North of Pokhara, Nepal's spectacular diversity appears at its finest The deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Himal embrace a wide range of peoples and terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. This is the most popular trekking region, attracting over 75% of all trekkers (more than 30,000 annually). It is also among the tamest areas, with excellent lodges lining the main routes. Finding Nepal beneath the flood of trekkers can be difficult, but the scenery and culture are top-notch, and you can avoid the peak-season crush and still get fine weather and views. Two main trails follow river valleys in relatively easy ascents: up the Kali Gandaki to Jomsom and Muktinath, and up the Marsyangdi to Manang. By crossing a high but straightforward pass, the Thorung La, these trails can be joined into the classic Annapurna Circuit. As the land climbs, flat-roofed stone houses replace thatch-roofed mud-walled huts, and people change from farmers to herders, Hindus to Buddhists. The Annapurna region dramatically reveals the highland/lowland cultural and geographic frontier running across Nepal. Mountain views are frequent and good, and if they do not equal the heart-of-the-mountains feeling of Khumbu, there is the Annapurna Sanctuary, a secluded high-altitude hollow ringed by huge peaks.

Highlights: Kali Gandaki River
Kali Gandaki valley: deepest gorge of the world
Marpha: typical village and center of apple plantations
Panorama on Annapurnas, Gangapurna etc.
Muktinath - holy place for Hindu and Buddhist
Tato pani - hot springs
Phewa lake and Pokhara Valley