Places to visit in Annapurna Region
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Typically, tourists begin the Annapurna circuit trip from the new bridge and ascend to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is an intriguing location with the Annapurna mountain looming to the west. Ghorepani, Nepal's most famous trekking destination, features a viewpoint at Poonhill that is popular with day hikers as well. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is also open all year in Nepal.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a circuit in the Annapurna Circuit. The highlight is reaching the peak of Poon Hill before sunrise and enjoying panoramic views of the famed Annapurna area, which includes Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Manaslu.
The track passes through rhododendron woodland, terraced hills, paddy fields, and lush foliage, leaving trekkers with a strong feeling of the region. The welcoming atmosphere of the nearby Gurung and Magar communities is equally wonderful. Ghorepani is a hamlet in central Nepal that is at a height of around 2874 meters (9429 feet) within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Ghandruk
Although Ghorepani offers views of the whole Annapurna range, the dawn from Ghandruk is as spectacular. Since then, you can watch the sun rising beside Mount Macchapucchre. It's also a great spot to unwind before or after an Annapurna Base Camp trip. For anyone interested in Nepalese culture, the Thakali culture in Ghandruk will be a wonderful experience.
The lovely city of Jomsom.
Jomsom is a valley on the bank of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorge. The city/village is located on each side of the Kali Gandaki River. The town itself is located at a height of 2760 meters, making it one of the most unusual cities at such a high altitude.
Jomsom is a Himalayan town nestled between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The city is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience that provides a variety of attractions in and of itself. The renowned Glacier lake, 'Dhumba Lake,' is located in Jomsom. It also includes two religious monasteries, known as the 'Marpha and Chhairo monasteries' by Buddhists. This is why Jomsom should be on your list of locations to visit in the Annapurna Range.
Rain shadows fall on the western side of the gorge, while the eastern side remains dry. Flying is challenging due to the wind blowing from the Kali Gandaki gorge. As a result, most tourists arrive by motorcycle, and the location has become popular among motorcyclists in recent years.
Manang
Manang is another unique location where you will see mountains with rain and rain shadows. The area is characterized by brisk winds, several naturally occurring waterfalls, gravel roads, pony paths, and sheep ranching. The area provides stunning views of Manasalu Mountain, Nar Phu, and Ney Sang Valleys, as well as camping opportunities.
Manang mostly caters to adventure bikers. Ice skating has also begun at the location. So, if you enjoy wearing ice skates and skating through frozen terrain, Manang is a must-see destination in the Annapurna Region.
Lake Tilicho
After arriving in Manang, another stunning natural beauty greets you in the form of Lake Tilicho. Tilicho Lake is famous for its picturesque beauty. The lake, which is located at 5416 meters, is surrounded by snow-covered mountains that rise over 7000 meters. It lives in a subtropical to semi-alpine habitat. So, in October, the entire lake freezes, and many people claim to be able to walk over it.
The Thorong-La Pass
Thorong-La, the highest pass in the world, is one of the most popular treks for hikers and traders. The Thorong-La pass, formed by Khatung Mountain and Yaskawa Mountain, is 5416 meters high. Muktinath Temple is located further east of the pass. The scenery from Thorong-La cannot be described in words, therefore you must see it for yourself. So, if you're considering an Annapurna circuit hike, Thorong-La should be on your list.
Muktinath
Annapurna Region is more than just a Buddhist community. It is a holy spot for many Hindu deities as well as a highly important place for religious travelers. Trek to Muktinath and then stop for the day there. You may also take a soak in Muktinath's natural hot spring water. A day journey in its environs will take you to some of the most stunning places. Muktinath now has a black tarmac road access, making it easy to get there.
Damodar Kunda and Gosaikunda
While in the Annapurna Region, you must visit two sacred lakes: Gosaikunda and Damodar Kunda. These lakes are not only beautiful, but they also have a significant religious importance. Gosaikunda is a famous Hindu site where Lord Shiva slept after drinking poison from the ocean while the gods constructed the cosmos.
Similarly, Brahmins think that if they die in Damodar Kunda, they would attain nirvana. As a result, people from Nepal and its environs travel to these glacier lakes.
Upper Mustang with the best preservation Manthang Lo
Upper Mustang, formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo, was a restricted area until 1992. Upper Mustang now has access to the trance-Himalayan climate of Lo Manthang. Visit the barren and stony mountains of Gyakar Valley. There, you may observe the magnificent Nilgiri mountain and live in a Tibetan-style environment.
Upper Mustang with the best preservation Manthang Lo
Upper Mustang, formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo, was a restricted area until 1992. Upper Mustang now has access to the trance-Himalayan climate of Lo Manthang. Visit the barren and stony mountains of Gyakar Valley. There, you may observe the magnificent Nilgiri mountain and live in a Tibetan-style environment.
Activities in the Annapurna Region
Take a detour to Marpha and Kagbeni.
Your detour to Marpha and Kagbeni might be a divine experience as you view the valley's lifestyle, yaks, and ponies. The picturesque magnificence will take your breath away, and the plane will land at the foot of large mountains. You may also feel the lovely breeze on your cheeks. The rhododendron woodland on the approach to Kagbeni is spectacular.
Travel across the Seven Majestic Mountains.
The Annapurna Massif is one of the top places to visit for nature enthusiasts. Though Fishtail and Annapurna 1 is popular trekking routes from the new bridge through Bamboo woods, the Annapurna Massif has a lot to offer. The 34-mile-long massif features one summit that rises above 8000 meters and roughly ten peaks that rise above 7000 meters above sea level. You'd see sixteen mountains exceeding 6000 meters as you hike over the circuit.
While beginning your ABC-MBC trip, you will be able to experience the beautiful views of Kaligandaki, Marsyangdi, and the sanctuary. There will also be numerous unique and charming natural species roaming about in the woods. However, you may either enjoy the amazing view from the summit of Poon Hill or do the entire circle, which takes roughly 21 days to see all of the peaks up close.
Annapurna I, at 8091 meters, is the highest peak in the circuit and the world's tenth highest summit. Trip camps are rarely held in Annapurna due to the difficulty of the expedition in this location. The government of Nepal has classified it as a level four zone. If you embark on a circuit Trekking in the region, you'll encounter more world-famous peaks enumerated below once you've passed Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
|
Peaks Name |
Alleviation in meters |
Alleviation in foot |
|
Annapurna I |
8,091 m |
26,545 ft |
|
Annapurna II |
7,937 m |
26,040 ft |
|
Annapurna III |
7,555 m |
24,786 ft |
|
Annapurna IV |
7525 m |
24,688 ft |
|
Khangsar Kang |
7,485 m |
24,557 ft |
|
Gangapurna |
7,455 m |
24,455 ft |
|
Annapurna South |
7,219 m |
23,864 ft |
|
Tarke Kang |
7,193 m |
23,599 ft |
|
Tilicho Peak |
7,143 m |
23,435 ft |
|
Lachenal Peak |
7,140 m |
23,425 ft |
|
Nilgiri Himal |
7,061 m |
23,116 ft |