Nepal is safe to visit after the recent protests, and all airports are open. Please check official updates before your trip.
Annapurna Conservation Area
For folks who have been living in the city for the longest time, Annapurna Conservation Area has always seemed like a brief blessing. While this area has been spread across 7,629 square kilometers, the main regions of the area where you can trek are Lamjung, Kaski, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang. Likewise, the Annapurna Conservation Area is dominated by local tribes from the Thakali, Manangi, Gurung, and Magar communities. Hence, over a cup of tea, you can interact with the locals about their traditions or simply observe their way of life in each stop during your trek.
In the mid elevations, there are popular trekking destinations that welcome all types of trekkers each year. Such destinations include Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Tadapani. The altitudes range from 2,800 meters to 3,200 meters above sea level. Similarly, the most popular destinations at higher altitudes include Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters and Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Besides this, you can explore the beauty of the rich tropical forests with rhododendron trees, oaks, bamboo, the alpine meadows, and the extraordinarily high-altitude deserts. To know more about the Annapurna Conservation Area, be sure to read till the end of this blog!
Table of Contents
History of the Annapurna Conservation Area
Before the Annapurna Conservation Area became a conservation region, it still served the onlookers with an absolutely breathtaking view of the mountains, as it still does. However, with increased trekking activities in the region, the natural degradation was unavoidable. Ghorepani and a few regions in Pokhara remained totally unprotected. Given the growing popularity of trekking in these areas, especially after the 1980s, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and a few such organizations had to come together for the preservation of the Nepalese Himalayan regions.
By 1992, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) was launched by a non-government organization, the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). It aimed at conserving the local communities amid growing trekking and tourism activities. Eventually, conservation tactics to protect rare flora and fauna species also began. Annapurna Conservation Area further shifted focus towards soil erosion, eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices, and water management. The locals started emerging with their ideas of providing amenities for the trekkers, which further helped them in their livelihood. And with time, the Annapurna Conservation Area has become the largest conservation area of Nepal!
Popular Treks Inside the Conservation Area
Trekking to the Annapurna Conservation Area is all about crossing altitudes, and by that we mean serious altitudes! But the best part is, you won’t have to do it without rewards. You will be blessed with a view of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna range, Mount Machhapuchhre, and Mount Dhaulagiri. And, we are not exaggerating when we say that you’ll feel like you’re in a beautiful postcard throughout your journey, regardless of which trek you choose.
Second time with Harka and his team
For the second time we booked a trek with Himalaya Trip (after Langtang in 2024). This time we chose the Annapurna Circuit Trek, again with Ramesh dai as our guide. We also opted for a porter as we knew it was going to be a more difficult and long trek, so Sandeep bai joined us as well which was great. Both Ramesh and Sandeep were amazing, they helped us throughout the whole trek and kept us smiling. Also, despite the monsoon season, we have been blessed with clear views on some mornings. We would definitely recommend the ACT trek (off season) but especially with the guidance and expertise of Ramesh, Sandeep and Harka/Himalaya Trip!
13 pax group for ABC trek with Harka
We arranged for a 13 pax group for the ABC trek with Harka. Even with a big group size, Harka and his team took good care of us. The itinerary was customized based on our needs and fitness level. Top-notch service was provided throughout our 10 days in Nepal. Our guide, Hari did an amazing job ensuring all of us were able to cope with the altitude and long trek well. During the trip, we requested some changes to the itinerary and they were able to accommodate our last-minute request. Would totally come back to them if we are planning for EBC and recommend it to those who wish to visit Nepal.
Unforgettable and its a real adventure
Haari, our tour guide, was great. He is very friendly, patient, accommodating with everyone and a mountain of knowledge about the Himalayas (very very enthusiastic about EBC, haha). He was well prepared with first aids and brought us to places to get gears and stuff that we missed out before our hike. He made plans ahead and keep us informed, totally made our ABC adventure so much more enjoyable and relaxed. The porters were super helpful and thoughtful, despite carrying our bags around the mountains they keep us entertained with their carefree personalities and great dancing skills 🙂 (yeah, they partied at one of the teahouse we stayed). OH did I mentioned, one of our member left his camera at the previous teahouse we stayed and only realised when we arrived at the next accommodation (after 12 hours) and one of the porter volunteered to return and pick up the camera for our member, and I’m sure he was sprinting and down 6 red bull and came back in 5hours. We were very lucky and blessed indeed. Haari’s brother, Harka is the operation/ owner of the tour agency and he was also very kind and did a fantastic job in ensuring our last few days in Kathmandu a pleasant one. We had good conversations with everyone of them and all in all a great experience and a wonderful times in this beautiful country.
our honeymoon trekking
My husband and I spent our honeymoon trekking to Annapurna Base Camp and Harka was our guide. We were so pleased to have Harka as he was the perfect guide for us. Naturally he has excellent knowledge and always gently guided us into the correct decision. We were quite worried about spending so much time with someone we didn’t know. But Harka had the magic ability to know when to leave us in peace and when to spend time with us. He was very gentlemanly, with perfect manners and as I said an innate ability to know what to do. He wasn’t too distant nor too friendly. We did see other guides who didn’t get this balance right and who if they had been with us would have affected our trip for the worse. Harka was just perfect for us and I would recommend him to anyone.
