Annapurna is home to one of the most spectacular trekking destinations in the world and even exceeds the Everest region in the number of visitors each year. The Annapurna region is situated in the center of the Nepalese Himalaya and occupies about 80km of land between the Marsyangdi River in the east and the Kali Gandaki River in the west. Most famous for its 3 week trek known as the Annapurna Circuit encompassing Thorong La pass at 5416 metres there are many other treks ranging from 8-11 days to Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 metres or Mardi Himal base camp at 4500 metres and if you don’t have that much time then the Poonhill Station trek still offers magical views in 4-7 days.
Trekking through the Annapurna region takes you through lush green foothills, where pastoral villages of Gurung, Thakali, Magar and Brahmin cultures welcome travellers. In April Rhododendron forests burst into color alongside Himalayan Pine, Cedar and wildflowers. Wildlife abound from Barking Deer, Musk deer, Thar, Blue Sheep, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and you may even see the rare Palla’s Cat. In the higher regions Snow Leopards and Wolves still roam. But the centerpiece of the Annapurna region is the range of mountains including Annapurna I, the first of the 8000m peaks to be climbed along with other major mountains including Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Tilicho, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. Capturing the panoramic views of these Himalayan ranges from Poonhill station, base camp or the top of Thorong La pass is truly a heavenly experience.
Even the remote villages in this trail provide sophisticated hospitality. The Annapurna Circuit was once known as “The Apple Pie Trail” due to the massive deserts still available to trekkers at the end of the day. Green paddy fields, apple orchards, fertile farmland, undisturbed natural forests, snow-capped mountains, hot springs where trekkers can bathe in warm mineral pools, and spectacular glacial areas are just some of the reasons to explore the Annapurna’s.
