Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal's largest protected area covering 7629 km2 in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. It ranges in elevation from 790 m to the peak of Annapurna I at 8091 m. The conservation area stretches across Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung Districts. Annapurna Conservation Area encompasses Annapurna Sanctuary and is known for several trekking routes including the Annapurna Circuit.

History

The Annapurna Conservation Area was established in 1985 and gazetted in 1992. It is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation.

Climate

Two climatic regions within a span of 120 km and an elevation of 1000 to 8000 m are distinguished. Rainfall in the southern part of the Annapurnas is higher than in the rain shadow to the north of the peaks. Annual precipitation is highest during the Asian monsoon between June and September ranging from 5032 mm on the southern slopes at 2950 m elevation to 1099 mm in rain shadow areas at 2760 m elevation. Snow accumulates between 2000 and 3000 m. In the winter of 1999–2000, areas above 3000 m were snow-covered until the end of March, and until May above 4400 m. At this elevation, winter air temperatures range from -4.65 to -6.06 C.