I and my girlfriend took a ABC Trek
In the march of 2012, my girlfriend and I took a trip to the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. We have hired a guide Harka Gurung , a local guide (26), who was recommended by my friends.First, he has sent us the list of things to take with us, this information is very valuable for us, since we know what to take with us. The weather conditions were pretty rough, but we did not freeze and need anything. Harka is very fond of safety, starting from the recommendations about the food and water and ending with advice was and how to pass the Avalanche area, steep slopes, and so on. He was very nice to us and told us a lot of stories about Nepali habits, culture, and history; he was always joking and did not show any signs of angriness when we were going to slow or wanted to have rest.
Harka went all the way with us and without him our travel would not have been so nice and safe.I definitely will choose home as a guide for my next trips to Nepal and recommend him to anyone who wants to feel comfortable and nice during the trek.
We met Harka in September 2010
We met Harka in September 2010. He was going to be our trekking guide up to Annapurna Base Camp and he was more than that! He became a good friend! He is patient (he kept us going all the way up to ABC!), kind, knowledgeable, and has a real love for sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life! We had some inspiring chats. He cares about his people, he has a heart of gold. WE would trek with him again forever, and more than that, we are still in touch because he did become one very good friend and we wish him all the best for his life. He deserves all the happiness he can get. Namaste saathi!
Sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life
We met Harka in September 2010. He was going to be our trekking guide up to Annapurna Base Camp and he was more than that! He became a good friend! He is patient (he kept us going all the way up to ABC!), kind, knowledgeable, and has a real love for sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life! We had some inspiring chats. He cares about his people, he has a heart of gold. We would trek with him again forever, and more than that, we are still in touch because he did become one very good friend and we wish him all the best for his life. He deserves all the happiness he can get. Namaste saathi!
Love from Spain,
Good, well organised and excellent value trip
I am more than happy to recommend Harka – he was very helpful and organised a good and professional trek (I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek with two friends). Our guide Shyam spoke good English and our two porters were a huge asset, carrying stuff we couldn’t have done ourselves. All for a very reasonable price.
UK, April 2019
amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil
A wonderful 8 day trek, led by our amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil. It was April, and this is a very busy month, so despite the company booking in advance, we struggled to find a room on several occasions – but the overall experience and mountain views surpassed all. Thank you, Nirmal and Anil, we’ll come again!!
USA, April 2019
Highly recommended, friendly family-run company.
We booked a 7 day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Himalaya Trip in Sep. Communication when booking was excellent and they were very accommodating to fit in with our dates and pick up/drop off locations. The manager, Harka, was very quick to respond and provided good information about what to take. On arrival, Harka met us at our hotel in Kathmandu and explained the full plan for the trip giving us all our tickets and trekking passes. He also met us in the morning to ensure we got on the correct bus to Pokhara where we would meet our guide.
The guide and porter were very good: both were very friendly and couldn’t do enough to make sure we were comfortable and safe at all times. We were particularly impressed when we asked to change the plan for the last day of the trek and he gave us a few options and rebooked our accommodation and transport plan to fit. Even though the porter spoke little English he was friendly and helpful throughout.
Himalaya Trip clearly a local, family-run business and I would highly recommend booking directly with them as it was better value for money than going through an agent in the UK and also supports their local community. We will certainly use them again for future trekking adventures in Nepal.
UK, September 2019
ABC Made Memorable by Harka Gurung and Himalaya Trip !
Our little group of three were introduced to Himalaya Trip and its Founder, Harka Gurung, from another Malaysian who had trekked in Nepal in 2018.
For our trek to ABC, I found Harka and his guide, Om and his two porters, Buddhi Man and Samsher, all Gurungs from their home state, to be exceptionally professional, courteous, friendly and accommodating at all times.
We quickly warmed to the Gurungs’ easygoing nature and friendly, no-nonsense dispositions, made all the more memorable by Samsher and Buddhi Man’s mountain songs and spontaneous dancing whilst on the trail!
I cannot therefore recommend Harka, Om, Samsher and Buddhi Man more highly for your next trip to this beautiful land as Nepal Hidden Treks will definitely be my first port of call when I next visit, hopefully with my children.
The defining feature of Harka and his men are that this is a family business for the Gurung tribe which places employment, professional standards and career opportunities on equal if not higher measure than commercial profit, which ultimately benefits the lucky client.
