The Annapurnas

The Annapurnas are one of Nepal's, and indeed the world's best trekking areas. A short drive from the town of Pokhara are numerous excellent trails which take you through beautiful mountain scenery, passing through remote Himalayan villages with spectacular views of the Annapurnas range. There is comfortable accommodation along the main trekking routes, staying in simple mountain lodges.

The Gurung town of Ghandruk, sited on a ridge at an altitude of 2,000m with fabulous views of Annapurna South, is the destination for many shorter treks, just two or three days hike from Pokhara. The famous viewpoint of Poon Hill at an altitude of 3,000m is another popular destination for trekking, with fabulous views of the entire Annapurna range. A more strenuous 10-12 day trek can reach the extraordinary high plateau of Annapurna Sanctuary at an altitude of 4,000m surrounded by high mountains. The entire Annapurna Circuit, passing through the remote terrain north of the Annapurnas over 5,000m passes takes 2-3 weeks depending on the exact route, although shorter versions of this route starting or ending in Jomsom are possible.

The Gurung are the main ethnic group in this part of Nepal, although there are many other people, and this is a predominantly Buddhist region. The entire Annapurna region is protected by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the largest such protected area in Nepal. The rare snow leopard can be found in this area, although sightings are extremely rare, and the region is good for birdwatching, with almost 500 species found within the conservation area.