Annapurna

From MaxTravelz

The Annapurna Himal is a mountain range and region in northern Nepal near the Tibetan border. The peak of Annapurna I, visible throughout the region on a clear day, is 8091 meters high. The seven-day Jomsom trek follows the west side of the Annapurnas, going up and returning down the Kali Gandaki River valley. The popular Annapurna Circuit trek circles the Annapurnas, going up the Marsyangdi River valley, crossing over the Thorung La pass at 5416m, and descending down the Kali Gandaki River Valley.

While the Everest range boasts of higher mountains, the Annapurnas are far more accessible; impressive mountain views may be reached within a few days of walking from the roadhead. While the Himalayas and Nepal's northern border generally coincide, in this region the mountains come farther south, allowing the trekker an opportunity to travel from low-lying forests into the mountains and beyond into the Tibetan plateau without having to leave Nepal.

Contents 1 Cities 2 Get in 2.1 By bus 2.2 By plane 3 Get around

Cities

• Ongre -- Manang's airport.
• Manang -- Usual stopping point for elevation-acclimation on the Annapurna circuit trek
• Muktinath -- Pilgrimage Temple below the Thorong La pass, the highest point on the Annapurna circuit trek
• Kagbeni -- Monastery half-a-day from Jomsom
• Jomsom -- End (or start) of the Jomsom Trek and one of two airstrips in the area. Most basic services can be found here.
• Marpha -- Center of apple growing in the region. Half a dozen guesthouses and restaurants. A small store with basic supplies
• Tukuche
• Larjung
• Ghasa -- Guesthouses & restaurants
• Tatopani -- Its hot springs give it its name ("hot water"). Several hotels and hot springs by the river.
• Chitre
• Ghorepani -- "Horse water." The highest point in the Jomsom trek and base for day trips to Puna Hill. Several guesthouses.
• Ulleri -- Second-night stopping point for Jomsom trek. Guesthouses.
• Tirkhedunga -- Guesthouses

See also Mustang , Annapurna Circuit

Get in

A permit is required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) which encompasses most of the region. Permits are issued in Pokhara and Kathmandu. You will need to show the permit at police stations in several towns along the trail. However on visiting the region in Oct 2003 the Conservation Police were not checking permits due to the Maoist presence,and in fact around Poon Hill Maoists were charging for their own 'permits'.

By bus

Most buses into the area arrive from Pokhara and drop off at Birethanti. If you can, try to ride on the roof of the bus. Even in the rain it's better than being inside and the views are great. Just be careful to duck each time a power line crosses the road - they hang fairly low. And hang on, about 20 of us were close to being thrown off when the driver slammed the brakes on for a duck crossing the road...

By plane

The only other option for entering the area is by plane to Jomsom. There are several daily flights to/from Pokhara but they are very dependent on weather. The 'airport is extremely primitive with no paved runway or electricity.

Get around

There are no paved roads, only foottrails, through the area. Carry a good map or guidebook for guidance as it can be difficult at times for foreigners to distinguish the trekking main trail from any number of local trails.

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