Malaysia, November 2019
Daenerys Had Fantastic ABC Trek
Harka responds quickly to every query, and the guide ( om gurung) and porters ( samsher and buddi man gurung) were so friendly and accommodating. We did the 7 day Annapurna base camp trek and we had a fantastic time. Highly recommended.
Malaysia, November 2019
Amazing 7 Days Trek
Our ABC trek was fantastic, with beautiful scenery! We had a great time with our very friendly guide Ramesh, who organized everything (food, drinks, teahouse rooms) very well, and made us feel safe all the way. We would definitely recommend to book with Himalaya Trip.
Netherlands, September 2022
Harka organised an amazing trip
Harka organised an amazing trip with a porter and guide for us to trek to and from Annapurna Base Camp over 7 days in September. The communication pre and post trip was excellent and our guide and porter during the trek provided an exceptional service. Couldn’t recommend this company highly enough.
UK, September 2022
Superb service
I did ABC trek 7 days with Surpa the guide, he took a very good care of me, checked if I am fine all along the way. Couldn’t ask for any better service. Before the trek Harka also briefed about the route I am going to do both email and in-person.
Thailand, October 2022
Excellent trip in Nepal
We had our trip to Annapurna base camp with Himalaya Trip in november and there were 9 hiking days. We really enjoyed the trip and organisation by the guide Surpa. Everything was thoroughly thought out, i.e accommodation, food, hiking distances etc. Surpa took a really great care of us and ensured us the safety of the trip and all the comforts. Supra is a very friendly, nice and helpful guide. We will definitely recommend Himalaya Trip and Surpa to our friends.
Estonia, November 2023
Authentic ABC Trek
It was a great experience of ABC Trek that the Himalaya Trip company and the guide provided clear details and support for the trip, especially the trekking journey to ABC. I highly recommend this trek.
Hongkong, November 2023
my second trek with Himalaya Trip
This is my second trek with Himalayan trip. Last year 16 day to Manaslu Circuit with my daughter, and this year 20 day Annapurna Circuit and side trips with my wife and friend. Harka and his amazing team delivered an unbelievably enjoyable product. Many highlights. They include partially: Exposure to the Gurung culture. Most fascinating. Mountain scenery beyond belief. Patient, caring porter/guides-Bassu/Deep on Annapurna/Harry/Soroz on Manaslu, all of whom continually assessed our health and well-being, bent over backwards to make this journey a fantastic experience. Dahl baht! Momos! Yaks! Water buffalo. Chang beer! Super pleasant Nepali people en route. Turning 60 en route. Memorable birthday. Challenging altitudes. A very interesting menagerie of fellow Trekkers. Great villages loved Ghandruck, a special Gurung village.
If you are considering a trekking adventure, this family-run company has the experience and knowledge to make it memorable. This year, our porter/guide, Bassu, was incredible. Totally flexible, patient, never without a smile, totally cognizant of our needs, we felt so fortunate.
Deep our porter also never stopped smiling, most contagious. Many great laughs on the trails, such an awesome rich and rewarding experience with these two gentlemen.
Canada, October 2016
Annapurna trek with Harka
In October 2007 we did the Annapurna trek with Harka, which was a fantastic experience. In 20 days Harka guided us from one magnificent place to the other. During the trek Harka provided us with a lot of information about the region and the people we met. Harka’s experience made it a challenging but safe and feasible trek, by keeping the pace to a level that suited our physical condition. In the evening we rested and played many card games with Harka surrounded by the worlds highest peaks, drinking tea and eating cookies. It was an unforgettable experience, which we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
For any further reference please don’t hesitate to contact us via
Netherlands., August 23, 2016
Outstanding service. It was like having a VIP experience with Jay and Harka. Our porter, Meshak, never stopped smiling!
Jay, Harka, and Meshak were outstanding. My friend and I were treated like VIPs throughout the experience. Everyone was a professional, polite, courteous, organized, patient, and extremely friendly. I would recommend all of them in heartbeat.
