Climate, Flora & Fauna

The climate in the Annapurna region varies from subtropical to alpine. The southern slopes of
the area has the highest rainfall rate in the country- 3000mm per year, whereas the northern
slopes lying in the rain shadow has the lowest rate – less than 300mm per year. The difference in
the climatic conditions in this region is responsible for its varied flora and fauna.
The Annapurna region possesses a variety of flora and fauna. It stretches from the subtropical
lowlands and the high temperate rhododendron forest in the south, to a dry alpine steppe
environment in the North. The Southern lowlands are lush with subtropical forests consisting of
chirpine and alder. In the Northern highlands temperate forests of oaks, rhododendron, fir, and
blue pine are found. The wet regions yield a variety of bamboo species. The higher altitude
further North give rise to forests of birch, blue pine and juniper trees, which are replaced by
juniper and rhododendron in the far North. In the semi-desert rain shadow region, behind the
Himalayas, bushes of caragana and juniper species are evident. It has several species of wildlife.
There are around four hundred and seventy-four species of birds, and around a hundred species
of mammals. The Annapurna region serves as an excellent habitat for rare and endangered
mammals like the snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, red panda and many of Nepal’s
brilliantly plumaged pheasants

Annapurna peaks

The Annapurna massif contains six major peaks over 7,200 m: Annapurna I(8091m),
Annapurna II(7937m), Annapurna III(7555m), Annapurna IV(7525m), Gangapurna(7455m) and
Annapurna South(7219m). Annapurna I, standing at a height of 8,091 m, is the tenth highest
summit in the world. It is located east of a great gorge cut through the Himalaya by the Kali
Gandaki River, which separates it from the Dhaulagiri massif.
Annapurna was the first 8000m peak scaled by a climber. Till 1948, Nepal was closed to all
foreigners. It was in the year 1949 that the kingdom opened its doors to mountaineers .In that
year two foreign teams received permission to enter the country, one Swiss and another
American. In 1950, a French mountaineering team led by Maurice Herzog succeeded in climbing
Annapurna, an 8000m peak. They had no information about the peak they would climb. With

little or no information, they decided to take on the Annapurna. On 3rd June, Maurice Herzog
and Louis Lachenel reached the summit of Annapurna I, after climbing for eight hours.  They
had to suffer from severe frostbite which cost Maurice Herzog his toes and fingers. Herzog has
written about the climb in his book The Conquest of Annapurna 1950.
Annapurna II, the eastern anchor of the range, was first climbed in 1960 by a
British/Indian/Nepalese team led by Jimmy Roberts, via the West Ridge, approached from the
north. Annapurna III was first climbed in 1961 by an Indian expedition team led by Mohan
Kohli. The summit party comprised Mohan Kohli, Sonam Gyatso, and Sonam Girmi. They
climbed from the Northeast Face.
Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak), shaped like a tent, at 5663m is an ideal peak for a short expedition.
Lying across the Annapurna glacier, the peak offers excellent views of its neighbouring peaks
from its summit. 
Pisang Peak (6091m) forms part of the Manang Himal. Towering above the Marshyangdi
valley, this peak was first ascended by J.Wellenkamp, a German climber, in 1955.The start of the
ascent to this peak starts at a village which shares its name: Pisang.
Machhapuchhare (6007m) Machhapuchre lies in the center of the Annapurna Himal.
Machhapuchhre possesses the rare beauty that makes it one of the world's most photographed
peaks. In 1957 Wilfred Noyce and David Cox climbed Machhapuchhre (6997m) to within 50m
of its summit. After this attempt, the government prohibited further climbing on the mountain.
So technically Machhapuchre remains unclimbed.
Poon Hill(3193m)is the westernmost crest of a spur that juts into the Kali Gandaki. The hill is
named after the Magars called Poon, who live in that area. To watch the sunrise over the
Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal from this hill is an experience of a lifetime.

People & Places

The Gurungs form the largest group in the Annapurna region. They come from Tibeto Burmese
stock. Although essentially Buddhists some Gurungs have converted to Hinduism. They inhabit
the higher northern slopes of the Annapurna, Lamjung,Chuli and hills around Ganesh Himal. A
large number of Gurung men serve in the British and Indian armies.
The immediate vicinity of Pokhara is largely populated by Chettris and Bahuns
(Brahmins).They also live around the historic site of the old Gorkha kingdom.
The Magars inhabit the lower trail between Baglung and Dana. They live high on the steep
ridges along the tributaries of the Kali Gandaki.

