Annapurna Region
With astounding natural and human diversity, yet easily accessible
from Pokhara, the Annapurna Conservation Area is an ideal trekking destination.
Here, the deepest gorge in the world is carved by the
Kali Gandaki river as it rushes between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
massifs, both towering over 8000 meters. Climb through sub-tropical
jungles to alpine pastures to high altitude desert, and you will be
amazed by the quick shifts in environment and ethnicity.
The classic Annapurna trek is the Annapurna Circuit,
which takes approximately 20 days. Beginning on the eastern side in
Manang, you cross the magnificent Thorung La Pass at 5400 meters to
descend into the holy area of Muktinath and the high altitude valley
of Lower Mustang, and then continue on through the Thakali trading villages
of Marpha and Tukuche to the lush lower altitudes of Tatopani and Ghorepani.
Alternately, one may create a shorter trek either by
flying in or out of Jomsom, the district headquarters of Lower Mustang.
The entire area is rich in culture and invites unusual side trips to
out of the way villages, caves, and natural sites. |
