| Annapurna Conservation Area | |
| Alt Name: | अन्नपूर्णा संरक्षण क्षेत्र |
| Iucn Category: | VI |
| Location: | Nepal |
| Map: | Nepal |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Coordinates: | 28.78°N 83.97°W |
| Established: | 1992 |
| Governing Body: | Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation |
Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal's largest protected area covering in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. It ranges in elevation from to the peak of Annapurna I at . 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.
The Annapurna Conservation Area was established in 1985 and gazetted in 1992. It is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation.[1]
Two climatic regions within a span of 120km (80miles) and an elevation of 1000to 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 5032mm on the southern slopes at 2950m (9,680feet) elevation to 1099mm in rain shadow areas at 2760m (9,060feet) elevation. Snow accumulates between 2000and. In the winter of 1999–2000, areas above 3000m (10,000feet) were snow-covered until the end of March, and until May above 4400m (14,400feet). At this elevation, winter air temperatures range from -4.65C-6.06C.[2]