Another ethnic group of this region is the Thakalis. Known throughout the country as
accomplished hoteliers and skilled traders, they are noted for their aggressive trading spirit. They
make up one of the few richer groups of people in Nepal. The Jomsom trek passes through Thak
Khola, the Thakali homeland.
In the valley of the Muktinath live the Baragaun Bhotiya. Their lifestyle is similar to that of the
Tibetans. Another group of people who share a close affinity to the Tibetans are the Lopa people
of Mustang, north of Kagbeni. Some of them practice the ancient pre-Buddhist religion of Bon
which is infused with animistic and shamanic belief and ritual. The people living in the upper
Marshyandi valley are generally known as Mananges. The Nyeshang area, under which fall the
villages of Manang, Braga and Ngawal. The people are of Tibetan origin. But their language
Nyeshang is not a Tibetan dialect. This area is popularly known by the name of its largest village
Manang.
Pokhara [827m]

Pokhara [827m]

Pokhara is the main town in central Nepal. It is the starting point of most of the major treks in the
Annapurna region. Situated at an altitude of 827m, it is warmer and more humid than
Kathmandu. This town is known for its picturesque spots like the Phewa Tal (lake), on whose
clear water you can see the reflection of the Mt. Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Himal.
Pokhara is one of the major travel destinations in Nepal.

Muktinath [3710m]

Muktinath, a sacred place both for Hindus as well as Buddhists, is located at an altitude of 3710
m at the foot of the Thorong La  pass in Mustang district. The Hindus call the place Mukti
Kshetra, which means the "the place of salvation", while the Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa,
Tibetan for 'Hundred Waters'. For Tibetan Buddhists Chumig Gyatsa is a place of Dakinis,
goddesses known as Sky Dancers. Jwala Mai Temple, Vishnu Temple, Marme Lhakhang and
Gompa Sarwa are some of the religious shrines to visit. The springs from the Gandaki River
spurts out of the 108 waterspouts near the Vishnu temple, from where the Hindu pilgrims take
ritual bathe. One item that is unique to this place is the Saligrams (Ammonite fossils). These are
black stones that when broken open, reveal the fossilized remains of prehistoric ammonites
formed about 130 million years ago. The old specks that appear on many saligrams are pyrite
(fool's gold). Hindus believe that the saligrams represent Lord Vishnu.

Jomsom [2713m]

Jomsom serves as the centre for Mustang valley. It lies on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.
There is an airstrip with scheduled service to Kathmandu. The increase in the frequency of
flights has brought more tourists to this area. Jomsom has a bank, post office, telecom office, a
hospital and numerous hotels and lodges.

Manang [3520m]

The Manang area was only recently opened to trekkers .The dry and arid region of Manang
called Nyeshang lies at an altitude of 3520m. There is an abundance of large chortens and mani
walls .The people of Nyeshang were granted special trading privileges by the King of Nepal
hundred years ago. The businessmen from these parts are reputed to be both keen and astute. The
tall peaks of the Himalaya - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m)
and Tilicho Peak (7134m) are visible from this place. There is also a Himalayan Rescue
Association (HRA) aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit.

Kagbeni[2810m]

Kagbeni is the northernmost village in this region that foreigners may visit on a normal trekking
permit. The police check post at the northern end of the village fastidiously prevents tourists
from proceeding towards Lo-Manthang, the walled city of Mustang without the proper
documentation. A green oasis at the junction of the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki river,
Kagbeni looks like a town out of the medieval past, with closely packed mud houses, dark
tunnels and alleyways, imposing chortens and a large, ochre-colored gompa perched above the
town.

Chomrong[2100m]

This is the highest permanent settlement in the valley. Chomrong is divided into New Chomrong
and Old Chomrong. New Chomrong at 2040m is the upper part. It has resort hotels, a school and
a helicopter pad. Old Chomrong at 2060m is the main part of the village with shops offices and
lodges. There is a tremendous view of Annapurna South, which seems to tower above the
village. There are good views of Machhapuchhare, the fish tail mountain across the valley.
Beyond Chomrong, camping is restricted to certain ACAP- designated camp sites and hotel
construction is strictly prohibited.

