Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area

Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area at 7,629 square kilometers, pioneered community-based conservation in the Himalayas. The area encompasses the entire Annapurna range, creating dramatic elevation gradients from 790 to 8,091 meters. This variation supports ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine deserts, alongside diverse ethnic communities maintaining traditional lifestyles. The area supports snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and over 450 bird species including Impeyan pheasants. Rhododendron forests bloom spectacularly in spring. The rain shadow creates unique high-altitude desert ecosystems. Traditional villages maintain terraced agriculture and cultural practices dating back centuries. Conservation follows an integrated model where local communities manage resources through conservation area management committees. Tourism revenues support local development and conservation. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project demonstrates successful community-based management at landscape scale. Despite heavy trekking tourism, ecosystems remain healthy through local stewardship.

Water Features

Glacial rivers, lakes

Ecosystem

This destination features a mixed ecosystem ecosystem.