ANNAPURNA
CONSERVATION AREA PROJECT – ACAP (7,629 sq km)
The Annapurna Conservation Area is
one of the best trekking trails in the world. The area spreads around Kaski,
Mustang, Manang and Lamjung districts of Central Nepal. Starting with an
altitude of 790 meters, the area reaches as high as 8,091 meters of Mt.
Annapurna. Ghandruk is the fist experience and further down is Ghorepani that
provides fantastic panoramic view of the Annapurna ranges. Equally eye catching
are hills of rhododendron that blossom every spring.
The turning point of the Annapurna
Circuit is Jomsom. The trek southeast from Jomsom leads to the scenic Tilicho
Lake area at an altitude of 4,919 meters. In the circuit route, is the famous
Himdu religious sites Muktinath Temple.
The vegetation in this region
includes various species of orchids and rhododendron. Wildlife includes around
100 different kinds of mammals including rare snow leopards and blue sheep. The
region also boasts of around 478 species of birds including multi-colored
Impheyan, Koklas and blood pheasants. In addition the region is also home to 39
species of reptiles and 22 species of amphibians.
- Activities: Trakking, Mountaineering
- Accommodation: resort hotels, lodges, camping
- Access: From Pokhara which is 202 km by road or 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu
- Best season: March-May; Sept.-Nov.
- ACPA Headquarter: Hariyo Kharka, Pokhara, Tel: 061-521102, 528202
