The Annapurna region is very
popular in terms of scenic beauty, simple logistics and a rich hill culture,
and is a highly trodden path. All the Annapurna trekking routes start and end
at or very near to Pokhara, which is the second largest city in Nepal. Pokhara
is a very comfortable place to start or end a trek as the city is loaded with
all kinds of accommodation, equipment rentals, gear shops and all other things
that are required for a pleasant trekking experience. Pokhara also has a lot of
tourist
guide companies that offer varying services on the different trek
routes.
The region’s natural beauty
richness can be viewed only two days up on the trail. Annapurna region offers
several short and long trek routes that can be chosen based on the difficulty
level and the days required completing the trek. The region owing to much
commercialization is a beaten track and those who are trekking for the first
time can find everything they need on the short trek routes including beer
ordered from a laminated menu card, which the region has a lot to offer them as
well.
Highlights of the Region’s Various Trek Routes
Some of the highlights of the Annapurna
trekking Annapurna include the Annapurna Himal, which faces directly towards
Pokhara and is like a crenellated wall of ice, spread over 40 km across it nine
peaks. The region contains soaked bamboo forests on the southern side of
Pokhara, to windswept deserts in the Northern part of the region.
Short trip trekkers can opt for the
Annapurna sanctuary which is an intensely scenic loaded trek spanning from 8 to
12 days. Being a popular trek route, it is equipped with all kinds of lodges
and tea shops which can be seen at a distance of an hour or even less until you
reach the highest sections of the route. The trail ascends through the Gurung
village between the high hills towards the steep and short Modi Khola, before
entering the glorious mountain cirque known as the sanctuary.
Added Festivities
For those who prefer to peek into
the raw culture of the area, one place to visit in the Oct-Nov season is the
Khumbu region, which is popular as Mount Everest’s gateway, however another
attraction is the Manirimdu Everest annapurna trekking route.
The Mani Rimdu festival is
celebrated in the 9th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, falling
at the very end of October according to English calendar. The festival is
celebrated for ten days filled with blessings from the high lama of the Tengboche
monastery. The monks perform special masked dances known as “Cham”. There are
sixteen different dances performed, each conveying the teachings of Buddha
including both the simplest truths and the most profound realizations.
Besides these mesmerizing sites in
the region, another trek route that is much visited and cherished in the Poon
hill, which is a Himalayan view point of the place. It is a steep and lush hill
countryside that lies between Kali Gandaki and Pokhara. The trails of this trek
are highly maintained though they tend to get steep at some places. The above
mentioned treks are the well maintained trek routes of the Annapurna trekking
region, however there are other trek routes as well, which are not as developed
however offer the perfect natural environment to enjoy.
The Adventurous, Less Visited Trek Routes
Going this way round Annapurna
trekking routes, some of the worth visiting routes include the Macchapuchhare
trek, the Mardi Himal trek, the royal trek, the Manaslu Circuit trek and the
Siklis trek. These Annapurna trekking routes may offer only Nepalese food on
the route and simple lodging however, the natural scenic beauty they offer is
incomparable.
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