Annapurna and Mustang

 Overview

The Annapurna region is one of the most popular trekking destinations worldwide and the most frequented in the Nepalese Himalayas. The Annapurna and Mustang section of Nepal's Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) is a captivating journey through diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This section includes the iconic Annapurna Circuit, renowned for its stunning mountain vistas, high-altitude deserts, and lush valleys. Trekkers traverse the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, encounter traditional Tibetan-Buddhist villages, and explore the sacred Muktinath Temple. Mustang, often referred to as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom," offers a stark contrast with its Trans-Himalayan landscape, ancient monasteries, and unique Tibetan-influenced culture. This region is also home to the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, and the stunning views of peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

The region is currently managed as Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) by National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Established in 1986, the Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal's pioneering and largest conservation initiative. Covering 7,629 square kilometers, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism initiatives. The conservation area spans the majestic Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri Himalayan ranges, and features notable landmarks such as the world's deepest Kali Gandaki River Valley (5,571m) and Tilicho Lake, the highest-altitude lake at 4,919 meters. These features contribute to its awe-inspiring landscapes, drawing trekkers and mountaineers from around the world.     

Highlights

• Mountain Ranges: The combination of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri range, Lugala range, and Damodar range has made this region an extraordinary destination with scenic beauty, diverse culture and rich biodiversity Annapurna Range is a 55 km long chain of six mountains over 7,200 meters, including Annapurna I, the world’s 10th highest mountain.

• Round Annapurna Circuit: The circuit used to be one of the globally popular trekking trails.

• High passes: Thorong La Pass- A challenging high-altitude pass at 5,416 meters, Mesokanto pass (5330 meters).

• Biodiversity: The region is home to over 1,200 plant species, 102 mammal species, 488 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Manang and Upper Mustang area are some of the best habitats for Snow leopard. Upper Mustang is also the habitat of Tibetan Argali (Serrow). Kali Gandaki corridor is home to many endangered bird species.

• Diverse Landscapes: From lush subtropical forests to arid desert-like areas in Mustang and Manang.

• Cultural Richness: The entire Kali Gandaki corridor is considered to be the most sacred region in Nepal. Annapurna region is the melting pot of many ethnic communities, including Gurung, Thakali, and Magar, Thakuri etc. and various religions, most prominently the Buddhism, Hinduism and Bonism. Sites, such as Muktinath is revered by the Buddhists, Hindus and Bonpos. Mustang is considered to be one of the best preserved and sacred Buddhist heritage sites in the entire Himalayas. Thini, Marpha, Kagbeni, Damodar Kund, Lho Gekhar are other significant pilgrimage and monument sites in the region.

• Scenic Landscapes: Spectacular views of peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, along with deep gorges, high-altitude deserts, lakes, lush forests, and picturesque villages.