July 28, 2025

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is Nepal’s largest protected area, spanning 7,629 square kilometers across multiple districts in the western Himalayas. Renowned worldwide for its trekking circuits, ACA is also a critical habitat for diverse wildlife, including endangered species, and a model of sustainable conservation combined with community development.

Managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), this region showcases how tourism, wildlife protection, and local livelihoods can coexist harmoniously.

Location and Landscape

  • Districts: Mustang, Manang, Kaski, Myagdi, Lamjung, and Dolpa
  • Province: Gandaki Province
  • Elevation: 790 to 8,091 meters (Annapurna I peak)

The conservation area includes diverse landscapes from subtropical lowlands to alpine peaks, deep river valleys, and forested hillsides.

Wildlife Highlights

Mammals

  • Snow Leopard (rare)
  • Red Panda
  • Himalayan Tahr
  • Musk Deer
  • Langur Monkeys
  • Blue Sheep (Bharal)

Birds (Over 474 species)

  • Himalayan Monal (Danphe)
  • Blood Pheasant
  • Himalayan Griffon Vulture
  • Golden Eagle
  • Cheer Pheasant

Flora

  • Rhododendron and oak forests
  • Alpine meadows with wildflowers
  • Juniper and pine forests at higher elevations

What Makes Annapurna Conservation Area Special

  1. Largest protected area in Nepal combining biodiversity and tourism
  2. Home to rare and endangered wildlife across diverse ecosystems
  3. Community-based conservation model empowering local people
  4. Extensive trekking routes with stunning Himalayan views
  5. Rich cultural heritage of Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan communities

Things to Do in Annapurna Conservation Area

  • Trekking popular routes like Annapurna Circuit and Ghorepani Poon Hill
  • Wildlife and bird watching in forest and alpine habitats
  • Visiting traditional villages and experiencing local cultures
  • Exploring Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites
  • Photography of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural scenes

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March to May) for rhododendron blooms and pleasant weather
  • Autumn (September to November) for clear skies and trekking conditions

Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain and trail difficulties.

How to Get There

  • By road: Access from Pokhara, the main gateway to the conservation area
  • Flights: Domestic flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu

Where to Stay

  • Lodges, teahouses, and community-run homestays are widely available throughout trekking routes and villages
  • Eco-friendly accommodations focusing on sustainable tourism

Annapurna Conservation Area: At a Glance

CategoryHighlights
Signature SpeciesSnow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Monal, Musk Deer
LandscapeAlpine meadows, rhododendron forests, rugged peaks
Wildlife ExperienceTrekking with wildlife and bird sightings
CultureGurung, Thakali, Tibetan communities
Adventure TypeTrekking, cultural exploration, wildlife viewing
Conservation FocusCommunity-based conservation and sustainable tourism