The Annapurna region lies toward the north of Central Nepal . The region has been recognized as one of the world's best trekking trails according to a recent survey by Modern Maturity (USA). The highlights of this part of Nepal are Annapurna peaks, Mt. Dhaulagiri , River Kali Gandaki and several other peaks. Gateway to Annapurna trekking region is the famous city of Pokhara . The most prominent ethnic groups of Annapurana region are Gurung and Thakali. Himalayan Tahr and vegetation ranges from tropical species to temperate forests of oak, beech and rhododendron.
The popular trekking routes of theis region are Jomsom, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna foothills, Sikles, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri , Upper Mustang and around Pokhara, The best time to visit is during spring and autumn. Unlike other parts of Nepal , even the monsoon months.
( a )Ancient Trail:
Barter system was one of the main highlights for the people of this region. People exchanging barley for rice, wheat for butter and so on, People from Jomsom and higher regions brought salt and wool in exchange for barley, wheat and other basic items. Hence terms like Ghorepani where we stop for the night during this trek. Our trek follows the ancient trails these traders used and are still using. We may encounter many caravans on the way still doing the age-old business with their goods on mules and ponies. One may hear the bells of the mules in the distant horizon. Starting from Nayapul, we head through different trials and jungles to dry rugged landscape of Mustang . We pass along some of the most beautiful villages in this region with spectacular views of the Annapurans, machanpucahres and Nilgiri.
(b) Annapurna circuit:
Considered as one of the Ten most popular trekking routes in the world, there will be no denying once you have finished with the trek. The course starts at Beshisahar and eventually winds up either in Phedi or Nayapul a few hours drive from Pokhara. The journey is an enriching event when you are exposed to a mixed population of Mongolian and Aryan backgrounds with distinctive culture. Thatched roofed mud houses are suddenly replaced by stone flat roofed stone houses as elevation increases. Even the landscape undergoes a spellbinding transformation. Terraced fields cover the lower lying region and as we go up the farmlands give way to forests. And higher still the land suddenly turns barren with very little vegetation. Inhabited by Buddhists of Mongoloid origin, the houses and monasteries seem to cling on to the rocky mountains, in villages along the trail. Apart from the spectacular mountain views, the Thorong Pass (5416 m) crossing and the temple of Muktinath , sacred to Hindus, are other focal points of the trek. The reason for us calling this the Annapurna circuit is that on this single trek you are exposed to four different cultures and round to the Annapurna Mountain by touching with your foot. |
