What Is the Annapurna Conservation Area?
The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) was established in 1986 and spans 7,629 square kilometres, making it Nepal's largest protected area. It encompasses eight of the world's highest peaks above 7,000m, including Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) on its western boundary. Unlike a national park, the ACA allows local communities to live and farm inside the protected zone - which is why you walk through thriving villages, terraced fields, and active monasteries on every trek.
All trekkers entering the ACA must carry a valid ACAP permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners). For a full overview of every permit required across Nepal's trekking regions, see the Nepal trekking permits guide. Rohit handles all permits for his trekkers.
Altitude Zones - From Subtropical to Arctic
The Annapurna region compresses four climate zones into a single trek. In one day you can walk from rice paddies at 1,000m to alpine meadows above 3,500m - one of the most dramatic environmental transitions on Earth.
Rhododendron forests, rice paddies, warm temperatures
Oak and bamboo forests, teahouse villages, cool nights
Meadows, glacial lakes, high-altitude teahouses, cold winds
Permanent snow, glaciers, extreme cold, iconic mountain views
Communities You'll Meet on the Trail
Trekking in Annapurna means walking through living cultures, not just landscapes. Three main ethnic groups call this region home, each with distinct traditions, architecture, and cuisine.
- Gurung people - primarily found in the lower Annapurna foothills around Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and Siklis. Former Gurkha soldiers, renowned for their warmth and hospitality. Their stone-built villages are some of the most photogenic on the trail.
- Magar communities - found across mid-altitude villages between 1,500–2,500m. Known for terraced farming and traditional weaving. Many Magar families run teahouses along the ABC and Ghorepani routes.
- Thakali people - Nepal’s legendary mountain traders, concentrated in Marpha, Jomsom, and the Kali Gandaki valley on the Annapurna Circuit. Famous for their apple orchards, thukpa noodle soup, and apple brandy. The best food on any Himalayan trail.
Guided Personally by Rohit
Treks in the Annapurna Region
Four major routes, each with a different character. Book directly with Rohit through 6knepaltreks.com, or read more about your guide.
Planning Resources for Annapurna Treks
These guides answer the most common questions Rohit gets from trekkers before they arrive - permits, gear, accommodation, and how to choose the right route.
ACAP Permit Guide
Cost, documents, office locations, and processing times for your Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit.
Pokhara - Trekking Base
Gear rental, guesthouses, trailhead transport, and everything to know before leaving from Pokhara.
Teahouse Trekking Guide
What to expect in mountain lodges - rooms, food, charging, hot water, and WiFi at each altitude.
Circuit vs ABC - Which Trek?
An honest side-by-side comparison of the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp treks.