Diversity of culture and nature in the Annapurna region

Diversity of culture and nature in the Annapurna region

Nepal is a beautiful garden of multi-ethnic people living harmoniously regardless of diverse religious background. Therefore, people often regard this country as a mythical Himalayan country. The whole nation is an ideal destination for diverse holiday activities. There are many regions inside Nepal where you can quench your thirst of experiencing wonders of Mother Nature and immerse in the ancient culture. Among these regions diversity of culture and nature in the Annapurna region is very interesting. In fact, the region has almost every aspects of diversity in terms of culture and nature found from east to west of Nepal!

Annapurna Region

The region is an area of Western Nepal that includes places of Gandaki and Dhaulagiri zones of Nepal. Therefore, it is not an administrative district or region. Major districts within this region are Kaski, Manang, Myagdi, Baglung, Lamjung etc. The Mustang region and Manang region inside the Annapurna region host majority of touristic activities. Therefore, these two places are a nerve center of the region’s economy as well as popularity.

What are the major ethnic communities living in the Annapurna region?

Nepal has 142 ethnic groups or castes according to the National Census 2021 conducted by the government. The region lies within the Gandaki Province of Nepal. Majority of people belong to Magar, Brahmins, Chhetris, Gurung, Thakalis, Dalits, Newars, and Tibetans in an descending order in terms of population percentage. More than 47 languages are spoken inside the region. Except in places like Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang travelers can find settlements of Brahmins, Chhetris, Gurung, Magar, Dalits, and Newars. In these two places of Mustang district of Nepal, Thakali and Lomanthangi or Manangi people. These people have their own traditions and culture. Moreover, these people are regarded as the keeper of hidden treasures of Nepal in the form of rich ancient lost valley. After 1992, Nepal Government decided to open trail for trekkers or tourists up to capital of Mustang region the Lo Manthan a walled city beyond mountains. In fact, travelers must fulfill certain criteria to enter Upper Mustang. However, the Lower Mustang area is okay to travel or trek with less formalities.

How culturally diverse is the Annapurna region?

As mentioned above, the region’s people speak more than 47 languages. There are more than 18 castes living harmoniously in the region. People follow Bon Po, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. However, Christianity doesn’t have history. It is believed that only after the end of 20th century Christianity started to flourish in the region. In fact, it is still a minority religion of the region. Interestingly, Islam has great ancient history dating back to when Nepal was not annexed as one kingdom.

Imagine that you are going on a night two days’ trip inside the region. In this short holiday period you will be able to meet people of different religions living harmoniously together. Yes, more than 18 castes and more than 4 religions make this region one of the culturally diverse place of Nepal. Moreover, these people have their own traditions and culture.

Manang Village

Famous Temples and Monasteries of Annapurna region

Muktinath Temple is the most famous temple of Hindu devotees. It is located inside the region. In Lower Mustang region above Kagbeni village, the temple is a holy place of Lord Vishnu. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every year. Besides Muktinath temple, Talbarahi, Bindyabasini, Baglung Kalika, Shiva Temple Pumdikot, Galeshwor, etc. Moreover, these temples are mentioned in the holy books of Hinduism.

Lomanthang Monastery, Tharpa Choeling Nunnery (Forever Flame), Peace Pagoda, Milarepa Manang, Pocho Gumba, Pokhara Monastery, etc. are major Buddhists shrines of the region. Apart from these temples and monasteries, you can find lots of mosque and church in the region. The iconic aspect about these religious places in the region is that all these monuments are centuries old. Since those days people are living and practicing their own set of traditions and culture harmoniously. Therefore, Nepal is an ideal place to observe great religious tolerance and co-existence of diverse people.

Geography, Vegetation and Wildlife Diversity in Annapurna

The lowest altitude place is at an altitude of 450 m which is inside the Kaski district. The highest point of the region is the top of the Annapurna I mountain (8091 m). In fact, it is the 10th highest mountain of the world. The region has different geographical settings. You can find hilly valleys, river valleys, grassy meadows, gorges, plateaus, moraines, glacier, and mountains. The diversity in the geographical settings has created the diversity in terms of nature too. Travelers can find different styles of vegetation. In the low altitude places, deciduous temperate forests are found. In the river valleys and high altitude hilly terrain, you can experience sub-alpine to alpine forests. There are places beyond mountains too in this region. These places hardly experience rainfall. Therefore, these places are barren and often referred as the Himalayan desert. Beyond five thousand meters altitude, you can find tundra vegetation.

The diversity in vegetation means wildlife diversity. Yes, diversity of flora and fauna is the major reason of the popularity of this region. Therefore, the region is called as the natural and cultural capital of Nepal.

If you want to experience the diversity of culture and nature in the Annapurna Region then please subscribe our blog and be in contact with our travel planners. Our blogs focus more on information. In this blog, please go through basic topics related to Annapurna region of Nepal. It is not exasperating to state here that the region is the backbone of Nepalese Tourism Industry.

Now, let’s find out about various trekking routes of the region. Tours are also very popular inside the region. However, trekking is the best way to understand the diversity of culture and nature in the Annapurna region.

Where can I go for a holiday tour in the region?

The most popular holiday activity for the region is trekking. However, tour is also equally popular holiday activity to do in the Annapurna region. The major tour destinations of the region are Pokhara, Ghale Gaun, Ghandruk, Sarangkot, Upper Mustang, Marpha Village, Bandipur, Manang, etc. It is possible to get tour itinerary for these places. If you don’t like trekking then do tours with your friends and families. Nepal’s any touristic destinations are safe for travelers of solo type or group. Therefore, don’t just stay home. Come out and explore the majestic Nepal’s magnificent Annapurna region!

