Annapurna
Annapurna is often described as one of the most beautiful areas of Nepal and consequently is has become one of the most popular choices for enthusiastic trekkers. The area consists of a series of six Himalayan peaks and the lowlands that surround it and the entire massif is conveniently located in Central Nepal.
The Annapurna Peaks
The six peaks of the Annapurna massif stretch over 55km in length with the highest – Annapurna 1 – standing over 8000m tall. This makes it the 10th highest mountain in the world. The other five all stand over 7200m in height and the panoramic view that the massif presents is truly astounding. The majority of the mountains that make up the massif are snow and ice climbs and as such Annapurna, in its entirety, has one of the highest fatality rates in the world at around 40%.
ACAP
ACAP is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. The conservation area covers the Annapurna massif and the surrounding lowlands for an area of over 7600sq km. This makes it the largest, and most visited, conservation area in Nepal. Not only are the landscapes and views of the Himalayas breathtaking from the lowlands, the trekking opportunities are amongst the best in the country and over two thirds of people Trekking Nepal make a point of visiting the region during their holiday.
Trekking in Annapurna
There are numerous world class trekking routes that run through the Annapurna conservation area however most people choose to enjoy the sights and experiences of the major three:
The Jomsom Trek – this is a simple trek that ends in the town of Jomsom in the Mustang region of Nepal. Jomsom has an altitude of 2800m but if trekkers are feeling more adventurous there is also the option to continue up the trail to Muktinath at 3800m. The additional hike is well worth the trouble as Muktinath is the site of many holy temples that are sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.
The Annapurna Sanctuary Route – this route runs for 40km from Nepal’s second city, Pokhara, up to the base camp of the Annapurna Mountains. The camp sits 4000m up in a glacial basin surrounded by the peaks of the massif. The ecosystems and landscapes in the basin are considered to be paradise for nature lovers and as such are a big attraction for trekkers.
The Annapurna Circuit
The circuit trek is a favourite with Nepal Adventure Tour operators and so it’s easy to find a trek running at virtually any time during the year. The circuit encircles the Annapurna massif and requires around three weeks to complete. It is well worth doing though as trekkers get to experience the true culture of the region while also benefiting from mountain landscapes and lowland terrain that rivals the rest of the world.
In addition to these lengthy treks around the Annapurna region, there are also a number of shorter alternatives available. The most popular short treks start at Pokhara (as most treks in the region do), and finish at Ghorepani or Ghandruk; two traditional towns a few days trekking away. These shorter versions provide ample opportunity to experience the beauty of the area and can be included in any type of Nepal holiday.