Ghandruk [1940m]

Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village is a cluster of slate-roofed houses. It is the second largest
Gurung settlement in Nepal after Siklis. Its actual Gurung name is Kond. Surrounded by neatly
terraced fields, the village has electricity and an extensive water supply.  There are many hotels
and lodges to cater to the many trekkers and tourists that pass that way. The headquarter of the
Annapurna Conservation Area Poject is here. Over here one gets to witness the unique culture,
tradition and custom of the Gurung community. Ghandruk offers excellent views of Annapurna
South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project(ACAP)

ACAP was established in 1986 under the guidance of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature
Conservation. The project encompasses more than 7600 sq km. of the Annapurna range. As an
innovative approach towards environmental protection, this area was declared a "conservation area" instead of a national park. In an effort to avoid any conflicts of interest, ACAP has sought
the involvement of local people and has emphasized environmental education. ACAP projects
include the training of lodge owners, with an emphasis on sanitation, deforestation and cultural
pride. They have trained trekking lodge operators and encouraged hoteliers to charge a fair price
for food and accommodation. ACAP encourages the use of kerosene for cooking and made its
use compulsory above Chhomrong in the Annapurna Sanctuary and on the route between
Ghandruk and Ghorapani. ACAP is supported by a "conservation fee" of Rs 650 that is collected
from all trekkers who obtain trekking permits for the Annapurna region.

The Major Treks

Arround Annapurna Trek:

This is a magnificent trek stretching across two different river
valleys. It encircles the Annapurna massif and goes through the Thorong La (5416 m), the
highest pass on this trek. The trek begins at Besisahar in the Marsyangdi river valley and finally
concludes at Kali Gandaki river valley. This is a moderate to challenging trek which sometime
requires a walk up the steep mountain path. This trek can be done anytime of the year except
during monsoon and winter.

Ghorepani Trek:

This trek is well suited for beginners or for those who have limited time. The
trek starts from Phedi. The trail passes through rhododendron forest and traditional Gurung
villages. A comparatively easy trek, it takes you up to an elevation of 2775 m at Ghorepani. The
trip can be done anytime of the year except during monsoon.

Pokhara -Jomsom –Muktinath:

Beginning from Nayapul, the trail passes over the Ghorepani
pass and descends down to Kali Gandaki valley. Watching the dawn breaking over the
Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks from Ghorepani is one spectacular scene that you get to witness
on this trek. Once you reach Jomsom you can either continue trekking to Muktinath or explore
the villages around Jomsom. This is an easy trek that can be done any time of the year except
during monsoon.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

The route to the original Annapurna Base Camp was discovered
by Maurice Herzog and his team in 1950. The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads to a natural
amphitheater that is used as the base camp from which climbers start on their way to conquer the
Annapurna peak. The peak reaches 8091 meters above sea level, and the base camp's altitude is
4130 meters above sea level. The trek into the area below the massive south face of Annapurna,
known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The trek begins in
Pokhara and leads up through the breathtaking Modi Khola gorge into the vast mountain ringed
amphitheatre of the Sanctuary. The trail passes through bamboo and rhododendron forests with
superb views of the Annapurna range. The high glacial basin is the site of the Annapurna south
face base camp. This is a classic trek, which allows access to the high mountains of the Himalaya within a reasonable time frame. This trip can be done anytime of the year except during
monsoon.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: 

 It is a picturesque valley, first discovered in 1957 by Jimmy Roberts.
Ten peaks of 600-800m rises from it. Machhapuchhare looks breathtaking from this viewpoint as
also the south face of Annapurna. The Sanctuary falls within the area managed by the Annapurna
Conservation Area Project.
The Annapurna Circuit is the popular name for a 300 km trek in the Annapurna mountain range.
The trek reaches an altitude of 5416m at Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the fabled
Tibetan plateau. The magnificent mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes Annapurna,
Dhauligiri, and Machhupuchhare. This is a moderate to challenging trek which sometime
requires ascending and descending the steep mountain path. This trek can be done anytime of the
year except during monsoon and winter when the Thorong pass gets blocked by snow.