Annapurna

The Annapurna region occupies a vast area of the Gandaki Province in north-central Nepal. It is centred around the Annapurna massif — a group of mountains in the Himalayas that includes Annapurna I (8,091m, the 10th highest in the world), Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Annapurna South, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak (6,993m).

The region is framed by the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the world's deepest river gorge — to the west, and the Modi Khola valley leading to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) to the southeast. The region encompasses extraordinary ecological diversity: from the subtropical forests around Pokhara (900m) to the alpine meadows of Chomrong (2,170m) and the rain-shadow barren landscapes of Manang (3,519m) and Upper Mustang beyond.

The Annapurna region is accessed via Pokhara (the regional hub), which is connected to Kathmandu by:

• By Air: Pokhara Regional International Airport (PKR) — 25-minute flight from Kathmandu.
• By Road: 6–7 hour drive from Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway (200 km).

Trek starting points include Nayapul (for ABC and Ghorepani-Poon Hill), Besisahar (for the Annapurna Circuit), and Jomsom (for Upper Mustang, with domestic flights from Pokhara).

• Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) — A natural amphitheatre ringed by high peaks, offering 360° Himalayan panoramas in near silence. One of the world's great filming locations.
• Poon Hill (3,210m) — Nepal's most celebrated sunrise viewpoint, with extraordinary golden-hour shots of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and the entire massif.
• Marpha & Kagbeni (2,670m–2,810m) — Archaeological apple orchard towns in the Kali Gandaki valley with a Tibetan/medieval feel — whitewashed houses, monasteries, fierce winds.
• Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — The world's highest lake — a turquoise gem in a barren glacial landscape. Extraordinary for aerial and drone cinematography (permit required).
• Kali Gandaki Gorge — The world's deepest gorge (over 5,500m deep between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri). River, canyon walls, and ancient trade route combine for epic visual scale.
• Gurung & Thakali Villages — Traditional ethnic architecture, weaving, and festivals of the Gurung and Thakali communities along the circuit offer extraordinary cultural cinematography.