Destination: Annapurna Region

Annapurna region is located inside the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), ACAP is Nepal’s largest protected area at 7,629 sq km.

In the Annapurna region, you can also  find deep river gorges, rhododendron forests, hanging glaciers, and Gurung and Magar villages.
It is home to Annapurna I (8,091m). This mountain is the world’s first climbed 8,000er and the 10th highest peak in the world.

This whole region is more than a trail to Annapurna Base Camp. Rather, it is a living cultural landscape with community-led conservation under ACAP since 1986.

What makes the Annapurna Region so special?

The trail rises from the Pokhara side through Nayapul or Kande and climbs toward villages like Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, and Deurali, and finally to Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130m. 

Talking about the side routes, you can reach Ghorepani and Poon Hill for sunrise, where you can see the clear view of Mardi Himall. 

Besides that you can also visit the hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the Modi Khola. However, both locations are usually closed in the monsoon months of June and July. 

Along the way you pass stone steps, terraced fields, and ACAP visitor centers. 

One such center is in Ghandruk where you can learn about conservation and safe drinking water projects that reduce plastic bottles.

Different Routes To Annapurna Base Camp

In total there are 7 routes to ABC. Here are the list of all the 7 routes:

1. Classic ABC route from Nayapul to Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali, MBC, and ABC
2. Kande to Australian Camp and Landruk, then to Chhomrong and onward to ABC
3. Ghorepani and Poon Hill add-on, then Tadapani and Chhomrong to reach ABC
4. Jhinu Danda hot springs approach, then climb to Chhomrong and continue to ABC
5. Syauli Bazaar and New Bridge route to Chhomrong, then onward to ABC
6. Mardi Himal ridge, then drop to Landruk and join the ABC trail
7. Khopra Ridge and Khayar Lake loop to Tadapani, then join the ABC trail

Other Different Treks Available In Annapurna Region

Annapurna Region offers some other popular treks for seasoned trekkers. If you are interested here is the list of all the other possible treks in this region:

1. Annapurna Circult Trek 
2. Tilicho Lake Trek 
3. Nar Phu Valley Trek
4. Annapurna Circuit Trek covering Tilicho Lake
5. Gangapurna Base Camp Trek
6. Annapurna Circuit Trek covering ABC and Ghorepani

List of mountains you can see in Annapurna Regions

One of the main reasons people trek is to stand inside the Sanctuary and see high peaks up close. From ABC and MBC, you can see the following:

8000m Peaks in Annapurna Region

• Annapurna I (8,091m)

7000m Peaks in Annapurna Region

• Annapurna South (7,219m)
  
• Gangapurna (7,455m)
  
• Baraha Shikhar / Annapurna Fang (7,647m)
  
• Glacier Dome / Tarke Kang (7,193m) 

6000m Peaks in Annapurna Region

• Machhapuchhre / Fishtail (6,993m)
  
• Hiunchuli (6,441m)
  
• Singu Chuli / Fluted Peak (6,501m)
  
• Chulu East Peak(6,584m)
  
• Chulu West Peak (6,419m)
  
• Gandharwa Chuli (6,248m)
  
• Tharpu Chuli / Tent Peak (5,695m)

How to experience the culture of Annapurna Region

The main local communities in Annapurna region are Gurung and Magar. 

To know more about the culture in this area, spend time in Ghandruk and Landruk, visit the small Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. 

Additionally,  you can also drop into the ACAP office to see conservation displays. 

Occasionally, Gurung community also hosts Rodhi Evening. During this event, locals gather around and sing their folk songs and perform their folk dance.

Talking about the festivals, Tamu Lhosar, Dashain, Tihar and Maghe Sankranti are the major celebrations in this area. If you want to enjoy these local festivals, you need to plan your date accordingly. 

Tamu Lhosar for Gurung families falls on December 30. Dashain and Tihar fall during Ocotober or November. Meanwhile, Maghe Sankranti falls in January or February

Simple etiquette that you can follow to show your respect:

• Ask before photos. 
• Dress modestly at temples and gompas. 
• Keep off planted terraces and walk on the main path. 

How to do eco-conscious trekking on the Annapurna Region

Here are some tips to do eco-conscious trekking in ABC:

• Use ACAP’s safe drinking water stations and lodge refills instead of buying bottled water;
• Carry a small trash pouch and pack out snack wrappers until you find bins in larger villages; ACAP and partners run local waste systems in sites like Ghandruk.
  
• Stay on stone steps and the main trail; do not cut across fields or shortcuts that damage terraces.
• Do not use soap in streams near Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali, or MBC; use lodge wash areas to keep the Modi Khola clean.
• Start early between Deurali and MBC in winter and spring to cross avalanche gullies while the surface is firm, and follow any temporary reroutes locals open after slides.
• Eat fresh, local meals and keep meat orders low at higher lodges to reduce freighted waste.
• Support porters with fair loads and proper rain covers and warm clothing.

At Eco Nepal Trekkers, we build itineraries that give you time for village walks, ACAP centers, and quiet mornings in the Sanctuary. We help you travel light on the land and connect with people in a respectful way.