Seen from the lakeside town of Pokhara in central Nepal, a tremendous wall of snow and ice-capped mountains dominates the northern horizon; the Annapurna Himal. With no less than twelve summits topping 7000 metres (23,000ft) soaring above a foreground of intricately terraced foothills, this is one of the most beautiful and ethnically diverse landscapes on earth. Around this island block goes the route of the classic Annapurna Circuit - one of the great walks of the world. Into the heart of these mountains another trekker's trail leads to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Through the world's deepest valley, between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, goes the Pilgrim's Trail to Muktinath, while the Ghandruk Foothill Trek provides an introduction to some of the best of Nepal's hill villages and mountain views. Kev Reynolds describes each of these treks with full route details for 'tea-house' trekkers and those journeying with and organised group. Information with regard to lodges, tea-houses and villages is provided; there are sections on how to plan a trek, where and when to go, permits and preparations, health matters, an equipment check list and, of equal importance, how to avoid giving offence to the local people. Outline suggestions are offered for other treks in the region, and details of Trekking Peaks are also given.
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