Overall, the conservation area encompasses 7,629 square km of middle mountain, high Himalayan and trans-Himalayan desert plateau ecosystems. The area is dominated by Annapurna I (the 10th highest mountain in the world) standing at 8,091 meters above sea level.

Schima and chestnut trees are found in the sub-tropical forests between 1,000 and 2,000 meters' elevation. These give way to rhododendron, oak, hemlock and silver fir as you ascend to the temperate zone (1,700 to 3,000 meters).

Rhesus monkeys, yellow-throated martens and Himalayan weasels are commonly found. Indigenous bird varieties include the Himalayan griffon, the lammergeier, forktail, redstart, thrush and kingfisher. At lower elevations, Gurung, Magar, Thakali and Brahmin villages pepper the countryside. Further north, the cultural influence of Tibet becomes more pronounced.

Activities include trekking and mountaineering. Accommodation is available in resort hotels, lodges & camping. Access is via Pokhara (25 minute flight or 202 km by road).

The best times to visit the southern region are in Spring and Autumn and the northern region is at its best in Summer.