Annapurna Conservation Area
अन्नपूर्णा संरक्षण क्षेत्र
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources)
Annapurna range as seen from Pokhara
Location	Nepal
Coordinates	28°47′N 83°58′E / 28.78°N 83.97°E / 28.78; 83.97
Area	7,629 km2 (2,946 sq mi)
Established	1992
Governing body	Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal's largest protected area covering 7,629 km² (2,946 sq mi) in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. It ranges in elevation from 790 m (2,590 ft) to the peak of Annapurna I at 8,091 m (26,545 ft). The conservation area stretches across Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung Districts.^[1] 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.^[1]

Climate

Two climatic regions within a span of 120 km (75 mi) and an elevation of 1,000 to 8,000 m (3,300 to 26,200 ft) are distinguished.^[1] 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 5,032 mm (198.1 in) on the southern slopes at 2,950 m (9,680 ft) elevation to 1,099 mm (43.3 in) in rain shadow areas at 2,760 m (9,060 ft) elevation. Snow accumulates between 2,000 and 3,000 m (6,600 and 9,800 ft). In the winter of 1999–2000, areas above 3,000 m (9,800 ft) were snow-covered until the end of March, and until May above 4,400 m (14,400 ft). At this elevation, winter air temperatures range from −4.65 to −6.06 °C (23.63 to 21.09 °F).^[2]