Overview
The areas around the Annapurna mountain range offer some of the most popular trekking
routes in Nepal. The central piece of this part of Nepal is the range of mountains encompassing
Annapurna I standing tall at 8091m along with another giant Dhaulagiri with an astounding
height of 8163m, which is located west of Annapurna I. Between two giants, runs the valley of
Kali Gandaki river, the deepest gorge on the planet. Subtropical to alpine vegetation and
climates are found changing with the elevation. Trekking in the region allows the trekkers to
explore through verdant rhododendron forests over the foothills of these mountains while
offering to enjoy the cultures and hospitality of Thakali, Gurung, Magar communities which
are predominant in the region.
Endowed with superb views and vistas of the Himalayas and coupled with kaleidoscopic
landscapes of geography and people, this region also offers a range of short and low altitude
treks around the vallyey of Pokhara. While trekking to the beautiful and culturally rich villages
of Ghorapani, Landruk, Ghandruk and Tatopani have been already popular among the trekkers
Mardi Himal treking is increasingly becoming another hotspot trekking destinaition.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) which was established in 1986 has had
innovative approach towards environmental protection by involving people to conservation and
to avoid conflict of interest between the people and nature.
The region’s two main trekking trails follow river valleys in relatively easy ascents: on the west
side, up the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom and Muktinath, and to the east, up the Marsyangdi
River to Manang. These two trails form one of the most popular trekking known as Annapurna
Circuit which entails crossing a high but straightforward pass, the Thorung La or Thorung Pass
at 5416m.
Trekking to the Annapurna circuit has only been possible since mid 1980’s when the Manang
area was officially opened up to foreign visitors. For and all-round experience of the nature and
culture of Nepal this trek has a lot to offer. Starting in the lush Marsyandi valley, that separates
the Annapurna range from that of Manaslu Region, the scenery is composed of lush cultivated
fields with dense forests on either side. As you travel higher the valley becomes more rugged
until the villages and forests finally give way to the arid hills of Manang. The Thorong La pass,
at 5416 meters, marks the highpoint of the treks after which the trail joins the Kali Gandaki river
that flows through the deepest gorge on earth.
Trekking which starts from Besishahar will cross Bhul Bhule, Tal, Chame before arriving at
Manang where a compulsory rest day should be taken for acclimatization to the increasing
altitude. From Manang, the trial passes through high alpine pastures until the small cluster of
teahouses at Thorong Phedi is reached. An early morning start from here will allow you to reach
Thorong Pass by mid-morning and then start the long descent across the slopes to Muktinath.
The whole sections have no permanent settlements and shelter is hard to find. For safety,
trekkers should never travel alone this section.
From Muktinath the views of the west are now of the Dhaulagiri range while to the north can be
seen the arid hills of upper Mustang. A further six or seven days trekking down through Kali
Gandaki, the deepest valley on earth, brings you to Pokhara. Settlements of particular interest
below Muktinath are Jomsom with its airport, a possible exit point to Pokhara, Marpha with its
fascinating medieval architecture designed to ward off the fierce winds that blow daily up the
gorge and Tatopani with its hot springs.
There are a number of possible side trip that can be combined with the Annapurna circuit. Either
from the Manang side or from below Jomsom it is possible to trek up to the high-altitude lake at
Tilicho. You must allow at least four days for this trek and go with a trekking guide. Also on the
eastern side of the Kali Gandaki there is a trial that leads to the original north Annapurna base
camp that was used by the French expedition that first scaled the peak. On the western side of the
valley treks to Hidden valley via Dhampus pass and to the Dhaulagiri icefall are also possible
option. All of these site trips are suitable only for fit and experienced trekkers.
