friendly villages belonging to the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The peaks of Annapurna-I (8,091m/26,545ft) and Manaslu (8,187m/26,860ft) provide the backdrop for the initial stage of this journey passing the quaint villages of Chamje and Pisang. Manang (3,500m/11,482ft) marks the beginning of the next phase, where a day will have to be spent acclimatizing to higher altitudes. Time here, however, will be well spent observing Buddhist Monks praying at one of the many monasteries. Another option is exploring Gangapurna Lake and the impressive glacier beside it.

The trek will continue over the Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) from where you can marvel at the fabulous Mustang peak and the snow-clad bulk of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft). Starting a descent you will have the chance to visit the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) and wonder in amazement at the presence of 108 small waterfalls and mysterious natural gas fires. Descending further down, via Marpha, into the deepest gorge in the world on the Kali Gandeki River, all the way to Tatopani and its natural hot springs, where you can relax with a dip in one of them. An early morning hike will lead you to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) to witness the most spectacular sunrise on earth, lighting up the picture-perfect Annapurna range. From Poon Hill it will be time to start bidding farewell to the wonderful snow-capped mountains as you descend down to Naya Pul to make your way back to civilization and Pokhara.