The '''Annapurna region''' is an area in western Nepal where some of the most popular treks are located. The region is generally taken to include areas around the Annapurna Range (Annapurna Himal), Dhaulagiri mountains and the Kaligandaki River valley. The peaks in this region include the 8,091m Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m) and Machhapuchchhre (6,993 m). Most of these peaks a visible throughout the region on a clear day.

The Annapurna Conservation Area is also located in the region.

Among the popular treks in the region are the Annapurna Circuit trek which circles the Annapurna Range, the Kaligandaki River Valley trek which brings you up the world's deepest valley and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek up to the Annapurna Base Camp. There are many more trails for shorter treks. The region includes the Trans-Himalayan areas north of the main Himalayan Ranges, where the land is arid and the culture more Tibetan than Indian subcontinent.

Regions

The Annapurna region as travellers know it is not an administrative region. The area is located in two zones - Gandaki and Dhaulagiri. The districts in the Annapurna region are Baglung, Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi.

Cities

  • Chitre
  • Ghasa - guesthouses & restaurants
  • Ghorepani - "Horse Water" - guesthouses; the highest point in the Jomsom trek and base for day trips to Puna Hill
  • Jomsom - most basic services can be found here; end (or start) of the Jomsom Trek and one of two airstrips in the area
  • Kagbeni - monastery half-a-day from Jomsom
  • Kalopani - guesthouses & restaurants
  • Larjung
  • Manang - usual stopping point for elevation-acclimation on the Annapurna circuit trek
  • Marpha - half a dozen guesthouses and restaurants, and a small store with basic supplies; center of apple growing in the region
  • Muktinath - pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus near the Thorong La pass
  • Ongre - Manang's airport
  • Tatopani - "Hot Water" - named for its hot springs; several hotels by the river
  • Tirkhedunga - guesthouses
  • Tukuche
  • Ulleri - guesthouses; second-night stopping point for Jomsom trek
  • See also Mustang , Annapurna Circuit

    Other destinations

    Understand

    Talk

    Get in

    A '''permit''' is required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) which encompasses most of the region. Permits are issued in Pokhara and Kathmandu. You will need to show the permit at police stations in several towns along the trail. However on visiting the region in Oct 2003 the Conservation Police were not checking permits due to the Maoist presence,and in fact around Poon Hill Maoists were charging for their own 'permits'.

    In 2006 it became standard to purchase a permit from the Maoists while on the trek; these currently cost 100 rupees per day.

    By bus

    Most buses into the area arrive from Pokhara and drop off at Birethanti. If you can, try to ride on the roof of the bus. Even in the rain it's better than being inside and the views are great. Just be careful to duck each time a power line crosses the road - they hang fairly low. And hang on, as the driver mayslam the brakes on for a duck crossing the road.

    By plane

    The only other option for entering the area is by plane to Jomsom. There are several daily flights to/from Pokhara but they are very dependent on weather. The ''airport'' is extremely primitive with no paved runway or electricity.

    Get around

    There are no paved roads, only foottrails, through the area. Carry a good map or guidebook for guidance as it can be difficult at times for foreigners to distinguish the trekking main trail from any number of local trails.

    See

    Itineraries

    Do

    Trekking

    While the Everest range boasts of higher mountains, the Annapurnas are far more accessible; impressive mountain views may be reached within a few days of walking from the roadhead. While the Himalayas and Nepal's northern border generally coincide, in this region the mountains come farther south, allowing the trekker an opportunity to travel from low-lying forests into the mountains and beyond into the Tibetan plateau without having to leave Nepal.

    Eat

    Drink

    Stay safe

    Get out