Annapurna Region Trek
Annapurna, which literally means "full of food" but is normally translated as Goddess of the Harvests. In Hinduism, Annapurna is "the universal and timeless kitchen-goddess (the mother who feeds). Annapurna region is one of the most desired trekking destinations in the world with its most popularity. Having many highest mountains in their eyesight and beside them many trekkers praise the unspoiled beauty, its vast bio-diversity and number of flora and fauna found. Not only the trekkers but the nature lovers also describe this region as the heaven for visits. The Annapurna region is home to several world-class treks, including the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna base camp, Jomsom Muktinath trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and many more.
Every year, thousands of tourists come here to trek on the Annapurna region which takes them high into the snowy mountains to climb passes over 5,000m (16404ft). This isolated and barren landscape is home to Buddhist communities who have lived, farmed and traded here for centuries. The impressive amphitheatre of the Annapurna region draws trekkers each year, enticed by the dramatic mountains and glaciers, including Annapurna I (8,091m) - one of the world's highest peaks.
On this incredible trekking region, you'll spend many challenging days traversing forests of rhododendron, isolated hamlets and mountain villages. For six to seven hours a day, make your way along the trails challenging. Lead by expert guides and assisted by support staff throughout, you'll be greeted by locals who offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional rural life-and majestic views few rarely experience.
Annapurna Trekking
Annapurna trekking is regarded as the paradise of trekkers for it has been widely admired and liked by many people. Annapurna Trekking offers not only beautiful views of the mountains but also the many species of animals and birds such as leopard, blue sheep, Kokla, blood pheasant etc. Annapurna area is useful for those who love flora and fauna because 440 species of birds and animals can be found in Annapurna region.
Annapurna region trekking has preserved some of the rare species of the insects on the earth. You can also find some native plants in the forest in Annapurna region. That's why the government of Nepal has declared Annapurna region as a conservation area. Few projects have been launched in Annapurna region to conserve the varieties of Orchid and rhododendrons including some species of flora and fauna. Apart from these natural bounties, you can also see amazing life styles of the indigenous people and their culture. They are residing in the steep hillsides for a long time.
Annapurna region trekking has preserved some of the rare species of the insects on the earth. You can also find some native plants in the forest in Annapurna region. That's why the government of Nepal has declared Annapurna region as a conservation area. Few projects have been launched in Annapurna region to conserve the varieties of Orchid and rhododendrons including some species of flora and fauna. Apart from these natural bounties, you can also see amazing life styles of the indigenous people and their culture. They are residing in the steep hillsides for a long time.
Travelling Mustang
Mustang (from Tibetan mun tan (Wylie smon-thang) which means “fertile plain”) is the former Kingdom of Lo and now part of Nepal, in the north-central part of that country, bordering the People's Republic of China on the Tibetan plateau between the Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and Manang. The culture is Tibetan Buddhist.
The Kingdom of Lo, the traditional Mustang region, and “Upper Mustang” are one and the same, comprising the northern two-thirds of the present-day Nepalese Mustang District, and are well marked by official “Mustang” border signs just north of Kagbeni where a police post checks permits for non-Nepalese seeking to enter the region, and at Gyu La (pass) east of Kagbeni.
Life in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal husbandry and trade. Except for a 9-km portion from Chhusang to Syangboche (just south of Ghiling (Geling)), as of August 2010, it is bisected by a new road linking it to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) to the north and to the rest of Nepal to the south. Plans call for the final nine km portion to be completed in just a few years' time, which will provide, with a high point of 4660 m at Kora La on the Mustang-TAR border, the lowest drivable corridor through the Himalayas linking the Tibetan Plateau via Nepal to the tropical Indian plains. (The easiest and only widely used road corridor, from Kathmandu to Lhasa via the Arniko Rajmarg (or Arniko Highway), traverses a 5125 m pass.)
Mustang's status as a kingdom ended in 2008 following the overthrow of its suzerain Kingdom of Nepal the same year.
The influence of the outside world, and especially China, is growing and contributing to rapid change in the lives of Mustang's people.
The name of this kingdom is etymologically unrelated to the Mustang horses in North America, whose name is derived from Spanish. However, the transformation of "Mun tan" into "Mustang" might have been influenced by the horse breed's name.
Mustang was once an independent kingdom, although closely tied by language and culture to Tibet. From the 15th century to the 17th century, its strategic location granted Mustang control over the trade between the Himalayas and India. At the end of the 18th century the kingdom was annexed by Nepal.
Though still recognized by many Mustang residents, the monarchy ceased to exist on October 7, 2008, by order of the Government of Nepal. The last official and current unofficial king (raja or gyelpo) is Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista (born c.1933), who traces his lineage directly back to Ame Pal, the warrior who founded this Buddhist kingdom in 1380. Ame Pal oversaw the founding and building of much of the Lo and Mustang capital of Lo Manthang, a walled city surprisingly little changed in appearance from that time period.
In 2007, a shepherd in Mustang discovered a collection of 55 cave paintings depicting the life of Buddha.
Foreign visitors have been allowed to the region since 1992, but tourism to Upper Mustang is regulated. Foreigners need to obtain a special permit to enter, which costs US$50 per day per person. Most tourists travel by foot over largely the same trade route used in the 15th century. Over a thousand western trekkers now visit each year, with over 2,000 in 2008, with October being the peak month, followed by August. On August 27, 2010, local youth leaders in Mustang threatened to bar tourists beginning October 1, 2010 due to the refusal of the Nepalese government to provide any of the $50 per day fee to the local economy; however, tourist visitation continued unchecked beyond that date. 