Thorong La Pass

Major Trekking routes of Annapurna region

The Annapurna region of Nepal is an ultimate trekking destination. Even if the place is an abode of the world’s 10th tallest mountain, the region hosts the maximum number of trekking trips. It is solely because of the diversity of culture and nature in the Annapurna region.

Here is the list of the major trekking routes of the Annapurna region with a brief introduction:

  1. Annapurna Circuit Trek

The trekking route of Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the oldest and classical trekking route of Nepal. Therefore, trekking in this trail symbolizes that you are a part of legends. Moreover, the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal offers adventure and culture in one single trekking trip. The maximum altitude on this trekking trail is 5416 m. The journey encompasses beautiful places of both Manang and Mustang Valley. Therefore, the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is considered as the pioneer and the most attractive trekking routes of Nepal.

  1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Leave your footprints at the base camp of the world’s 10th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna (8091 m). This is not an ordinary trekking journey to do at least once in a lifetime. It is in fact the most iconic and diverse trekking trip to do in Nepal. Trekkers traverse through ethnic villages, river valleys, green lush forests, glaciers, moraines, and mountain base camps. Yes, in one single trekking trip, trekkers can immerse into the culture of multi-ethnic people and also relish the splendid Himalayan experiences.

Annapurna Base Camp Nepal

  1. Mardi Himal Trek

Recently, Nepal Government opened a green lush forest trekking trail in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek has become one of the most crowded trekking route. Therefore, Mardi Himal Trek route is created as an alternative. Even if it is opened as an alternative, the trekking route is fast becoming one of the most popular short trekking route of the region. Trekkers can enjoy the majestic view of cascading hills below cloud level and relish the splendid view of Mt. Machhapuchhre. Moreover, the trail is through tranquil green lush forests and you will be able to enjoy the ultimate serenity of Mother Nature.

  1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The journey of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is legendary. Ironically, the construction of roads has curtailed the number of days required to complete this trekking trip. Even if it is the case, trekkers can find ultimate satisfaction of mountain vista and village walking during this trekking in Nepal. The fact that the Poon Hill and Ghorepani Village lie in the trekking route of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route makes it more special. However, you can choose to do this trek only. Simply, add Ghandruk in your itinerary to add more cultural significance and more walking days!

  1. Upper Mustang Trek

Remember that Upper Mustang region of Nepal is also the part of the Annapurna region of Nepal. However, it is the restricted trekking region. Trekkers have to follow certain guidelines before entering the region. You are not allowed to trek solo and you must hire a trekking guide from a trekking agency. Moreover, the trek is towards the place beyond snowy mountains through the world’s deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River. This blogger highly recommends travelers across the globe to choose the time of Tiji festival in the region to do trekking in this locale. During the Tiji festival, you will be able to understand about the traditions and culture of these people besides the wonders of nature.

  1. Tilicho Lake Trek and Meso Kanta La Pass

The world’s highest situated glacial lake is the Tilicho Lake 4919m. It is also located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. In fact, if you are doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek then you can choose to add additional 3 to 4 days to complete the excursion of Tilicho Lake as well along with the complete itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Nowadays, it is possible for trekkers to do Tilicho Lake and avoid using the Thorong La Pass (5416 m) to reach Lower Mustang region in the form of circuit trek. Local rural municipality, tourism entrepreneurs, and locals have collectively opened and maintained the route of Meso Kanta La Pass from Tilicho Lake to arrive directly to Jomsom by avoiding the Thorong La Pass section.

  1. Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Annapurna region of Nepal has two of the most iconic restricted trekking destinations. They are the Upper Manang region and the Nar Phu region. Nar and Phu are two of the most iconic and ancient villages located in the outskirts of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route of Nepal. These two villages are the perfect destination to understand the traditions, culture, and daily lifestyle of the Himalayan people of Nepal. Nar Phu Valley Trek is a restricted ideal optional off beaten trekking route in Nepal.

Poon Hill Trekking

  1. Alternative Trekking Routes of Annapurna Region

There are many trekking routes to trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The mentioned trekking routes up to top 7 in this blog are the major trekking trails. Besides these trekking routes, the region boasts beautiful trekking trails for trekkers to enjoy the diversity of culture and nature in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Mulde View Point Trek, Mohare Danda Trek, Khopra Hill Trek, Sikles Trek, Dhampus Sarangkot Trek, Landruk Ghandruk Trek, Annapurna Royal Trek, Australian Camp Ghandruk Trek, Ghale Gaon Trek, etc. are the major alternative trekking routes of Annapurna region. You can always customize the trek.

Do you know Gurkhas are from the Annapurna Region of Nepal?

Gurkhas are soldiers working under the British Government! Earlier the original Gurkhas were from the Annapurna region of Nepal. The British Army used to recruit through Gallawala the youths of the Magar and Gurung tribes of the region in their army. These people fought bravely under the banner of the British Empire during World Wars. Therefore, there are many VC winners and there are many stories of the bravery of Gurkha soldiers. Nepal’s Annapurna region is the original source of these fierce fighters!

I hope that this blog about the diversity of culture and nature in the Annapurna region of Nepal has helped you to plan a trip to Nepal. Please feel free to mail to us if you are confused about any information posted on this blog!

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