Majority of people living in Nepal are familiar about the heavenly and the most amazing Annapurna Conservation Area. Even the people outside Nepal talk about the beauty of the Annapurna Conservation Area often.The Annapurna Himalayas are found in this area, which offers scenery unlike any other places. The hiking track is breathtakingly lovely and appealing and it is the most popular track for the hikers inside and outside Nepal. Many stupas, monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags may be seen along the path, blessing the land and the hikers.
Description: The Annapurna Conservation Area, which spans the districts of Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung, is the Nepal’s largest conservation area, covering 7,629 square kilometers. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project was established by the Nepalese government in 1986.It is Nepal’s first conservation area, as well as the country’s largest protected region, with 100,000 people from various ethnic groups.Apart from its diverse wildlife, the Annapurna Conservation Area is home to the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest river gorge.In addition, the famous and beautiful Tilicho Lake, as well as the world’s largest rhododendron woods, is located here. As a result, the protection area features charming settlements as well as rushing streams and rivers.
Climate: From the subtropical lowlands and rich temperate rhododendron woodland in the south to dry alpine forest in the north, the territory extends. The climate varies according to height. The temperature drops by 6 degrees Celsius for every 1000 meters of altitude elevation. The average rainfall ranges from 193 mm in the trans-Himalayan area to 2987 mm in the cis-Himalayan zone at Ghandruk.
Local Population: Cultural variety abounds in the region. Many ethnic groups, including Magar, Gurung, Manang, Loba, Thakali, Brahmin, Chhetri, and others, live here. Each of these groups has its own culture, traditions, language, delicacies, important festivals, and customs. Despite their many differences, they live in peace and harmony. The two major religions are Hinduism and Buddhism who reside around the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Flora and Fauna: Flora and fauna abound across the region. There are 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, 23 amphibians, and 1,226 flowering plants, according to current statistics.
Trekking Routes around Annapurna Conservation Area: There are several trekking routes around the Annapurna Conservation Area which are listed below:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Upper Mustang Trek
- Tilicho Lake Trek
- Ghorepani Pooh Hill Trek
- Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
- Khorpa Dada Trek
How to get there: Bus and taxi services are readily available from Pokhara to Jomsom in the Annapurna Conservation Area’s northern region. Alternatively, one may travel to Phedi and then walk to Landruk through Dhampus.
The region’s hiking features attract thousands of visitors each year, making it one of Nepal’s most popular trekking and vacation destinations. Many communities have been able to rely on tourism as their primary source of income, and it has made a significant contribution to the local economy. To accommodate trekkers, several lodges, teahouses, tea stores, and guesthouses have been constructed all along the path. But with the increased number of visitors, the region has experienced difficulties such as increased fuelwood use and garbage created by hikers, as well as increased forest pressure. However, the government and all business entities are collaborating to provide more environmentally friendly and sustainable travel options.
-Article written by: Saru Niraula for Land Nepal
