Annapurna Trekking Region

Protected Area Information
Name: Annapurna Conservation Area (Area (km²): 7629.00

Description

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) was established in 1992. It has an area of 7629 sq. km., which is the largest conservation area of Nepal. The conservation area encompasses the Annapurna himalayan range and also contains the world’s deepest valley Kali Gandaki River Valley. The dry alpine deserts of Mustang, Tibet in the north, by the Kali-Gandaki River in the west bounce the ACA. And Marsyandi Valley towards east and by valleys and foothills of northern of Pokhara valley in the south border.

Additional Information

Brief History

In 1986 National Trust implemented Annapurna Conservation Area Project for Nature Conservation in Ghandruk as a pilot project covering one VDC with area of 200 km2. In 1990 Government expand its working area to 16 VDCs with an area 1500 kms. Officially it has been gazetted in 1992 covering 55 VDCs with present size.

How to Get There

 Annnapurna Conservation Area is located near Pokhara, a town easily accessible from Kathmandu by air and road. Bus or taxi services are available from Pokhara to Jomsom. Which is located in the northern part of Annapurna Conservation Area. Alternative route is to reach to Phedi by bus or taxi and walk 1.5 days to reach to Ghandruk via Dhampus -Landruk. In 6-7 days trekking we reach Annapurna Base Camp.

The Annapurna Region is home to several world-class trekking trails, including the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. The region, which is home to numerous lodges and hotels, is also the most visited trekking region in Nepal.  Therefoe almost two thirds of hikers and backpackers heading to the Annapurna region upon their arrival in Nepal.

There are several features that make the Annapurna region a unique place in the world. It contains world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki. Which is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. In addition a valley with fossils from the Tethys Sea dating 60 million years ago. The region contains world’s largest rhododendron forest in Ghorepani.  Tilicho Lake, located in Manang north of Annapurna massif, is the world’s highest altitude fresh water lake.The biological diversity of the Annapurna region is equally rivaled by cultural diversity. Gurung and Magar are the dominant groups in the south, whereas Thakali, Manange and Loba are dominant in the north. Each of these groups speaks their own dialect, and has unique cultures and traditions. Besides, there are also Brahmin, Chhetri and other occupational castes although in comparatively smaller numbers. Hindu, Buddhist and pre-Buddhist religions along with a mixture of all these are prevalent across the region.

Nature and Culture

The natural and cultural features of ACA have made it the most popular trekking destination in the country. Drawing more than 60 percent of the country’s total trekkers. Tourism, over the years, is established as one of the most important and competitive sectors of the local economy.There are over 1,000 lodges, teashops and hundreds of other subsidiary services to cater to the thousands of trekkers, pilgrims and their support staff.

The soaring number of visitors, whose fuel wood consumption is twice more than that of the local people, has exerted immense pressure on forest resources already stressed from the growing local population. Similarly, litter, particularly the wastes produced by trekkers and hoteliers, is another major concern. An average trekking group of 15 people generate about 15 kgs of biodegradable and non combustable garbage in 10 days trek. Producing tons of garbage in mountain regions annually.