4 Nov 2019 7 min to read
Blog-The Balcony of Annapurna. The Annapurna region of Nepal is not only one of the exemplary trekking destinations of the world but also a vast repository of cultural delights in the hills and Himalayas. Trekkers headed here are sure to get a bliss of diverse landscapes in Manang and Mustang section of the Himalayas.
Sharing the well-paved path with the locals and Yaks, this Sanctuary is proven to fulfill your expectations from the very first day of being here. The captivating scenery, warm-hearted locals, exceptional destinations, and mesmerizing and colossal Annapurna range are only a few of the main answers to the question- So why Annapurna?
Offering over half a dozen well-managed trail of every length and difficulty, Annapurna is for all. From the trip to the base camp to a circuit hovering around this beautiful massif, or even in the lower regions of Poon Hill, everyone has their own version to select from the Annapurna trekking catalog.
Wandering in the settlements and villages here you will be welcomed by Gurung and Thakali culture and hospitality. The clear skies, fresh breeze, whistling mountain streams, alluring waterfalls, and high green hills pave the way each day here, and each day is full of surprises on the lap of Annapurna. Experience a phenomenal time with a cultural touch to make it perfect for any adventure-seeking nature lover out there in Annapurna.
Majestic Sunrise over the Snow-capped peaks
The Sunrise in the Himalayas is one to remember as one of the best sunrises to view on this whole planet. From any places of the Annapurna Conservation area, one can glance the gleaming rays of sun falling on the Southern face of the massif is pristine.
Well, one has to wake up early for the sunrise but the view of worth every second giving you an unobstructed line of snow-covered mountains and equally beautiful landscape views. In this 15-20 minutes’ time, you will live an aeon just admiring the scene treated before your eyes. Sunrise in the Annapurna range is also one of the most picturesque timing to take a snap of this wonderful mountain.
Locally traveled trails treating travelers with breathtaking views and scenery
Annapurna region boasts one of the most facilitated and locally used trails in the Himalayas. Additionally, you will not have to overdo the walking here as the settlements are closer and more frequent than any other trekking regions of Nepal.
Teahouses and locally-operating homestays are more frequently accessible as the year ‘Visit Nepal 2020’ nears. All this will give you more options to customize your itinerary and travel freely without any hassle even in the very rural regions of Annapurna. You can interact with the locals and enjoy the fascinating views all around making even the difficult sections easy and memorable.
Wildlife and Nature, a Motivational duo of components to take back from the region
The Annapurna Conservation Area or Annapurna Sanctuary is gifted with one of the most diverse ecosystems of the Himalayas. From the lower hills to the high snow-capped mountains one can come across beautiful flowers, rare animals; broad species of birds, and beautiful mountains as well as migratory birds throughout the journey here. The landscape can be found differing as we gain altitude and the Annapurna region. It also is famous for its lush green lower regions, and a drier and more extensive part on the other side of the mountains (Manang and Mustang).
A wave of fresh breeze waking up each day more elegant than before in the mountains
Lower regions of Annapurna are undoubtedly the more relaxed sections for trekkers. However, the upper half packs some of the best bits that this area has to offer. Acclimatization is natural as most of the time there are gradual rising segments rather than steep parts.
Starting every day in the Himalayas is special as with elevation you can expect a clearer view in the lesser-traveled trails of Annapurna. Closer to the snow-capped peaks touching the horizon, there are only a few moments more amazing than what you will have approaching the Annapurna.
Culture and lifestyle reflected in the trail and lively Settlements
The lower trails of this region are habituated by people of diverse cultures and ethnicity namely; Brahmins, Kshetris, Gurung, Tamang, Magars, and other small groups. Heading a bit high we will have settlements of Gurung people one after another. Higher up one can experience Tibetan influence in local Lopas and Bhotia settlements. On the balcony of Annapurna, enjoy the company of the local ethnicities.
The Local cuisine and delicacies welcome the trekkers and locally brewed wine and beers are also one to try in the villages we stop. Traditional dress and ornaments are in display wherever you will stay in the Annapurna region accompanied by decorations reflecting the same. The Monasteries, Shrines, and monuments around is a bonus treat trekking in the Himalayas.
A gift of autumn blooming in the spring, an invitation well accepted to embrace Nature
Trekking the Annapurna region is an experience with different delight no matter which time of year you visit here. However, Autumn (Sept-Nov) and Spring (March to May) are the best times due to very obvious reasons. The weather is mostly ideal for trekking the path is paved with blooming flowers and vibrant colors during these periods. Hills are covered with blooming crimson Rhododendron forest and the trail is perfect for traveling on the balcony of Annapurna.
A Panorama to soak in and relish from the destinations of Annapurna region
A Panoramic view of the Annapurna trekking region up to the Dhaulagiri and nearby ranges can be viewed from many natural viewpoints of the area. The best time for it is a long and relaxing sunset which you can enjoy following a short hike for most of the destinations here. Poon hill is one of the stand-up points for a fantastic view of Himalayan sunrise/sunset here.
From different segments of the trail, one can have a different angle of Annapurna accompanied by the other beautiful mountains here. Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Khangsar Kang, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, and different other peaks of Annapurna are frequent and close sightings start from the lower half of the Annapurna.
Above the clouds and Closer to Shangri La, the Glorious Mount Annapurna (8091 m)
Everything sums up to the mighty Annapurna (8091 m), the 10th highest mountain of the world in the Annapurna region. Bounded by the Gandaki and Marsyangdi rivers, the view of the massif in the north is breathtaking. Rising up and above the clouds, this beautiful mountain is one to glare and lost in its beauty.
Annapurna to the climbers: –
Annapurna is one of the ultimate challenges for mountaineers all around the world. Often named as one of the most difficult and in times most life-threatening peaks to summit among thew 8 thousanders, climbing Annapurna from the southern face is one feat very few of them have achieved. Ironically Annapurna was also the first of the over 8,000 meters peak to be climbed. Climbing expeditions to the Annapurna Mountain is planned from months ago and only the top tier climbers attempt to climb it with extreme precaution.
A well-deserved destination in the Himalayas, Annapurna is an ideal place to experience the best bits of the Himalayas.
