Annapurna Massif in Himalaya

The Annapurna massif

Annapurna region is an area in western Nepal where some of the most popular treks are located. The region is generally taken to include areas around the Annapurna Range (Annapurna Himal), the Dhaulagiri Range and the Kaligandaki River valley. Peaks in the Annapurnas include 8,091m Annapurna I, Nilgiri (7,061 m) and Machhapuchchhre (6,993 m). Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) is just to the west of the Annapurnas, Most of these peaks are visible throughout the region on clear days.

The Annapurna Conservation Area is also located in the region.

Among the popular treks in the region are the Annapurna Circuit trek which circles the Annapurna Range, the Kaligandaki River Valley trek which brings you up the world's deepest valley and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek up to the Annapurna Base Camp. There are many more trails for shorter treks. The region includes the Trans-Himalayan areas north of the main Himalayan Ranges, where the land is arid and the culture more Tibetan than Hindu.

The Annapurna region, as travellers know it, is not an administrative region. The area is located in two zones - Gandaki and Dhaulagiri. The districts in the Annapurna region are Baglung, Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi.

Mustang is located in the western part of Nepal and is officially the name of the district having a Tibet like region. This mustang is divided into two parts Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang. Upper Mustang is largely occupied by Manangi people and goes up to the ancient capital of Lo Manthang. Whereas Lower Mustang covers the part of lower valley along the Kali Gandaki river. Mustang is the only district in Nepal with its own King. The citizens of Mustang call themselves Lobas. "Mustang" is a Tibetan lost valley and stands as a hidden treasure of Nepal. A vast breadth of rock; wilderness of huge proportions, Mustang opened only for selected organized groups since 1992. Mustang offers a truly outstanding opportunity to travel around an area rich in ancient tradition and mythology. An almost treeless, barren landscape with a countryside similar to Tibetan plateau. In lower Mustang the hills tend to be great, red fluted cliffs, while upper Mustang offers an endless expanse of yellow and gray rolling hills, eroded by the wind, which is prevalent in this area. The trek takes you to the walled town of Lo-Manthang, a visually extraordinary place, home of the present Mustang's King and full of beautiful temples and Gompa.

Cities

-Chomrong- A village on the way to Annapurna Base Camp with stunning views of the Annapurnas and Machupachare.
-Ghandruk - A big village on the way to Annapurna Base Camp. It has lots of lodging options as well as good views over the valley and Annapurnas.
-Ghasa - guesthouses & restaurants at upper end of the Kaligandaki's steep gorge between the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiris. You will have wonderful nepali-village hotels here. If you stay here, you can see wonderful natural sights and village life of Nepal which will encourage to villagers. Please use only village products foods, do not use junk and ready-made biscuits, noodles, chocolates. Have a foods of villagers and help to rise their ecomonic life.
-Ghorepani - "Horse Water" - guesthouses; the high point on the way to Tatopani on the Kaligandaki River from Pokhara. -Base for day trips to Puna Hill. Puna Hill Tower is about 30 minutes upward from Ghorepani.
-Jomsom - airstrip in the upper Kaligandaki valley. Most basic services can be found here; end (or start) of the Jomsom Trek. Ghasa to Jomsom Bus travel is also available (NRs 300 for Nepali and NRs 600 for foreigners).
-Kagbeni - monastery in Kaligandaki valley half-a-day from Jomsom
-Kalopani - guesthouses & restaurants
-Larjung
-Manang - usual stopping point for elevation-acclimation on the Annapurna circuit trek.
-Marpha - half a dozen guesthouses and restaurants, and a small store with basic supplies; center of apple growing in the region.
-Muktinath - pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus high above Kaligandaki valley near the Thorong La pass into Manang. Jomsom to Muktinath bus fee: NRs 150 (for Nepali), NRs 300 (for foreigners).
-Ongre - Manang's airport
-Tatopani - "Hot Water" - named for its hot springs; several hotels by the river at the lower end of the Kaligandaki's steep gorge through the main Himalayan range. Entrace Fee for hot bathing: for nepalese: NRs 10, foreigners: NRs 40.
-Tirkhedunga - guesthouses
-Tukuche - Center of Thakkali culture, important trading village, hotels and restaurants.
-Ulleri - guesthouses; second-night stopping point for Jomsom trek.