Trip Overview

The Annapurna region is geographically based towards the north of Central Nepal. This area is known to be the most popular and a major trekking destination in Nepal. According to a recent survey by the Trekkers Paradise Group (TPG-USA) Annapurna region has been recognized as one of the world’s best trekking trails to hike on. More than 40,000 tourists annually visit this area. The Annapurna trekking region consists of peaks Annapurna I, II, III, IV, those of Annapurna South peaks, Mt. Dhaulagiri and several other peaks. The major highlights when trekking in this region are the ancient mid-western salt route settlements of Manang, Thorong La pass between Nepal and Tibet, Muktinath Temple and the deepest gorge of world Kali Gandaki. The Gateway to the Annapurna trekking region is the famous city of Pokhara.

Mustang, or Lo Manthang, the desert plateau located in the upper valley of the River Kali Gandaki, and to the north of the main Himalayan range also falls in this region. Tourist access to Mustang is controlled to help retain its exclusiveness. The highlights of the trek include the visit to the Mustang Palace, the visit to Lo Manthang and pony rides up to the Nepal-Tibet border.

The region is said to have seven ethnic groups living and working in this area, from Hindu farmers to Tibetan Lamas. The most prominent ethnic groups of Annapurna region are Gurungs, Thakali and Manangba. Due to the extremes of elevation the region contains a remarkable diversity of flora; from sub-tropical lowland forests of oak, bamboo and rhododendron in the south to the high alpine meadows and windswept desert plateaus in the north, most bordering Tibet. The Animals found here are pika, blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr.

The well known trekking routes of this region are Jomsom, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, Sikles, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Upper Mustang and within the Pokhara area. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn. Unlike other parts of Nepal, even the monsoon months are ideal to visit Upper Mustang that falls in the rain shadow area. Most trekking routes in the Annapurna region are well serviced by teahouses or better known as tea house lodges.