USA, November 2023The following are some of Annapurna Conservation Area’s most popular treks:
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 10 Days
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a trek that everyone talks about, all for good reasons. This trek offers trekking routes that give you the thrill of a lifetime with its long trekking days, rugged pathways, rhododendron forests to stop by and relax beneath, adventure along the Thorong La Pass, and overall a spectacular view of the Annapurna massif. Marshyangdi Valley is also a part of your trails. You can further enjoy the panoramic scenery of mountains like Nilgiri, Tilicho, Chulu, Thorong, Glacier Dom, Dhaulagiri Range, Manaslu Range, Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Pisang Peak in this trek. A standard Annapurna Circuit trek lasts for 10 days.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
If you are someone who wants to come close to the Annapurna Himalayan range (with half an expertise of a mountaineer), the Annapurna Base Camp trek is the right journey for you! Why do we say this? It’s because this is the ideal trek for beginners looking to start their trekking adventures in the Himalayas. Its typical 7-day itinerary is not very challenging, and you get to cross suspension bridges and thick jungles, experience the cultures and traditions of Gurung, Thakali, and Magar people in authentic villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong, along with a quick dip in Jhinu Danda’s hot spring and an adventure of a lifetime.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
If you are looking for an adventure that takes less than a week within Annapurna Conservation Area, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the most suitable option for you. Ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers, the journey takes 4 to 5 days to complete. You will traverse beautiful traditional Gurung and Magar villages while trekking through lush rhododendron forests. You will hike to the famous Poon Hill Viewpoint and enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunrise views with snow-capped Himalayas in the backdrop. The rich cultural experience is another highlight of the short but rewarding Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Mardi Himal Trek – 4 Days
Mardi Himal Trek offers a refreshing alternative to other popular treks within the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is a relatively newer trekking route offering an off-beat and quieter trekking experience. The dense rhododendron forest trails take you through diverse landscapes and quaint villages to Forest camp, Low camp, High camp, and then to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). During the trek, you will gain a firsthand, authentic experience of the Nepalese rural lifestyle and culture. The gorgeous views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mardi Himal, and other surrounding peaks are visible throughout the trek. Moreover, the trek duration is 6 to 8 days, making it perfect for those with limited time and budget.
Why the Annapurna Conservation Area Is Worth Exploring?
Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest protected area in Nepal. It has promoted tourism in a way that has helped foster unique cultures and traditions, improved the local economy as it has become a working area for teahouse owners, guides, and porters, while preventing environmental degradation. Moreover, the area’s biodiversity is praiseworthy. Despite the presence of trekking activities throughout the year, the Annapurna Conservation Area has successfully protected its natural resources through community-based forest management, anti-wildlife poaching campaigns, waste management programs, and ecotourism development.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
10 Days
Adventure Treks
USD675 per person
Coming to the adventurous elements, you can choose from the moderate Ghorepani adventure to the dramatically challenging Thorong La Pass trek during the Annapurna Circuit trek. What more? You can explore hidden villages in the hills that you may not even have imagined would exist. The trekking experience also comes with the closest view of the Annapurna Massif, especially if you opt for the Annapurna Base Camp trek or the Annapurna Circuit trek. And, you can combine the treks within this region as they all fall within a close distance to each other.
Permits You Need to Enter the Area
To enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, you need two types of permits. These permits are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Rural Municipality Trekking Permit. The following table shows you the price of each permit:
| Permit Type | Cost of Permit for SAARC Nationals (USD) | Cost of Permit for Non-SAARC Nationals (USD) |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | USD 7 to USD 8 | USD 30 |
| Rural Municipality Trekking Permit | USD 8 to USD 15 per day | USD 8 to USD 15 per day |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit aims at protecting the Annapurna Conservation Area while raising funds for the same. Trekkers become more responsible when they learn about the motive of this permit. You can apply for this permit in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board or in Pokhara at the ACAP office. This permit is valid only for a single entry and has to be extended once the period of it’s validity expires.
Rural Municipality Trekking Permit
The Rural Municipality Trekking Permit is not required for all types of trekking journeys within the Annapurna Conservation Area. You will need this permit for journeys to Upper Mustang and Narphu Valley. The local authorities of each location regulate this permit.
Culture and People of the Annapurna Conservation Area
The culture and people of the Annapurna Conservation Area are predominantly from the Magar and Gurung communities. These communities have been living in the Annapurna Conservation region for centuries. As of the current time, they have become more hospitable with the growing trekking activities. The amenities and service have further become their source of income. Many Gurkhas from the ACA are also engaged in mountaineering and army professions.
Buddhism and Hinduism are two prevalent religions in this area. Similarly, the locals majorly speak in Nepali, Gurung, and Magar languages. Many who have been engaged in the trekking service sector also speak English and are even fluent in it. Some festivals celebrated in this region include Dashain, Tihar, Losar, etc. If you make your visit during the peak festival months, like autumn and spring, you can best enjoy your trek with these vibrant festivals.
Conclusion
When you’re in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will be able to experience tourism in such a way that you won’t in any other location in Nepal. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes from the beginning to the end. You will also get to catch glimpses of endangered and rare species of wildlife like musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, blue sheep, etc. And the culture and traditions of the dominant groups in the region are just as wholesome!
Whether you are looking for an epic adventure, a short trekking experience, or a culturally enriching trip, the Annapurna Conservation Area offers numerous options. Its diverse terrains, scenic views, and rich biodiversity offer more than just thrilling adventure. Trekkers will get to experience a magical blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable moment that will leave you craving for more!
