Annapurna Conservation Area

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is Nepal's largest and most visited protected area, covering 7,629 km² of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manang regions. Unlike a national park, the ACA is managed in partnership with local communities and permits sustainable tourism and habitation within its boundaries. It encompasses the world-famous Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani–Ghandruk, and Jomsom–Muktinath treks, and ranges from subtropical valleys at 800 m to the summit of Annapurna I (8,091 m).

The climate varies dramatically with altitude. The best trekking seasons are March–May and September–November. An ACAP entry permit is required (Rs 3,000 for foreigners).

By Plane

Pokhara Airport (PKR) is the main gateway. All major trailheads (Naya Pul, Besisahar, Jomsom) are accessible from Pokhara.

By Train

No train service.

By Car / Road

Bus services from Pokhara reach Besisahar (eastern entrance), Naya Pul (southern entrance), and Beni/Jomsom (western entrance).

On foot. The ACA has an extensive network of trekking trails.

• Annapurna I (8,091 m) – The world's 10th-highest peak.

• Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli – Iconic mountains.

• Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) – Visible from Poon Hill and Ghorepani.

• Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – The world's highest trekking pass.

• Poon Hill (3,210 m) – Famous sunrise viewpoint.

• Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) – One of the world's highest lakes.

• Muktinath Temple (3,800 m) – Sacred Hindu-Buddhist site.

• Kali Gandaki Gorge – The world's deepest river gorge.

• Annapurna Circuit – 15–20 day classic circuit.

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 7–10 days.

• Ghorepani–Ghandruk Trek – 3–4 days.

• Jomsom–Muktinath Trek – 5–7 days.

• Tilicho Lake Trek – 6–8 days side trip.

The teahouse network is the most developed in Nepal. Dal bhat, noodles, momos, Tibetan bread, and international dishes are available along all major routes.

Tea, purified water, and soft drinks are available at lodges. Hot drinks help with altitude acclimatisation.

The ACA has the best lodge network in Nepal, ranging from basic (Rs 300–800) to comfortable (Rs 1000–3000) at lower elevations.

Trekking supplies in Pokhara and along the trail. Handicrafts in Gurung and Thakali villages.

• Pokhara – Gateway city for all ACA treks.
• Mustang Region – Adjacent restricted area with unique culture.
• Ghandruk – Cultural Gurung village.
• Manang – High-altitude acclimatisation stop.
• Jomsom – Mustang valley town.