Annapurna Conservation Area

The Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal's largest protected area covering 7,629 km2 (2,946 sq mi) in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas across the Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung districts. The area ranges in altitude from 790 m (2,590 ft) to the peak of Annapurna I at 8,091 m (26,545 ft). The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to several world-class treks, including Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Circuit.

This Conservation Area is the most famous trekking destination of Nepal. Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is the largest protected conservation area in Nepal. It is a conservation area with sustainable use of natural resources in Nepal. Annapurna Conservation Area Nepal is one of the most famous places for trekking. Thousands of visitors come in Nepal for Annapurna Conservation Area Trekking.

The Annapurna conservation area has spread in Kaski, Lamjung, Magdee, Mustang, and Manang district of Western Development Zone. It is the largest protected area of Nepal (762 9 sq km) and the protection area of the National Nature Conservation Fund with the help of locals.

Annapurna Conservation Area was established in 2043 B.S. (1985 AD.) and gazetted in 1992. There are many reasons to establish this protected area in Nepal. It was established to encompass and conserve the Annapurna range in Western Nepal. It was established to bring sustainable social and economic development to the local people and to develop tourism in such a way that it will have a minimum negative environmental impact. It was established under King Mahendra Trust for Natural Conservation (KMNTNC) covering the area of about 7629 square kilometers (2,946 square mi.). Now King Mahendra Trust for Natural Conservation (KMNTNC) is renamed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). It is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation.

Its main features include Machhapuchchre and Annadhi Himal, Dhaulagiri, Manang and Mustang valley, Gurung and Thakali cultures, which are considered to be the best considered on the natural scene in the world. This conservation area has brought great natural scenery to foreign tourists traveling in mountainous mountains and mountainous mountains in Nepal and has brought a great boost to the tourism industry. This conservation area is famous for the various types of animals and mountainous vegetation like Kasmir Musk deer, Himalayan Musk deer Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear also occur in the area. The cultural heritage, such as the famous religious areas like Muktinath Temple and Damodar Kund, is located here.

The nearest city is Pokhara, a city of lakes, about 30 km to the south. It is bounded by the dry alpine deserts of Mustang and Tibet (China) in the north, the Kali Gandaki River to the west, Marsyandi Valley in the east and valleys and foothills north of Pokhara in the south. The ACA ranges from 790 m (2,590 ft) to the peak of Annapurna at 8,091 m (26,545 ft) in altitude. Annapurna Conservation Area Nepal is very rich in biodiversity.

The KMTNC has effectively implemented several development programs such as resource conservation, community development, tourism management, conservation education and extension programme, etc. for the effective conservation of ACA. King Mahendra Trust of Natural conservation has mobilized people’s participating in conducting the conservation programme. It has aimed to raise the living standard of the people and the conservation of the natural environment.

According to the survey report, the Annapurna Conservation Area consists of some of the world’s highest peaks; Annapurna I (8,091m.) and Machhapuchhere (6,993m.). World’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki lies in the Annapurna conservation area. It also consists of Tilicho lake, one of the world’s highest altitude. There are 1226 plant species, 101 species of mammals including many rare and species such as snow leopard, musk deer, Tibetan argali and Tibetan wolf. The ACA has 478 species of birds, 38 Orchid species, 39 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 9 species of rhododendrons, 38 species of colorful flowering plants. They have made Annapurna Conservation Area beautiful and attractive.

Development of this area has led to a huge milestone in livelihoods by generating employment in foreign currency by foreign exchange earnings as the main trekking destination of Nepal. This conservation area can be taken as a model of conducting public participation in conservation by conducting integrated conservation and community development programs as per the concept of protection sector. Consequently, conservation of wildlife along with development has been challenging and due to excessive demand for forest production and hydropower, many questions have been created in the administrative side.