THE ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY, NEPAL
Annapurna mountain range Plateau Gurungs Nepal Machapuchare Lord Shiva Annapurna Trek Acme Travel
Few sights are more breathtaking than the sun rising over the Annapurna Massif. These enormous mountains seem to rear up majestically over the landscape, leaving you in awe. The oval plateau lies at a height of 4000 meters and is surrounded on all sides by the Annapurna Range. Even in the height of summer, the sanctuary only recieves a maximum of seven hours a day, due to the enormity of these mountains. Several unusual ecosystems flourish within the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is sacred to the native Gurungs of Nepal who believe that the Nagas (serpent gods) left a treasure trove here. The peak of Machapuchare is also considered sacred as it's the abode of Lord Shiva. Today, the Annapurna Sanctuary is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. It also falls on the Annapurna Trekking Circuit (ask Acme Voyages for more details) which is among the top ten treks of all time. March - May and September - November are some of the best times to visit. The Annapurna Trek is not for the uninitiated, but if you're up for the challenge, contact us and we can help you make it happen with our expert team on the ground in Nepal