“Annapurna area is globally recognized with various prestigious awards such as the Deutscher Rieseburo-Verband of Tourism and Environment; the Tourism for Tomorrow – Worldwide; the Tourism for Tomorrow – Asia Pacific; WWW’s J. Paul Getty Conservation Award; and UNESCO’s Global 500 Award.”
Annapurna Conservation Area is located in the northwest of Nepal. It is the largest protected conservation area; covers 7,629 square Kilometers. Beginning base from 790 meters, the area’s highest altitude Mt. Annapurna I reaches 8091m. first climbed by the French. Annapurna Region forms the watershed of the rivers like Kali Gandaki, Seti, Modi Khola and Marshangdi.
Annapurna region comprises mountain peaks, alpine pastures, trans-Himalayan valleys, forests, lakes, glaciers; rivers, waterfalls, caves and cultivated lands. The Inner Himalaya valleys (above 3600m.) such as Mustang and Manang Valley. Annapurna is very famous for trekking. It is the most visited trekking area in Nepal. More than 60,000 visitors/trekkers simply visit the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna base camp, Ghorepani-Poon Hill and around every year.
The area has entire habitat gradient from sub-tropical sal forest to perennial snow harboring 28 ecosystems. So far, only 456 vascular plants including 38 orchid species and 9 rhododendron species have been recorded here. Annapurna area is the home to 101 species of mammals, 478 species of birds, 41 -species of reptiles and 23 type of amphibians. The symbolic mammal species are Snow leopard, Musk dear, Tibetan wolf, Wild ass, Tibetan antelope, Crane and Pheasants.
Walkers Expedition offers an excellent introduction to Nepal and Annapurna Base Camp trekking package to the Himalayas. Annapuna Base Camp trek is naturally, culturally and bio-diversitically most famous and interesting trek in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp 8 days trek begins from Pokhara / Nayapul: a 1½hr drive north of the city. The trail gradually ascends the glacial Modi Khola Valley, carrying melt water from the ring of peaks above. Forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo line the route. Friendly villages on terraced slopes high above the river will welcome you along the way to your trek.
The climax is reached in the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary where the Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail) Base Camp, is followed by ABC (4,130m/13,550ft). Here you will be surrounded by an immense wall of rock and ice Himalaya’s heights in U-shaped valley. The scene early morning at sunrise is breathtaking.
The downward journey requires 2-3 nights; passing hot spring en-route. Then a short trek to Phedi One and half hour drive back to your hotel at Pokhra; and a relaxing afternoon. The drive back to Kathmandu is through scenic Middle Hill agricultural, River and terraced lands to the east.