The Annapurna Conservation Area located in the north western part of the country is the largest and the oldest conservation area in Nepal. It covers an area of 7629 Square Kilometres and stretches in five districts of Kaski, Lamjung, Myagdi, Mustang, and Manang. It has some highest peaks on Earth and the world's deepest gorge -˜Kali Gandaki gorge' is located in this area. The altitude ranges from 790m to 8091m at the peak of Annapurna. The area stretches from the subtropical lowlands and lush temperate rhododendron forest in the south to dry alpine forests in the north. This area is developed as one of the major trekking destinations in Nepal and about 50000 visitors visit the Annapurna region every year. Trekkers visiting this area are charged with conservation area fee. These fees are spent on environment protection and community activities. The conservation area has entire habitat of gradient sub-tropical sal forest to 22 different forest types with 1426 species of plants including 55 endemics. The conservation area is also home to some of the rare and endangered species of animals like the snow leopard, musk deer, Tibetan argali. Besides 478 species of birds are also found in Annapurna region, among those 38 breeding species belong to the group that are at high risk in Nepal.