some adventures and have a short holidays time in Nepal, this emerging destination and the journey is perfect for you. Kapuche glacier trek or Kapuche lake trek or Kapuche glacial