Himalayas Attractions
Machhapuchhare, Annapurna region © Scott Yost
Annapurna Region
The most popular trekking region in Nepal, the Annapurna region
passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country,
with deep valleys and close up views of mountains over 22,966ft
(7,000m) tall, ancient stone settlements, Tibetan culture, and
Buddhist temples and monasteries. Excellent lodges line the main
routes of the Annapurna Circuit, the Annapurna Sanctuary, and the
Jomson trek to Muktinath. The Circuit is one of the most walked
treks in the country and is one of the most exceptional trekking
routes on earth, crossing Thorong-La pass at 17,769ft (5,416m) and
requiring about three weeks. The Sanctuary requires about 10 days
and is a direct route straight to the heart of the Himalayas, where
tremendous sheer-walled peaks of 19,685ft to 26,247ft (6,000 to
8,000m) encircle the reverent trekker at the Annapurna Base Camp.
Easily accessible via a short flight from Pokhara or Kathmandu,
Jomson is a town situated between two gigantic mountains in the
Kali Gandaki Valley, at the bottom of the world's deepest gorge.
From Jomson there are options to walk in either direction along the
Circuit - the trek to the holy shrine at Muktinath is very popular
and follows the ancient trade and pilgrimage route across the
Himalayas.
